Wall-Hung vs Floorstanding Vanities: Which Is Better?

By Cook & Bathe

If you’re planning a bathroom renovation, choosing between a wall-hung vanity and a floorstanding vanity is one of the most important design decisions you’ll make. Both options can elevate your space, support everyday routines, and influence resale appeal. The right choice depends on who uses the bathroom, how much storage you need, the size and layout of the room, and the style you’re aiming for. Below, we unpack the practical differences, the design cues to consider, and a few standout products from Cook & Bathe to help you land on the perfect vanity for your home.

What makes a wall-hung vanity so compelling?

Also called a “floating vanity”, a wall-hung unit is mounted to the wall with open floor area below. The visual effect is light and modern, creating the sense of a larger bathroom by exposing more floor. This makes wall-hung vanities brilliant for compact bathrooms and ensuites, where every centimetre counts. Cleaning is easier too; no toe-kicks or skirting means you can sweep and mop right underneath, reducing dust traps and keeping grout lines pristine. The trade-off is capacity: while many wall-hung options offer generous drawers, you’ll usually have slightly less internal volume than a comparable freestanding cabinet of the same width.

When does a floorstanding vanity make more sense?

A floorstanding vanity sits directly on the floor, often with a kick or leg detail, and typically offers excellent storage with deeper cabinets or a mix of drawers and shelves. For busy family bathrooms, the added capacity can be a game-changer - think stacks of towels, bulk toiletries, and kids’ bath gear. The look leans classic and substantial, anchoring the room visually. On the flip side, floorstanding units occupy floor space, which can make a small bathroom feel tighter, and cleaning around bases and corners can take a touch longer.

Space, storage, and daily usability

Start with a realistic audit of your storage needs. If you’re designing an ensuite for two, a wall-hung vanity with wide, soft-close drawers and good internal organisers might be ideal, especially paired with a shaving cabinet to lift storage off the bench top. In a main bathroom that sees heavy daily traffic, a robust freestanding unit provides capacity for everyone’s essentials without clutter. Consider height as well: wall-hung vanities offer flexibility to fix at a comfortable level for your household, while floorstanding models deliver a consistent, ready-to-go height.

Plumbing, installation, and budget considerations

Wall-hung vanities require solid wall framing and suitable fixings. Your installer will also plan for waste and water points within the wall, keeping the floating effect clean and minimalist. That precision can add a little to labour, but the result is a sleek, contemporary finish. Floorstanding units are generally more forgiving with existing plumbing, often simplifying installation. Whichever route you choose, invest in quality hardware and moisture-resistant construction; bathrooms are hardworking environments, and durability pays for itself over time.

Design language: finishes, benchtops, and basins

Timber-look finishes bring warmth and texture, while crisp whites and charcoals underscore a modern, pared-back scheme. Stone or stone-look bench tops add polish and durability, and an undermount basin keeps lines streamlined for easy wipe-downs. If you love a coastal or Scandinavian look, a floating timber vanity with a white bench top reads fresh and airy. Prefer something more classic and grounded? A floorstanding unit with a kick detail feels timeless and substantial, especially in a refined white finish.

A curated look from Cook & Bathe

For an elegant floating profile with tactile warmth, consider the Otti Laguna 1200mm Wall-Hung Vanity. Its clean drawer lines, generous 1200mm width, and luminous benchtop deliver both function and a designer finish - perfect for ensuites and contemporary family bathrooms seeking that light, floating aesthetic.

If your priority is maximum storage and a classic stance, the Fienza Sarah Crystal Pure Vanity brings depth, capacity, and a timeless silhouette. The undermount basin keeps the benchtop clutter-free, while the on-kick base introduces a refined, furniture-like presence well suited to busy households.

Don’t forget vertical storage: shaving cabinets that work hard

Open benchtops and clear sightlines are easier to maintain when your everyday items live behind mirrored doors. The sculptural arch profile of the Otti LED Archie Shaving Cabinet lends soft curves to straight-line bathrooms and adds practical, even lighting for grooming. If you prefer a wider mirror surface, the Otti LED Newport White Shaving Cabinet offers generous mirrored real estate with integrated illumination, ideal above wall-hung vanities to enhance the floating effect. For those chasing a moodier, furniture-grade feel, the Otti Newport Shaving Cabinet in Black Oak brings richness and contrast - spot on for monochrome or tonal schemes that balance warmth with contemporary edge.

So, which is better?

If you value a modern, airy look, easy floor cleaning, and you’re working to maximise the perception of space, a wall-hung vanity likely wins. If you need generous, family-ready capacity and love the grounded elegance of a furniture-style piece, a floorstanding vanity could be your best bet. Many renovators arrive at a hybrid approach: a wall-hung vanity for the ensuite and a floorstanding unit for the main bathroom, with mirrored shaving cabinets in both to multiply storage and light.