Floating Vanity vs. Freestanding Vanity - Lowe's

21 Jul.,2025

 

Floating Vanity vs. Freestanding Vanity - Lowe's

What is a Floating Vanity?

A floating vanity is the one that is mounted on the wall. It hangs on your bathroom wall and doesn’t touch the floor for support. 

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Pros of Installing a Floating Vanity

If you have a small bathroom and need a custom countertop height, install a floating vanity. Here are a few advantages of floating vanities you should know to make an informed choice. 

  • Cleaning under these vanities is easier due to their floating design. 
  • Floating vanities are available in various designs, ranging from minimal to ultra-modern options. 
  • T​​​​hey allow customization of the bathroom space with varied materials and unique countertop selections. 
  • Their elevated design helps reduce accumulation of both moisture and dirt, thus minimizing maintenance. 
  • Floating vanities work in small bathroom spaces. 

What is a Freestanding Vanity?

A freestanding vanity stands on the floor with legs or a base. It usually sits against the wall, comes in different sizes and has one or two sinks. 

Pros of Installing a Freestanding Vanity

A​ freestanding vanity is a combination of a bathroom sink and cabinets which enhance the functionality of your space. While storage space is essential, here are a few more advantages of freestanding vanities you should know about. 

  • Freestanding vanities offer storage space based on the style and size you choose. 
  • Installation of freestanding vanities will not burn a hole in your pocket as they are prefabricated and portable, allowing you to take them with you if you move. 
  • Thanks to their ample design choices, they serve as a timeless choice for the bathroom. 
  • Cleaning freestanding vanities is easy since you don’t need to clean underneath most often. 
  • They help conceal your bathroom plumbing. 
  • Freestanding vanities allow you to choose from different storage options.

Floating Vanity vs Freestanding Vanity: Key Differences of These Bathroom Features

The information above described each vanity style. Now, let’s compare them directly to help you select the best one as per your needs. 

Installation

Installation of freestanding vanity cabinets is similar to that of base kitchen cabinets. These vanities stand on the floor and can be secured on the wall with a few screws. Floating cabinets, on the other hand, do not have legs and their installation requires special mounting brackets to be mounted on the walls. 

Height

Freestanding vanities are offered at heights measured from the floor to the countertop surface with standard heights of 32-36 inches. Floating vanities, on the contrary, provide more customization options as they can be placed at any height the homeowner desires.

Cost

Floating vanities need professional installation, which increases their cost. Freestanding vanities, on the other hand, are priced less and are comparatively easier to install. After learning the difference between a floating vanity and a freestanding one, it is time to make an informed decision. Select one based on your preferences, storage requirements,​ budget and availability of space. 

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Know When to Opt for a Freestanding Bathroom Vanity - Wide Canvas

Thinking about opting for a free-standing bathroom vanity? Let's explore how a free-standing vanity differs from a built-in one and talk about its pros and cons.

What is a free-standing bathroom vanity?

A free-standing bathroom vanity is a single piece of furniture that includes at least one sink base and some storage. It's sometimes called a furniture-style vanity.

Free-standing vanities are often lifted off the floor on legs. Below is an example of a free-standing vanity in a bathroom designed by me. 

A free-standing vanity is distinct from a built-in vanity in several ways:

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  • It does not rely upon the wall for support but can stand on its own.

  • It is not usually attached to the wall. However, the backsplash above a free-standing vanity usually is attached to the wall.

  • It is usually one piece while built-in vanities are often (not always) made up of several cabinets attached to each other and the wall.

Finally, a wall-hung or floating vanity is not a free-standing vanity. At the name implies, it relies upon the wall for its support.

What are the pros and cons of a free-standing bathroom vanity?

There are good reasons to choose a free-standing bathroom vanity:

  • To make a small bathroom feel larger. A free-standing vanity with space on the left and right and lifted on legs will make a small bathroom feel larger. 

  • To express your personal style. Maybe you just like how a furniture-style vanity looks. Nothing wrong with that. 

  • To replace a vanity with a non-standard width. Let's say you remove a vanity that is 58 inches wide. It was probably custom-built. Good luck finding an off-the-shelf replacement that is 58" wide. A 48" wide vanity, with 5" of clear space on the left and right, will fit nicely, though. You'll find lots of them online, or you can have one custom made.

There are some disadvantages to using a free-standing bathroom vanity:

  • Less counterspace and storage space. Furniture-style bathroom vanities look best with some clear wall space to the left and right. I like 5 to 10 inches on each side of a free-standing vanity. So, given the same wall width, a free-standing vanity is 10 to 20 inches shorter than a built-in vanity. That means less storage space and less counterspace.

  • It's hard to clean the floor underneath. If your vanity is lifted on legs, plan to spend some time on your hands and knees cleaning up dust and hair that your broom can't reach.

    The company is the world’s best freestanding vanity manufacture supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

So, those are the pros and cons of a free-standing vanity. Would you still opt for one? Share your thoughts below. I'd love to hear from you.