What Is a Bathroom Vanity? A Buyer's Guide

Shopping for a bathroom vanity is easier when you know what the term covers and what comes with it. A bathroom vanity is a cabinet that holds or supports a basin and stores your everyday bathroom items. It combines your washbasin, bench space, and storage into a single fixture.

This guide explains what a bathroom vanity is, the main types, the parts that make one up and the checks to run before you buy.

What is a vanity used for?

A vanity is used for washing, grooming and storing bathroom essentials. It holds the basin in place and hides the water pipes and waste trap behind closed doors.

A standalone basin handles the washing on its own. A vanity adds a cabinet below the basin, which gives you storage and bench space in the same footprint. Toothbrushes, towels and cleaning products all have a place to go.

In most renovations, the vanity also sets the look of the room.

What are the main bathroom vanity types?

The two main types of bathroom vanities are wall-hung and freestanding. Slimline and semi-recessed styles are variations that suit smaller rooms.

Wall-hung vanities

Wall-hung vanities are fixed to the wall, which leaves the floor clear underneath. The room looks more open, and mopping takes less effort. The wall needs solid framing or noggins to carry the weight, so plan this before the walls are lined.

Freestanding vanities

Freestanding vanities sit on the floor on legs or a kickboard. They're generally easier to install and replace than wall-hung options, making them a practical choice for many bathrooms. Some models also feature adjustable legs to help keep the unit level on uneven floors.

Slimline and semi-recessed vanities

Slimline vanities have a shallower cabinet for powder rooms and narrow ensuites. Semi-recessed vanities set the basin partly forward of the cabinet, so the cabinet itself can stay compact.

What does a bathroom vanity include?

A bathroom vanity has a cabinet, a top or basin and storage. The basin mixer and plug waste are often sold separately.

• Cabinet — the main body, usually made from moisture-resistant MDF, PVC or timber.
• Top and basin — a ceramic basin top or a stone top that holds an above-counter basin.
• Storage — doors or drawers, often with soft-close hinges or runners and an inner shelf.
• Tapware and waste — the basin mixer, plug waste and trap that connect to your plumbing.

Some vanities come as a complete package, while others are sold as a cabinet only. At Renolink, you'll find a range of options with different inclusions:

How to choose a bathroom vanity

Before buying a vanity, check the dimensions, inclusions, plumbing position and materials.

1. Dimensions
   Measure the width, depth and height against your space. Leave room for doors and drawers to open and for people to walk past. Many listings lead with width, so check the product drawings for depth and height.
2. Inclusions
   Confirm the basin, mixer and plug waste are part of the price. If they’re not, add them to your budget.
3. Tap holes
   Some basin tops come pre-drilled. Stone tops can arrive with no holes, which a plumber or stonemason will need to cut.
4. Plumbing and drawer side
   Match your water and waste points to the cabinet layout. Drawer units come in left or right-hand versions.
5. Tapware ratings
   Check the star rating on the basin mixer. Under the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards scheme, more stars mean a more water-efficient product. Certain plumbing products also need WaterMark certification from the ABCB before installation.
6. Materials and warranty
   Moisture-resistant materials suit wet rooms. Warranties across the three vanities above range from five to 15 years.

In NSW, a licensed plumber must complete plumbing work, so get one to connect your new vanity.

Find your bathroom vanity at Renolink

Renolink has supplied renovation products for almost 20 years. Our range covers more than 130 vanities, from complete packages with a basin and mixer to cabinet-only models. Every product meets Australian standards and comes with a genuine warranty.

Shop our bathroom vanities online to compare sizes and inclusions. For help choosing, visit our Greenacre showroom, call (02) 9742 1834 or reach out to our team.