Vanity Sizes Explained: How to Choose the Right Bathroom Vanity in Australia (Especially for Small Bathrooms)

Vanity sizes explained: Choosing the right vanity size is one of the most important decisions in a bathroom renovation.

Too large and your bathroom feels cramped.
Too small and you lose storage.
Poorly positioned and it disrupts movement entirely.

In small Australian bathrooms, vanity sizing can make or break the entire layout.

This guide explains standard vanity sizes in Australia, clearance rules and how to choose the right size whether you’re renovating a compact ensuite or a main bathroom.

Standard Bathroom Vanity Sizes in Australia

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• Standard bathroom vanity sizes Australia
• Best vanity size for small bathroom
• Bathroom vanity dimensions guide

Here are the most common vanity widths available in Australia:

600mm Vanity

Best for:

• Powder rooms
• Very small ensuites
• Narrow bathrooms under 1.5m wide

Provides minimal bench space but works in tight layouts.

750mm Vanity

Best for:

• Small bathrooms
• Compact ensuites
• Renovations keeping existing plumbing

This is the most common size for small bathroom renovations in Australia.

It balances storage and walkway clearance.

900mm Vanity

Best for:

• Bathrooms wider than 1.8m
• Main bathrooms in standard homes

Offers improved storage and more usable bench space.

1200mm+ Vanity

Best for:

• Large bathrooms
• Double basins
• Family homes

These require careful clearance planning.

How to Choose the Right Vanity Size for a Small Bathroom

Target keyword:
Best vanity for small bathroom Australia

Small bathrooms in Australia are often:

• 1.5m to 2.4m wide
• Limited in storage
• Tight on walkway clearance

Before choosing size, measure:

1. Total room width
2. Door swing arc
3. Shower screen opening
4. Toilet clearance
5. Walkway in front of vanity

As a rule of thumb:

Allow at least 700mm clear space in front of the vanity.

If you can’t achieve that, the vanity is too deep or too wide.

Depth Matters as Much as Width

Standard vanity depth in Australia is typically:

• 450mm to 500mm

In very tight bathrooms, 350mm to 400mm depth vanities can work well.

Shallower vanities preserve movement space without sacrificing style.

Wall-Hung vs Floor-Standing: Which Works Best?

Target keyword:
Wall hung vanity small bathroom

Wall-Hung Vanities

Benefits:

• Make the room feel larger
• Easier to clean underneath
• Modern appearance

Wall-hung units visually increase floor space, making them ideal for small bathroom renovations.

Floor-Standing Vanities

Benefits:

• Slightly more storage
• Traditional look
• Sometimes easier installation

In compact bathrooms, wall-hung designs usually feel lighter and less bulky.

Drawer vs Cupboard: Practical Storage Decisions

Drawers:

• Easier access
• Better organisation
• More functional for daily use

Cupboards:

• Slightly cheaper
• Less efficient storage

In small bathrooms, drawers typically perform better because they maximise usable storage volume.

Double Basin in Small Bathrooms — Is It Worth It?

Many renovators ask whether a double vanity works in a small space.

In most small Australian bathrooms under 2.4m wide, a double basin is rarely practical.

It reduces:

• Bench space
• Storage depth
• Walkway clearance

Unless the bathroom is at least 2.6m wide, a single larger basin is usually more efficient.

Small Bathroom Renovation Australia: Smart Layout Strategy

If you’re renovating a small bathroom, follow this order:

1. Confirm plumbing position
2. Choose vanity size based on clearance
3. Select shower configuration
4. Confirm door swing
5. Then choose finishes

Style decisions should follow spatial logic.

Keeping plumbing in place makes 750mm or 900mm vanities much easier to install without added cost.

Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Vanity

• Buying based on showroom appearance
• Ignoring depth measurements
• Forgetting power outlet placement
• Not accounting for tile thickness
• Overcrowding the room

Small bathrooms benefit from restraint.

How Vanity Choice Impacts Budget

Larger vanities increase:

• Cabinetry cost
• Stone benchtop cost
• Installation time
• Potential plumbing changes

In many cases, downsizing from 1200mm to 900mm can reduce overall renovation cost without sacrificing functionality.

Proportion Over Size

The best vanity size isn’t the largest one you can fit.

It’s the one that allows:

• Comfortable movement
• Practical storage
• Balanced proportions
• Clean visual flow

Bathrooms should feel calm, not crowded.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right vanity size is one of the most impactful decisions in any bathroom renovation — especially in small Australian homes.

Measure carefully.
Prioritise clearance.
Think about daily function.

If you’d like to see vanity sizes matched to complete renovation palettes, explore our curated [Bathroom Renovation Kits], where layout and proportion are balanced thoughtfully.