Freestanding vs. Floating Vanities: Pros, Cons, and Everything You Need to Know
At Ross’s, bathroom vanities are one of our best-selling products, but the choice between a freestanding vs floating vanity is a common dilemma for many customers. This choice often comes down to one critical factor: plumbing. If you’re renovating or building a new home and have the flexibility to position your plumbing where it works best, the decision becomes much easier—but it’s still important to choose the right option for your space.
In this guide, we dive into everything you need to know about floating vs freestanding vanities, exploring their pros and cons to help you decide which style best suits your needs. From design and space efficiency to cost and versatility, we’ve got you covered.
Freestanding Vanity vs Floating Vanity Comparison Overview
| Category | Freestanding Vanities | Floating Vanities |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Aesthetic | Classic, traditional, and versatile styles. Highly customisable with various materials and finishes. However, they can make smaller bathrooms feel cramped due to their larger footprint, and bulky designs may dominate more modern spaces. | Sleek and modern, creating the illusion of more space. The clean and open design visually enlarges the area, making it ideal for smaller bathrooms. It may not suit traditional or vintage designs and can sometimes feel too minimalist for cosy spaces. |
| Space and Storage | Provides ample storage with visible cabinets and drawers, plus larger countertops. Built-in cabinets help conceal larger items, though they take up more floor space, which can feel bulky. The area beneath is usually unusable, which may clutter smaller bathrooms. | Maximises floor space, creating a lighter feel and easier cleaning access. Ideal for small bathrooms to enhance openness. Typically offers less internal storage and may need additional storage solutions to compensate. |
| Installation and Maintenance | Easier to install as they do not require wall support. They are more stable due to floor mounting, but cleaning around them is harder due to floor contact. They may also require plumbing adjustments for fitting. | Easier to clean underneath due to open, accessible space. These are flexible in positioning and can be customised in height but require secure wall mounting, which may need specific plumbing adjustments. |
| Cost | Offers a wide price range from $330 to $2,200 at Ross’s Discount Home Centre. May provide more storage options, adding value for the cost. However, high-end designs and difficult cleaning areas may increase long-term expenses. | Priced similarly from $320 to $2,200 at Ross’s Discount Home Centre. Offers long-term savings through easier maintenance and cleaning. High-end designs with PVC materials are durable and require low maintenance but may increase the initial cost. |
| Versatility | Available in various styles, materials, and sizes, making them suitable for both traditional and modern designs. They’re easy to relocate for renovations but can overwhelm smaller bathrooms due to their size and weight. | Ideal for both small and large bathrooms, with space-saving benefits. They allow customisable height for a personalised touch but offer limited style options compared to freestanding vanities. They may lack the classic or decorative appeal of freestanding options. |
Vanity Design and Aesthetic
When it comes to choosing the perfect vanity for your bathroom, design and aesthetics are key players. The right vanity can transform your space, setting the tone for your entire bathroom’s look and feel. Your vanity should not only be functional but also make a statement, reflecting your personal style and complementing the rest of your home.
Freestanding Vanities
Freestanding vanities are a great option if you’re aiming for a traditional, classic, or transitional look. These bathroom cabinets fit seamlessly into various bathroom styles, from charming vintage to rustic chic. With a wide array of materials and styles on offer, you can customise them to suit your design preferences. However, keep in mind that their larger footprint can make small bathrooms feel cramped, and their bulkier design might overshadow more minimalist settings.
Floating Vanities
On the other hand, floating vanities offer a sleek, modern appearance that enhances the illusion of space, making them ideal for contemporary or minimalist designs. The wall-mounted style gives your bathroom a clean, open look, visually enlarging the space. While they excel in modern settings, floating vanities might not harmonise as well with traditional or classic themes, and they can sometimes appear too minimalistic for those who prefer a cosy or decorative vibe.
Vanity Space and Storage
Let’s talk about space and storage—two critical factors when picking a vanity. Whether you’re managing a busy family bathroom or a small ensuite, choosing the right vanity can significantly enhance the organisation and functionality of your space. I’ve been there, juggling kids’ bath toys and toiletries, and trust me, having ample storage is a lifesaver.
Freestanding Vanities
Freestanding vanities are champions of storage. They offer visible storage with cabinets and drawers, providing plenty of room for your bathroom essentials. Built-in cabinetry is perfect for stashing away larger items like towels and hairdryers. But these vanities do take up more floor space, which might make movement a bit tight in smaller bathrooms.
Floating Vanities
On the other hand, floating vanity units open up the floor beneath, giving your bathroom a lighter, more spacious vibe. This feature is especially handy in smaller bathrooms, making them feel roomier and easier to clean. However, they typically offer less storage space, which can be challenging if you’re shopping for a vanity for a family bathroom and have lots of toiletries. Also, the internal storage might fall short, necessitating additional storage solutions elsewhere.
Vanity Installation and Maintenance
When it comes to installing a vanity, I always say: if you’re handy with tools, you’re halfway there! At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we design our vanities for easy DIY installation, whether you go freestanding or floating. However, it’s not the installation of the vanity itself that requires the most attention, but rather the placement of your plumbing. Our bathroom vanity installation guide will walk you through the process step by step if you are looking to install it yourself.
Freestanding Vanities
Freestanding vanities are fairly easy to install. They don’t demand extensive wall support or complex levelling, making them a solid choice for those who want to tackle the project themselves. Their weight and floor-mounted design offer stability, sparing you the worry of improper mounting. However, a word of advice: if your plumbing needs a detour to fit the vanity’s base, it might require more effort.
Floating Vanities
On the other hand, floating vanity cabinets simplify cleaning. The open space underneath allows for easy sweeping or mopping, and you can install them at a height that works best for you. That said, they do require careful installation to ensure they’re securely mounted to the wall, so it might be worth bringing in a professional to avoid any problems. If relocating pipes is part of the plan, be sure to think ahead and prepare accordingly.
Ultimately, whatever option you lean towards, our team at Ross’s is here to guide you through the process with expert advice and quality bathroom products that make installation as straightforward as possible.
Vanity Costs
Let’s talk dollars and sense—because choosing the right vanity is not just about style but also smart budgeting. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we believe in offering great value for money, whether you prefer a freestanding or floating design. Fun fact: many vanities can easily switch between styles by simply omitting the kicker, so the costs often align closely.
Freestanding Vanities
Our freestanding vanity cabinets are a great budget-friendly option, with prices ranging from $330 to $2,200, so there’s something to suit every bathroom style and budget. Plus, with handy storage features like drawers and doors, you’re really getting good value for money. If you’re thinking about high-end materials or custom designs, just keep in mind that these can bump up the costs, both upfront and for ongoing maintenance. For a more affordable and low-maintenance option, materials like PVC are a smart choice that’s easy to care for.
Floating Vanities
Customers often assume that floating bathroom vanities are pricey, but they can be just as budget-friendly as freestanding options. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, our floating bathroom vanities range from $320 to $2,200, ensuring that style is within reach for any budget. They also deliver long-term savings by simplifying cleaning tasks. While custom designs elsewhere might inflate prices, you won’t find those here—our focus is on providing modern, competitively priced options. With robust, low-maintenance materials like PVC, you’re investing in both quality and ease of maintenance, making it a smart choice for any bathroom renovation.
Vanity Versatility
As we wrap up our comparison, it’s clear that the right vanity offers more than just a practical or budget-friendly solution—it’s a key part of creating a functional and stylish bathroom. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we provide vanities that cater to all needs, whether you prefer a freestanding design or a sleek wall-hung style. Our range is designed to adapt to your bathroom’s unique requirements, offering flexibility and timeless appeal as your needs evolve.
Freestanding Vanities
Freestanding vanity units are highly versatile and adaptable, making them ideal for any bathroom design style, ranging from traditional to contemporary. With various styles, materials, and sizes, they can be easily upgraded during renovations, offering flexibility without the hassle of wall attachments. While they’re perfect for spacious layouts, just be mindful that they might be a bit overwhelming for smaller spaces.
Floating Vanities
On the other hand, floating vanities excel in efficiency and modern aesthetics. They are ideal for those seeking to conserve space and maintain a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. With the ability to customise height and positioning, they offer a personalised touch, although their style options might be a tad more limited than those of freestanding cabinets. Freestanding vanity units may be your preferred choice if you’re after a more classic and decorative aesthetic.
Conclusion
Choosing between a floating vs freestanding vanity ultimately comes down to your style preferences, space considerations, and practical needs. Freestanding bathroom vanities bring timeless charm, extra storage, and easy installation, making them ideal for larger bathrooms or those seeking a classic look. On the other hand, floating vanities offer a sleek, modern aesthetic and space-saving benefits, particularly suited for smaller bathrooms or those aiming for a minimalist design.
This comparison highlights the strengths of both styles, but deciding which is right for your bathroom depends on your priorities. Do you value the adaptability and storage of freestanding designs, or does the contemporary elegance of a floating vanity appeal more to you?
At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we’re here to make your choice easier with our range of high-quality vanities. Explore our selection of freestanding bathroom vanities and floating vanities to find the perfect fit for your space. Visit our showroom at 57 James Street, Guildford WA, or shop online to enjoy $50 delivery across Perth Metro. Let us help you create the bathroom of your dreams with ease and style!