Bathroom Vanity Selection Guide: Styles, Sizes & Ottawa Costs

# Bathroom Vanity Selection Guide: Styles, Sizes & Ottawa Costs

*Last updated: December 2025 | Read time: 7 min*

The vanity is often the focal point of your bathroom. It combines storage, functionality, and style in one piece. This guide helps Ottawa homeowners choose the right vanity for their space and budget.

**Quick answer:** Stock vanities cost $200-800 and work well for most bathrooms. Semi-custom runs $800-2,500. Floating vanities are trending and make spaces feel larger.

## Table of Contents

1. [Vanity Types](#types)

2. [Sizing Guide](#sizing)

3. [Countertop Options](#countertops)

4. [Single vs Double](#single-double)

5. [Style Trends](#styles)

6. [Cost Breakdown](#costs)

7. [Installation Tips](#installation)

---

## Vanity Types {#types}

### Freestanding Vanities

Traditional floor-mounted vanity.

| Pros | Cons |

|------|------|

| Most options available | Takes visual floor space |

| Easy installation | Harder to clean around |

| Furniture-like look | Can look bulky |

| Often most affordable | Fixed height |

**Best for:** Traditional bathrooms, budget renovations

### Floating (Wall-Mounted) Vanities

Mounted to wall with no legs touching floor.

| Pros | Cons |

|------|------|

| Floor visible underneath | Requires wall blocking |

| Modern look | More expensive |

| Easy floor cleaning | Less storage sometimes |

| Adjustable height | Stronger wall needed |

**Best for:** Modern bathrooms, small spaces, accessibility

### Vessel Sink Vanities

Countertop with bowl-shaped sink on top.

| Pros | Cons |

|------|------|

| Statement piece | Hard to clean around |

| Unique look | Splashing concerns |

| Many bowl options | Less counter space |

| Trendy | May date faster |

**Best for:** Powder rooms, contemporary designs

### Console/Open Vanities

Sink on legs with open storage below.

| Pros | Cons |

|------|------|

| Airy, open feel | Everything visible |

| Easy floor access | Less hidden storage |

| Vintage appeal | Dust collects on items |

**Best for:** Vintage-style bathrooms, very small spaces

---

## Sizing Guide {#sizing}

### Standard Vanity Widths

| Width | Best For |

|-------|----------|

| 18-24" | Very small bathrooms, powder rooms |

| 30-36" | Small to standard bathrooms |

| 48" | Standard bathrooms, could fit double |

| 60-72" | Master bathrooms, double sinks |

| 84"+ | Large master bathrooms |

### Vanity Depth

| Depth | Notes |

|-------|-------|

| 17-18" | Compact, good for tight spaces |

| 21" | Standard depth |

| 24" | Deep, more counter space |

**Tip:** In narrow bathrooms, a shallower vanity (17-18") saves crucial inches.

### Height Considerations

| Height | Who It's For |

|--------|-------------|

| 30-32" | Traditional height, shorter users |

| 34-36" | Comfort height (more ergonomic) |

| Custom | Floating vanities can adjust |

Modern trend is 34-36" (comfort height) - easier on backs.

---

## Countertop Options {#countertops}

### Integrated Tops

Countertop and sink are one piece.

**Materials:**

- Cultured marble: $150-400 (most common stock)

- Solid surface: $200-500

- Vitreous china: $200-600

**Pros:** No seams, easy cleaning, affordable

**Cons:** Limited styles, hard to replace

### Separate Countertops

Choose countertop and undermount/drop-in sink separately.

| Material | Cost for 48" Vanity |

|----------|-------------------|

| Laminate | $100-250 |

| Granite | $300-800 |

| Quartz | $350-900 |

| Marble | $400-1,200 |

**Pros:** More options, can replace separately

**Cons:** More seams, higher cost

---

## Single vs Double {#single-double}

### When to Go Double

**Choose double sinks if:**

- Two people get ready simultaneously

- Vanity is 48" or wider

- You have master bathroom space

- Morning routines overlap

### Single Sink Advantages

**Consider single if:**

- More counter space needed

- Budget is tight

- Bathroom under 50 sq ft

- Only one person uses it regularly

### Cost Comparison

| Configuration | Cost Range |

|---------------|-----------|

| 48" single sink | $400-1,500 |

| 48" double sink | $600-2,000 |

| 60" single sink | $500-1,800 |

| 60" double sink | $800-2,500 |

Double adds roughly 30-50% to cost.

---

## Style Trends {#styles}

### Modern/Contemporary

- Flat or slab door fronts

- Minimal hardware (or integrated pulls)

- Floating installation

- White, grey, or wood tones

- Vessel or undermount sinks

### Transitional

- Shaker-style doors

- Blend of traditional and modern

- Brushed nickel or chrome hardware

- Works with most bathroom styles

- Most popular choice

### Traditional

- Raised panel doors

- Decorative hardware

- Furniture-like legs or base

- Rich wood tones

- Ornate mirror frames

### Farmhouse

- Open shelving below

- Apron-front sink (in some)

- White or light wood finish

- Simple, rustic hardware

- Shiplap or beadboard details

### What's Trending in 2025

1. **Floating vanities** - Clean, modern, easy cleaning

2. **Wood tones** - Warm walnut, light oak

3. **Fluted/reeded fronts** - Textured door faces

4. **Mixed materials** - Wood body, stone top

5. **Colored vanities** - Navy, green, black accents

---

## Cost Breakdown {#costs}

### Stock Vanities

Ready-made from big box stores or online.

| Size | Cabinet Only | With Top |

|------|-------------|----------|

| 24" | $150-400 | $200-600 |

| 36" | $250-600 | $350-900 |

| 48" | $350-800 | $500-1,200 |

| 60" | $500-1,200 | $700-1,800 |

**Pros:** Immediate availability, affordable

**Cons:** Limited customization, variable quality

### Semi-Custom Vanities

Stock with customization options.

| Size | Price Range |

|------|-------------|

| 36" | $600-1,500 |

| 48" | $900-2,000 |

| 60" | $1,200-3,000 |

**Pros:** More options, better quality

**Cons:** 2-4 week lead time, higher cost

### Custom Vanities

Built to your exact specifications.

| Size | Price Range |

|------|-------------|

| Any | $2,000-8,000+ |

**Pros:** Exactly what you want, any size

**Cons:** Expensive, 4-8 week lead time

### Installation Costs (Ottawa)

| Type | Labour Cost |

|------|-------------|

| Stock freestanding | $150-300 |

| Stock floating | $250-500 |

| Custom/semi-custom | $300-600 |

| Plumbing connection | $150-400 |

---

## Installation Tips {#installation}

### What to Know Before Buying

1. **Measure twice** - Check width, depth, and height clearances

2. **Locate plumbing** - Drain and supply locations affect options

3. **Check door swing** - Will doors open fully?

4. **Wall condition** - Floating needs proper support

### Floating Vanity Requirements

Wall-mounted vanities need:

- Blocking installed in wall (2x6 or plywood)

- Studs or proper anchors

- Level installation

- Proper weight support (they're heavy when filled)

**Add $200-500 if blocking not in place**

### Plumbing Considerations

| Situation | Notes |

|-----------|-------|

| Same location | Easy, just reconnect |

| Different depth | May need drain extension |

| Different width | May need supply line moves |

| Vessel sink | Higher drain connection needed |

---

## Buying Tips

### Quality Indicators

**Look for:**

- Solid wood or plywood construction (not particle board)

- Soft-close doors and drawers

- Dovetail drawer joints

- Solid wood drawer boxes

- Good warranty (5+ years)

**Avoid:**

- Particle board in wet areas

- Stapled construction

- Thin backs

- Plastic drawer slides

### Where to Shop (Ottawa)

- **Big box stores:** Budget options, immediate pickup

- **Kitchen/bath showrooms:** Better quality, expert advice

- **Online:** Good selection, can't see in person

- **Custom cabinet makers:** Best quality, highest price

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*Need help choosing the perfect vanity? [Contact us](/contact) for expert guidance.*