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Floating Vanity vs. Freestanding Vanity: A Buyer's Guide

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published July 18, 2024

A bathroom vanity adds style and functionality to your bathroom. Depending on the model, it can also offer storage space to store your​ bathroom essentials. This article provides a comparison of​ floating vanity vs freestanding vanity to help you make an informed decision.

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. 

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.