You have no items in your shopping cart.
What Is the Standard Bathroom Vanity Height? [Size Guide]
By: Andrew Saladino | 
5 min
June 3rd, 2023
When it comes to choosing the perfect vanity height for your bathroom remodel, the decision will ultimately come down to who's using the space.
Bathroom countertops that are too high may be difficult for children to reach, while low countertops could give taller individuals back pain. The standard bathroom countertop is between 30 and 32 inches tall, but your ideal vanity height could differ.
In this article, we'll cover the typical heights of three types of bathroom vanities: standard height, comfort height, and child height.
| Child Height | Standard Height | Comfort Height |
|---|---|---|
| 30 inches | 30-32 inches | 36 inches |
Standard Bathroom Vanity Height
The term "standard" is a bit of a misnomer, since there isn't an exact standard vanity height. Traditionally, the standard height for a bathroom vanity is between 30 and 32 inches. You might notice that this is shorter than a standard kitchen countertop, which is typically 36 inches tall.
So why is this height considered "standard"? To be honest, it's an outdated design principle that originated decades ago. After World War II, there was a huge exodus of families from cities to suburbs. Many new homes built during that time had more bedrooms than bathrooms, so bathroom vanities were made to accommodate both children and parents.
Best for: Bathrooms used by both adults and children and guest bathrooms
Not suited for: Main bathrooms or individuals over 6 feet tall
Comfort Height
Today's modern home designs aren't complete without an ensuite bathroom, allowing the adults to ditch the rubber duckies for a more spa-like space. As a result, vanity heights are on the rise.
Comfort height bathroom vanities are 36 inches tall - the same height as most kitchen countertops. Since standard kitchen countertop dimensions were determined with meal-prepping adults in mind, designers took those aspects and translated them into the main bathroom.
As their name suggests, comfort height countertops help minimize back strain from bending over to wash your hands. If you're around 6 feet tall or taller, a 36-inch vanity will be much more comfortable than a 32-inch one. That said, if your partner is on the shorter side, you should still spring for the comfort vanity - adding a stool is a small price to pay for a pain-free grooming routine.
Best for: Main bathrooms, adults, and grown children
Not suited for: Small children
Child Height
If you're designing a bathroom exclusively for your little ones - and you plan on redoing the bathroom within the next 10 years anyway - consider choosing a vanity height that'll best suit their needs. Child height vanities are around 30 inches tall, allowing kids to easily reach the sink to brush their teeth or wash their hands all on their own.
It's important to keep in mind your child may outgrow a shorter vanity sooner rather than later. It may make more sense to add a small stool (or choose a standard vanity with built-in stools) while your child is growing. That way, guests are still able to comfortably use the vanity as well.
Best for: Children or adults under 5 feet tall
Not suited for: Adults over 5 feet tall
How To Choose the Right Bathroom Countertop Height
The intended vanity user isn't the only thing to keep in mind when choosing the best countertop height for your remodel. Here are a few other things to consider before installing your bathroom vanity.
Consider the Sink Style You Plan To Install
While most bathroom sink styles won't affect your vanity design too much, there is one type that may have you opting for a shorter countertop. Vessel sinks, which feature a basin that sits on top of the bathroom countertop rather than a traditional drop-in, can measure up to 6 inches tall from base to rim. Since handwashing is an essential bathroom function, you don't want the sink to be too high where it's uncomfortable to use. A vessel sink vanity should be closer to the standard bathroom vanity height so the sink edge is at the comfort height level.
So, if the vanity sink sits 4 inches high, the countertop should be no taller than 32 inches. And if the edge is 6 inches high, the countertop should be 30 inches high. Most vessel sink vanities already take this into consideration, so the sink's edge will be at 36 inches no matter how deep the basin is.
Determine if You'll Need Additional Plumbing or Electrical Work
If you were hoping for a simple DIY bathroom remodel, you may want to choose a vanity that's the same height as your old one. Even going from a 32-inch countertop to a 36-inch one will require extensive (and expensive) plumbing work to accommodate the additional 4 inches.
Electrical outlets sitting above your existing vanity may also need to be removed and reinstalled higher. In this case, you may want to hire an electrician and a plumber to ensure your remodel is safe and up to code.
Account For Existing Mirrors, Cabinets, and Other Design Features
A new bathroom vanity can completely transform the look and feel of your bathroom, even if it's the only change you make. However, be aware of how your existing bathroom accessories - like your mirrors or bathroom lighting - may be impacted by a change in countertop height.
It's best to place your vanity mirror 5 to 10 inches above the top of your faucet. This not only looks balanced but can help prevent splashes from speckling your mirror. If you opt for a taller or shorter countertop than your existing one, you may need to rehang your mirror. And if you rehang your mirror, any light fixtures installed above your vanity may also need to be reinstalled higher or lower.
Bathroom Vanity Height FAQs
Still not sure how to choose the perfect bathroom vanity height for your space? We answered a few of the most common questions to help you decide.
How deep should a bathroom counter be?
The standard depth of a bathroom countertop is 21 inches, and it's measured from the front of the cabinet door or drawer to the back. That measurement doesn't include any countertop overhang. However, you can get away with fewer inches in a smaller bathroom, even down to 16 inches.
How high should a bathroom vanity light be mounted?
If you're installing lights above the mirror, they should be mounted between 75 and 84 inches high from the floor, depending on how large your mirror is. If you're mounting lights on the sides of your mirror, they can be lower, at about 65 inches.
What is the standard countertop overhang?
A countertop overhang - the portion of the countertop that extends past the cabinets to protect the cabinet drawers and doors - is typically 1 ½ inches.
What is the standard height for a floating vanity?
Since floating vanities are mounted to the wall, they're typically shorter than standard vanities to account for the gap between the floor and the bottom of the cabinets. Floating vanities come in three standard heights: 21, 24, and 27 inches. They offer homeowners the flexibility to hang their cabinets as high or low as they'd like.
Feeling inspired to finally replace your outdated bathroom cabinets? Browse our collection of ready-to-assemble and assembled bathroom cabinets. Whether you're drawn to classic white shaker cabinets or a more striking style, we have the perfect cabinets for every bathroom design.
