Floating Vanity Units: Pros and Cons

Designing or renovating a bathroom always starts with the best intentions - let’s keep it simple, clean, functional. And then, somewhere between choosing tile grout and obsessing over tap finishes, things get complicated. One of the most hotly debated features? The vanity unit. More specifically, whether you go for a traditional floor-standing style or the more modern, minimal floating version.

Floating vanity units have soared in popularity in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. They look effortlessly sleek, they free up floor space, and they give off that spa-like, magazine-cover vibe that makes you want to light a eucalyptus candle and pretend you're at a luxury retreat.

But are they actually practical for everyday life? Are they worth the extra effort (and occasionally, the extra cost)? Or are they just another design trend that’s nice to look at, but a nightmare to live with? Let’s take a look. 

What are floating vanity units?

Floating vanity units - also known as wall-mounted vanities - are bathroom sinks and storage cabinets that are attached directly to the wall, leaving the floor space beneath completely visible. They’re modern, minimal, and often found gracing the pages of glossy interior design magazines.

You’ve probably seen them. All sleek lines, space-saving magic, and that effortlessly contemporary look that makes you think, yes, maybe I could be the sort of person who irons their towels.

The pros of floating vanity units

They make your bathroom feel bigger

This is one of the big draws - literally. Because they’re mounted off the floor, floating vanity units create the illusion of more space. You can actually see more of the room, including the floor underneath, which tricks the eye into thinking the bathroom is more open and airy.

In a small or narrow bathroom, this can be a game-changer. Even in larger spaces, that extra bit of openness adds a touch of luxury that floor-standing units sometimes lack.

Cleaning just got a whole lot easier

You know that awkward spot where dust, hair and soap residue gather under traditional vanities? Well, that’s gone. With the unit off the floor, you can sweep or mop straight under it - no crouching, no dragging out the hoover’s crevice tool.

It’s a small detail, sure. But it’s one of those things that ends up mattering a lot when you're doing the 9pm Sunday clean before the week begins.

The modern aesthetic

Floating units just look good. They bring a sharp, streamlined style that feels up to date without being trendy in the bad way (you know, avocado-bath-suite trendy).

They pair beautifully with minimalist tiling, bold wallpaper, or even natural wood finishes. If you're keen to discover stylish storage combinations, floating options provide a tidy base to experiment with finishes and textures elsewhere in the room.

Customisable height

Since the unit is wall-mounted, you’re not stuck with a standard height. This is particularly helpful if you're especially tall, short, or just want to make things more accessible for kids or older family members.

It’s a small customisation, but one that can make a difference to comfort and long-term usability.

The cons of floating vanity units

Installation is a bit more involved

Here’s the thing: floating units don’t just hang there on hope and dreams. They need solid wall support. That might mean reinforcing a plasterboard wall or making sure there’s enough support in the studs.

In some cases, you’ll need a professional to assess whether your wall can take the weight. So, it's not quite a "whack it up and go" job - there’s some behind-the-scenes prep involved.

They can be more expensive

Not always, but sometimes. Between the installation, wall reinforcements, and the fact that many floating units sit at the premium end of the design spectrum, you might end up paying a bit more than you would for a traditional unit.

That said, if you're already planning a full bathroom remodel, the additional cost might be negligible in the grand scheme. It’s just something to be aware of.

Limited under-sink storage

Because the design is more streamlined and compact, you might lose a bit of storage space compared to bulkier, floor-standing units. If you’re the sort of household that has 14 bottles of shampoo on rotation (no judgment), this could become a bit of a squeeze.

You can balance this out with clever shelving or recessed cabinets elsewhere, but it’s worth considering how much day-to-day stuff you need your vanity to hold.

So, are floating vanities worth it?

It really depends on your space, your budget, and what you want from your bathroom. If style, space-saving, and easy cleaning top your list, a floating vanity might tick all the right boxes.

On the other hand, if you’re working with a less-than-sturdy wall or need all the storage you can possibly get, you may be better off with a more traditional solution. If you're still torn, it’s worth comparing floor standing and wall mounted vanity units to weigh up which suits your space better.

Final thoughts

Floating vanity units are modern, attractive, and brilliantly practical in many homes. But like all bathroom fittings, they come with a few trade-offs.

The best advice? Don’t just fall for the aesthetic (tempting though it is). Think carefully about how you use your bathroom, how much storage you need, and whether your walls are up for the job.

And if you need a little more inspiration, take a few minutes to discover stylish storage combinations that work with your lifestyle - not just your Pinterest board.