MBS Kara Sintered Porcelain Flat Vanity Top - Various Sizes

Start with the practical requirements: the available width and depth, bathroom layout, plumbing position, storage needs and how much clearance you need around doors, drawers, toilets and shower screens. Then consider whether a wall-hung or freestanding vanity suits the room, followed by your preferred basin, vanity top, colour and finish.

For busy family bathrooms, storage and durability may be the priority, while a smaller ensuite or powder room may benefit from a compact or wall-hung design that keeps the room feeling open.

Measure the available wall width, but don't choose a vanity based on width alone. Also check the vanity depth, door and drawer clearance, shower screen or bathroom door movement, nearby toilets and the location of
your existing plumbing.

Common bathroom vanity widths in Australia include 600mm, 750mm, 900mm, 1200mm, 1500mm and 1800mm, although many other sizes are available. The best size is the one that provides enough storage and bench space without making the bathroom feel crowded.

For many small bathrooms and ensuites, a vanity around 600mm to 900mm wide can work well, but the ideal size depends on the actual layout rather than room size alone. Very compact vanities are also available for powder rooms and particularly narrow spaces.

A wall hung or slimline vanity can help create more visible floor area and make a compact bathroom feel less crowded. Before ordering, check the vanity depth as well as the width, particularly where space between the vanity, toilet and shower is limited.

Many bathroom vanities are installed with the finished benchtop approximately 850mm to 900mm above the floor, although the most comfortable height depends on the users and the type of basin selected.

If you are using an above-counter basin, remember that the basin adds extra height above the vanity top. A wall-hung vanity can provide more flexibility when setting the finished height, so the complete combination of cabinet, top and basin should be considered before installation.

A wall-hung vanity is fixed above the floor, creating visible floor space underneath. This can make a bathroom feel more open and also makes the floor underneath easier to clean. However, the wall needs to provide suitable structural support, and the plumbing position must be considered carefully.

A freestanding or floor-mounted vanity sits on the floor and can be a practical choice where maximum storage is important or where the existing plumbing configuration is better suited to a floor-mounted cabinet.

Neither option is automatically better — the right choice depends on your bathroom layout, wall construction, plumbing and preferred style.

Neither option is automatically better — the right choice depends on your bathroom layout, wall construction, plumbing and preferred style.

A single-basin vanity generally gives you more usable benchtop and cabinet space and is often the better choice for smaller bathrooms and ensuites.

A double-basin vanity can be very convenient in a shared family bathroom or master ensuite because two people can use the vanity at the same time. However, it requires more width and usually additional plumbing, and two basins will take up more of the available benchtop and storage space.

For larger bathrooms, 1200mm, 1500mm and 1800mm vanity options are worth comparing when considering single- and double-basin configurations.

Before ordering, check where the hot and cold water supplies and waste pipe enter the existing vanity. Pay particular attention to whether the waste comes through the wall or floor, its distance from the side walls and floor, and where it sits in relation to the new basin.

Modern drawer vanities can have specific plumbing cut-outs, so an existing pipe that is too far off-centre may interfere with drawers or internal shelves. We generally recommend customers only consider an all-drawers vanity configuration when they are doing a full bathroom renovation and have opened up the walls, as this allows plumbing to be repositioned properly. Otherwise, in partial renovations, the drawer cut-outs often cannot align with existing pipe locations, which can create installation limitations.

In most cases, vanities with all doors, or a mix of doors and drawers, require less adjustment, as they generally provide more clearance and better accommodate existing plumbing positions.

We recommend comparing your measurements with the product specification or technical drawing and discussing the rough-in position with your plumber before purchasing.

If the installation involves connecting or altering water supply or waste plumbing in Victoria, the plumbing work must be carried out by an appropriately licensed or registered plumbing practitioner. The Victorian Building and Plumbing Commission recommends engaging a licensed or registered plumber for plumbing work.

A wall-hung vanity may also require suitable structural support and correct fixing to the wall. For the best result, check the manufacturer's installation instructions and warranty requirements before installation.

The main options include integrated, inset, undermount and above-counter basins.

An integrated basin vanity top provides a streamlined appearance with fewer joins to clean. An undermount basin sits beneath the benchtop and leaves a clean, uninterrupted surface. An inset basin is installed into the benchtop with part of the basin or rim visible, while an above-counter basin sits on top and creates a stronger design feature.

If choosing an above-counter basin, remember to consider the additional basin height and whether you need a tall basin mixer or wall-mounted tapware.

There is no single best vanity-top material — the right choice depends on your preferred appearance, basin style, maintenance expectations and budget.

Ceramic tops are popular for their easy-care surface and are commonly available with integrated basins. Stone tops offer a
more customised, premium appearance and can often be repaired if chipped or deeply scratched, making them a practical long-term option, especially when paired with above-counter basins. Solid-surface, porcelain, and sintered stone tops provide additional contemporary design choices, each with different textures, thicknesses, and performance characteristics. Based on our experience, we generally do not recommend matte-finish solid surface tops (unless they are genuine Corian or equivalent high-quality solid surface), as they can easily absorb stains and are often difficult to restore once stubborn marks set in.

Always check the care instructions and specifications for the individual vanity top you are considering.

Yes. Many timber-look bathroom vanities use bathroom-suitable engineered boards, laminates and moisture-resistant finishes rather than unfinished natural timber.

However, moisture-resistant does not mean waterproof. Water should not be allowed to sit on cabinetry for long periods, and bathrooms should have suitable ventilation to reduce prolonged humidity and condensation.

Wipe water and spills away promptly and follow the manufacturer's cleaning and care instructions to help keep the cabinet and finish in good condition.

It depends on the individual product.

Some bathroom vanities are supplied as a cabinet and integrated ceramic top, while others allow the vanity cabinet, benchtop and basin to be selected separately. Tapware, pop-up wastes and other accessories may also be sold separately.

Always check the individual product description and the “what's included” information before ordering rather than assuming everything shown in a lifestyle photo is included.

This is particularly important when selecting a stone or solid-surface top with an above-counter basin or inset basin.

Both can work well, but they suit different storage habits.

Drawers provide easy access to everyday items such as toiletries, hair products and cosmetics because you can see more of the contents when the drawer is open. Cupboards can be useful for taller or bulkier items and may provide more flexibility around some plumbing configurations.

For family bathrooms, a combination of drawers and cupboards can provide a good balance. Before choosing a drawer vanity, check the plumbing position and internal drawer cut-outs so that the pipework does not interfere with the storage.

For everyday cleaning, wipe the vanity with a soft damp cloth and use a mild, non-abrasive cleaner that is suitable for the specific cabinet, basin and benchtop material.

Clean water, toothpaste, cosmetics and other spills promptly rather than allowing them to sit on the surface. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive pads or cleaners that are not recommended for the product.

Good bathroom ventilation is also important because reducing prolonged moisture and condensation can help protect cabinetry and finishes. Always follow the manufacturer's specific care instructions for your vanity and vanity top.

You can visit the Melbourne Bathroom Shop showroom in Blackburn, Victoria, where you can compare bathroom vanity sizes, styles, colours, vanity tops and basin combinations in person.

Our showroom is located at **214–218 Whitehorse Road, Blackburn VIC 3130, **next to Supercheap Auto Blackburn.

If you are renovating, it can be helpful to bring your bathroom measurements, photos of the existing space and, if available, information about your current plumbing position. This makes it easier for our team to help you compare suitable vanity options before ordering.