One of the first questions people ask when planning a timber vanity is “What size should I go with?” It’s not always straightforward. Too small, and your bathroom feels awkward to use. Too large and it dominates the space or blocks access to other areas.
We’ll walk through how to size your timber vanity properly, standard dimensions, what actually works in different bathroom types, and where people commonly go wrong.
Why Vanity Sizing Matters More Than You’d Think
Getting the size right affects everything, how comfortable your bathroom is to use, whether you have enough storage, if the space feels balanced, and even how much your renovation costs.
We’ve seen bathrooms where the vanity is technically the “right” size on paper, but in practice, it’s either too cramped or takes up space that would have been better used elsewhere.
And we’ve seen small bathrooms where a thoughtfully sized custom vanity makes the space feel significantly more functional than expected.The difference usually comes down to understanding a few key measurements and thinking through how you’ll actually use the space.
Standard Timber Vanity Dimensions
Most off-the-shelf vanities come in standard sizes. Understanding these gives you a baseline, even if you’re going custom.
Typical widths:
- 600mm: Tight, usually only for small powder rooms
- 750mm: Workable for single vanities in compact spaces
- 900mm: Comfortable single vanity size
- 1200mm: Generous single or compact double
- 1500mm: Double vanity (minimum for two people)
- 1800mm: Comfortable double vanity
- 2100mm+: Spacious double vanity
Typical depths:
- 450mm: Minimum (quite shallow, splashing can be an issue)
- 500mm: Standard depth for most vanities
- 550mm: More comfortable, better benchtop space
- 600mm+: Generous depth and good for storage
Typical heights:
- 850mm: Standard bathroom vanity height
- 900mm: Increasingly common, better for taller people
- Custom: Can be adjusted to suit specific needs
These standards exist because they work for most people in most bathrooms. But with custom timber vanities Adelaide, you’re not limited to these measurements. The question is, when should you stick with standards, and when should you customise.
Single Vanity Sizing – What Actually Works
Minimum workable size: 750mm wide × 500mm deep. Anything smaller starts to feel cramped. Yes, you can fit a 600mm vanity in a tiny powder room, but it’s a compromise you’ll notice every time you use it.
Comfortable size: 900mm wide × 550mm deep. This gives you adequate benchtop space on either side of the basin, room for a soap dispenser and a hand towel, and enough storage underneath to be genuinely useful.
Generous size: 1200mm wide × 600mm deep. This is great for en-suites or main bathrooms where one person uses the vanity but wants plenty of space for styling tools, products, and storage.
When to go smaller: Legitimately tight spaces where a larger vanity would block door swing, toilet access, or shower entry. But even then, explore whether a custom depth might work better than reducing the width.
When to go larger: When you have the space and want your vanity to be a design feature, or when you need significant storage for a well-used family bathroom.
Double Vanity Sizing – Two People, More Considerations
Double vanities need more careful planning. Two people using a vanity need adequate personal space.
Minimum workable double: 1500mm wide × 550mm deep. This works, but it’s tight. Two people standing side-by-side will be quite close. Fine for couples who don’t mind, less ideal for teenagers who want their space.
Comfortable double: 1800mm wide × 550-600mm deep. This is where double vanities start feeling properly functional. Each person has a defined space, there’s room between the basins for shared items, and storage is adequate.
Generous double: 2100mm+ wide × 600mm deep. This gives each person plenty of room, ample storage, and makes the vanity a real feature in larger bathrooms.
Basin spacing: Allow at least 300mm between basin centres for comfortable use. More is better. We typically aim for 350-400mm between basins on double vanities.
Where people go wrong: Trying to fit double vanities into spaces that really suit a generous single. A cramped double vanity is less pleasant to use than a spacious single with good storage.
Depth Considerations – The Overlooked Dimension
Most people focus on width. But depth matters as much for how your timber vanity actually functions.
Why depth matters:
- Benchtop space for daily items
- Splash control (shallow vanities mean more water on the floor)
- Storage capacity (deeper vanities fit more)
- Proportions (very wide but shallow vanities look odd)
450mm depth: Technically works, but basins sit close to the front edge. Limited benchtop space behind the basin. You’ll notice the lack of depth constantly.
500mm depth: Standard for good reason. Works fine for most applications. Adequate benchtop space if the basin is well-positioned.
550-600mm depth: Noticeably better for daily use. More benchtop space for items. Better storage capacity. Particularly good if you’re using countertop basins, which need room behind them.
When to go deeper: If you’re using countertop basins, want generous benchtop space, or have deep storage needs.
When shallow is acceptable: Very tight bathrooms where every centimetre matters for circulation space, or powder rooms with minimal storage needs.
Height – The Dimension People Forget To Customise
Standard 850mm: Fine for average heights. Can feel low for taller people (lots of bending to wash hands and face).
900mm height: Increasingly common. More comfortable for people over 175cm tall. Better ergonomics for daily use.
Custom heights: With custom timber vanities Adelaide, you can specify the exact height. Worth considering if you’re particularly tall or short, or if anyone using the bathroom has mobility considerations.
Children: Don’t size vanities for children who’ll grow. Use step stools temporarily instead of compromising adult function long-term.
How Room Size Should Influence Vanity Size
Small bathrooms (under 3m²): You don’t just scale vanity size proportionally with room size.
Vanity typically needs to be modest, but don’t go so small that it’s non-functional. Often, it’s better to have one well-sized vanity than to try to cram in other features.
Medium bathrooms (3-5m²): Most flexibility. Can accommodate generous single or comfortable double vanities. Room to make the vanity a design feature without overwhelming the space.
Large bathrooms (over 5m²): Vanity sizing is less about fitting and more about design intent. Larger vanities help anchor the space. Going too small makes the room feel unbalanced.
En-suites vs Family Bathrooms
En-suites: Usually single vanities, even with two people using the room. Morning routines are often staggered, so a generous single with good storage often works better than a cramped double. Consider 1200mm single vanities for en-suites – gives each person plenty of space when they’re using it.
Family bathrooms: Think about peak times. If multiple people need access simultaneously, a double vanity might justify the space even if it means compromising elsewhere. Storage becomes crucial in family bathrooms. Prioritise adequate drawer space over minimal aesthetics.
Powder rooms: Compact is fine here. 750mm or even 600mm vanities work because usage is brief and infrequent. Just ensure adequate basin size, tiny bar sinks in powder rooms frustrate guests.
Common Sizing Mistakes We See
Going too small to “save space”: A vanity that’s 150mm narrower doesn’t make your bathroom feel noticeably larger, but it does make the vanity noticeably less functional.
Ignoring circulation space: You need at least 700mm clearance in front of the vanity for comfortable use. If achieving this means a smaller vanity, that’s the right compromise.
Forgetting door swings: Vanity sizing must account for toilet doors, shower screens, and bathroom entry doors. Check clearances before finalising dimensions.
Making assumptions about “standard” sizes: Just because off-the-shelf vanities come in certain sizes doesn’t mean those are optimal for your space. Custom sizing exists for a reason.
Prioritising looks over function: A beautifully proportioned vanity that’s too small to be useful is poor design. Function and aesthetics both matter.
Measuring Your Space Properly
Before deciding on vanity size, you need accurate measurements of your bathroom. Here’s what to measure:
- Wall-to-wall dimensions where the vanity will sit
- Distance to toilet, shower, or bath
- Door swing clearances
- Any obstacles (windows, power points, light switches)
- Plumbing locations (hot, cold, waste)
Measure accurately: Use a proper tape measure, not estimates. Measure at multiple points (walls aren’t always perfectly straight). Account for existing skirting or tiling if renovating.
Consider what’s changing: If you’re re-tiling, new tiles add thickness. If you’re moving walls, work with final dimensions, not current ones.
The Advantage Of Choosing Custom Timber Vanities
Off-the-shelf vanities come in fixed sizes, and most homeowners adjust their expectations around what’s available. A custom timber vanity reverses that approach. The vanity is designed for the room, not the other way around. This means the width, depth, height and storage layout work specifically for your home and the way you use it.
This level of precision is why many Adelaide renovators and designers choose custom timber vanities. They eliminate the compromises that often lead to frustration later. Custom sizing makes sense when:
- You want to maximise space in a compact bathroom
- You have specific storage needs
- You’re working around obstacles or irregular walls
- You want a specific design feature that requires non-standard sizing
Getting The Size Right For Bathroom Vanities
Vanity sizing isn’t just about measurements. It’s about understanding how you use your bathroom, what matters to you, and what will make the space work better. The difference between a vanity that’s slightly too small and one that’s sized properly might only be 150mm. But you’ll notice that difference every single day.
Want to learn more? Check out our blog on Timber Bathroom Vanities Adelaide. If you’re considering custom timber vanities in Adelaide and unsure what size timber vanity will work best in your bathroom, we’re here to help.
We at STADC Surfaces specialise in designing custom timber vanity that fits perfectly, with no guesswork and no compromises. Contact us to discuss your requirements or visit our Adelaide Hills factory to experience our craftsmanship firsthand.
