Double vs Single Vanity Know Before Renovating
The bathroom vanity is one of the hardest-working features in any bathroom. It is where you start your morning, get ready for the day and wind down at the end of the day. When it comes to bathroom renovations, opting for a single vanity versus a double vanity can make quite a difference in the bathroom’s function, design, storage and comfort.
At Brindabella, we think every bathroom should be tailored to suit the users. We don’t only follow trends, we also work with homeowners to design bathrooms that are stylish, functional and add long-term value through thoughtful design and skilled craftsmanship.
Understanding the Difference
A single vanity features one basin at its surface and storage space below, and comes in a variety of sizes, and may be used in ensuites, guest bathrooms, and in many family bathrooms.
A double vanity is a bathroom feature with two sinks in a single vanity cabinet, allowing two people to use it at the same time. It’s most likely to be installed in large master bathrooms and family bathrooms. A general guideline is to leave a minimum of 1500mm of wall space for a double-vanity layout, the wider the better for increased usability.
When a Single Vanity Is the Better Choice
A single vanity is ideal for many Sydney homes as it provides the perfect combination of space and functionality.
Smaller Bathrooms
When space is limited in your bathroom, a single vanity will provide a more open, spacious appearance. It allows for increased mobility, while keeping convenient space around the toilet, shower and entry door.
Better Counter Space
Many homeowners assume a double vanity automatically provides more usable space. In fact, two basins will cut valuable bench space. A generously sized single vanity can provide more uninterrupted countertop area for everyday essentials.
Lower Renovation Costs
A single vanity generally requires:
- One basin
- One tapware set
- Simpler plumbing
- Smaller benchtops
- Less cabinetry
This often results in lower material and installation costs compared with a double vanity.
Easier Cleaning
With only one basin, one tap, and fewer surfaces to maintain, cleaning becomes quicker and easier, an advantage for busy households.
When a Double Vanity Makes Sense
A double vanity offers convenience that many homeowners appreciate, particularly in shared bathrooms.
Perfect for Couples
Two basins can streamline the morning routine if someone is getting ready for the day at work or school. Everyone has their own sink to avoid long wait times and make it more comfortable to share.
Great for Large Family Bathrooms
A double vanity can be helpful in homes where more than one family member is using the same bathroom to save time and alleviate congestion in the bathroom during the morning and evening rush.
Extra Storage Opportunities
Many larger bathrooms have extra storage or drawers, and organisers for a day-to-day bathroom, and extra cupboards are available for personal storage.
Creates a Luxury Feel
Double sinks are generally linked with high-end hotel-style bathrooms. They come with twin mirrors and feature lighting, stone benchtops and quality tapware to make a sophisticated focal point.
Space Matters More Than the Number of Basins
Many homeowners make the mistake of fitting a double vanity just because they think it’s a big space. The vanity should fit in with the rest of the bathroom, rather than taking over.
When creating a well-designed bathroom, you should provide sufficient circulation space around each fixture. If the double vanity makes a room feel more cramped, or it becomes difficult to access the shower, bath or toilet, it may be a better overall design to have a larger single vanity.
We take the time to consider the room size, plumbing locations, and storage needs at Brindabella to suggest the best vanity layout. All design decisions have been taken to improve the day-to-day usability and aesthetics.
Storage: Quality Over Quantity
Storage is often just as important as the number of sinks.
Rather than focusing solely on cabinet size, consider:
- Deep soft-close drawers
- Internal organisers
- Power points inside drawers for electric toothbrushes or shavers
- Pull-out storage
- Custom cabinetry
- Tall storage cabinets for towels and toiletries
A thoughtfully designed single vanity can sometimes provide more practical storage than a poorly planned double vanity.
Which Vanity Adds More Property Value?
There is no universal answer.
Property value depends on how well the vanity suits the home and its target buyers.
A double vanity is often desirable in:
- Master ensuites
- Luxury homes
- Larger family homes
A single vanity is typically the better option for:
- Apartments
- Smaller homes
- Guest bathrooms
- Compact family bathrooms
The main thing to keep in mind is ensuring that the vanity will not appear out of scale for the space. A well-designed and balanced bathroom layout that uses efficient fixtures will be more acceptable to the buyer than one that has too large a fixture and is not well designed.
Questions to Ask Before You Decide
Before choosing your vanity, ask yourself:
- How many people use the bathroom every day?
- Do two people need the basin at the same time?
- How much storage do you actually require?
- Is maintaining generous bench space important?
- Will a double vanity affect movement within the room?
- Are you renovating for your current lifestyle, future family needs, or resale value?
Answering these questions can help you choose a vanity that continues to work well for years to come.
Can You Have the Best of Both Worlds?
In some bathrooms, the ideal solution isn’t a traditional double vanity at all.
Depending on the available space, homeowners may benefit from:
- An oversized single vanity with extensive storage
- A wide vanity featuring one large basin and additional bench space
- Two separate vanity cabinets with individual mirrors
- Custom-designed joinery tailored to the room’s dimensions
A personalised solution often delivers better functionality than selecting a standard vanity size.
Why Professional Bathroom Design Makes a Difference
Choosing the right vanity involves much more than selecting one or two basins. Plumbing locations, storage requirements, lighting, mirror placement, circulation space, and overall bathroom proportions all need to work together.
At Brindabella, our experienced bathroom renovation team considers every aspect of your renovation before construction begins. Through our proven design-and-build process, we create bathrooms that are not only visually stunning but also practical for everyday living. With more than 35 years of renovation expertise and multiple industry awards, we help Sydney homeowners achieve bathrooms that combine timeless design with lasting quality.
Final Thoughts
Whether you decide to go with a single vanity or a double vanity ultimately comes down to how your bathroom is used.
A single vanity can provide simplicity, affordability, plenty of bench space and great functionality for many homes. For larger families and shared bathrooms, there is added convenience, luxury and efficiency with a double vanity.
Rather than asking, “Which vanity is better?”, the more important question is, “Which vanity works best for my lifestyle and my bathroom?”
Whether you are thinking of a bathroom renovation in Sydney, Brindabella’s experienced team will help you create a bathroom that suits your lifestyle, needs and looks great, with your vanity as part of that.
