Vanity Units
Make better use of your bathroom space with a bathroom vanity unit that combines a wash basin with practical storage. Whether you're replacing a pedestal basin, updating a downstairs cloakroom or planning an entirely new family bathroom, a well-chosen vanity unit keeps everyday essentials close to hand without leaving them scattered around the room.
At JJ Building Materials, our range of bathroom vanity units includes modern wall hung vanity units, traditional and contemporary floor standing vanity units, space-saving cloakroom units and larger bathroom basin cabinets with drawers and cupboards. Explore options from Nuie and Hudson Reed in different widths, colours and basin configurations, including products supplied with a matching basin. You can compare individual product specifications, images and available options before choosing a design to suit your room.
Choose a Bathroom Vanity Unit to Suit Your Space
Wall Hung Vanity Units
Wall hung vanity units, sometimes called floating vanity units, are fitted above the floor to create a streamlined look. They can help a compact bathroom feel more open and make it easier to clean the floor beneath the cabinet. A 400mm wall hung vanity unit with basin works well as a starting point for a small cloakroom, while larger designs with drawers provide more room for toiletries. Always check the manufacturer's fixing requirements and that your wall can safely support the unit.
Floor Standing Vanity Units
A floor standing bathroom vanity unit gives your bathroom a more furniture-like appearance and is available in both modern and traditional designs. Depending on the model, cupboards can accommodate taller bottles while drawers make smaller items easier to organise. Compare a compact floor standing vanity unit with basin with a larger 800mm floor standing two-drawer vanity unit to see how different sizes and cabinet arrangements affect the room. Many floor standing designs still require secure wall restraints.
Compact Cloakroom Vanity Units
Small bathrooms need particularly careful planning. A cloakroom vanity unit can combine essential basin space with storage for soap, spare loo rolls and cleaning products without occupying a large area. Look at both cabinet width and depth: a shallow unit may fit more comfortably beside a doorway or toilet than a wider, deeper alternative. Check tap reach and basin projection to make sure it remains easy to wash your hands.
What Size Vanity Unit Should You Buy?
The best size depends on the finished wall width, available floor space, storage requirements and your existing plumbing. Popular searches include 400mm vanity units, 500mm vanity units, 600mm vanity units and 800mm vanity units, but the size in a product title can be nominal. Always check the full basin and cabinet dimensions.
400mm–500mm Vanity Units
Ideal for many downstairs toilets, small en-suites and narrow layouts where you need a compact basin. Check the cabinet's projection and leave enough clearance to open the door and access the toilet. Compact doesn't have to mean plain: the 400mm bleached-oak wall hung vanity unit offers a warmer wood-effect finish.
600mm Vanity Units
A 600mm bathroom vanity unit is a useful middle ground for many households. It can provide everyday basin space and storage without taking up as much room as a wider cabinet. Check whether the basin is included and compare the internal shelf or drawer layout before ordering.
800mm and Larger Vanity Units
If there's room to spare, an 800mm vanity unit with basin can give a more generous washing area and extra drawer or cupboard space. For example, a satin-green 800mm wall hung vanity unit with two drawers offers a different storage layout from smaller cloakroom designs. In larger bathrooms, you may also consider wider cabinets or double-basin vanity units, although these need additional space and suitable plumbing.
Vanity Units with Basins, Worktops and Taps
Many shoppers prefer a vanity unit with basin because the furniture and basin have been designed to work together. Some models are sold with ceramic, fireclay, stone or composite basins, while others are supplied as cabinets or worktop units for a separately chosen basin. Check what's included: taps, wastes, handles and fixing kits may be sold separately.
For a complete bathroom installation, browse our bathroom basins and basin units, bathroom taps and mixers and basin wastes and bathroom waste fittings. Look at the basin's tap-hole configuration, whether it has an overflow, the tap's reach and the position of the waste trap. These details are especially important when choosing a cabinet with drawers.
Bathroom Vanity Unit Colours and Finishes
Colour can help set the tone of the room. White vanity units suit a wide range of bathroom designs and can make a room feel bright and fresh. Grey or black furniture creates a more defined contemporary look, while green finishes and wood-effect bathroom vanity units can add warmth and character. Choose a cabinet that complements your tiles, basin and tap finish rather than relying on a photograph alone.
Also look at how the furniture is constructed and cared for. Bathroom cabinets are made to cope with humid environments, but moisture-resistant materials are not necessarily waterproof. Good ventilation, cleaning around the basin and wiping up standing water help protect the finish over time. Browse our bathroom furniture and accessories for complementary pieces.
How to Choose the Right Vanity Unit for Your Bathroom
Before ordering, measure the full width, depth and finished basin height. Check how far cupboard doors or drawers open, the location of your existing hot and cold water supplies, and whether the waste pipe will fit inside the cabinet. If you're changing from a pedestal basin to a vanity unit, some plumbing alterations may be necessary.
For wall mounted bathroom furniture, the structure and fixings must be appropriate for the loaded cabinet. Floor standing furniture may also need to be restrained to the wall. Follow the instructions for your chosen product and ask a competent bathroom installer if you're unsure about the existing pipework or wall construction.
Bathroom Vanity Unit Buying Guides
Need a little more detail before choosing? We've put together five practical buying guides to help you compare options and avoid common ordering mistakes:
- Bathroom vanity unit size guide: 400mm, 600mm and 800mm — How to measure your room, compare cabinet depths and leave space for doors, drawers and plumbing.
- Wall hung vs floor standing vanity units — Compare the appearance, storage, installation needs and everyday practicality of both styles.
- Vanity units with basins: taps and waste compatibility — Check tap holes, basin materials, waste fittings and the parts included in each product.
- Bathroom vanity unit colours and finishes — Choose between gloss, matt, white, black, grey, green and wood-effect furniture.
- How to fit a bathroom vanity unit — Plan wall fixings, plumbing connections, basin height and the key installation checks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bathroom Vanity Units
What is a bathroom vanity unit?
A bathroom vanity unit is a cabinet designed to support or accommodate a wash basin while providing useful storage beneath or around it. It can help conceal some plumbing and reduce clutter around the sink.
Which is better: wall hung or floor standing vanity units?
Neither is automatically better. Wall hung models can make the floor easier to clean and create a floating appearance. Floor standing units offer another range of storage designs and finishes. Compare dimensions, wall suitability and the exact product layout.
What vanity unit size is best for a small bathroom?
A compact 400mm or 500mm vanity unit is often a good place to start for a cloakroom or small en-suite. Always check the full depth and basin projection rather than selecting by width alone.
Do vanity units come with a basin and taps?
Some vanity units include a matching basin, but taps, wastes and other accessories are not always supplied. Check each product's description and package contents before purchasing.
Can I replace a pedestal basin with a vanity unit?
Often, yes. The new cabinet must fit the available space, and existing pipework may need adjusting to clear shelves or drawers. Discuss any necessary changes with your installer.
Are bathroom vanity units waterproof?
Bathroom furniture is designed for a humid environment, but that doesn't mean every surface or joint is fully waterproof. Follow the manufacturer's care advice, maintain ventilation and avoid leaving standing water on the cabinet.
Shop Bathroom Vanity Units at JJ Building Materials
Browse the range above to find a bathroom vanity unit that suits your room, style and storage needs. Compare compact basin units, wall hung designs and floor standing bathroom furniture, then check the relevant size and fitting information before ordering. If you need help choosing the right unit, call our team on 01202 113233 for product guidance.
