I renovated my bathroom a few months back. It was then that I found myself pacing back and forth and running between two options in the showroom. It felt like choosing between two roommates. Two options, both of which bring something extraordinary to the table.

On one side, a sleek, contemporary-style floating vanity dominated the bathroom. On the other side, I saw the sturdy and timeless floor-mounted vanity. It grounded the space with storage and a sense of familiarity—that moment I realised. I decided I needed to find out more about it. More about floating vanity vs floor-mounted vanity, and which one to choose and why. This is what I found.

Why The Vanity Choice For A Bathroom Is Important

Some people think bathroom vanities are just cabinets. However, they are now focal pieces in modern bath design, especially as trends shift in 2025.

Designers say vanities now combine aesthetics, usage habits, and even wellness cues. Picking a floating or floor-mounted unit should not be based on which one looks better. It should be about how the bathroom feels, how easily you can maintain it, how much storage space you have, and even how resale-ready your home is.

Wing-It No More: The Floating Vanity’S Modern Edge

Advantages Of Floating Vanities

1.               Feeling of openness:

By raising the cabinet off the floor, you immediately get more visible space and a lighter footprint.

2.               Flexible height:

You can mount it higher or lower, depending on who uses the bathroom (children vs. adults) or personal design preference.

3.               Easier cleaning:

With nothing sitting on the floor, sweeping, mopping or vacuuming beneath becomes less of a chore.

4.               Contemporary appeal:

Floating vanities align with the "large-format tile, open floor, minimalist hardware" trend, which 64% of designers predict will gain traction in th e next few years.

Drawbacks Of Floating Vanities In Bathrooms

1.               Storage may be limited:

Without a whole base, you might have less cabinet space for towels, cleaning supplies or bulkier items.

2.               Installation can be more involved:

The wall must be reinforced. Older homes may need structural prep before you mount one confidently.

3.               Exposure of plumbing:

Since vanities are mounted off the floor, plumbing lines may show unless you design cleverly.

4.               Not always ideal for traditional or cottage styles:

If your bathroom features farmhouse or classic motifs, a floating unit may feel out of place unless it is carefully selected.

Classic Comfort: The Floor-Mounted Vanity’S Enduring Role

Advantages Of Floor-Mounted Vanities In Bathrooms

1.               Storage capacity:

With a full base that extends down to the floor, you will likely get deeper drawers, full cabinets, and more room to stash what you need.

2.               Easier to install:

Since they rest on the floor, the plumbing lines, mounting and installation tend to be simpler and more forgiving—especially in older homes.

3.               Suits more styles:

From transitional to farmhouse to luxury, freestanding floor vanities can easily adapt to various aesthetic and functional styles.

4.               Feels grounded:

In a larger bathroom, a floor-mounted vanity adds visual weight, stability, and a sense of permanence.

Drawbacks Of Floor-Mounted Vanities

1.               Takes up more visual/physical space:

It might feel heavier in small bathrooms. This reduces the open floor effect.

2.               Harder to clean beneath:

The base may collect dust and moisture along the edges. This makes maintenance more tedious.

3.               Fixed height:

Many are at standard height. This may not be ideal for all family members unless modified.

4.               May look less modern:

If your design goal is ultra-minimal or spa-style, traditional vanities might feel old-school unless styled carefully.

How To Decide: Floating Vanity Vs Floor-Mounted Vanity

To figure out which one actually makes sense for your home, your bathroom storage and use habits, let's go through these steps:

1. Layout & Size

If your bathroom is compact, a floating vanity is a good option. It helps open up visual and physical space. A floor-mounted vanity is suitable if the bathroom is large and requires ample storage.

2. Usage & Storage

You should estimate the amount of storage space you have in your bathroom. There are towels, toiletries, hair tools, supplements, and other backups. If storage is a significant need, a floor-mounted unit is likely the best choice. If you primarily store essentials and value space and aesthetics, the floating option is ideal for you.

3. Style & Future-Fit

Modern homes, rental properties, and style-forward purchases often feature floating units. Traditional homes, resale-driven buyers or multi-court homes mostly have floor-mounted ones. Designers note floating vanities are among the top trends for 2025.

4. Installation & Budget

Floating vanities may require more wall prep and engineering. This is a factor that should be put into your budget. Floor-mounted tend to cost less in installation. But still vary by finish and quality.

5. Cleaning & Maintenance

Remember that the less contact with the floor, the fewer corners dust and moisture hide in. Practically speaking, floating units simplify cleaning routines.

Designer Insights Of Floating Vs Mounted Bathroom Vanity

Designers have plenty to say about the floating and floor-mounted vanities. Their opinions are rooted in real-world design challenges.

Most agree that floating vanities are a dominant feature in modern bathroom design. This is because they instantly make spaces feel open, airy, and less cluttered. According to Homes & Gardens, these wall-hung vanities are a key trend heading into 2026. They are exceptionally well-suited in smaller bathrooms where exposing more of the floor visually enlarges the room.

Designers also appreciate how floating vanities simplify cleaning. Since nothing touches the floor, there’s no hidden grime. No corners for dust to collect. One designer from Giving Tree Home explained that mounting the vanity off the ground creates a sense of calm openness. A subtle shift that completely alters the room's energy.

It’s a sleek, minimalistic solution for anyone who loves a modern, spa-like bathroom.

But designers are quick to point out that floating vanities have trade-offs. Experts on Angi emphasise that while they look elegant, they can't hold as much storage as a traditional vanity, and the installation can be tricky.

Since they rely on wall support, not every home or wall structure can handle the weight of a heavy countertop or double sink setup.

So, while you gain the illusion of space, you might lose some functionality.

Putting It All Together

Choosing between a floating vanity and a floor-mounted vanity for your bathroom can be pretty challenging, especially when you are standing in a showroom. But it is all about your personal preferences. You can buy and install a floating vanity if you want that airy and contemporary look. It can trade a little storage space for greater cleanliness.

You can choose a floor-mounted option if you prioritise storage. If you're looking for ease of installation, a classic style, and a wrap-around lifestyle, then this is the product for you.

Selecting the right vanity makes your bathroom feel intentional, not just functional. Get it right, and you will walk into the space each day knowing it works for you—not against you.