Small bathrooms challenge both space and creativity. Juggling practicality, style, and storage can make even seasoned renovators scratch their heads. If you’re aiming for a fresh look or just keen to save every precious centimetre, the choice of a wall hung vanity makes a bigger difference than people often realise.
Wall-hung vanities, including wall-mounted vanities, have become a hit across New Zealand homes, and it’s not simply because they look sharp. They're loved for their knack for giving tiny bathrooms a lift — literally and visually. Here’s a practical look at what makes them tick, where they shine best, and whether they’re a great match for your compact space.
What Sets Wall-Hung Vanities Apart?
First, a quick explanation: wall-hung (or floating) vanities are mounted directly to your bathroom wall, with clear space underneath. Unlike the older floor-standing models, they don’t touch the ground, creating an open and breezy feel.
Here’s what people often like about wall-hung vanities:
● Visual space and openness
● Easier floor cleaning (no awkward corners for dust bunnies)
● Modern looks
● Customisable heights for accessibility
Whereas a classic floor-standing cabinet commands its own bit of square footage, a floating vanity almost seems to disappear, making it popular in both fresh builds and small bathroom upgrades.
Small Bathroom Blues: Where Space Disappears
A typical New Zealand bathroom, especially in homes built prior to 2000, ranges from as little as 2m x 2.5m to 2m x 3m. Space is pinched when you factor in a shower, toilet, and bathroom storage.
Here’s what homeowners usually contend with:
● Tighter turning circles
● Limited storage options
● Minimal natural light
● A feeling of clutter, even after decluttering
A standard floor vanity, for example, takes up visible and physical room. Anything that can tuck away bulk or lift it out of your line of sight helps the whole room feel lighter.
Why Go Floating? The Practical Upside in Tiny Spaces
Wall-hung vanities look good in any size bathroom, but in tight spaces, their advantages really kick in.
Let’s break it down:
1. Makes the Room Feel Bigger
One of the golden rules in any small space: show as much floor as possible. With a wall-hung unit, you see more of the flooring, which tricks your eye into reading the room as more spacious. This can instantly change the feel, moving from cramped to comfortable.
2. Better Cleaning and Hygiene
Cleaning the floor underneath a wall-hung vanity is a breeze. There are no hidden dust traps or hair-gathering corners, so keeping your bathroom sparkling takes less time. This is especially handy if you have young children or pets.
3. Adjustable Heights
The traditional floorstanding vanity has a set height, which doesn’t always suit everyone. Wall-hung varieties can be installed higher or lower depending on who’s using them most often. As accessibility and universal design become bigger focuses, this is a smart tick for future-proofing.
4. Flexible Storage Options
Hang your vanity a bit higher, and use baskets or sleek bins underneath for towels or paper. Or keep it tight to the wall for maximum open floor. Some even choose double-drawer wall-hung units — plenty of room for lotions and loo rolls but airy underneath.
5. Style Points
Floating vanities might have started as a modern trend, but now you’ll find them in every look from Scandinavian to farmhouse and everything in between. This flexibility makes them suitable for both bold reno projects and subtle makeovers.
Points to Consider Before Jumping In
While wall-hung vanities have clear perks, it’s not all plain sailing. Here are a few important things to keep in mind:
● Wall strength: A floating vanity needs a solid fixing. Older Kiwi homes with hollow or thin walls might require extra bracing or help from a professional to mount them securely, especially if you’re choosing a heavier stone top.
● Plumbing changes: Pipes may need shifting, particularly if your old vanity sat on the floor and ran plumbing straight down. Sideway or rear connections look neater but can mean a little more work upfront.
● Storage space: While many wall-hung vanities have generous drawers, you’ll lose the extra large cupboard space some floor units provide. Make sure you check the volume before making the swap.
● Cost: Mounting and possible wall reinforcement sometimes bump up the installation price compared to a simple floor-standing unit.
Comparing Wall-Hung and Floor-Standing Vanities
Here's a quick table showing how each type stacks up for small bathrooms:
|
Feature |
Wall-Hung Vanity |
Floor-Standing Vanity |
|
Visual spaciousness |
High (feels bigger) |
Lower |
|
Ease of cleaning |
Very easy (open base) |
More effort, dust traps |
|
Storage capacity |
Moderate to good |
Often higher |
|
Installation complexity |
Moderate to high |
Low to moderate |
|
Accessibility |
Customisable height |
Fixed height |
|
Style flexibility |
High |
Moderate to high |
|
Cost (incl. installation) |
Medium to high |
Low to medium |
Real-Life Examples from Kiwi Bathrooms
Take a look at a Ponsonby villa upgraded last year: the owners picked a 900mm wall-hung vanity, gaining an extra 100mm of morning manoeuvring space compared to their old, chunky 1050mm floor unit. By matching the vanity top with large bevelled mirror tiles, they brightened the room and created an unexpected sense of depth.
In comparison, a compact rental in Hamilton swapped out a battered old freestanding vanity for a 600mm floating unit. The drop in visual bulk made room for a bigger shower cubicle, which lifted the value and comfort of the once cramped bathroom.
Many customers say their bathrooms instantly feel less cluttered and more hotel-like after making the change.
Common Styles and Sizes in New Zealand
Bathroom merchants in New Zealand, including our own Penrose showroom, stock wall-mounted vanities, including wall hung vanity options, in a wide range of styles and sizes.
Popular choices include:
● Widths from 600mm, 750mm, 900mm, 1200mm to 1500mm for family or ensuite use
● Single or double drawer layouts
● Slimline and deep-drawer options
● Integrated ceramic tops or stone finishes
● Soft-close hardware for quiet operation
Some of the best-selling colourways are gloss white, timbergrain, and natural oak, which work with both light and dark wall tiles.
Maximising Every Bit of Storage
A gripe with floating vanities used to be the bathroom storage. Modern units, however, are packed with clever space-saving ideas. Drawers now run the full width, with inner compartments for dividing hairdryers from soap.
Tips for getting the most out of yours:
● Look for models with hidden organisers or extra-deep drawers
● Fit drawer inserts to separate toothbrushes, clippers and spare razors
● Consider mirrored cabinets above for spillover storage of medicines and cosmetics
● Use baskets underneath for towels or cleaning gear if you have the height
Practical Tips for Choosing and Installing
Ready to choose your own? Here’s what seasoned bathroom designers suggest:
1. Map Out Exact Measurements
Double-check your room’s width and the swing of your shower door or bathroom door. Some units are deeper than others, so it's wise to allow for at least 20cm of clearance in front of drawers.
2. Check the Walls
Before buying, find out what your walls are made from. Timber studs behind gib board make ideal mounting surfaces. Masonry or brick will need special fixings. Always ask your installer or builder if unsure.
3. Plan the Plumbing Early
Let your plumber and installer know where waste pipes and water inlets are located before ordering. This avoids surprises and helps choose a vanity that aligns neatly with what’s already there.
4. Consider the Height
Think about who’s using the bathroom most. A family with little kids might go slightly lower, young professionals or retirees might prefer the standard 850-900mm height.
Why Kiwi Households are Big Fans
New Zealanders value quality and flexibility when it comes to bathroomware, and the wall hung vanity has become a popular choice for providing both. Most bathroom retailers – including our own team in Penrose – have seen a clear uptick in requests for wall-hung vanities, particularly in inner city apartments and character homes where every square metre counts.
Feedback from our customers touches on the same themes:
● Sense of space
● Modern yet practical style
● Easier upkeep
These vanities often form the heart of a full bathroom refresh, especially when paired with innovative bathroom storage solutions, larger mirrors, and lighter colour schemes.
FAQ: Wall-Hung Vanities for Small Spaces
Do I lose storage by switching to a wall-hung vanity? Not always. Modern wall-hung units often have as much, if not more, drawer storage thanks to smart design.
Can a wall-hung vanity hold a stone benchtop? Yes, provided the wall is properly reinforced. Always check weight limits and get professional installation for heavier tops.
Are they harder to install than floor units? The process involves a little more know-how, but a builder or plumber can usually handle it within a day.
What sizes work in really tight bathrooms? Look for widths between 600mm and 900mm. Slimline versions are available as narrow as 450mm for powder rooms.
A Fresh Take on Small Bathroom Design
Choosing bathroom fittings in New Zealand means weighing up looks, daily function, and value for money. Wall-hung vanities make small bathrooms look spacious, are easier to keep tidy, and can work with most modern house layouts. Their rising popularity is no accident.
For many, switching to a floating vanity is a small change with a big impact, making your bathroom feel bigger and brighter without knocking out a single wall. If you want to see options in person, drop into Domenic Bathroom Ware showroom in Penrose, Auckland — or chat to your local bathroom merchant, many of whom carry a wide range of reliable, stylish floating units ready for quick delivery.
Whether you’re midway through planning or just dreaming, the right vanity could be the keystone of your bathroom upgrade. And for small spaces, wall-mounted vanities might just be the smart, stylish answer you’ve been looking for.