Why Floating Vanities Are One of Our Favorite Space-Saving Design Moves
A small design decision that changes everything.
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again—design isn’t just about what you see. It’s about how it feels.
And when it comes to bathrooms, one of the most impactful ways we create a sense of space, ease, and elegance is by using floating vanities and or wall-mounted cabinets. We love them. Our clients love them. And once you understand what they actually do for a space, you’ll never want to go back to the boxy, builder-grade version again.
Let’s break it down.
More Room to Breathe
Have you ever walked into a bathroom and immediately felt cramped—even if it wasn’t that small? Heavy, grounded cabinetry can do that. Floating vanities lift that visual weight right off the floor and suddenly, the room just opens up.
We recently redesigned a narrow bathroom in a garden home where the original floor-mounted vanity with two sinks made the room feel closed in. By removing the unused tub,separating the sinks and installing two smaller, floating vanities on opposite walls, the space instantly felt lighter. Cleaner. More functional. No extra square footage needed—just smarter design.
A Cleaner Look (Literally)
Here’s something we hear a lot: “I want it to feel open, but I still need storage.” We get it. Floating doesn’t mean giving up on function. In fact, most of our floating vanities come with deep drawers or compartments perfect for tucking away the not-so-pretty stuff.We also frequently add extra tower storage on top of the vanity.
And here’s the bonus: Being able to see the floor underneath creates the illusion of more space, instantly allowing a small bath to live large.
A tower adds more storage, while recessed under cabinet lighting gives a soft glow./ Photo by Michael Jacobs.
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Light Matters
Lighting is one of the most underrated elements in bathroom design, and floating vanities give it room to shine—literally. Whether it’s a window casting light across the floor or subtle undercabinet lighting that gives the vanity a glow, floating designs create a softness that grounded cabinets can’t.
Pair it with a mirror framed in tile or glass, and suddenly the entire room reflects more light, depth, and beauty. It’s the kind of detail that makes a space feel finished—without feeling overdone.
Lots of light, lots of storage, and lots of pizzaz. This bath has it all./ Photo by Karen Palmer.
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Designed to Adapt
If you’ve followed us for a while, you know we design with longevity in mind. That means creating spaces that grow with you—whether that’s aging in place or just wanting your home to be easier to live in ten years from now.
Floating vanities are flexible. We can install them at custom heights. We can leave room underneath for accessibility. And they’re just more adaptable to how you actually use your space.
One large drawer for lots of storage. Swapping out this vanity for a skinny drawer would allow for wheelchair access./ Photo by Karen Palmer.
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Real Design, Real Impact
Some clients are skeptical at first—especially if they’ve never seen a floating vanity in person. But once they live with one? They’re sold. It’s a small change that completely transforms the flow and feel of the bathroom.
And that’s what great design is all about. Not just beauty, but intentionality. Not just luxury, but livability.
