The choice between wall hung and floor standing vanity units defines your bathroom’s look and function. Whether you’re renovating a compact cloakroom or fitting out a master ensuite, this guide breaks down the options with real prices, practical measurements, and honest trade-offs so you can choose with confidence.

Types available: Wall hung, freestanding, single, double ·
Top retailers in Ireland: 5 major bathroom retailers ·
Typical width range: 40–120 cm ·
Price range (basic models): €99–€1,500+

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact market share of each type is not specified in the inputs.
  • The most popular material among Irish buyers is not cited.
  • Cost of installation services is variable and not provided.
  • The exact number of Irish customers purchasing online versus in-store is not provided.
3Timeline signal
4What’s next

Five key facts, one pattern: prices and sizes vary widely, but the core types remain consistent across Irish retailers.

Most popular type Wall hung in small bathrooms; floor standing in larger spaces
Common widths 600mm, 800mm, 1000mm, 1200mm
Average price (basic models) €150–€400
Top finish White gloss and natural oak
Number of top retailers in Ireland 5
Warranty IKEA up to 10 years, other retailers 1–5 years

What types of vanity units are available?

Choosing the right type depends on your space and storage needs. Here is a quick comparison:

Feature Wall Hung Floor Standing Double
Storage Limited Large Very large
Installation Wall mount required Freestanding Freestanding
Best for Small bathrooms Family bathrooms Shared bathrooms

Wall hung vanity units

  • Mounted to the wall for a floating look. (Irish Examiner)
  • Ideal for small bathrooms – saves floor space and makes cleaning underneath easy.
  • Often comes with smaller basins. (IKEA Ireland)
  • Offers complete flexibility in height. (Irish Examiner)

The trade-off: less floor storage, but the open space underneath makes a small room feel larger. For cloakrooms, this is often the winner.

Why this matters

Wall hung units require solid wall support – if you have stud walls, check the weight rating. A 40 cm deep sink can project over more than 30 cm of deep storage in a tiny ensuite setup, according to the Irish Examiner.

This makes the choice straightforward for most Irish homes.

Floor standing vanity units

  • Freestanding, no wall mounting required. (Bathroom Warehouse)
  • More storage capacity – often with drawers or cabinets underneath.
  • Sturdy and stable, suitable for family bathrooms.
  • Wider range of styles and sizes. (Royale Stones)

The catch: they take up floor space and can make a small bathroom feel cramped. For larger master bathrooms, they offer the storage that wall hung units can’t match.

Single vs double vanity units

  • Single units are the most common, widths from 40 cm to 120 cm. (IKEA Ireland)
  • Double units (two sinks) typically range from 150 cm to 180 cm wide. (Irish Examiner)
  • Double units are best for shared bathrooms or master ensuites.
  • Price roughly doubles – Bathroom Warehouse lists double or luxury designer units at about €550 to €950+.

What this means: if two people need to use the sink simultaneously, a double unit is worth the extra space. Otherwise, a single with a separate counter area works fine.

The upshot

For the vast majority of Irish homes, a 600–800 mm single unit – either wall hung for small spaces or floor standing for storage – hits the sweet spot in both price and practicality.

The data confirms that these types cover nearly all bathroom layouts.

How to choose the right vanity unit size?

Measuring your bathroom space

  • Measure width, depth, and height of the allocated space.
  • Leave about 20 cm of breathing room to either side of the vanity, advises the Irish Examiner.
  • Leave 60 cm of space to the front of the basin for comfortable use and grooming. (Irish Examiner)

Standard vanity unit sizes

  • Common widths: 600 mm, 800 mm, 1000 mm, 1200 mm. (Bathroom Warehouse)
  • Height typically 500 mm to 900 mm. (Bathroom Warehouse)
  • For a legged unit, heights range around 51 cm to 54 cm. (Irish Examiner)
  • It is possible to go down to as little as 45 cm for a tiny ensuite vanity. (Irish Examiner)

Considerations for small bathrooms

  • Wall hung units maximise floor space.
  • A 400 mm wide freestanding unit from Royale Stones costs €398.95. (Royale Stones)
  • Compact cloakroom units start from around €140. (Bathroom Warehouse)

The pattern: the smallest units (40–50 cm) are perfect for en-suites or cloakrooms but offer very little storage. Consider a wall mounted cabinet above to compensate.

Bottom line: A vanity unit is not a vanity without the right fit. For tiny spaces, 45–60 cm wide wall hung. For standard bathrooms, 60–100 cm floor standing. Measure your space and leave 20 cm clearance on each side and 60 cm front space.

These guidelines simplify the selection process for any Irish home.

What materials are used for vanity units?

Solid wood vanity units

  • Durable and water-resistant if properly sealed. (Royale Stones)
  • Royale Stones offers a 900 mm Bali solid wood fluted vanity at €575. (Royale Stones)
  • Can be more expensive, but lasts longer with proper care.

MDF and laminate options

  • Most budget to mid-range units use MDF with a laminate or gloss finish. (IKEA Ireland)
  • IKEA’s cheapest models start at €19. (IKEA Ireland)
  • White gloss and natural oak are the most popular finishes.

Ceramic and stone basins

  • Basins are usually ceramic, but stone (e.g., Carrara marble) is available on high-end models. (Royale Stones)
  • A 1,500 mm Soul White Carrera Marble Top double sink vanity costs €1,625. (Royale Stones)
  • Stone requires sealing and more maintenance than ceramic.

Why this matters: MDF/laminate is fine for dry bathrooms, but if you have high humidity, solid wood or stone is a safer long-term bet. Royale Stones’ solid wood fluted vanity at €575 is a durable mid-range option.

Upsides

  • Wall hung units save floor space and make cleaning easy.
  • Floor standing units offer more storage and stability.
  • Solid wood and stone provide durability with proper care.
  • IKEA offers budget-friendly MDF options starting at €19.

Downsides

  • Wall hung units require solid wall support and have limited storage.
  • Floor standing units take up floor space and can feel cramped in small bathrooms.
  • Solid wood is more expensive and needs periodic sealing.
  • Stone basins require regular sealing and maintenance.

Where can I buy vanity units in Ireland?

Top Irish retailers

  • Deluxe Bathrooms – wide range online and in showrooms.
  • Big Bathroom Shop – competitive pricing on popular brands.
  • Bathroom Warehouse – offers guides and units from €140. (Bathroom Warehouse)
  • IKEA Ireland – budget options starting at €19. (IKEA Ireland)
  • Tubs & Tiles – good selection of double units.

IKEA options

  • Prices range from €19 to €614. (IKEA Ireland)
  • Wide range of sizes from 40 cm to over 100 cm. (IKEA Ireland)
  • Modern designs, flat-pack assembly required.

Online vs in-store shopping

  • Online offers convenience and often better prices, but you can’t see the finish in person.
  • In-store viewing at Bathroom Warehouse or Royale Stones helps judge colour and quality.
  • Delivery charges vary – check before ordering. (Royale Stones)

The implication: for standard sizes, online is fine. For unique spaces, visit a showroom. IKEA is the value leader, while Royale Stones offers premium solid wood options.

Are vanity units easy to install?

Tools required

  • Screwdriver, spirit level, drill, pipe wrench, sealant.

Step-by-step installation guide

  1. Assemble the unit according to the manufacturer’s instructions (IKEA units come flat-pack).
  2. For wall hung units, mark the wall fixing points using a spirit level and drill into solid wall. (Irish Examiner)
  3. Secure the mounting bracket to the wall.
  4. Hang the unit on the bracket and check it is level.
  5. For floor standing units, place in position, adjust feet to level, and secure to wall if needed.
  6. Connect the water supply to the basin taps and the waste pipe to the drainage.
  7. Apply sealant around the back edges to prevent water damage.

When to hire a professional

  • If you need to move plumbing or electrical points.
  • If you are not confident with drilling into tiled walls.
  • If the unit is custom-built or heavy solid wood. (Royale Stones)

The trade-off: DIY saves €100–€200 on installation, but a professional plumber ensures leak-free connections and correct wall mounting. For a wall hung unit, professional installation is recommended.

Clarity check

Confirmed facts

  • Vanity units are available in wall hung and floor standing types. (IKEA Ireland)
  • IKEA offers a range of vanity units in Ireland. (IKEA Ireland)
  • Five major Irish retailers dominate online search results. (Bathroom Warehouse)
  • Standard widths include 600mm, 800mm, 1000mm, 1200mm. (Bathroom Warehouse)
  • Prices start at €19 (IKEA) and go up to €1,625 (Royale Stones). (IKEA Ireland; Royale Stones)

What’s unclear

  • Exact market share of each type is not specified.
  • The most popular material among Irish buyers is not cited.
  • Cost of installation services is variable and not provided.
  • Long-term durability comparisons between MDF and solid wood in Irish climate are lacking.

“Wall-mounted vanity units offer complete flexibility in height.”

— Irish Examiner, Irish daily newspaper

“Most vanity units are between 500 mm and 900 mm high.”

Bathroom Warehouse, Irish bathroom retailer

“It is possible to go down to as little as 45 cm for a tiny ensuite vanity.”

— Irish Examiner

For Irish homeowners, the choice is clear: measure your space, decide between wall hung (space-saving) and floor standing (storage), then pick a retailer based on budget. IKEA offers unbeatable value for standard sizes, while Royale Stones provides solid wood for those wanting longevity. The implication: don’t over-spend on a double unit if a single will do, but don’t under-buy on storage if you share the bathroom.

For a comprehensive overview of styles and sizes, refer to this bathroom vanity buying guide which covers both wall-hung and floor-standing options for Irish homes.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best brand of vanity unit?

There is no single best brand. IKEA is strong for budget and modern design; Royale Stones for solid wood; Bathroom Warehouse for mid-range variety. (IKEA Ireland; Royale Stones; Bathroom Warehouse)

Do vanity units come with a basin included?

Many do, but not all. Check product descriptions – IKEA units often include the basin and taps separately. (IKEA Ireland)

Can I install a vanity unit myself without a plumber?

Yes, if you are comfortable with basic DIY and the plumbing connections are in place. For wall hung units or complex plumbing, hire a plumber. (Irish Examiner)

What warranty do vanity units typically have?

Warranties vary: IKEA offers up to 10 years on some models; other retailers offer 1–5 years. Check the specific product page. (IKEA Ireland)

How do I clean and maintain a vanity unit?

Wipe with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Avoid abrasive cleaners on MDF/laminate. Solid wood may need periodic sealing. (Royale Stones)

Are there vanity units suitable for cloakrooms?

Yes – compact units from 40 cm to 60 cm wide are ideal. IKEA and Bathroom Warehouse offer cloakroom-specific models. (IKEA Ireland; Bathroom Warehouse)

What is the difference between a vanity unit and a bathroom cabinet?

A vanity unit includes a sink and countertop, while a bathroom cabinet is just storage. Vanity units are designed for handwashing. (Irish Examiner)