Comfort height bathroom vanities are 36″ tall to match the height of kitchen countertops. By raising the height of your vanity, your sink and countertop are also heighted for an ergonomically enhanced experience.
You may have noticed this change in recent years. If you’ve seen a bathroom that is 10 years or older, you may have been able to notice that the counters are much lower than modern vanities. That’s because the standard height of a bathroom vanity is 32″ compared to that of comfort height vanities that measure 36″ tall.
This is a diagram of the 61″ Point Loma Double Sink Vanity. The Point Loma is a comfort height vanity with a total height of 35 3/4″ which is just shy of the taller 36″ vanities.
The Shift Away from Standard Height Vanities
Comfort height has become the new standard, not only with toilets but with vanities as well. Most new bathroom cabinets are raised to promote a more healthy posture. Kitchen countertops were designed to be at the hip of normal adults to make kitchen prep easy. The only reason bathroom counters were lowered was to make the sink accessible for small children. Makes sense doesn’t it?
Keeping this in mind, comfort height vanities are probably not the best for a kids bathroom. While it’s not entirely impossible for them to use the sink, it could make it more difficult for them to wash their hands. For kids bathrooms, you can install standard height vanities.
Why Choose a Comfort Height Vanity
Comfort height vanities reduce bending and stooping; you’re back will love you for it. Since they are taller, you don’t have to bend down as far to reach the sink. This reduces the strain on your back. Once you become accustomed to a comfort height vanity, you’ll instantly be able to tell the difference between standard vanities that are 6 inches shorter.
If you’re installing a new vanity, I’d highly recommend going with comfort height cabinets. They’re taller to make washing up easier. Aside from that, there is no difference and no added problems that you have to worry about. If you’re in debate because of the kids, just go with something in between 32″-36″ to compromise or just go with a comfort height vanity and get them a stool to stand on.
Floating Bathroom Vanities
Don’t forget about floating bathroom vanities. These wall-mounted vanities allow you to choose the height of your countertop by adjusting the mounting position. They are contemporary pieces that add an air to your design.
How to Tell if They’re Right for You
One thing that you can do is stack up some old cardboard boxes. This may sound or look funny but it will give you a visual idea of how high your countertop would be. Set it next to the vanity you currently have installed and look at the difference. Use this comparison as a baseline to make your decision.
Unique Comfort Height Bathroom Vanities
Installing a vanity that is taller doesn’t necessarily mean that your cabinets have to be meek or bland. You can find beautiful comfort height vanities in all sorts of shapes, designs, colors, and styles. Below are a few of my favorite comfort height vanities.
The Caroline Double Vanity from Virtu USA. Measures 36.2H x 71.9W x 22.1D.
The Cansano Vanity is 36″ tall and is the perfect example of a comfort height bathroom cabinet.
The Astell Open Space Modern Bathroom Vanity. 36H x 30W x 22D.
More Tips to Help You Find the Perfect Bathroom Vanity:
- What’s the Best Material for a Bathroom Vanity Cabinet
- 10 Solid Wood Bathroom Vanities that Will Last a Lifetime
- 20 Small Bathroom Vanities that Are Big on Style
About the Author
Cheryl Khan is a designer and writer at Tradewinds Imports, an online specialty site dedicated to retailing fine bathroom furnishings. She has extensive knowledge about all the finer details that go into planning the perfect bath renovation project and is an expert on all things bathroom! Send her your bathroom Q’s on twitter @SuperInteriors!
I had a “comfort height” vanity installed but unfortunately I don’t like it. I’m 5’6″ and I can’t wash my face without getting water on my shirt because I can’t bend over far enough. I also sometimes hit me head on the gooseneck faucet when trying to wash my face because it’s so high. So if you’re a smaller stature person, I would definitely recommend against “comfort height”!