Single vs. Double Sink Vanity: Which Is Right for You?
The choice between a single and double sink vanity comes down to two things: how much floor space you actually have, and how many people get ready in that bathroom at the same time. Here's how to think through both.
Space Requirements
A single sink vanity typically runs 24 to 36 inches wide, though larger single-basin models go up to 48 inches. A double sink vanity needs at least 60 inches of wall space to give each basin enough elbow room and countertop between them — going smaller than that usually means cramped faucets and overlapping personal space. Before deciding, see our guide to measuring your bathroom for a new vanity to confirm what actually fits.
When a Single Sink Makes Sense
- Bathrooms under 60 inches of wall space, including most guest baths and powder rooms
- Bathrooms used by one person at a time, even in a shared household
- Budget-conscious remodels — a single vanity costs meaningfully less in cabinetry, countertop, and plumbing
- A floating vanity style, where a wider double-basin floating unit can look bulky in a smaller room
When a Double Sink Makes Sense
- Primary or shared bathrooms used by two people getting ready at the same time
- Households where morning routines regularly overlap and a single faucet becomes a bottleneck
- Bathrooms with 60+ inches of wall space where a single vanity would leave awkward empty countertop
The Real Cost Difference
A double sink vanity isn't just a wider cabinet — it typically requires a second set of supply and drain lines, a second faucet, and more countertop material, which adds up in both materials and installation labor compared to a single sink setup. If budget is tight but you still want two basins eventually, some homeowners install a single vanity with a wider countertop now and plan the second sink rough-in for a future remodel.
What to Check Before You Buy
- Measure your available wall space with at least a few inches of clearance on each side
- Confirm your existing plumbing rough-in matches a single or double configuration, or budget for a plumber to add a second line
- Compare drawer and storage configurations — double vanities don't always mean double the storage if a center bank of drawers is shared
Browse our full vanity collection to compare single and double sink options, or see our vanity replacement guide if you're ready to install.