Floating vanities aren’t just pretty pieces of bathroom decor – they can actually solve major logistical problems in your bathroom’s layout, as well. That being said… yes, they’re very, very cool-looking.
So what are ‘floating’ vanities? They’re not furniture out of some Jetsons cartoon, nor are they imbued with magical powers of levitation; they’re simply bathroom vanities that are mounted into a wall, with plenty of open space between the floor and the lower lip of the cabinet. This creates an illusion of “floating,” and it can make a huge impact on the way your bathroom looks and feels.
The big feature to keep in mind is “space.” Much like a modern painter or graphic designer manipulates and exploits the white space on her canvas, so too does a floating vanity help an interior designer exploit the “space” on her bathroom wall to maximize the visual impact of the vanity on the overall bathroom aesthetic. Have a look:
The wall becomes a sort of frame for the vanity, rather than a backdrop to it. And the resulting look can be pretty impressive. It almost takes on an exhibit-like quality; the ultimate example of “furniture as art.” The vanity above, by the way, is called the “Jenny Petite,” and you can click the image to learn more about it.
Functionally, floating vanities operate in much the same way as more traditional vanity cabinets, although having that extra space below the cabinet necessarily means that wall-mounted vanities often have slightly less internal storage volume than their floor-standing counterparts. Sometimes, floating vanities compensate for this by having a little more depth.
The space beneath the sink doesn’t just look interesting, it also helps keep the vanity protected from moisture damage; sometimes water from the sink splashes down to the ground and over time, puddling water at the base of a vanity can warp the wood. This is not a concern with floating vanities. Additionally, you’ll never have to worry about stubbing your toe on the cabinet during those late-night bathroom trips in the dark!
Floating bathroom vanities are a viable and increasingly popular addition to modern bathroom interior designs all around the world. With that in mind, let’s explore some of our favorite wall vanities available right now from TradeWindsImports.com (all with free shipping, no less!):
This is our famous 59″ Modus floating vanity, and while it’s immensely popular, you’ll be hard-pressed to find it anywhere else. It began as a Trade Winds Imports exclusive, though you can now find it in other catalogs. The vanity itself features a very unique design that is modestly customizable: the sinks are not built in to the center console, so you can arrange them around the cabinet however you please. The “cross” formation is recommended, because it is easiest and most practical to implement, but perhaps more importantly: it looks really good. This sophisticated vanity is constructed with solid hardwood, including all tenon joints (no plastic used). This means it will look great in your bathroom for a lifetime.
The 39″ Lynx vanity features a uniquely-shaped basin with ample style, complementing beautifully the rich espresso hues of the cabinet finish. Rather than chrome or nickel brushed handles, this wall vanity features machine-cut notches that open to reveal plenty of internal storage space. This vanity is an instant classic, with a simple design that belies its class and palpable minimalist style.
The extra wide, 71″ Bowman bathroom vanity is yet another TWI exclusive. This robust cabinet features more storage space than you’ll probably need, really, but that’s part of the charm of this powerful-looking vanity. Thin an streamlined recessed basin sinks give the cabinet a smooth geometric appearance and reduces splashing. The sinks also serve to offset the boxy cabinet design with a unique and smooth shape.
The 17.75″ Cristallino wall-mounted vanity is basically the epitome of all floating vanity designs, what would happen if you took the concept of a floating vanity and distilled it down to its very essence. This sink offers no storage, no cabinetry even, but it DOES have plenty of style (and just enough room on the glass hanging side counters to support your essential toiletries and towels). With sleek metallic luster and cool frosted glass embellishments (not to mention a gorgeous frosted sink), the Cristallino is simplicity defined, and sophistication RE-defined.
The 67″ Elios double sink vanity doesn’t just store your toiletries, it showcases them. While this may be a turn off for some – really, who wants to see my spare toothbrushes and shaving razors? – for many, the open nature of the outside cabinets on this beautiful vanity is a perfect opportunity to make your bathroom essentials become… well, an essential part of your bathroom decor. Let your towels and loofahs accentuate your bathroom style, and consider your vanity as a decorative work as much as you consider it a work station. Adding to the beauty of this floating vanity are the elegant brushed metal handles and the sleek recessed basins complementing the ample counterspace.
The 16″ Corsano vessel sink vanity is a petite bathroom cabinet with extra-large personality. Featuring gorgeous wood tones and a throwback design, this vanity’s most immediately apparent feature is its unique all-in-one design: the cabinet, faucet, and bathroom mirror are all part of the same solid architecture, and the lovely ceramic basin rests on top of the cabinet with sturdy, stunning ease. Since the cabinet is constructed vertically, there are more anchor points to help you install the vanity into your wall; while all floating vanities are sturdy and built to hang easily on your wall for a lifetime, perhaps none are sturdier than the Corsano. Gorgeous, easy, unique, and strong? Sounds just about perfect.
For bathrooms with limited space, or bathrooms that really need to feel more ‘open,’ look no further than the 23″ Balboa vanity, conveniently designed to fit snugly into any bathroom corner. Keeping this vanity in a corner keeps it out of the way, opening up your bathroom’s floor space and making the environment feel more welcoming. But just because this vanity is meant to be subtle doesn’t mean it skimps on style: the cool glass and chrome design is the perfect complement to any modern bathroom or spa room, and its lightweight nature makes it both easy to install and easy to maintain.
With its beautiful bamboo wood design and gentle hues, the 59″ Bellezza floating bathroom vanity effortlessly imparts a natural look and feel to your home. The airy, organic, natural appearance of the cabinet is a welcoming sight in any bathroom and can make your washroom feel calmer, more spa-like, more like a place of relaxation than a place where we complete various hygienic tasks. Combine this uniquely beautiful aesthetic with real luxury manufacturing with the strongest organic materials available in the industry, and ample functional storage space within the cabinet, and you have one floating vanity that will never go out of style.
The 47″ Isabelle single-sink vanity features a gorgeous chestnut finish over recycled oak wood, the perfect look for a cabinet with such a unique and eye-catching shape. Unlike many floating vanities, which tend to be geometrically shaped and angular, this cabinet defies convention with its sweeping form and elegant, soft, and sophisticated aesthetic. However, despite the unorthodox shape, the vanity is perfectly well-balanced and is designed to look fantastic and work perfectly on your bathroom wall for a lifetime. A swan-necked faucet and lovely oval basin complete the piece with a final elegant touch that makes this wall vanity as timeless as it is charming.
Speaking of elegant swooping lines, if you took the Isabelle vanity above and gave it a darker, grainier, masculine makeover – then added increased functionality with a slide-out drawer and cool industrial handles and a more robust faucet with a recessed sink – then you’d essentially have the 44″ Kariba hanging wall vanity, a stunning and powerful statement in any modern bathroom and one of our favorite floating vanities around. Paired with the matching mirror, the Kariba will surely leave a lasting impression on anyone who uses the washroom.
Looking for something with a little more color? A little more “pizzazz?” Well, the aptly-named 36″ Energia modern vanity might be just what you’re looking for. Available in bright red, orange, and white hues, this cabinet will instantly energize and invigorate your bathroom with a fresh and spunky personality that is rarely seen in washroom designs. With architecture reminiscent of art deco and a color scheme that hearkens to de stijl tropes, this floating vanity is a modern classic that will add cheery ambiance to any home. If you want a vanity that puts the “fun” in functionality, consider the Energia.
So there you have it, a primer on what floating bathroom vanities are… and a few of our favorite models that you can buy from our catalog right now! We hope you’ve enjoyed window shopping, and we hope that some of these cabinets might have inspired you to do something bold, fun, and functional in your own bathroom! And remember that certain aesthetic trends come and go, but innovative and functional design is timeless!
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Note: This post was written by Mike Bowman on behalf of TWI.
