A double vanity can transform a shared bathroom from a daily bottleneck into a space that actually works for two people. Two sinks mean two separate zones, two sets of drawers, and no more negotiating over elbow room during the morning rush. For couples, growing families, and anyone sharing a hall bath, it’s one of the most practical upgrades you can make.
But bigger isn’t automatically better. A double vanity needs enough room to function comfortably without crowding the rest of the bathroom. Squeeze one into a space that can’t support it and you end up with cramped sinks, doors that bump into cabinetry, and a room that feels smaller than it did before.
At Century City Baths, we’ve helped homeowners across the Chicagoland area weigh this decision in everything from compact Oak Park bungalow baths to sprawling primary suites in Naperville and Hinsdale. Here’s what we tell them.
Start With the Space You Actually Have
Before you fall in love with a vanity you saw online, measure your bathroom. The numbers matter more than the look at this stage.
Minimum width. As a general rule, a double vanity needs at least 60 inches of wall space. At 60 inches, you’ll have two functional sinks, but counter space between them will be tight. If you can get to 72 inches, you’ll have noticeably more breathing room and usable counter between the bowls. Anything under 60 inches usually works better as a single vanity with a larger countertop.
Clearance in front. Building codes and basic comfort both call for at least 21 inches of clear floor space in front of the vanity, though 30 inches is far more comfortable. Remember to account for the swing of the bathroom door, shower door, and any drawers or cabinet doors.
Depth. Standard vanity depth runs about 21 inches. In a narrow bathroom, a 18-inch-deep vanity can free up valuable floor space while still accommodating two sinks.
Plumbing. Adding a second sink means adding a second set of supply lines and a second drain. In older Chicago-area homes, especially those with original cast iron waste lines or galvanized supply piping, this is worth evaluating early. It’s very doable, but it affects both timeline and budget.
When a Double Vanity Makes Sense
A double vanity is the right call when:
- Two people regularly use the bathroom at the same time
- You have at least 60 inches of uninterrupted wall space
- Storage is a priority and you want drawers rather than a single under-sink cabinet
- You’re renovating a primary bath and resale value matters to you
A double vanity may not be the right call when:
- The bathroom is under 40 square feet
- The wall space forces you to sacrifice the linen closet or towel storage
- One person uses the bathroom the vast majority of the time
- The layout would require relocating a window, radiator, or structural element
In smaller spaces, a single vanity with a wide countertop and a tall storage tower often delivers more real-world usefulness than two cramped sinks.
Double Vanity Styles Worth Considering
Freestanding
The classic choice. A freestanding double vanity sits on the floor and typically offers the most storage, with full-height cabinets and deep drawers. It’s also the easiest to install and replace down the line. Styles range from traditional furniture-look pieces with turned legs to clean-lined transitional designs.
Floating (Wall-Mounted)
Floating vanities mount directly to the wall, leaving open floor underneath. The visual effect makes a bathroom feel larger and more open, and cleaning the floor becomes dramatically easier. The tradeoff is storage — you lose the lower cabinet space. Floating vanities also require solid blocking in the wall, so they’re best planned during a full renovation rather than added as a quick swap.
Furniture-Style
If you want the vanity to read as a piece of furniture rather than built-in cabinetry, look for pieces with visible legs, decorative moldings, and finishes like painted wood or stained oak. These work beautifully in vintage Chicagoland homes where you want the bathroom to feel connected to the rest of the house.
Two Separate Vanities
If you have a long wall or a split layout, two individual vanities with space between them — or on opposite walls — give each person a completely independent zone. This is a premium look that works well in larger primary baths, and the gap between them can hold a makeup station, a tall cabinet, or simply open floor.
Sink and Counter Choices
Undermount sinks are the most popular option for double vanities. They sit below the counter, which makes wiping down the surface effortless and maximizes usable counter space.
Vessel sinks sit on top of the counter and create a strong visual statement. They’re striking, but they take up counter real estate and can splash more. If you choose vessel sinks, plan for a slightly lower vanity height since the bowl adds four to six inches.
Integrated sinks are molded directly into the countertop from the same material — often quartz, solid surface, or porcelain. The seamless look is clean and there are no joints to collect grime.
For countertops, quartz remains the most requested material in our Chicagoland projects. It resists staining, needs no sealing, and comes in patterns that convincingly mimic marble. Natural stone like quartzite and marble offers unmatched character but requires more maintenance. Solid surface and cultured marble are budget-friendly options that hold up well.
Don’t Forget Vanity Height
Standard vanity height is 32 inches, but “comfort height” vanities at 36 inches — the same as kitchen counters — have become the default in most new builds and renovations. They reduce bending and feel more ergonomic for adults. If children will be the primary users, standard height may still make more sense.
Storage Planning
The biggest advantage of a double vanity is storage, but only if it’s configured well. A few tips:
- Prioritize drawers over doors. Drawers let you see and reach everything. Deep bottom drawers with U-shaped cutouts work around plumbing.
- Add a center bank of drawers. The space between two sinks has no plumbing, which makes it ideal for full-depth drawers.
- Build in outlets. In-drawer or in-cabinet outlets let you charge toothbrushes and store hair tools without cluttering the counter.
- Use drawer dividers. Custom inserts for brushes, cosmetics, and grooming tools keep things from becoming a jumble.
Lighting and Mirrors
A double vanity needs lighting that serves both stations. The best approach is a pair of sconces flanking each mirror, mounted at roughly 65 to 70 inches from the floor. If sconces aren’t practical, two separate overhead fixtures — one centered above each sink — work well.
For mirrors, you can go with two individual mirrors (which visually reinforces the “his and hers” layout) or one long mirror spanning the full vanity (which makes the wall feel more expansive). Both work. The choice usually comes down to the style of the room and whether you’re using sconces between the mirrors.
What This Costs in the Chicagoland Area
Double vanity projects vary widely based on scope. A straightforward swap where the plumbing already supports two sinks sits at the lower end. Converting a single vanity to a double — which means new supply lines, a new drain, possibly new electrical for additional lighting, and often tile and drywall repair — sits considerably higher.
Material choices drive the rest. A stock vanity with a cultured marble top is a different budget conversation than custom cabinetry with quartzite. During your consultation, we’ll walk through the options at each tier so you know exactly what you’re getting.
Planning Your Chicagoland Bathroom Remodel
Every home is different, and Chicagoland housing stock is especially varied — from century-old brick two-flats to mid-century ranches to new construction in the western suburbs. The right double vanity for your bathroom depends on your layout, your plumbing, your household, and how you actually use the space each morning.
Century City Baths handles bathroom remodels throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, managing everything from layout planning and plumbing to tile, cabinetry, and final finishes. If you’re considering a double vanity and want a clear-eyed assessment of whether your space can support one, we’re happy to take a look.
Contact Century City Baths today to schedule a consultation and start planning a bathroom that works for everyone who uses it.
