Most people have gone their entire life without thinking about the height of a bathroom vanity. However, if you’re taller than the average person, you may have noticed yourself bending down to (uncomfortably) use the bathroom sink to wash your face or hands.
The countertops in your bathroom are likely much shorter than the other functional surfaces in your home, like your kitchen countertops. In fact, the standard vanity height is 29-32 inches, a whole 4-7 inches shorter than the average kitchen countertop!
Fortunately, in recent years, bathroom vanities have been getting taller. Comfort height vanities are now more common and can make brushing your teeth, washing your face, and other daily activities feel more comfortable and natural.
What is a comfort height bathroom vanity?
Comfort height vanities are typically about 36 inches in height, approximately the height of the average kitchen countertop.
Who benefits the most from comfort height vanities?
Comfort height vanities eliminate a significant degree of bending or stooping over the bathroom sink. This can promote better posture and alleviate strain on the back. Over the years, we spend hours at our bathroom sinks, so all that bending and stooping can really add up! Higher vanities are especially useful for those who are tall or have existing back issues.
Choosing the right bathroom sink height for your family
Comfort height vanities can be a concern for households with young children, who already struggle to reach a normal height sink. However, stools and steps provide a useful intermediate, as your kids won’t stay little forever!
If you have a separate bathroom for your kids, you can also install a standard height vanity in their bathroom and a comfort height vanity in yours.
Comfort Height Vanities & Style
Because comfort height vanities have boomed in popularity over the last decade, the selection of these taller vanities has drastically increased.
Comfort height vanities come in all colors, styles, and sizes. Floating vanities can mean you set the height exactly as you’d like it. If you want cabinets below your sink, you may be limited to the standard heights sold by the cabinet makers. This height is usually 36 inches.
Note: The installation of a comfort height vanity sometimes requires the assistance of a cabinet installer. Contact us to determine what work your installation will require.
Vanities & ADA Compliance
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has a set of requirements for businesses to ensure that their space is accessible for all.
To be ADA compliant, vanities must be:
- No higher than 34 inches off the ground
- Have a knee clearance of 27 inches
- And be at least 32 inches wide
Some comfort height vanities may not be ADA compliant. You can still have an increased height of a vanity up to 34 inches while still maintaining ADA compliance. Be sure to double-check that the vanity you choose meets ADA regulations if it is for a business, as all businesses with more than 15 employees are required by law to follow ADA requirements.
To abide by the knee clearance and height requirements, you may need a floating bathroom vanity. These can be a great solution as you can choose the height that best suits your needs.
When designing a new bathroom, it’s important to think about all who will be using it. If you’re using it for a business, you want to remain compliant and comfortable for your staff and visitors. If the bathroom is in your home, you want to ensure your family members can use it comfortably.
And you need to think about more than vanities. Sometimes, you might also need a toilet that’s a bit higher than standard. You can check out more information on comfort height toilets below.