When renovating family bathrooms, choosing the right bathroom vanity units is crucial. Wall mounted vanity units have become increasingly popular, but are they practical for busy households? At Andrade Renovations, we’ve helped many Suffolk families decide between traditional and wall hung vanity units. Let’s explore whether these space saving solutions work for real family life.
What Is a Wall Mounted Vanity Unit?
A floating vanity unit is a bathroom cabinet fixed directly to the wall. Unlike traditional units, these mounted vanity units create open floor space underneath, making your bathroom feel larger. Most wall hung vanity units include a basin vanity and storage space, just like floor-standing versions.
The key difference is how they’re installed. Instead of standing on the floor, they’re secured to the wall with special brackets. This creates a clean, modern look that many homeowners love.
Benefits for Family Bathrooms
Creates More Floor Space
Wall mounted vanity units are excellent space saving solutions. By lifting the unit off the floor, you instantly make your small bathroom or smaller bathroom feel more spacious. This extra floor space is particularly valuable in family bathrooms where children need room to move around during bath time.
Cleaning becomes much easier too. You can mop straight underneath without working around cabinet legs or awkward corners. For busy families, this makes keeping the bathroom tidy much simpler.
Perfect for Modern Bathrooms
Floating vanity units give your bathroom a contemporary hotel-like appearance. This modern aesthetic works brilliantly in today’s homes and can add real value to your property. Many modern bathrooms feature these sleek units as focal points.
Customisable Height
Unlike standard units, wall hung vanity units can be positioned at exactly the right height for your family. Install them lower so children can easily brush their teeth, or higher for adult comfort. This flexibility makes them excellent family bathroom ideas.
Better Access
The open space under mounted vanity units makes bathrooms more accessible. Family members using wheelchairs or walking frames can get much closer to the basin vanity, making daily tasks more comfortable.
Things to Consider
Limited Storage Space
The biggest concern with floating vanity units is reduced bathroom storage. Family bathrooms need lots of storage space for towels, toiletries, and children’s bath items. Many wall mounted vanity units offer less storage than traditional bathroom vanity units.
However, you can add wall-mounted cabinets, shelving, or recessed storage to compensate. Some collections of wall hung units include matching storage solutions.
Installation Requirements
Installing wall mounted vanity units is more complex than standard units. Your walls must be strong enough to support the weight. Solid brick walls are ideal, whilst stud walls often need reinforcement.
For detailed guidance on bathroom design and installation requirements, the Planning Portal provides official UK standards and regulations that professionals follow.
Weight Limits
Wall hung vanity units have weight restrictions. They can’t hold as much as floor-standing units, so be mindful of what you store inside.
Storage Solutions for Families
If you choose a floating vanity unit but need more bathroom storage, consider:
- Wall-mounted cabinets above the unit
- Open shelving for everyday items
- Recessed wall niches
- Over-toilet storage units
- Shower bath combinations with built-in storage
Many bathroom vanity units offer soft closing drawers and doors, making them quieter for family use.
Making the Right Choice
Wall mounted vanity units work well for family bathrooms when:
- You want a modern, spacious look
- You can add storage elsewhere
- Your walls are suitable for mounting
- Space saving is a priority
- You have a smaller bathroom
Consider traditional units if maximum storage is essential or if installation costs are prohibitive.
Our Professional Advice
At Andrade Renovations, we’ve installed countless bathroom vanity units in Suffolk family homes. Our experience shows that floating vanity units can work brilliantly for families when properly planned.
The key is understanding your family’s real needs. Consider how much storage you require, who uses the bathroom most, and whether your walls can support the installation. We always recommend professional assessment before making final decisions.
Modern wall hung vanity units with features like soft closing mechanisms can be perfect for family bathrooms. They create more floor space, look fantastic, and can be positioned at ideal heights for different family members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are wall mounted vanity units suitable for small bathrooms?
A: Yes, floating vanity units are excellent for smaller bathrooms. They create the illusion of more floor space and make the bathroom feel larger and less cramped.
Q: How much storage space do wall hung vanity units offer?
A: This varies by model, but most offer less storage than traditional units. Look for units with multiple drawers and consider additional bathroom storage solutions.
Q: Can children safely use wall mounted vanity units?
A: Absolutely. You can install them at the perfect height for children to brush their teeth comfortably. The open space underneath also gives kids more room during bath time.
Q: What’s the best height for family bathroom vanity units?
A: Standard height is 850mm, but wall hung vanity units can be adjusted. For families with young children, 800mm might work better, whilst taller families might prefer 900mm.
Wall mounted vanity units can transform family bathrooms into modern, functional spaces. With proper planning and professional installation, they offer an excellent balance of style and practicality for today’s busy families.
