10 Practical Single Sink Bathroom Vanity Ideas for Tiny Bathrooms

Let’s be honest – choosing a bathroom vanity feels like picking a life partner. You’re stuck with it for years, it sees you at your worst every morning, and replacing it costs more than you want to think about.

No pressure, right?

I’ve been through the vanity selection process four times now (two homes, two major mess-ups), and I’ve learned that single sink vanities are the unsung heroes of bathroom design.

They give you actual counter space, cost less than doubles, and let’s face it – how often do two people really need to brush teeth simultaneously?

After installing, replacing, and obsessing over countless vanities, I’ve discovered what actually works versus what just looks good on Instagram.

These aren’t fantasy bathroom ideas that require a renovation loan – these are real vanity solutions that work in real bathrooms with real budgets and real storage needs.

1. Floating Single Sink Vanity with Open Shelves

Floating vanities with open shelves hit that sweet spot between style and function that makes designers weep with joy. The vanity floats on the wall while shelves below stay accessible – it’s basically having your cake and eating it too.

I installed my first floating vanity three years ago, mainly because I was tired of cleaning around floor-mounted legs. What I didn’t expect? The visual space underneath makes my tiny bathroom feel massive. Plus, those open shelves force me to keep things organized (nothing like visible storage to cure hoarding tendencies).

Why Floating Vanities Work So Well

Here’s what makes them brilliant:

• Floor visibility creates an illusion of more space
• Easy cleaning – just sweep or mop underneath
• Adjustable height – customize to your needs
• Open shelves provide easy access to everyday items

My setup features a 36-inch floating vanity with two open shelves below. The top shelf holds pretty baskets with toiletries, while the bottom displays rolled towels. Looks intentional, hides the chaos, everybody wins.

The installation scared me at first – mounting anything to the wall feels permanent. But honestly? Finding the studs and using proper brackets makes it rock-solid. Mine holds my teenager’s entire skincare collection without budging.

2. Rustic Wooden Vanity with Built-In Storage

Something about rustic wooden vanities makes every bathroom feel like a cozy cabin retreat. The warmth of real wood paired with practical built-in storage creates this perfect balance of beauty and function.

My guest bathroom features a reclaimed barn wood vanity that I scored at an estate sale. The previous owner had converted an old dresser, keeping all the drawers functional. Three years later, people still ask where I bought it (and look disappointed when I say it’s one-of-a-kind).

Making Rustic Storage Work

The key to rustic vanities lies in the details:

• Deep drawers beat cabinet doors every time
• Soft-close hardware prevents slamming (rustic doesn’t mean rough)
• Natural wood finish shows grain and character
• Mixed materials like iron hardware add authenticity

What really sells the rustic look? Imperfection. Those knots, scratches, and uneven stain spots tell a story. My vanity has a water ring from someone’s coffee cup – probably decades old – and I love it.

FYI, you don’t need actual reclaimed wood to get this look. New wood distressed with sandpaper and stain creates similar character. Just don’t overdo the distressing – subtlety wins here.

3. Minimalist White Single Sink Vanity

White minimalist vanities are basically the bathroom equivalent of a crisp white shirt – classic, clean, and works with everything. After years of complicated designs, I’ve learned to appreciate the beauty of simplicity.

My master bathroom rocks a stark white vanity with absolutely zero ornamentation. No fancy hardware, no decorative panels, just clean lines and hidden storage. Sounds boring? It’s actually liberating. Everything else in the room can change, but that white vanity remains timeless.

The Minimalist Approach That Works

Success comes from restraint:

• Handleless drawers with push-to-open mechanisms
• Integrated sink for seamless look
• Hidden storage keeps clutter invisible
• Matte finish hides fingerprints better than glossy

The trick with white vanities? Quality matters more than you’d think. Cheap white shows every flaw, while quality white looks expensive regardless of what you actually paid. Mine cost $400 from IKEA, but with the right faucet, it looks triple that price.

Want to keep it interesting? Change your accessories seasonally. Black soap dispensers in winter, colored towels in summer. The white vanity becomes your blank canvas.

Also Read: 10 Fresh Vessel Sink Bathroom Ideas and Minimalist Designs

4. Modern Black Vanity with Matte Finish

Black vanities are having their moment, and honestly? They deserve all the hype. That matte black finish brings drama and sophistication that white just can’t match.

I fought my partner on installing a black vanity for months. Too dark, too trendy, too risky. Then we saw one in person and immediately changed our minds. That matte black against white walls creates incredible contrast that makes everything else pop.

Black Vanity Design Secrets

Making black work requires strategy:

• Matte finish is essential – glossy black shows everything
• Good lighting prevents the cave effect
• Light countertops balance the darkness
• Metallic fixtures add necessary sparkle

My black vanity features a white quartz top and gold fixtures. The combination feels luxe without trying too hard. Plus, black hides way more sins than white – water spots practically disappear on matte black surfaces.

The maintenance question always comes up. Yes, black shows dust more than other colors. But a quick wipe-down takes 30 seconds, and the dramatic impact makes it worthwhile. Besides, when did we start choosing bathroom fixtures based on dust visibility?

5. Compact Corner Vanity for Small Bathrooms

Corner vanities are the heroes small bathrooms deserve. They use that awkward corner space nobody knows what to do with and turn it into functional storage gold.

My first apartment bathroom was roughly the size of a closet. Installing a corner vanity literally saved that space. Suddenly I had counter space AND room to turn around – revolutionary in 45 square feet.

Maximizing Corner Vanity Potential

Corner success needs smart planning:

• Measure twice, buy once – corners are tricky
• Wall-mounted faucets save precious counter space
• Curved fronts prevent hip bruising (trust me)
• Upper storage utilizes vertical space

The vanity I chose has a triangular counter with a round sink. The shape maximizes counter space while minimizing footprint. Below, two doors open to reveal surprisingly roomy storage shaped perfectly for the corner.

What people don’t realize about corner vanities? They create better traffic flow than traditional vanities. No more sideways shuffling past the sink to reach the shower.

6. Marble Top Vanity with Brass Accents

Let’s talk about the combination that makes every bathroom look expensive: marble and brass. This pairing brings instant elegance that transcends trends.

I splurged on a Carrara marble top for my powder room vanity, pairing it with brass fixtures I found on sale. The whole setup cost less than a mid-range prefab vanity but looks like something from a design magazine.

Creating the Marble-Brass Magic

The details make the difference:

• Real marble beats cultured marble every time (if budget allows)
• Honed finish is more forgiving than polished
• Warm brass complements marble’s cool tones
• Simple vanity base lets materials shine

My setup uses a basic white vanity base that practically disappears. The marble top and brass fixtures do all the talking. Sometimes the best design move is knowing when to stop designing.

Here’s the thing about marble – yes, it stains if you’re careless. But proper sealing and basic care keep it gorgeous for decades. IMO, the patina marble develops over time adds character you can’t fake.

Also Read: 12 Creative Bathroom Sink Organization Ideas and Tidy Counter Tips

7. Scandinavian Style Vanity with Drawers

Scandinavian vanities bring that perfect hygge feeling to bathrooms. Light wood, clean lines, and smart storage create a serene space that makes mornings slightly less terrible.

I discovered Scandi style during a Copenhagen trip where every bathroom looked effortlessly perfect. Came home and immediately redesigned my bathroom around a white oak vanity. Three drawers, no fuss, pure function – exactly what Scandinavian design promises.

Nailing the Scandi Aesthetic

The formula is surprisingly simple:

• Light wood tones – white oak, birch, or ash
• Minimal hardware – simple pulls or handleless
• Organized drawers with dividers and inserts
• Natural materials throughout

My Scandi vanity features three drawers of varying depths. Top drawer holds daily essentials, middle manages overflow, bottom stores bulky items. Everything has its place, which somehow makes me feel like I have my life together.

The best part? Scandinavian design ages beautifully. That light wood develops character, the simple lines never look dated, and the functionality means you’ll never outgrow it.

8. Vintage Single Sink Vanity with Mirror Cabinet

Vintage vanities with mirror cabinets are basically time machines for your bathroom. That old-school charm mixed with hidden storage creates character that new vanities just can’t replicate.

I found my vintage vanity at an antique mall, complete with original 1950s mirror cabinet. Previous owners had updated the plumbing but kept all the original character. $200 and one weekend of restoration later, I had a showpiece vanity that gets more compliments than anything else in my house.

Vintage Vanity Restoration Tips

Working with vintage requires patience:

• Check plumbing compatibility before buying
• Restore, don’t replace original hardware
• Keep original mirror if possible – new ones never match
• Embrace imperfections – they’re part of the charm

My restoration kept the original mint green paint (just cleaned and sealed) and chrome hardware. The mirror cabinet still has the original sliding doors that work better than most modern versions.

Want the vintage look without the hunt? Reproduction vintage vanities capture the style with modern conveniences. They cost more but save you the restoration headaches 🙂

9. Double-Tier Vanity with Hidden Storage

Double-tier vanities are the multitaskers of the bathroom world. Two levels mean double the storage without eating up more floor space.

My kids’ bathroom desperately needed storage for four people’s stuff. The double-tier vanity we installed has an upper shelf for everyday items and lower cabinets for everything else. It’s basically a storage miracle disguised as a regular vanity.

Maximizing Double-Tier Design

Two levels need thoughtful organization:

• Upper tier for frequently used items
• Lower tier for bulk storage
• Different depths create visual interest
• Mixed storage types – open and closed

The genius of our setup? The upper tier is only 6 inches deep, perfect for toiletries without blocking the mirror. The lower tier extends the full 21 inches, maximizing storage below.

What nobody tells you about double-tier vanities – they make small bathrooms feel taller. That vertical element draws the eye up, creating an illusion of height. Plus, everything stays accessible without the dreaded under-sink crawl.

Also Read: 10 Genius Bathroom Organization Under Sink Ideas for Clean Spaces

10. Glass Countertop Vanity with Sleek Faucet

Glass countertop vanities are the rebels of bathroom design. That transparent surface creates visual lightness while the sleek faucet adds modern sophistication.

I’ll admit, I thought glass countertops were ridiculous until I saw one in person. The way light passes through, making the whole vanity seem to float? Absolutely mesmerizing. Installed one in my powder room and haven’t regretted it once.

Glass Vanity Considerations

Glass requires confidence:

• Tempered glass is surprisingly durable
• Thickness matters – minimum 3/4 inch for stability
• Vessel sinks work beautifully with glass
• Wall-mounted faucets enhance the floating effect

My glass countertop is frosted on the underside for privacy but clear on top. The combination creates depth without showing everything stored below. Paired with a chrome waterfall faucet, the whole setup looks like modern art.

Maintenance? Easier than you’d think. Glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth keep it spotless. Water spots show, sure, but they wipe away instantly. Way easier than maintaining marble or wood.

Making Your Single Sink Vanity Choice

So there you have it – 10 single sink vanity bathroom ideas that prove one sink is plenty. Whether you’re working with a tiny powder room or a spacious master bath, there’s a vanity style that’ll transform your space.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned through multiple vanity installations? Don’t choose based on trends alone.

That super trendy design might look amazing on Pinterest, but if it doesn’t suit your actual life, you’ll hate it within months.

Think about your real morning routine. Do you need tons of storage? Go for built-in drawers. Want easy cleaning? Choose floating. Love making a statement? 

Black or marble might be your answer. The best vanity is the one that makes your daily routine easier, not just prettier.

Here’s my challenge: measure your bathroom this weekend. Not just the vanity space – measure everything. Know exactly what you’re working with before falling in love with any particular style.

Because the perfect vanity for your space is out there, and now you know exactly what to look for. Trust me, your future self getting ready at 6 AM will thank you for putting in the effort now.