Floating bathroom vanities, sinks, and toilets are a thing nowadays. They are actually the must-do and must-have during bathroom remodeling projects, although fixtures that extend all the way to the floor are not a thing of the past just yet. Still, there’s a reason – or more, why more and more people go for floating fixtures when they remodel bathrooms.
What is a floating bathroom vanity?
Chances are high you already know what floating bathroom vanities are. But just in case, we are talking about wall-mount vanities (or sinks or toilets) – the ones that do not come in contact with the floor and seem like they float in the air.
With that said, let’s see why there’s just hype for floating vanities.
1. Floating vanities make bathrooms look bigger
Bathrooms look bigger with floating vanities – and other fixtures. Why? It’s a visual thing. It’s an illusion. With fixtures floating, the eye travels to all floor corners and is fooled that the square footage is larger than it actually is. And while the size of the bathroom is the same, you gain some space since your toes don’t find the cabinet when you stand in front of the sink to brush your teeth or wash your hands.
2. Floating bathroom vanities are small space friendly
Since floating vanities create the illusion of a bigger space, they are ideal for small bathrooms. With wall-mounted fixtures, there’s an airy feeling in the bathroom and that’s a must even in big spaces – let alone small ones. Also, since no furniture obstructs your feet, you feel more comfortable in the bathroom despite its small size.
3. Floating fixtures are ideal for a contemporary bathroom design
If you opt for a contemporary bathroom design, floating fixtures are for you. Since they are floating, the fixtures give a sleek impression. The grime that usually builds up on the spot where the fixtures and the floor meet doesn’t exist anymore, enhancing cleanliness too. For the ultimate contemporary look, it’s best to tell your bathroom remodeler to install floating fixtures only – not just vanities.
4. With free space under the vanity cabinet, cleaning becomes a breeze
Some argue that the free space under the floating cabinet adds space that must be cleaned. But we are actually talking about limited square footage. Plus, you avoid the grime as we mentioned above. And on top of all other things, you can easily keep the area under the vanity spotless.
5. Floating cabinets make bathrooms clutter-free and leave free floor space
The free space under the floating vanity can be used, if there’s a need for extra storage room. What you can put under the vanity depends on how much space there is – in terms of height. And that brings us to a consideration when it comes to floating cabinets.
When the under-the-bathroom-sink cabinets do not touch the floor, they are smaller than the ones that do touch the floor. To be exact, they are shorter and this minimizes the storage cabinet space. The truth is that the floating cabinets may be really short for a more minimalistic look in the bathroom or they may be taller and float just over the floor. In the case of the former, you sacrifice some storage space but you can use the free floor space with small baskets or short trolleys. In the case of the latter, you hardly lose cabinet space. And so, this small problem is a problem already solved.
Can bathroom floating vanities hold weight?
Those who plan a bathroom renovation and have in mind to install floating vanities often worry about the capacity of the fixture to keep weight. The truth is that we never trust furniture that floats the same way we trust floor furniture. It makes sense, right?
Now, when it comes to floating vanities, they do hold weight but how much weight they can stand depends on their size, material, and installation. Most floating vanities on the market made of plywood, MDF, or melamine up to 55′ long X 20′ wide could hold around 220 lbs. This loading capacity increases to approx. 300 lbs. when the cabinet is made of solid wood. Of course, the way the bathroom vanity installation is done plays its role too. The condition of the wall is paramount too. It makes sense to say that the heavier and the bigger the vanity, the more rods and brackets are needed. With multiple support brackets and rods, the vanity’s weight capacity increases – that’s assuming that the wall is not wet.
Overall, bathroom vanities can take the usual load of accessories and so you won’t have to worry about that or anything else, for that matter. Floating vanities are so great that you will be floating on air.
