A modern wooden bathroom vanity with a white countertop and black faucet, next to text reading Bathroom Vanity Replacement: 5 Things to Know and a label Bathroom Guide on a dark blue background—perfect inspiration for anyone starting their bathroom design process.

Replacing a bathroom vanity can make a noticeable difference without requiring a full bathroom remodel. But before you choose a new vanity, it helps to understand a few things about the space you already have.

The size of your existing vanity, plumbing location, mirror, flooring, and surrounding fixtures can all affect which options will work. Here are five things to check before you start shopping.

Measuring the width of an existing bathroom vanity

1. Measure the Space — Not Just the Vanity

Start with the approximate width, depth, and height of your existing vanity. Then look at the space around it, too.

Note any nearby walls, toilets, doors, shower doors, or other fixtures that could limit the size or depth of a replacement vanity.

Rough measurements are enough to get started. Your designer can help determine which vanity sizes make sense for your space.

RELATED RESOURCE How to Measure Your Bathroom →

Taking a photo of plumbing inside an existing bathroom vanity

2. Check Where Your Plumbing Is Located

Take a clear photo inside the existing vanity showing where the drain and water lines enter the cabinet.

Moving plumbing may be possible, but keeping the sink and plumbing in roughly the same location can make a bathroom vanity replacement simpler.

A photo is often more helpful than a perfect measurement. Your designer can use it to better understand how the existing plumbing may affect your vanity options.

A bathroom vanity with a beige countertop, an oval sink, a faucet, a soap dispenser, and a tape measure standing upright near the wall offers a glimpse into the bathroom design process. A mirror, window, and toilet are visible in the background.

3. Decide Whether You’re Keeping the Mirror

If you plan to keep the existing mirror or medicine cabinet, measure from the floor to its bottom edge and take a photo of the wall above the vanity.

A taller vanity, thicker countertop, or different backsplash can reduce the space available below the mirror, so it helps to know those dimensions before choosing a replacement.

Keeping the existing mirror? Bring its measurements and a photo so your designer can help make sure the new vanity, countertop, and backsplash will fit comfortably below it.

Checking flooring beneath an existing bathroom vanity

4. Find Out What’s Under the Existing Vanity

Before choosing a vanity with a different footprint, find out whether the finished flooring continues underneath the existing cabinet.

If the flooring runs under the vanity, you may have more flexibility with size and placement. If it stops at the cabinet, changing the footprint could expose unfinished flooring and create additional work.

This is easy to overlook. Knowing what’s under the vanity can help you avoid choosing a replacement that creates an unexpected flooring problem.

Bathroom vanities shown at different heights

5. Think About Vanity Height

Bathroom vanities are available in different heights, and the best choice depends on who will use the space and what needs to fit around it.

The countertop and sink, existing mirror or medicine cabinet, outlets, and any accessibility needs can all affect which vanity height makes the most sense.

Don’t choose height by itself. Your designer can help you consider the vanity, countertop, sink, mirror, and surrounding space together.

You Don’t Need Perfect Measurements to Get Started

A few rough dimensions and several clear photos of the existing vanity and surrounding space are enough to begin the conversation.

Bring what you have, and your designer can help you identify what else may be needed before you choose a replacement vanity.

Helpful Things to Bring

Photos of the space Include the vanity and surrounding area.

Rough measurements Width, depth, and height are enough to start.

A plumbing photo Take a clear photo inside the existing cabinet.

Mirror measurements Especially if you plan to keep the existing mirror.

Your priorities Think about what you'd most like the new vanity to improve.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SEMI-CUSTOM VANITIES WE OFFER Explore Bathroom Vanities →

READY TO TALK THROUGH YOUR OPTIONS?

Thinking About Replacing Your Bathroom Vanity?

Bring your photos and rough measurements to a Von Tobel design consultation. Our designers can help you understand what will work in your space and explore vanity options that fit your needs.

Schedule a Free Design Consultation