Planning a Double Vanity Bathroom
Hello from Matt Morton
I'm Matt Morton, owner of Craftsworth Construction. After 15 years in the trades and hundreds of bathroom remodels across Chester County and Delaware County, I want to share practical advice on whether a double vanity is right for your home and what to watch for during the design and build.
Is a double vanity right for your bathroom?
Double vanities are great for morning routines, resale value, and creating a balanced look. But they're not always the right choice. Start by asking two questions: how much space do you actually have, and how does your household use the bathroom? A double vanity makes sense for primary baths, shared kids baths, or any space used by two people simultaneously. If the bathroom is small or used mostly by one person, a single larger sink with extra counter or storage may serve you better.
Quick sizing rules
- Minimum width: Aim for at least 60 inches for two sinks. Under 60 inches you start to compromise storage and elbow room.
- Comfortable width: 66 to 72 inches gives plenty of counter and storage space between sinks.
- Depth: Most vanities are 21 to 24 inches deep. Keep that in mind for bathroom circulation.
- Clearance: Provide 30 inches of clear floor space in front of the vanity for comfortable use and code compliance.
Practical plumbing and layout tips
Plumbing makes or breaks a double vanity budget. If you can reuse existing sink locations, you save money. Moving drains and water lines through old floors or masonry in Chester County homes can add time and cost.
- If the two sinks share a common wall, you can often use a single drain run with tees and save on labor.
- Relocating plumbing more than a few feet often requires opening floors or walls and may need a permit. Check with your township inspector in West Chester, Tredyffrin, or your local Delaware County municipality before planning major moves.
- Consider shallow wall-hung vanities if floor space is tight — they can free up visual space and make cleaning easier.
Storage, function, and cabinetry choices
Function beats looks when you actually live in the space. Think about what each person needs at the sink: makeup, shaving gear, toothbrushes, hair tools. Plan drawers and cubbies accordingly.
- Base cabinets: A mix of drawers and full-size doors gives flexibility. Middle drawers work well for shared items, while dedicated drawers under each sink keep personal items separate.
- Centers and islands: If your vanity is wide, consider a bank of drawers between sinks for towels and hair tools. This creates separation and reduces clutter on the counter.
- Medicine cabinets or mirrors: Recessed medicine cabinets are great in older homes with thicker walls. For newer walls, wall-mounted cabinets or tall storage towers can provide more capacity.
Countertops, sinks, and faucets
Choose durable, low-maintenance counters and coordinate your sink style with daily habits. In Chester and Delaware County we see a lot of buyers choosing quartz for its durability and low maintenance.
- Undermount sinks are easy to clean and work well with solid surface counters.
- Vessel sinks can add style but may reduce counter space and complicate faucet selection.
- Match faucet reach to sink bowl placement so water lands in the center of the basin. Test this with cardboard templates during layout.
Lighting and mirrors
Good lighting is essential for a double vanity. Overhead lights alone aren’t enough — add task lighting at each sink.
- Place vertical sconces or mirrored medicine cabinets with integrated lighting at eye level for even illumination without harsh shadows.
- Consider dimmable fixtures so one person can get ready early without waking the household.
Ventilation, flooring and finishes for our local climate
Proper ventilation prevents mold and paint problems in humid summers. In older Chester County houses with limited ventilation, upgrading the fan is a small investment with big returns. Choose water-resistant flooring like porcelain tile or waterproof luxury vinyl — especially if the vanity spans a long run where splashes happen.
Budget and timeline expectations
Simple swapouts where plumbing stays put can be done in 1 to 2 weeks. If you’re moving plumbing, changing layouts, or repairing hidden damage behind walls, expect 4 to 6 weeks. Cost ranges depend on cabinetry, countertop, fixtures, and plumbing moves — a modest double vanity install starts in the low thousands while a high-end build can run much higher. I’ll always give a clear estimate up front and explain where money buys the most long-term value.
Key pitfalls to avoid
- Choosing a vanity too wide for the space and reducing circulation. Measure door swings and clearances first.
- Ignoring plumbing location during design. Make a quick field measurement of drain centers before finalizing cabinet layout.
- Poor lighting that leaves shadows. Test lighting fixtures in the space before final installation if possible.
Next steps for homeowners in Chester & Delaware County
If you live in Chester or Delaware County and want an honest, practical plan for a double vanity, give me a call. At Craftsworth Construction we provide on-site measurements, layout sketches, and a straightforward estimate. I enjoy helping homeowners balance beauty, function, and budget — without surprises during the build.
If you want a quick checklist to walk your space, email us or schedule a visit and I’ll come by with a tape measure and some practical ideas you can use immediately.
— Matt Morton, Craftsworth Construction