Floating vanities are 2026's single biggest bathroom furniture trend - and they're perfect for small spaces. Here's why

A floating vanity is the one piece of bathroom furniture that will elevate your scheme while creating the illusion of more space, which is exactly why it's about to be a huge trend for 2026.

It's a style of bathroom vanity that is usually considered in smaller spaces where there just isn't enough room for a traditional unit. But bathroom trends are signalling a shift towards these wall-mounted designs in schemes of every size and style.

It's chic, space-saving, and creates a real design feature. But it can also be super practical, elongating a room while still providing storage. Here's why designers love the look, and why you should be considering a floating vanity this year.

We've all experienced that dilemma of trying to create a beautiful design in a small bathroom layout. When space is at a premium, the big bathroom vanity is usually the first feature to be sacrificed, with either a very slim unit or a simple pedestal sink left in its place.

But a floating vanity is the ideal solution for a small bathroom – simply lifting furniture off the floor instantly opens up the room and makes it feel larger and more spacious. It's surprising how much of an impact revealing that small amount of bathroom floor has.

'Lifting a vanity off the floor instantly makes a bathroom feel lighter, more refined, and contemporary – even when pairing an antique stone basin with vintage fittings,' says interior designer Martha Mulholland.

'Exposing more of the floor makes even the smallest, windowless bathrooms feel more expansive and airy. The absence of legs or toe kicks also makes cleaning easier,' adds interior designer Lauren Conner, who emphasises just how practical this style of vanity can be.

But choosing a floating bathroom vanity is about more than just practicality. It's also a really stylish option that can instantly elevate a bathroom, whether your space is small and narrow or much more spacious.

'Floating vanities instantly elevate a bathroom, offering a sense of lightness and luxury. Their streamlined form lends a spa-like serenity, particularly when paired with clean lines and modern materials,' says Lauren, explaining how it ties into one of the most coveted trends for the year ahead.

It's also a favorable approach in a powder room. These ultra-small rooms can feel too crowded with a full-size cabinet, but a floating vanity adds functionality while opening up the space.

'In a powder room, where storage isn’t essential, a floating vanity becomes a sculptural moment, and mounting it at a custom height allows for both comfort and style. A wall-mounted faucet can enhance the look even further, adding a bespoke, architectural edge,' Lauren adds.

You can really have fun with your design in powder rooms, especially when storage isn't a huge necessity. 'We love to design slab apron vanities for powder rooms. The stone itself can be so impactful – it almost feels like a piece of furniture,' says interior designer Andrea Goldman.

'When storage is not as important, a slab apron vanity allows for a vessel to be placed on the ground to hold beautiful linens. You still have to be careful about proportions – there has to be enough access below the slab, without being placed too high where it doesn’t allow for any storage or decor,' she explains.

Storage is an important part of a bathroom vanity design; however, there is more to these bathroom furniture pieces than just functionality. It's also about the style and aesthetic they bring to your scheme.

'While storage should still be considered, even in a creative or minimal way, the appeal of a floating vanity lies in how it opens up a space. Versatile by nature, floating vanities work across design styles, from traditional to contemporary, always bringing a sense of refinement and visual lightness to the room,' adds Lauren.

If you are opting for a floating vanity, whether your bathroom is big or small, there are a few things you need to think about when it comes to installation and execution of the overall look.

'But don’t forget your valves and P-trap,' says Martha. 'Once a vanity floats, those normally hidden parts are front and center – make sure their finish ties in with the faucet for a clean, intentional look.'

The main takeaway here is that floating vanities are one of the most stylish choices for your bathroom. Yes, they are favored in small spaces, but they can be just as practical and chic in a large space, too. So, if you've been thinking about taking your vanity off the floor, this is your sign to embrace a floating design.

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Will you be bringing a floating vanity into your bathroom in 2026? Designers love the look and anticipate being more popular than ever thanks to its excellent balance of style and function. If you're searching for a design that ticks all of the boxes, you can find stylish designs in our edit of the best places to buy bathroom vanities.