A bathroom improvement that's as smart as it is good-looking

Let’s float an idea: What if, instead of doing the whole cabinetry-on-the-floor thing in your bathroom, you hung the vanity on the wall? Wall-mounted vanities do wonders for a bathroom’s design and usability; here’s why you should consider getting your vanity off the ground:

1. It makes your bathroom look bigger.

Floating the vanity means the flooring can extend all the way to the wall, which instantly makes a bathroom appear more spacious. And a wall-hung vanity creates more usable space for stashing pieces like a wastebasket or a scale. A little foot room under the sink goes a long way.

2. It makes cleaning easier.

No corners! No awkward nooks! No place for dust bunnies to hide! Giving the vanity some breathing room means you can actually clean back there—way, way back there.

3. It’s perfect for the uber-organized.

If you’re one of those people who geek out over towel folding, love organizing your cotton swabs and can find your lipstick in under a minute, a floating vanity lets you display your storage zen with under-sink open shelving.

4. It can streamline the sink.

Achieve a modern flow by choosing a monochromatic wall/sink/floating vanity combo. In addition to an elegantly minimalist look, it will also show off your bathroom's other showstoppers, like a freestanding tub or gorgeous view.

5. It means more square footage for radiant heat.

If you're investing in radiant-heat flooring to keep your tootsies toasty, hang your vanity on the wall to maximize warmth where you stand at the sink. It might actually be a requirement; contractors often insist on floating or free-standing vanities in order to prevent overheating.  

6. It can accommodate every height.

Standard vanities only rise so high, but floating vanities can soar at any height: Taller or shorter users can install a wall-mounted vanity at the height they like best.

7. It puts your tilework on display.

Why cover up half the wall with cabinetry when you can show off more marble or porcelain? Float the vanity, and extend the tile all the way down to the floor.

8. It can break up wood overload.

A wood cabinet on a wood floor can look a little … much. Floating the vanity on a tiled, wallpapered or painted wall breaks the monotony of all that grain.

9. It’s ideal for every family member.

With plenty of open space underneath, a floating vanity means you have room for a toddler's stepstool or a grandmother's walker or wheelchair. And that means happier washing for all.