How to Decide Between a Vanity of Double Size and a Vanity of Single Size

Bathroom vanities come in a huge range of sizes, starting slightly under 2 feet and running up to about 5 feet, or sometimes even larger. In between these ranges, you can find vanities in all sorts of intermediate sizes. Typically in large hardware or home goods stores you'll find them in 6-inch increments. Alternatively, if you opt for a custom design, you can get it in any size your heart desires.

The major question in the mind of most potential bathroom redecorators, though, is whether to opt for a vanity that is single size or a vanity that is double size.

These are the two major sizing options. A single size vanity has only one sink. They'll usually come in around 2 or 3 feet wide, and they are perfect for small bathroom used by one or two people.

A vanity which is double size is essentially made to be used by two people simultaneously. They will typically be much larger, as long as 5 feet, and are great for large families, as one person can do their makeup while another fixes their hair.

Consider which type of vanity you would use in the following situations:

A family of six living in a large suburban home. The four children share a large bathroom. Which type of vanity is most appropriate?

Personally, I'd go with a vanity of the double size in the first instance, for the obvious reasons. Stylistically, as it's a large bathroom, and functionally, to avoid traffic jams in the bathroom due to the large number of people using it. Additionally, a vanity can double as a storage closet, so even if both sinks are not always being used, it is by no means dead space.
A family of four share a three-bedroom apartment in the city. The bathroom, which is typically sized for an apartment, is shared by the whole family. Which type of vanity do you think is the most appropriate?

In this instance, I'd go with a single vanity, but one in which the vanity bathroom cabinets provide ample storage space. Although there are a lot of people using the bathroom, I'd stay with the single more for stylistic reasons, as small apartment bathroom tends to get overwhelmed by large vanities of double size, and can get quite claustrophobic.

A single twenty-something is living by himself/herself in a large suburban apartment. The bathroom is quite large, but only one person uses it. Which type of vanity do you think is most appropriate?

In the third case, you could really go with either. Functionality is not an issue, because only one person is using the bathroom. So the question becomes one of style. Will a vanity that is just a single make the bathroom feel empty and desolate? Possibly. On the other hand, a vanity that is a double might just be wasting space.

Remember though, these are just my opinions. There are situations in which vanities of all sizes are appropriate. It depends on the size of the bathroom, the people who are using it, and the opinions of the designer.