Why We Think 1200mm Vanities Are the Perfect “Just Right” Size
You’re standing in the middle of a half-demoed room, or maybe just staring at your tired old bathroom, clipboard in hand. We get it. Planning a reno is a mix of pure excitement and... a lot of measurements. You've got tile samples covering your dining table. You're trying to figure out if you can move a tap. And then you get to the centrepiece, the main event: the vanity.
This is where everything comes together. It’s the storage. It’s the style. It’s the one thing you’ll use every single day. And the biggest question our customers always have is, "What size do I get?"
You could go small. But then, where does everything live? You could go huge. But then, can you even open the shower door?
And that, right there, is why our team almost always starts the conversation by pointing to the 1200mm bathroom vanity units. It’s the Goldilocks size. The sweet spot. The one that just seems to work for so many Aussie homes. It’s big enough to be useful, but small enough to fit. We see them fly out the door because they solve so many problems.
So, let's get into why we love them, and which one might be right for you. We’re The Blue Space, and this is what our team thinks about the 1200mm vanity. Grab a cuppa. We want to help you find the perfect piece from our range of bathroom vanities and furniture.
What Exactly is a 1200mm Vanity?
Okay, let’s start simple. It’s a vanity cabinet that is 1200 millimetres, or 1.2 metres, wide. That’s the most basic answer.
But it's more than just a number. Look, the way we see it, this size is a major turning point. Anything smaller (like 900mm or 750mm) is almost always a single-person vanity. They're great for smaller rooms, but they are what they are. Anything bigger (like 1500mm or 1800mm) is proper, large-scale furniture. They’re amazing if you have the space, but many bathrooms just don’t.
The 1200mm size is the magic bridge. It’s the smallest size that can comfortably be a double vanity. And it’s the most luxurious size for a single vanity. It gives you choices. Lots of them.
It's the size that lets you have deep drawers and decent bench space. It’s the size that can anchor a main bathroom without overwhelming it. It just fits. Simple as that.
Where Does This "Perfect" Size Actually Fit?
We’ve seen 1200mm vanities installed in so many different homes, and they always seem to solve a problem. Here’s where our team sees them work best.
The Family Bathroom Hero
This is probably the most popular use. The main family bathroom. You know the scene. It’s 7:30 am. One kid is trying to brush their teeth, the other is demanding a hairbrush, and you're just trying to find your moisturiser. Chaos.
A 1200mm vanity with a single, offset basin is the champion here. Why? Bench space. Glorious, wonderful bench space. You get a full-sized basin on one side, and on the other, you get a huge, clear landing strip for soap pumps, makeup bags, electric toothbrushes, and whatever else gets dumped there. Underneath, you’ve got masses of storage. We’re talking deep drawers for towels, first-aid kits, and all those bath toys. It’s a total game-changer for family organisation.
The Luxurious Master Ensuite
This is the other place the 1200mm vanity shines. For a master ensuite, this size gives you that "hotel" feeling without needing a bathroom the size of a bedroom. This is where you can finally have the "his and hers" dream.
Yes, 1200mm is wide enough for two basins. It’s "cosy," we won't lie. You won't have acres of bench space between you. But you will each have your own basin. No more sharing. No more bumping elbows. It creates a beautiful sense of symmetry and calm. And if your ensuite is on the tighter side, a 1200mm unit might be the largest you can fit, making it the perfect choice. It's a key part of our ensuite vanities collection for this very reason.
And if you don't want a double? A 1200mm single-bowl vanity in an ensuite feels incredibly generous. It’s all about personal space and room to breathe.
The Grand Guest Bathroom
Let's be honest, it’s probably too big for a tiny powder room under the stairs. But for a larger guest bathroom, or a second bathroom that guests often use, a 1200mm unit is brilliant. It makes the room feel substantial and well-appointed. It gives your guests plenty of space for their own things, and all the storage below keeps the guest towels and spare toilet paper hidden away.
Okay, I'm In. What Are My 1200mm Vanity Options?
This is where the fun starts. A "1200mm vanity" isn't just one thing. It’s a starting point for a heap of different styles, configurations, and looks. This is the stuff our team geeks out on every day. Let’s break it down.
First, Mounting: Wall or Floor?
This is a big decision that really changes the feel of your room.
Wall-Hung Vanities
These are easily the most popular choice right now. A wall-hung vanity, or "floating" vanity, attaches directly to the wall and doesn't touch the floor. We love them. They make a bathroom feel so much bigger and more open because you can see the floor underneath. It just creates this sense of space and light. Plus, they are incredibly easy to clean under. No dust bunnies building up in corners. A 1200mm wall-hung unit looks sleek, modern, and light.
Floor-Standing Vanities
These are the classic. They sit directly on the floor (on a plinth) or sometimes have legs. The biggest benefit? Storage. You get to use every single centimetre of space right down to the floor. This is a massive win for big families. They’re also brilliant for renos in older homes. Why? Because they perfectly hide all the old-school plumbing that might be coming up from the floor. A wall-hung vanity can’t do that without moving pipes, which costs money. And don't think "floor-standing" means "old-fashioned." The new designs are stunning, with minimalist lines, beautiful legs, and smart storage.
The Big Question: Single or Double Basin?
As we mentioned, 1200mm is the size where this choice becomes a real debate.
A Single Basin: This is the "bench space" champion. By installing one basin (often offset to the left or right), you get a massive, uninterrupted stretch of benchtop. We see so many customers fall in love with this because it’s just so practical. It's a landing zone for everything. It's easy to clean. It gives you visual breathing room.
A Double Basin: This is the "relationship saver." It’s perfect for the morning rush when two people are trying to get ready at once. At 1200mm wide, the basins will be quite close, and you'll have minimal bench space. But that's the trade-off. You sacrifice the landing strip for the pure function of having your own personal sink. For many couples, this is a non-negotiable.
Storage Smarts: Drawers, Cupboards, or a Mix?
Think about what you need to store. Our team always recommends drawers. Always. Deep, full-extension drawers let you see everything from above. Nothing gets lost at the back. You can add dividers to organise makeup, shavers, and all the small bits. They are just so efficient.
Cupboard doors have their place, too. They’re great for bulky things like stacks of toilet paper, tall cleaning bottles, or a stack of fresh towels. Many 1200mm vanities offer a mix, maybe two big drawers on one side and a cupboard on the other. It’s the best of both worlds.
Let's Talk Style (This is Our Favourite Part)
Your 1200mm vanity is a statement. It’s a huge part of your bathroom’s personality. And the style options are amazing.
Slim and Sleek: If your bathroom is narrow, a 1200mm wide unit might fit, but a standard 500mm depth might not. This is where slimline vanities are a lifesaver. They have a reduced depth (say, 380mm) that still gives you storage but saves precious walkway space.
Warm and Natural: Want to add warmth and texture? Nothing, and we mean nothing, beats a solid timber vanity. The grain, the character, the natural feel... it’s just beautiful. It turns your vanity into a true piece of furniture. We work with incredible Aussie brands like Ingrain who make stunning pieces from recycled hardwoods.
Soft and Gentle: We are seeing so many people move away from sharp edges. A curved vanity with soft, rounded corners completely changes a room. It feels gentler, more organic, and it’s great in tight spaces—no sharp hip-height corners to walk into!
Textured and Modern: Texture is everything right now. Fluted vanities, with those beautiful vertical grooves, are hugely popular. They play with light and shadow and add so much interest without shouting. A 1200mm fluted vanity is a serious style statement.
Classic and Timeless: You just cannot go wrong with a classic white vanity. It’s the chameleon. It works in a minimalist bathroom, a coastal bathroom, a modern bathroom... it just works. It’s fresh, clean, and lets your tiles or taps be the hero.
Coastal and Elegant: For that relaxed, breezy, elegant feel, a Hamptons-style vanity is the one. Look for shaker-profile doors, classic handles, and a clean white or soft grey finish. A 1200mm size is perfect for this style, giving it real presence.
Made for You: Our Aussie-Made Favourites
One of the best things about this size is the range of options from amazing Australian makers. We are so proud to work with these brands. They build quality pieces that are made for Aussie homes.
Brands like Timberline, Marquis, and ADP (Architectural Designer Products) are masters of this. They offer their 1200mm vanities in a massive range of colours and finishes. You can choose the cabinet colour, the benchtop material, the basin shape... it’s all made to order, just for you. And for that timeless, classic look, the vanities from Turner Hastings are just stunning.
The point is, if you can't find the perfect 1200mm vanity in a standard range, we can almost certainly help you get a custom vanity made. You get the exact look you've been dreaming of.
The Big Wins: Why We Really Rate This Size
So, to pull it all together, here’s why our team gives the 1200mm vanity a gold star.
1. The Storage is a Game-Changer
This is the first size where storage becomes serious. You move from "just enough" to "plenty." Deep, wide drawers can hold hairdryers, straighteners, and brushes standing up. You can have a drawer just for makeup. You can fit spare towels, bulk cleaning supplies, and all the kids' bath stuff. It’s the size that lets you get properly organised and keep your benchtops clear.
2. Glorious, Glorious Bench Space
With a 1200mm single-bowl vanity, the amount of bench space is a true luxury. It's not just a tiny sliver next to the tap. It’s a functional work surface. You can lay out your skincare, put down a jewellery dish, add a vase of flowers or a beautiful candle. It stops the bathroom from feeling cramped and cluttered. It gives you breathing room.
3. It Creates a Real Focal Point
A 1200mm vanity isn't a tiny box you squeeze into a corner. It’s a proper piece of furniture. It has presence. It anchors the whole room. This is the piece your eyes are drawn to when you walk in. You can hang a stunning 1200mm wide mirror or shaving cabinet above it, or a big 900mm round mirror, and the whole setup looks balanced, intentional, and expensive.
4. The "His and Hers" Dream (in a real-world space)
We’ve said it before, but it’s a big deal. So many people want a double vanity but think they don't have the space. The 1200mm size makes that dream possible for thousands of standard Aussie ensuites. It’s a feature that adds real value, both to your daily life and to your home’s resale value.
The Practical Stuff Our Team Always Tells You to Check
Alright, you’re convinced. Before you click "add to cart," here is the practical checklist our team runs through with every customer. Please, get the tape measure out one last time!
Tapware: Wall or Bench?
Where are your taps going to go?
Bench-Mounted: This is the easiest. The taps (a "mixer") or tap set install directly onto the vanity's benchtop or onto the basin itself (these are called "hob" taps). Your vanity will need to be ordered with the right tap holes.
Wall-Mounted: This looks incredibly sleek. The taps come out of the wall above the vanity. But, and this is a big "but," your plumber needs to install all the pipework inside the wall before your tiler does the waterproofing and tiling. It requires planning.
Plumbing and Wastes (The Boring, But Vital, Bit)
Look where your pipes are. Right now. Go on, look.
If your waste pipe (the big one) goes into the wall, you’re golden. You can use a wall-hung or a floor-standing vanity.
If your waste pipe goes into the floor, you have a problem with a wall-hung vanity. The floating vanity will show the pipe! In this case, you either need a floor-standing vanity to hide it, or you need to pay a plumber to move that pipe into the wall. That’s an extra cost you need to plan for.
Mirrors and Shaving Cabinets
What are you putting above your 1200mm vanity? A mirror or a shaving cabinet? For a really balanced look, we find matching the width is a great rule of thumb. A 1200mm wide vanity looks fantastic with a 1200mm wide mirror or shaving cabinet. It creates a strong, clean line. If you go for a round or oval mirror, something around 800-1000mm wide usually looks great, leaving a nice bit of wall space around it.
Doors, Drawers, and Walkways
This is the mistake people make. They measure the space for the vanity, but not the room to use it. If your 1200mm vanity is in a narrow room, make sure you have space to open the drawers all the way out. You need to be able to stand in front of them! Check that an open drawer won’t hit the shower screen, the toilet, or the bathroom door. A 1200mm unit with four 600mm drawers will need less "pull-out" space than one with two giant 1200mm drawers.
Look, the way we see it, the 1200mm vanity is the hard-working, unsung hero of the bathroom world. It’s not flashy or massive, but it’s the one that does the most work, fixes the most problems, and fits the most homes. It's the perfect all-rounder.
It’s the size that gives you storage, style, and space. And that’s a pretty great combination.
If you're still deciding, have a browse through our full range of 1200mm bathroom vanity units. And if you’re stuck between two, or have a tricky plumbing question, just ask us. Our team of experts is here to help. We genuinely love talking about this stuff.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes 1200mm vanities a great choice for bathrooms?
1200mm vanities offer a balanced size that provides ample storage and countertop space without overwhelming the room. They are ideal for medium to large bathrooms, offering versatility in design and functionality.
Can I customise a 1200mm vanity to match my decor?
Yes, many of our 1200mm vanities come with customisable options such as different finishes, countertop materials, and hardware. This allows you to personalise your vanity to perfectly match your bathroom’s style and meet your specific needs.
Are 1200mm vanities suitable for shared bathrooms?
Absolutely. 1200mm vanities, especially those with double sinks, are perfect for shared bathrooms or family spaces. They provide enough room for multiple users and ample storage for shared items, making them a practical choice for busy households.
How do I maintain a 1200mm vanity?
Maintaining a 1200mm vanity is simple—regular cleaning with a damp cloth and mild detergent will keep it looking pristine. The high-quality materials used in our vanities are resistant to stains and moisture, ensuring they stay in great condition.
How do I choose the right 1200mm vanity for my home?
Consider your bathroom’s size, layout, and overall style when choosing a 1200mm vanity. Look for options that offer the right balance of style and functionality, ensuring a cohesive and efficient bathroom set