Why We Love the 1000mm Vanity (And You Will Too!)
Choosing a vanity is one of the biggest decisions you'll make in a bathroom reno. We know. We talk to people about it all day long. Go too small, and you're forever battling for counter space, trying to balance your toothbrush on the edge of the basin. Go too big, and you've suddenly created an awkward, cramped room where the door just misses the corner. It's a classic renovation story. You're stuck in the middle.
But that's where one of our absolute favourites comes in. The 1000mm vanity.
It’s that perfect middle-ground. The Goldilocks size. And we see it solve so many design puzzles in our customers' homes, from busy family bathrooms to surprisingly spacious ensuites. It’s the size that finally gives you room to breathe, to store things, and to create a real centrepiece for your bathroom. So, let's talk about why this might be the perfect fit for you. We'll walk you through all the options, from styles to storage, and give you the honest advice we give our customers every day. Because finding the right bathroom vanity can completely change how you feel about your space.
So, What Exactly Is a 1000mm Vanity?
This sounds like a silly question, right? It’s a vanity that’s 1000mm wide. One metre. Easy.
But the way we see it, it’s a bit more than just a measurement. A 1000mm bathroom vanity unit is a category. It’s the point where you officially move out of the "compact" or "small" vanity zone and into the world of "comfortable" or "generous" vanities.
At sizes like 600mm, 750mm, or even 900mm, you're often making compromises. You get a basin, and maybe a tiny sliver of counter space next to it. Your storage is usually a bit tight. But at 1000mm? Everything changes. You get real counter space. The kind you can actually put things on. Your skincare. A soap pump. Maybe even a small plant. You get real storage. The drawers are wider, deeper, and infinitely more useful. You can fit spare toilet rolls and cleaning supplies and your hairdryer. Without a fight.
It's the size that feels less like a utility item and more like a proper piece of furniture. It has presence. It anchors the room. And it does all this without being the 1500mm or 1800mm behemoth that simply won't fit in a standard Aussie bathroom. It’s the sweet spot.
Where Does This 'Just Right' Size Actually Shine?
Our team has helped design thousands of bathrooms, and we see 1000mm vanities pop up as the hero in a few key spaces time and time again.
The Family Bathroom
This is the number one spot. The main bathroom. The one that has to cope with kids, teenagers, and guests all at once. In this room, storage is king, and counter space is queen. A 1000mm unit delivers on both. You’ve got enough space in the drawers to (in theory) give each kid their own section. You’ve got enough counter space to handle the morning rush hour of toothpaste tubes, hairbrushes, and whatever else gets left out. It’s big enough to be super practical, but it still leaves room for the bath and shower that are essential in a family space.
The Generous Ensuite
We're not talking about the little powder-room-style ensuites. We mean the main ensuite off the primary bedroom. A 1000mm vanity gives this space a sense of luxury. It stops the ensuite from feeling like a cramped afterthought and turns it into a proper retreat. It’s the perfect size for a large, luxurious single basin, giving each person plenty of "elbow room" and their own counter space, even if they're sharing. No more clashing elbows when you're brushing your teeth.
The 'Statement' Powder Room
Now, this is a fun one. Most powder rooms are tiny. But if you're lucky enough to have a slightly larger one, putting a 1000mm vanity in there makes a huge statement. It’s unexpected. It feels grand. You can choose a bold colour or a beautiful timber finish and let the vanity be the undeniable star of the show.
The Guest Bathroom
That second bathroom, the one downstairs, or the one guests use? A 1000mm vanity is perfect. It gives them more than enough space to unpack their own toiletries and feel comfortable, without you sacrificing a huge amount of floor space in a room that isn't used every single day. Practical. Welcoming. Job done.
Okay, But What Kind of 1000mm Vanity Can I Get?
This is the best part. Because 1000mm is such a popular, versatile size, the options are almost endless. You aren't stuck with one or two boring choices. You get to play.
First, the Big One: Wall-Hung vs. Freestanding
This is the first choice you'll probably make. Does it float, or does it stand on the floor?
Wall-Hung Vanities
We love these. A wall-hung vanity, or floating vanity, attaches directly to the wall and doesn't touch the floor. The effect? It makes your whole bathroom feel bigger. Instantly. Because your flooring can run all the way underneath it, the eye is tricked into seeing more floor space, which makes the room feel wider and more open. It’s a brilliant trick for medium-sized bathrooms. Plus, cleaning is a dream. You can run a mop or vacuum right under it. No hidden corners for dust to hide. They just look incredibly sleek and modern.
Freestanding Vanities
This is the classic. A freestanding vanity stands on the floor, either on legs or a solid plinth (kickboard). Their main superpower is storage. Because the cabinet goes all the way (or most of the way) to the floor, you often get deeper bottom drawers or more cupboard space. They have a really solid, established feel that works beautifully in more traditional, classic, or country-style homes. They also do a great job of hiding any awkward floor plumbing you might have from an older bathroom.
Single Basin vs. Double Basin
Here’s an honest tip from our team: 1000mm is the absolute minimum size for a double vanity.
You can get double basin vanities at 1000mm wide, and they are a lifesaver in a busy kids' bathroom. Two taps, two small basins. It can stop a lot of morning arguments.
But. For a primary ensuite, we find it’s a very tight squeeze. You'll have two small basins and basically zero counter space left over. For most people, the 1000mm size is the perfect luxury single-basin setup. You get one beautiful, generous basin and a glorious, wide-open stretch of counter space next to it. It just feels more balanced and practical for adult use.
The Style Conversation: What Do You Want It To Look Like?
This is where you set the tone for the entire room. Your 1000mm vanity can be a quiet, neutral background piece or a stunning "wow" moment.
Warm and Natural
There is nothing quite like the feel of timber. A solid timber vanity brings so much warmth and texture into a bathroom, which can otherwise be a very cold, hard-tiled space. It gives you that day-spa, natural vibe. We've seen so many customers fall in love with the character and grain of a beautiful timber piece.
Textured and On-Trend
The two biggest trends our design team is obsessed with right now? Fluting and curves. A fluted vanity, with those beautiful vertical grooves, adds subtle shadow and pattern. It’s sophisticated. A curved vanity, with soft rounded edges, completely changes the flow of a room. It feels softer, more inviting, and it’s a brilliant practical choice to avoid bruised hips in a tighter space.
Classic and Timeless
You just can't go wrong with white. A white bathroom vanity is the ultimate blank canvas. It looks fresh, clean, and bright, and it lets you be bold with your tile choices or tapware colour. It’s also the key ingredient for a Hamptons look. Our Hamptons vanities, often in white with beautiful shaker-style cabinet fronts, are timeless. They just never, ever go out of style.
Thinking About Specific Rooms and Tight Spots?
Even within the 1000mm size, there are variations. If it's for your main bedroom, our ensuite vanities collection has heaps of 1000mm options that feel luxurious.
But what if your bathroom is long and narrow? The last thing you want is a vanity that sticks out too far. This is where slimline vanities are a game-changer. They are still 1000mm wide, so you get that storage and bench space, but they have a much shallower depth (front to back). They sit tighter to the wall, saving you precious floor space and making the walkway feel much more open.
Making It Truly Yours (This is where the best brands shine)
One of the best things about this size is that it's a standard for Australia's best manufacturers. That means you get options. Lots of options.
Many 1000mm bathroom vanity units are part of customisable ranges. This is what we specialise in. You don't just buy a box. You get to choose:
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The Cabinet Finish: Do you want a classic white? A bold colour? A timber-look?
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The Bencthop: Do you want a clean white acrylic top? A sleek solid surface? Or a beautiful piece of stone-look engineered quartz?
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The Basin: Do you want the basin moulded into the top (so it's all one piece)? Or do you want an above-counter basin that sits on top like a beautiful bowl?
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The Handles: Do you want a streamlined finger-pull (no handles)? Or do you want to choose a beautiful handle in matte black, brushed brass, or chrome?
We work with the best Australian-made brands that let you do exactly this.
With Timberline, you get an incredible range of colours and finishes. ADP (Architectural Designer Products) are masters of quality, with amazing top and basin options. Marquis can create some truly stunning, unique pieces right here in Australia. If you love that rich timber look, Ingrain creates breathtaking vanities from recycled and sustainable timbers. And for that timeless, classic federation or Hamptons feel, the fine fireclay and ceramic consoles from Turner Hastings are simply beautiful.
The Real-Life Wins: Why We Recommend This Size
So, why are we so passionate about the 1000mm size? Because we see the difference it makes. It boils down to a few key benefits.
1. Glorious, Usable Counter Space
This is the big one. It’s the difference between "I have nowhere to put my hair straightener" and "I can lay out my makeup, skincare, and still have room for a hand towel." That extra 100-250mm of width compared to a smaller vanity translates almost entirely into usable counter space. It just makes the everyday act of getting ready so much easier and less cluttered.
2. Storage That Actually Stores Things
At 1000mm, you get drawers that are wide and deep. You can lay a hairdryer or straightener flat. You can fit full-sized cleaning bottles standing up. You can stack 6-packs of toilet paper. You can fit spare bath towels. This isn't just "shove a few things in" storage. This is "get your entire bathroom organised" storage. It means you can have a clean, clear benchtop because everything has a home.
3. Perfect Proportions
It just looks right. In a standard 2.5m x 2.5m Aussie bathroom, a 1000mm vanity has presence. It anchors the wall it's on and balances the other items (like the bath or shower). It doesn’t look tiny and lost, and it doesn't look bulky and oversized. It hits that visual sweet spot that makes a room feel balanced and properly designed.
4. Maximum Flexibility
As we've covered, this size does it all. It can be a compact double for the kids. It can be a luxury single for the ensuite. It fits modern, classic, and country styles. It can be wall-hung or freestanding. You are almost never limited by style when you choose this size. You get the full menu of options.
