Vanity unit
A vanity unit, sometimes called sink unit or cupboard, under-sink or basin cabinet, is simply a cupboard with a flat surface that houses a sink, normally a wash basin and normally located in a bathroom. The units are normally made from timber or composite material and can be a wall-hung, freestanding or corner units with the sanitaryware basin above, whole, inset, recessed or resembling a bowl sitting on the surface. In all cases the sanitary pipework is most likely to be hidden by the unit itself.
Historically, vanity units pre-age running water and would have originally been a simple closed bowl or basin sitting on a small cupboard, often in a bedroom, filled and emptied by hand for an early morning wash. As early as 1762, Thomas Chippendale, a London based cabinet maker, working in mid-Georgian, English Rococo, and Neoclassical styles is recorded as having made what was then called a toylet table. Now this would be spelled toilet table, the same units may have more commonly been called washstands around the same time and potentially earlier.
In the middle-upper classes these units would have slowly come to be referred as vanity tables or dressing tables, the later of which tending to remain with a mirror in bedrooms but without a sink and the former more commonly located in bathrooms, or washrooms in effect as a washbasin with a mirror and a sink. These would have eventually included a waste feed and then taps with the on set of running water.
Today vanity units, are useful because they hide waste and supply pipes, whilst making better use of wasted space under neath sink basins or bowls, providing additional storage space for sanitary bathroom goods.
A pedestal sink or pedestal basin (also vice versa) is a variation and maybe seen to as an opposite style of vanity unit which refers to a sink unit sitting on a single leg or pedestal, normally made of the same ceramic material as the basin, though today is also likely to be fixed to the wall. A vanity unit may also be retrofitted around a pedestal sink to hide the original older feature or simply to create more storage space.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.