Having a cloakroom is super convenient, especially for families and guests, but they're usually tucked under the stairs or into the smallest corner of the house. That means finding the right vanity unit takes a bit more thought than in a standard bathroom. With compact units in smaller dimensions (typically 200 to 400 mm in depth and up to 550 mm wide), you can find a unit that fits the space without giving up on storage or style.
Below, we cover the different types of cloakroom vanity units, sizing, finishes, and the best products to choose from.
Types of Cloakroom Vanity Units
Cloakroom space is tight, so the vanity has to earn its footprint without looking like a compromise. Four main types cover most situations.
Wall-Hung Cloakroom Vanity Units
Wall-hung vanity units mount straight onto the wall, creating a floating effect that makes the room look more spacious. Counter space is limited, but there’s plenty of storage below, and keeping products off the basin gives a clutter-free look. They’re also easy to clean around, since the floor space underneath stays exposed.
These units must be anchored securely to a solid piece of timber or other durable material inside the wall cavity. It cannot be attached to a standard plasterboard wall, as it isn’t strong enough to support the unit’s weight.
Floorstanding Cloakroom Vanity Units
Floorstanding vanity units sit straight on the floor, which makes them simple to fit, and the strength of the wall stops being a concern. They come in modern and traditional vanity unit styles, so they slot into most rooms. For a really tiny cloakroom, look at a slimline option with minimal width, complete with a basin tap located on the side of the basin rather than the middle for extra space saving.
Corner Cloakroom Vanity Units
Many cloakrooms are added to small, awkward spaces like under the stairs or in the utility room. Where there isn’t a flat wall available, corner vanity units tuck neatly into a tight, otherwise-dead corner. They come in a range of colours and sizes, with more or less worktop depending on what you need to store.
Combination Toilet-and-Vanity Units (WC Units)
A combo toilet and basin setup is one of the best space-saving options for the smallest cloakrooms. It pairs the toilet with a basin and mixer tap that sit on top of the cistern, for a clean, minimal look. The QS Basics Combi Unit has a white finish, a durable build, and a soft-close seat for comfort and functionality.
Cloakroom Vanity Sizing Guide
When you’re buying a new vanity for a cloakroom, the measurements matter even more because the compact space leaves little room for error. Here’s what to measure and how.
How To Measure Your Cloakroom
These are the main areas to measure:
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Wall length the unit will sit against. In a small bathroom, you’ll likely have pipework, radiators, and a door frame taking up space. Measure the length of usable wall space (around 700 mm away from each fixture or piece of bathroom furniture to the end of the vanity).
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Depth available. Take another measurement from the wall towards the middle of the room. Leave ample room to comfortably walk around the unit. Also, make sure to add extra space if you get a basin that hangs over the edge.
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Door swing clearance. If you plan for 700 mm of clearance around the vanity, the cupboard doors beneath should open comfortably. Just check they don’t clash with the bathroom door when it’s open.
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Head height (if wall-hung). Measure the height from the floor to the top of the cloakroom basin. It should be about 790 to 860 mm. This height can change depending on your preferences (if you’re taller, you may want to raise it higher to avoid hunching over).
Standard Cloakroom Vanity Sizes
Here’s an overview of standard cloakroom vanity sizes for every bathroom suite.
Width |
Depth |
Best for |
400 to 550 mm |
200 to 300 mm |
Cloakroom |
600 to 750 mm |
350 to 450 mm |
Single bathroom |
800 to 900 mm |
Up to 500 mm |
Family bathroom |
1,000 to 2,500 mm |
Up to 500 mm |
Master’s, ensuites, or luxury suites |
Materials & Finishes
The vanity you choose has to suit your taste and stand up to moisture, so you avoid mould and water damage. Here are the top materials and finishes to consider.
Gloss White
A popular finish for most bathrooms, the gloss white colour pairs well with most fixtures, and because it reflects light, it makes the room feel brighter and more open. It needs a regular wipe-down to keep it looking clean, but it’s a classic finish that suits both modern and traditional styles.
Matt White & Matt Grey
The opposite of gloss, matt vanity units hide everyday marks like fingerprints and dust far better. Deeper colours like grey or black make a real statement, and they pair well with brushed brass or matt black accessories.
Oak Effect & Wood Finishes
Natural wood finishes give a bathroom a premium look. Solid wood costs more, but it’s durable and lasts for years, and oak is one of the most reliable choices for a vanity. You will need to manage the humidity, though, by opening a window or running an extractor fan, so the wood doesn’t swell with excess moisture.
Anthracite, Graphite & Bold Colours
Bolder colours like anthracite and graphite (rich, smoky greys) or even sage green work best as accents in a cloakroom. In such a tight space, covering everything in dark colours can make it feel boxed in. Putting a bold finish on just one element, like the vanity, the mirror frame, or the brassware, lifts the space while still looking smart.
Best Cloakroom Vanity Units at QS Supplies
Whatever your budget or taste, the cloakroom vanity units below will squeeze into even an awkward cloakroom.
Slimmest Cloakroom Vanity Units
Start with these if floor space is your tightest constraint.
RAK Resort Wall Hung Cloakroom Vanity Unit with Inset Basin
Small footprint, big presence. It’s built from long-lasting wood, comes in a few finishes, and at a shallow 450 mm depth it tucks into rooms that can’t spare much floor.
Nuie Vault Floorstanding Cloakroom Vanity Unit with Basin
Prefer not to deal with wall-hung mounting? This floorstanding vanity is the easy alternative. The slim build comes in shades from white gloss to soft black, and at just 405 mm wide it slots into a compact cloakroom without a fuss.
Best Value Cloakroom Vanity Units
These keep the price down without dropping the features that actually matter.
Nuie Mayford Floorstanding White Cloakroom Vanity Unit with Basin
It arrives fully assembled, with finishes from anthracite woodgrain to soft black, and it lands under £80, which is hard to argue with.
Ideal Standard I-Life-S Wall Hung Compact Vanity Unit
At under £200, this designer wall-hung unit measures just 290 mm deep and comes in seven matt finishes, carbon grey and natural oak among them. It punches above its price.
Best Cloakroom Vanity Units With Storage
Short on cupboards elsewhere? These vanities still pack in real storage solutions.
Royo Elegance Floorstanding Cloakroom Vanity Unit with Basin and Mirror
A floorstanding unit with two shelves for proper storage, plus a matching bathroom mirror and a choice of three classic finishes.
Royo Elegance Wall Hung Cloakroom Vanity Unit with Basin and Mirror
The wall-hung version of the same set lifts off the floor space for a cleaner, more modern feel, and you still get the two shelves.
Best Combination Toilet-and-Vanity Unit
When the room is really tight, one unit can do the job of two.
QS Basics Combi 2-In-1 Back To Wall Toilet with Basin and Mixer Tap
One unit gives you a full back-to-wall toilet, a basin sitting on the cistern, and a mixer tap. The white finish works with contemporary and traditional schemes alike.
Complete Your Cloakroom
A few finishing pieces pull the whole room together.
Compact Toilets
Even the smallest cloakroom has room for these compact designs.
Tavistock Structure Short Projection Back To Wall WC - Rimless Design
At 475 mm deep, this rimless toilet claws back the floor space a standard pan would swallow.
Nuie Bliss Semi Flush To Wall White WC Pan with Cistern
The cistern sits flush to the wall, so no space goes to waste in a tight cloakroom.
Basin Taps
There’s a basin tap finish for just about every scheme, so have some fun with it.
Hudson Reed Tec Chrome Small Basin Mixer Tap with Push Button Waste
The stick handle sits at the front rather than on top, which gives it a distinctive profile. The chrome finish slots into most schemes.
JTP VOS Contemporary Basin Mixer Tap - Stick Handle
The lever handle and the warm finishes, brushed bronze, brushed brass, matt black and others, make this one for cloakrooms chasing a traditional or antique mood.
Cloakroom Mirrors
From slim LED designs to cabinets with hidden shelves, here are the mirrors worth a look.
Joseph Miles Mosca Borderlit LED Demister Mirror with Shaver Socket
A touchless, borderlit LED mirror that looks the part and doesn’t skimp on functionality. It comes in a few sizes, including a slimmer 500 mm width that suits a cloakroom well.
Hudson Reed Meloso Silver Wall Hung Mirror Cabinet with Shaver Socket
Want storage above the basin as well? This motion-sensor LED mirror bathroom cabinet tucks a set of shelves behind the door.
Cloakroom Vanity Unit Installation
Once you've measured the space and chosen your unit, make sure to turn off the water supply before installation. If you're installing a wall-hung vanity, you'll first need to confirm the wall can support the weight. After marking the unit's position, drill holes into the wall to secure the unit directly, then connect the plumbing. The last step is to seal the back edge of the basin and the waste pipe connection to prevent water leakage.
Of course, if you're not comfortable tackling the plumbing yourself, it's best to call a qualified plumber to make sure the unit is fitted safely.
The Perfect Cloakroom Starts Here
Choosing the right vanity unit for your cloakroom is mostly about the size. As long as you opt for shorter depths and widths (or choose a corner unit for awkward spaces), you can decide on the design, finish, and materials afterward. From sleek wall-hung units to freestanding options with plenty of storage, there's something to suit every cloakroom layout and budget.
Shop the full cloakroom vanity unit range at QS Supplies.
Cloakroom Vanity Unit FAQs
Have questions about a cloakroom vanity unit? Here are the most common ones answered.
- What is a cloakroom vanity unit?
- What size vanity unit do I need for a cloakroom?
- What is the smallest cloakroom vanity unit?
- What's the difference between a cloakroom and a bathroom vanity unit?