When it comes to planning your bathroom layout, it’s tempting to jump straight into styles, colours, and tiles. But here’s a bit of advice I always give clients at the start: take a closer look at your furniture first. Freestanding and fitted bathroom furniture might seem like a small detail, but they can completely change how your space feels and functions.

And no, the answer isn’t always obvious. Over the years, I’ve worked with all sorts of homeowners, like young families in new-builds and couples renovating older properties, and their reasons for choosing one over the other are rarely the same. Some wanted storage. Others needed a bathroom that felt bigger. A few just wanted to avoid constantly cleaning around pipes.

What surprised me most were the small details that changed their minds. Things like mop access, awkward corners, and even the way certain designs felt emotionally. If you’re unsure which way to go, their stories might help. So let’s get into it. 

1. What’s the Real Difference?

Floating, Fitted, and Freestanding Explained

I get this question all the time. So here’s the short version.

Freestanding bathroom furniture includes anything that stands on its own. Cabinets with legs, vanity units you can move, or console sinks that look more like furniture than fixtures. Some sit right on the floor, others have legs. They’re a bit more flexible and can work for both modern and classic styles.

Fitted bathroom furniture, on the other hand, is usually built into the wall and includes your sink, toilet, and cabinets all fitted into one unit. It hides the plumbing and gives a neat, streamlined look.

Then you’ve got floating vanities that are wall-hung units. Technically a type of fitted furniture, but people often mention them separately. These are often sold as wall-mounted vanity units, and I’ve seen more and more people go for them lately.

2. Fitting Them Into Small Spaces

One thing I hear often, especially in London flats and older homes, is the need to make a room feel more open. Several homeowners I’ve worked with have said the same thing: fitted bathroom furniture, especially wall-hung units, made their bathrooms feel way more open. 

One client said their long narrow bathroom suddenly felt wider once we installed a floating vanity with about 10 inches of clearance underneath. Another mentioned how the extra visible floor space made the room feel calmer and less cramped. One of my regular showroom contacts told me 90% of what they sell now is off-the-floor, simply because it tricks your eye into seeing more space.

But be careful because more space to look at sometimes means less space to store things. That brings us to the next part.

3. Storage (Hidden vs Open)

There’s a debate I’ve heard many times: is the open space under a floating vanity wasted?

Some say yes, especially those who like having a place for everything. But a client of mine who used to design kitchens made a good point: “People fill whatever storage they’re given.” She went for a wall-hung sink unit with just two drawers and said it actually helped her reduce clutter.

Others have told me they prefer fitted bathroom furniture specifically for storage. You get more shelves, deeper cabinets, and it’s all hidden, so you can no longer see shampoo bottles on the windowsill. In family homes or shared flats, I’ve seen this to be quite an efficient tactic. 

Some people also add separate freestanding bathroom storage like narrow shelving units, baskets, or even a ladder-style towel rack. These let you keep flexibility while still having a place to stash essentials. If you’re short on built-in options, these small extras can make your bathroom feel more organised.

So yeah, ask yourself: how much do you really need to store? That answer might help you decide more than you think.

4. Cleaning and Maintenance

I didn’t expect this one to come up so much, but it always does.

Most of my clients who went for floating or freestanding bathroom units told me it was easier to clean. You can mop right underneath and there’s no dust trapped around the base. One homeowner said she used to hate cleaning around the toilet waste pipe. And once we installed a fitted unit, she never had to again.

Others worried about moisture soaking into wooden units that sat directly on the floor. This was especially important in homes without great ventilation. Keeping the base raised off the floor (with legs or wall mounts) helped prevent damage.

Still, it’s not just about floor cleaning. One person pointed out that the real pain was reaching into awkward corners between the toilet and sink, which happens more with fitted units in tight bathrooms. Something to consider.

Either way, think about how you like to clean, and how often you want to do it. And if you need some tips on how to clean your bathroom in a more efficient way, read my article. 

5. Style and How to Match It to Your Home Aesthetic

Different homes call for different designs. I’ve seen floating vanities look amazing in modern flats, especially when paired with some clean tiles and bathroom mirror cabinets. But in period houses, some clients felt they clashed with the overall vibe of their homes.

One person told me that fitted units suited their 80s-style bathroom better. It kept things practical, hid pipes, and matched their simple decor. Another said they avoided spotlights and stuck to standard bathroom lighting to keep things consistent.

Others paired their bathroom vanity units with large mirrors and soft LED lights for a cosy and spa-like vibe. Whatever you choose, let the rest of the house guide your renovation choices. 

So while trends lean toward minimalism, not every home needs to follow them. And to be honest, you don’t always need what’s considered the coolest or most popular design idea. Sometimes your own vision, taste, and creative touch are exactly what make a space feel like yours, not like you’re standing in someone else’s bathroom. Go with your own ideas and take inspiration from others who share your vision.

6. Installation

Now here’s where a lot of people get surprised. Floating units, especially high-end ones, can be harder to install.

First of all, you’ve got to check if the wall can hold the weight. I’ve had clients who needed extra studs added, or even new support brackets inside the wall. One family member helped out with theirs to avoid a big labour cost. For a detailed guide on installing a wall-mounted vanity unit, check out this step-by-step tutorial by Bathroom Mountain: How to Install a Vanity Sink | Bathroom Mountain.

Plumbing can also be a deal breaker. If your current sink’s drain is too low, you might need to move the pipe. If you’ve already tiled the floor and walls, there’s extra work involved. All of that adds up.

This doesn’t mean fitted bathroom units are always easier. You still need to make sure you can reach the cistern or valves in future. Some clients didn’t think about that, and we had to adjust the furniture later just to access basic plumbing.

So before you pick, consider what’s already behind the wall because you don’t want to turn a simple job into a multi-step one that needs a lot more than just placing furniture.

7. Kids, Pipes, and Everyday Use

Families often make different choices. So if you’ve got kids, you’ll want to think about how they use the bathroom too. I’ve worked with parents who picked freestanding bathroom furniture specifically so toddlers could reach the sink with a stool. One even had a sunken bath because it fit the layout above a staircase.

Others with pets or mobility issues wanted furniture that didn’t block access or make cleaning hard. Fitted units helped them hide pipes and keep clutter tucked away.

And more than once, I’ve had someone say this: “Make sure the plumbing is easy to get to. I don’t want to rip out a whole cabinet just to fix a leaky tap”.

8. What Homeowners Wish They Knew Sooner

After finishing a project, many people share what they’d do differently. Some wish they’d measured their space better before choosing a floating unit (a few inches too low or too high can affect cleaning and comfort). Others regret not checking if their wall could support the weight.

Quite a few mentioned how fitted bathroom cabinets helped them hide pipework they hated looking at every day. One said she didn’t realise how much dust gathered behind an exposed pipe until she didn’t have to clean it anymore.

But above all, nearly everyone said this: think long-term. What looks great today should still work five years from now.

So, What Works Best: Freestanding or Fitted Bathroom Furniture

As previously highlighted, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right choice for you depends on several factors, including your space, daily routine, cleaning habits, and the friends, partners, or family members you share your home with. Ultimately, it comes down to what works for your day-to-day. If you value flexibility and an open look, freestanding units can be great choice. But if you’re after maximum storage and a more streamlined appearance, fitted furniture can offer exactly that, making your life easier especially in shared or smaller spaces where every inch counts.

Whatever you choose, just make sure it fits your space, your lifestyle, and your future plans.

And if you’re thinking about a bathroom renovation, we can help! At AV Modern Bathrooms, we handle everything from bathroom design and fitting to choosing the right furniture. And if you’re not sure what direction to go, that’s alright. We’ve helped loads of people figure it out along the way. Just tell us a bit about your space, and we’ll work with you to create something that actually fits your day-to-day life. Contact us today, by calling us at +𝟰𝟰 𝟭𝟵𝟰𝟮 𝟯𝟲𝟱𝟵𝟴𝟵, emailing us at 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼@𝗮𝘃𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺𝘀.𝗰𝗼𝗺, visiting us at 𝟲𝟵-𝟳𝟭 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁, 𝗦𝘁. 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘀, 𝗪𝗔𝟵 𝟭𝗔𝗗, 𝗨𝗞 (our main office is in St. Helens, but we proudly serve customers across the North West, North Wales, and parts of the Midlands). Or get your free quote here!

FAQ

What is the difference between fitted and freestanding bathroom furniture?

Fitted bathroom furniture is fixed to the wall and includes built-in units, while freestanding bathroom furniture stands alone and can be moved or replaced more easily. Fitted is great for hiding plumbing and creating a seamless look. Freestanding gives more flexibility and often makes a space feel larger. If you’re not sure how to bring both styles together, this guide on how to plan a bathroom might give you some fresh ideas.

Which bathroom furniture is better for small spaces?

Wall-hung or floating units work best in small bathrooms. They open up the floor and give a more spacious feel. Many homeowners I’ve worked with chose freestanding bathroom furniture in tight rooms for this reason.

Is freestanding furniture harder to clean around?

It depends on the design. Some freestanding units with legs make mopping easier than cleaning tight corners around a fully fitted unit. But you do need enough clearance underneath.

Can you mix fitted and freestanding bathroom furniture?

Yes. In fact, many homeowners do. You might have a fitted bathroom cabinet around the toilet but a freestanding vanity unit for the sink. The mix works well when you balance the look and function.