Floating Vanities with Drawers vs. Open Shelves: What’s Best for You?

1. Introduction

When I started planning my bathroom remodel, one design feature that kept catching my eye was the floating vanity. Its sleek, modern look instantly transforms a bathroom, giving it an airy, open feel. No wonder floating bathroom vanities have become such a popular choice in contemporary homes.

But as I dug deeper, I realized there are two distinct styles to choose from: floating vanities with drawers and floating vanities with open shelves. Each option has its own strengths. Drawers are perfect for keeping things neat and out of sight, while open shelves give you easy access and the opportunity to style your bathroom with towels or decorative items.

In this article, I’ll walk you through both options, highlighting the pros and cons of each. Together, we’ll compare storage, aesthetics, and practicality so you can confidently decide which floating vanity design is the best fit for your lifestyle and bathroom space.

2. What Are Floating Vanities?

When I first heard the term floating vanity, I wondered what made it different from a traditional bathroom cabinet. Simply put, a floating vanity is a wall-mounted bathroom vanity that doesn’t touch the floor. Instead, it’s secured directly to the wall, creating the illusion that it’s “floating” above the ground.

This design has become incredibly popular, and for good reason. Not only does a floating bathroom vanity free up valuable floor space, but it also makes the bathroom look larger and more open. I’ve found that the sleek, modern lines are perfect for anyone aiming for a minimalist or contemporary style. Plus, the open space beneath the vanity adds flexibility—you can keep it empty for a clean look or use it creatively for baskets or extra storage.

In short, floating vanities combine space-saving benefits with modern aesthetics, making them one of the most versatile and stylish choices for today’s bathrooms.

3. Floating Vanities with Drawers

When I first considered upgrading my bathroom, I quickly realized that a floating vanity with drawers could be the perfect solution for keeping everything organized. Unlike open shelves, drawers give me the ability to tuck away toiletries, makeup, or cleaning supplies, which helps maintain that clean, modern look I was going for.

Advantages

The biggest advantage of floating vanities with drawers is storage. I love how easy it is to keep the countertop clutter-free because everything has a designated place. Drawers also enhance the overall design by giving the vanity a smooth, seamless appearance that fits perfectly with a minimalist or contemporary bathroom style.

Disadvantages

Of course, drawers aren’t without their downsides. Since they’re closed, I don’t get that open, styled display you’d find with shelves. I’ve also noticed that vanities with drawers often come at a higher price point. And while they’re excellent for storing items out of sight, they can make it slightly less convenient to access everyday essentials compared to open shelving.

Best For

In my experience, floating bathroom vanities with drawers are best for minimalists who want a streamlined look, families who need extra storage space, or anyone working with a small bathroom where clutter can quickly overwhelm the room. If your goal is to keep your bathroom looking tidy and modern, drawers are a fantastic choice.

4. Floating Vanities with Open Shelves

When I explored the idea of a floating vanity with open shelves, I was immediately drawn to the light and airy feel it brings to a bathroom. Unlike drawers, which hide everything away, open shelves let me showcase neatly folded towels, decorative baskets, or stylish bathroom accessories. It’s not just storage—it’s part of the design.

Advantages

One of the best parts about floating bathroom vanities with open shelves is the easy access. I can grab a towel or a toiletry in seconds without opening a drawer. At the same time, the shelves add a decorative element that enhances the overall look, creating a spa-like atmosphere. The open structure also makes the bathroom appear larger and more inviting.

Disadvantages

However, I quickly realized that open shelves require more effort to keep tidy. Anything left out of place becomes visible right away, and dust tends to collect faster compared to closed drawers. If you’re not someone who enjoys frequent cleaning or organizing, this style might feel a little high-maintenance.

Best For

From my experience, floating vanities with open shelves are best suited for style-focused homeowners who want to use their vanity as part of their bathroom décor. They’re also a great fit for guest bathrooms, where storage needs are minimal, or in larger spaces where the open design enhances the room’s spacious feel.

5. Side-by-Side Comparison

After looking at both styles closely, I found it helpful to lay everything out in a simple comparison. Seeing the differences between floating vanities with drawers and floating vanities with open shelves side by side really clarified which option fits my bathroom needs best.

For me, this comparison made it clear: drawers are ideal if I want a clutter-free, organized bathroom, while open shelves are better if I want quick access and a decorative, airy feel.

6. Factors to Consider When Choosing

When I was deciding between a floating vanity with drawers and a floating vanity with open shelves, I realized the right choice really depends on my personal space and lifestyle. Here are the main factors I kept in mind before making my decision.

Bathroom Size

In a smaller bathroom, every inch of storage counts. I found that drawers are more practical for compact spaces since they maximize hidden storage. On the other hand, if I had a larger bathroom, I’d be more tempted to go with open shelves because they make the room feel even more open and spacious.

Storage Needs

For me, the amount of storage I needed played a huge role. If you have a lot of toiletries, cleaning supplies, or family essentials, a floating vanity with drawers is definitely the way to go. But if your storage needs are minimal, open shelves can add just the right balance of functionality and style.

Lifestyle and Usage Habits

I asked myself: do I prefer quick access or a clutter-free look? Since I like everything neatly tucked away, drawers work better for me. But if you’re someone who uses towels or essentials often and prefers to grab them in seconds, open shelves might suit your lifestyle better.

Design Preferences

Both styles add a modern touch, but the aesthetics are different. Personally, I love the seamless, minimalist look of drawers. Still, I can see how open shelves create a spa-like, decorative vibe that many homeowners find appealing. It all comes down to the design mood you want to set in your bathroom.

Budget

I also had to think about budget. Floating vanities with drawers tend to be more expensive due to the additional hardware and design details. If I were working with a tighter budget, I’d lean toward open shelves, which often cost less while still delivering style and function.

Considering these factors helped me match the vanity style to my own needs, making sure I didn’t just choose what looked nice, but what actually fit my lifestyle and bathroom goals.

7. Which One is Best for You?

After comparing floating vanities with drawers and floating vanities with open shelves, I realized there isn’t a single “best” option—it really comes down to what fits your space, habits, and style. Here’s how I’d guide you through making the right choice based on different scenarios.

If You Love a Clean, Minimalist Look → Choose Drawers

When I wanted my bathroom to feel clutter-free and streamlined, drawers were the clear winner. They hide away all the small essentials—like skincare, hair tools, or cleaning supplies—so the vanity always looks neat. If you’re a minimalist at heart, or if you have kids and need extra storage, drawers are the most practical solution.

If You Want a Spa-Like, Open Display → Choose Shelves

On the other hand, I discovered that open shelves shine when style and atmosphere matter most. They let you display rolled towels, candles, or baskets, which instantly creates a spa-inspired vibe. If you love decorating and want your vanity to feel light, airy, and welcoming, open shelves are the way to go.

If You Have a Small Bathroom → Go with Drawers

For smaller spaces, I’ve found that drawers make life so much easier. They maximize storage without adding visual clutter, which is essential when you don’t have much room to spare.

If You Have a Guest Bathroom or Larger Space → Try Open Shelves

In guest bathrooms, where storage needs are minimal, open shelves are perfect. They keep things accessible and add a decorative touch that makes visitors feel comfortable. In larger bathrooms, shelves also help emphasize the openness of the space.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on how you want your bathroom to function and feel. For me, I leaned toward drawers for my main bathroom and kept open shelves in the guest bath. That way, I get the best of both worlds.

8. Conclusion

Looking back at my journey of choosing between floating vanities with drawers and floating vanities with open shelves, I’ve come to appreciate that both options bring unique strengths to a bathroom design. Drawers offer hidden storage, a clean minimalist look, and a practical solution for small spaces. On the other hand, open shelves provide easy access, decorative styling, and an airy, spa-like atmosphere.

Of course, each style has its drawbacks. Drawers can be more expensive and less convenient for quick access, while open shelves require more upkeep and can make clutter more visible. For me, the decision came down to how I wanted my bathroom to function on a daily basis—and how I wanted it to feel when I walked in each morning.

If you value order and minimalism, drawers will likely be your best match. If you prefer style and open display, shelves could be the perfect fit. In the end, the right choice depends on your lifestyle, storage needs, and design goals.

As you plan your remodel, take a moment to picture your ideal bathroom experience. Then, choose the vanity style that supports that vision. And if you’re ready to take the next step, I recommend browsing a variety of floating bathroom vanity collections to see which design truly speaks to you.