Double Vanities Done Right: Ideas for Orangevale Master Baths

If there is one upgrade that Orangevale homeowners request more than any other during a master bathroom remodel, it is a double vanity. And for good reason — dual sinks eliminate the morning bottleneck, provide dedicated storage for each person, and deliver the single biggest visual upgrade in any master bathroom. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about getting a double vanity right in your Orangevale home, from configuration and sizing to countertop selection and cost.

Why Orangevale Homeowners Choose Double Vanities

Orangevale's housing stock tells an interesting story when it comes to master bathrooms. Many homes in established neighborhoods like Casa Linda Estates, Hickory Estates, and Oak Hill were built between the 1970s and early 2000s, when single-sink master vanities were the norm. These 36-inch or 48-inch vanities may have been adequate when the homes were new, but today's lifestyle demands more from a master bathroom.

The shift to double vanities is driven by practical daily needs. When two people share a master bathroom, a single sink creates a daily traffic jam. One person brushes teeth while the other waits. Products compete for counter space. Morning routines that should take 20 minutes stretch to 40 because of the constant sharing and shuffling.

A double vanity eliminates these friction points entirely. Each person gets their own sink, their own mirror space, their own storage, and their own counter area. The result is a calmer, more efficient morning routine that starts the day right.

From a real estate perspective, a double vanity is one of the most sought-after features in a master bathroom. According to the National Association of Home Builders, 80% of home buyers rate a double vanity as desirable or essential. In the competitive Sacramento real estate market — where Orangevale homes typically list between $500,000 and $750,000 — a double vanity signals that the master suite is modern, thoughtfully designed, and ready for daily life.

Double Vanity Configurations Explained

Not all double vanities are created equal. The configuration you choose affects everything from daily usability to installation complexity and cost. Here are the four main approaches, each with distinct advantages.

1. Single-Unit Double Vanity

This is the most common configuration — one long vanity cabinet (60–72 inches) with a continuous countertop and two sinks. It is the most efficient use of space and the simplest to install because it requires only one cabinet unit. The continuous countertop creates a clean, seamless look and provides usable counter space between the sinks.

Best for: Bathrooms with 60+ inches of uninterrupted wall space. This works particularly well in Orangevale homes where the original vanity wall was designed for a single centered vanity — extending the countertop to fill the full wall creates a dramatic transformation.

2. Two Separate Vanities

Installing two individual vanities on the same wall or opposing walls creates a "his and hers" setup with a deliberate gap or tower cabinet between them. This configuration offers the most design flexibility — you can even use different vanity styles or heights if desired (though matching is more common).

Best for: Bathrooms where the existing plumbing makes a single long vanity difficult, or where homeowners want a linen tower between the sinks for additional storage. This works well in Orangevale ranch-style homes where the master bath has plumbing access on two walls.

3. L-Shaped or Corner Configuration

In bathrooms where wall space is limited but corner space is available, an L-shaped vanity configuration wraps one sink around the corner. The corner section typically houses additional drawers or cabinet storage. This is a creative solution that makes efficient use of awkward layouts.

Best for: Bathrooms with layout constraints where a straight 60+ inch run is not available. Some Orangevale homes with split bathroom layouts benefit from this approach.

4. Floating Double Vanity

A wall-mounted floating double vanity creates the illusion of more floor space and makes cleaning underneath effortless. The gap between the vanity and floor adds a modern, airy feel that works particularly well in smaller master bathrooms. Floating vanities require wall blocking (2x6 or plywood backing) installed inside the wall for support, which is straightforward during a remodel but adds cost as a retrofit.

Best for: Modern and contemporary design styles. Smaller master bathrooms where visual space is important. Homeowners who prioritize easy floor cleaning.

Choosing between a single-unit double vanity and two separate vanities depends on your bathroom layout, storage needs, and design style.

Choosing the Right Countertop Material

The countertop is the visual centerpiece of any double vanity. It is the surface you see first, touch most, and interact with daily. Choosing the right material means balancing aesthetics, durability, maintenance, and budget. Here is how the top countertop materials compare for double vanities in Sacramento-area bathrooms.

Our recommendation for most Orangevale homeowners: quartz. It offers the best combination of beauty, durability, and zero maintenance. Brands like Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone offer marble-look quartz patterns that give you the aesthetic of Calacatta marble with the practicality of engineered stone. For a 72-inch double vanity top with two undermount sinks, expect to pay $1,000–$1,800 for a quality quartz countertop including fabrication and installation.

Sink Styles That Work Best for Double Vanities

The sink style you choose affects both the look and functionality of your double vanity. Each type has tradeoffs in terms of counter space, cleaning ease, and visual impact.

• Undermount rectangular: The most popular choice for double vanities and our top recommendation. Undermount sinks sit below the countertop for a seamless look and easy countertop cleaning — you simply wipe water and debris directly into the sink. Rectangular shapes maximize usable basin size. Budget $150–$400 per sink.
• Vessel sinks: These sit on top of the countertop and create a dramatic focal point. They work best on floating vanities where the height does not become an issue. The downsides include reduced counter space, water splash, and the need for vessel-height faucets. Budget $200–$600 per sink.
• Integrated sinks: The sink is molded directly into the countertop material, creating a completely seamless surface with no joints or crevices. Available in solid surface (Corian) and some quartz options. Extremely easy to clean but limited in style choices. Budget $400–$800 per integrated top section.
• Drop-in (self-rimming): The most affordable option, with a visible rim that sits on top of the countertop. While functional, the rim creates a visual edge and collects grime where it meets the counter. We generally recommend undermount over drop-in for master bathrooms unless budget is the primary concern. Budget $75–$200 per sink.

Smart Storage Solutions for Double Vanities

One of the biggest complaints we hear from Orangevale homeowners about their existing vanities is storage. Older single-sink vanities typically have two doors and little else — no drawers, no organizational features, and a cluttered cabinet interior where everything piles up.

A well-designed double vanity solves storage challenges permanently. Here are the storage features worth investing in:

• Full-extension soft-close drawers: These are the gold standard in vanity storage. Full-extension slides let you access the entire drawer depth (no lost space in the back), and soft-close mechanisms prevent slamming. A 72-inch double vanity should have at least 4–6 drawers.
• U-shaped drawer around plumbing: The center section of a double vanity typically houses plumbing. A U-shaped drawer wraps around the plumbing pipes to maximize this otherwise wasted space. Not all vanity manufacturers offer this feature — look for it specifically.
• Drawer organizers and dividers: Built-in drawer organizers for hair tools, makeup, and grooming supplies keep everything visible and accessible. These can be added to most vanity drawers for $30–$80 per drawer.
• Tower cabinet between sinks: If using two separate vanities, a tall linen tower between them provides vertical storage for towels, toiletries, and bathroom supplies. This is an excellent use of the space between two 30-inch or 36-inch vanities.
• Medicine cabinets with mirrors: Recessed medicine cabinets above each sink provide hidden storage without sacrificing mirror space. Modern medicine cabinets have sleek, frameless designs that look like regular mirrors when closed.

Sizing Your Double Vanity: What Fits Your Orangevale Bathroom?

Getting the size right is critical. A double vanity that is too large overwhelms the bathroom, while one that is too small feels cramped and defeats the purpose of going double. Here are the sizing guidelines we follow for Orangevale master bathroom projects.

Minimum and Recommended Dimensions

Most Orangevale master bathrooms built after 1985 can accommodate a 72-inch double vanity comfortably. Older homes or those with smaller master baths may need to work with a 60-inch configuration, which still provides two functional sinks with adequate counter space between them.

Pro tip: the "comfort height" standard for vanities has shifted upward over the past decade. Builder-grade vanities were typically 30–32 inches tall, but today's standard is 34–36 inches — closer to kitchen counter height. This taller height is more comfortable for most adults and gives the vanity a more substantial, furniture-like presence. If you are replacing a 30-inch-tall vanity with a 36-inch model, keep in mind that your existing mirror height may need adjustment.

Plumbing Considerations for Orangevale Homes

Upgrading from a single vanity to a double vanity almost always requires plumbing modifications. Here is what to expect and how the specifics of Orangevale homes affect the project.

If your existing bathroom has a single sink, you currently have one set of hot and cold supply lines and one drain line. Adding a second sink requires running additional supply lines and a second drain connection. In most cases, the new drain ties into the existing drain line inside the wall or floor with a sanitary tee fitting. This work is entirely routine for a licensed plumber and typically takes 4–8 hours depending on accessibility.

Orangevale homes have a mix of plumbing types depending on when they were built. Homes from the 1960s–1980s may have galvanized steel supply lines that should be replaced with PEX or copper during the vanity upgrade. Homes from the 1985–2000 era commonly have copper supply lines that are typically in good condition and can be extended. Newer homes (2000+) often have PEX supply lines, which are the easiest and least expensive to modify.

Budget $500–$1,500 for plumbing modifications when adding a second sink. This includes running new supply lines, adding the drain connection, and tying into the existing vent stack. If the bathroom is on a slab foundation (common in many Orangevale neighborhoods), drain modifications may cost slightly more because the plumber needs to route the drain through the wall rather than through the floor.

Quality fixtures and countertop materials elevate a double vanity from functional to luxurious — details like undermount sinks and widespread faucets make a significant visual difference.

Cost Breakdown and Budgeting

Understanding the full cost of a double vanity installation helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises. Here is a detailed breakdown of typical costs in the Orangevale and greater Sacramento area.

Most Orangevale homeowners invest in the mid-range tier, spending $5,000–$9,000 for a complete double vanity installation including all components. This price range delivers excellent quality with brand-name fixtures, a quartz countertop, and professional installation that will serve you well for 15–20 years.

Design Trends for 2025–2026

Double vanity design continues to evolve. Here are the trends we are seeing across our Sacramento-area projects that are worth considering for your Orangevale master bathroom.

• Mixed materials: Combining a wood-tone vanity cabinet with a white or gray quartz top and metal-framed mirrors. The interplay of natural wood, stone, and metal creates visual depth that single-material designs cannot match.
• Fluted and reeded cabinet fronts: Vertical grooves on drawer fronts and cabinet doors add texture and visual interest without pattern. This detail elevates a simple vanity design to a custom look and works in both modern and transitional styles.
• Backlit mirrors: LED-backlit mirrors with built-in defoggers are becoming standard in master bathrooms. They provide soft ambient lighting, eliminate mirror fogging after showers, and add a luxury hotel feel. Prices have dropped significantly, with quality LED mirrors now available for $250–$600 each.
• Integrated outlet strips: Modern vanities increasingly feature built-in USB and AC outlet strips inside drawers for charging devices and powering grooming tools. This keeps cords contained and countertops clear.
• Warm wood tones: After years of gray and white dominance, warm wood tones (white oak, walnut, teak) are making a strong comeback. A warm wood vanity paired with cool quartz and brushed gold fixtures creates a balanced, inviting master bathroom.

Choosing the Right Partner for Your Double Vanity Project

A double vanity installation involves cabinetry, plumbing, countertop fabrication, electrical work for lighting, and finish carpentry. Coordinating these trades is where a bathroom-specialized contractor like OakWood Remodel provides the most value. We manage every aspect from design consultation through final inspection, ensuring that the vanity, countertop, plumbing, mirrors, and lighting all work together as a cohesive system.

Our familiarity with Orangevale's housing stock — the typical master bath layouts, common plumbing configurations, and foundation types — means we can accurately scope your project from the first consultation and avoid the cost surprises that come from contractors unfamiliar with local construction patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions