There was a time when a double vanity in the bathroom was considered an absolute must-have. Often called ‘his and hers vanities’ or ‘Jack and Jill sinks,’ these former home staples have become a surprisingly divisive feature for current house hunters.
To find out when and why you should skip this former must-have in your own home, we checked in with a few real estate pros and designers for their thoughts.
Why Double Vanities Are Dated
Double vanities were once seen as a sign of quality and good design. But now, they can look majorly dated and ding your home’s resale value.
“We’ve moved away from basic builder-grade installations toward custom vanities that feel intentional and elevated, almost like furniture pieces,” says interior designer Lauren Lerner.
If you’re not sure if your double vanity might be a resale problem, take a look at the overall style. Anything with overly ornate details, heavy granite, and tile-insert countertops is definitely out of fashion. Chrome fixtures are another sign of a dated double vanity.
“Most buyers want something cleaner and lighter,” says real estate investor Christine Sommer.
This doesn’t mean that all double sinks immediately tank value. Rather, people are looking for smart, functional design over tradition.
“If a double vanity fits the space and the lifestyle, it still feels relevant,” licensed broker Gennyfer Santel says. “If not, one beautiful, well-planned sink can make just as strong an impression.”
With this in mind, Sommer also says that double vanities can detract from a bathroom that isn’t large enough to accommodate this fixture; it can leave a small bathroom feeling cramped and uncomfortable.
If your space can’t easily accommodate this design, think twice about adding a second sink—especially because, as Sommer points out, implementing this design can be pricey. You’ll have additional costs for plumbing, electrical work, and the vanity itself that you wouldn’t incur for a single sink replacement or upgrade.
3 Bathroom Features That Increase Home Value
If you’re looking to increase your home’s value through your bathroom design, there are a few things you can consider, according to our experts.
- Integrated lighting can immediately make an older set-up feel current.
- High-end materials are a great way to signal luxury, including natural stone, fluted wood, and organic tones.
- On-trend elements like updated hardware and sleek, unframed mirrors are an option if you don’t want to commit to a major refurbishment.
How to Design a Timeless Bathroom
Regardless of your vanity of choice, it’s key to design a timeless bathroom that will win over a potential buyer.
Don’t Overdo It
One of the biggest problems with double vanities is that they’re doing too much. The fixtures, the finish, and the overall design can feel too heavy for a space when homeowners want their bathrooms to be light and spa-like.
Because of this, Lerner says one key to a timeless bathroom is to keep things streamlined and simple.
“Focus on clean lines, warm finishes, and beautiful, understated fixtures,” she says.
Create a Thoughtful Design
If you’re upgrading or installing a new vanity, Sommer says it’s all about what works best in your space.
“A well-designed vanity can look high-end if it’s done thoughtfully,” she says.
But the same goes for the rest of the space. If you’re re-doing your bathroom ahead of listing your home to sell, take time to create a design that feels intentional and thoughtful, even if your budget isn’t sky-high.
“It’s entirely about the materials, proportions, and styling choices,” Lerner says.
Consider Your Buyer’s Needs
As Santel points out, if you’re selling your home, then the design of a truly timeless bathroom should align with your potential buyer’s needs. Often, figuring this out comes down to assessing your space and talking with your realtor to pinpoint who, exactly, is most likely to buy your home.
“A smaller home or multigenerational setup [for example] might be better served by more counter space and storage,” she says. “You have to think about how people live today, not just what was popular twenty years ago.”