Shaving Cabinet Height Above Vanity Australia

May 21, 2025

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Shaving Cabinet Height Above Vanity in Australia: Guidelines & Best Practices
In Australia, the height of a shaving cabinet above a vanity is determined by ergonomics, accessibility, and compliance with building standards. Here's a breakdown of the recommended measurements:


Standard Height Guidelines

Bottom of Shaving Cabinet to Floor:

Typical Range: 1,200mm – 1,400mm (1.2m – 1.4m).

Most Common: 1,300mm – 1,350mm (aligns with average eye level for adults).

Vertical Clearance Between Vanity & Cabinet:

Minimum: 200mm (to avoid water splashes and allow countertop accessories).

Optimal: 300mm (provides comfortable reach and space for tall bottles).

Mirror Position:

Ensure the ​center of the mirror​ is at ​1,500mm – 1,600mm​ from the floor for visibility while standing.


Key Considerations

User Height:

Adjust for taller/shorter users:

Tall Users: Raise cabinet to 1,400mm.

Children/Wheelchair Users: Lower to 1,000mm – 1,200mm (AS 1428.1 accessibility standards).

Vanity Height:

Standard vanity height in Australia: ​820mm – 900mm.

Example: If vanity is 850mm tall, place the cabinet ​300mm above it​ (total height: ~1,150mm).

Building Codes:

NCC (National Construction Code)​: No strict rules for cabinet height, but ensure:

No interference with tapware or splashbacks.

Compliance with electrical safety (if cabinet has lighting).

Cabinet Size:

Depth: Keep ≤ 200mm to avoid protruding too far.

Width: Align with vanity or sink (e.g., 600mm cabinet for 600mm vanity).


Accessibility Compliance (AS 1428.1)​

For accessible bathrooms (elderly, wheelchair users):

Bottom of Cabinet: 900mm – 1,200mm from the floor.

Reach Range: Ensure switches/outlets are within 900mm – 1,200mm.


Installation Tips

Mark the Wall: Use painter's tape to test heights before drilling.

Check Clearance: Ensure cabinet doors open freely without hitting lights or fixtures.

Waterproofing: Seal edges in wet areas (Zone 1) per AS 3740.


Final Recommendation
For most Australian bathrooms, install the ​bottom of the shaving cabinet 1,300mm above the floor​ (or ​300mm above an 850mm vanity). Adjust for accessibility needs or user height.


Shaving Cabinet Height (Australia)​
Standard: 1,200mm – 1,400mm from floor.
Optimal: 300mm above vanity.
Accessibility: 900mm – 1,200mm (AS 1428.1).
 

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