Bathroom and Floating Vanity Glossary

Clear, plain-English definitions of common bathroom and floating vanity terms. Use this glossary while planning, shopping, or installing your new vanity.

A

ADA Height
Counter or sink height that supports accessible use (often ~34" max to top of counter). Check local codes for specifics.
Adjustable Feet
Leveling feet on freestanding vanities to correct minor floor unevenness (not used on wall-mounted units).
Anchors (Wall)
Fasteners used to secure hardware to a wall. For floating vanities, always fasten into studs; anchors alone are not sufficient.

 

B

Backsplash
Short vertical piece behind the countertop that protects the wall from water.
Base Cabinet
The lower cabinet portion of a vanity. On floating vanities, it’s the wall-hung box.
Basket Strainer
Drain fitting for sinks (more common in kitchens), filters debris before it enters the drain.
Bogota / Breton / Merce / etc.
O&N vanity collections with distinct profiles and finishes. Browse collections.

 

C

Center Set Faucet
Faucet designed for 4" three-hole sinks/vanity tops where handles and spout share a base.
Comfort Height Vanity
Taller vanity height (~36" to countertop) for ergonomic use.
Cultured Marble
Engineered composite top with integrated basin; glossy and easy to maintain.
Countertop Thickness
Vertical dimension of the top (commonly 1.2"–2"+). Heavier tops require robust wall fastening.

 

D

Drain Assembly
Pop-up or grid drain fitting that connects the sink basin to the P-trap.
Drawer Organizer
Built-in compartments that optimize storage and bypass plumbing cut-outs.

 

E

Escutcheon
Decorative plate that covers plumbing holes or faucet bases.
Engineered Wood (MDF / Plywood)
Composite materials used for stability and smooth finishes; often veneered or painted.

 

F

Floating Vanity
Wall-mounted vanity that frees floor space, improves cleaning, and creates a modern, airy look. Shop floating vanities.
Faucet Centers
Distance between hot/cold holes on a sink or top (4" centerset or 8" widespread are common).
Filler Panel
Narrow panel used to bridge small gaps between a vanity and wall for a built-in look.

 

G

GFCI
Ground-fault circuit interrupter outlet; required near sinks for safety.
Grout
Mortar-like material used to fill gaps between tiles on floors and walls.

 

H

Hanger Rail / Mounting Rail
Wood or metal strip fastened across studs that supports a floating vanity box during installation.
Honed Finish
Matte stone finish with a soft sheen (less reflective than polished).

 

I

Integrated Sink
Countertop and basin formed as a single piece for a seamless, easy-clean surface.
IP Rating (for LED mirrors/vanities)
Ingress protection rating that indicates moisture resistance for electrical components.

 

J

Japandi
Design style blending Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian warmth; natural wood, calm palettes, simple forms.
J-Rail (Mounting)
Shaped metal rail used on some wall cabinets and vanities for secure hanging.

 

K

Kerf
Slot or cut in wood—sometimes used to inset back panels or accept hardware.

 

L

Lag Screw
Heavy-duty screw used to secure a vanity rail into wall studs for structural support.
Level (Tool)
Tool used to ensure the rail and vanity are perfectly horizontal before fastening.
LED Mirror / LED Vanity
Mirror or vanity with integrated lighting for task and ambient illumination.

 

M

Medicine Cabinet
Wall-mounted storage cabinet, often mirrored; can be recessed or surface-mounted.
Mitred Edge
Countertop edge joint cut at 45° for a seamless, “thick slab” look.
Mounting Height
Finished height from floor to top of countertop (commonly 34"–36" for comfort).

 

N

Natural Teak / White Oak
Popular O&N finishes prized for grain and durability; pairs well with modern and warm interiors.
Non-Yellowing Sealant
Bathroom-safe silicone designed to resist discoloration over time.

 

O

Overflow
Secondary drain near the rim of a sink basin to prevent accidental overfilling.
Open Shelf Vanity
Vanity design with open lower shelving for towels and baskets (common in floating designs).

 

P

P-Trap
U-shaped drain component that traps water to block sewer gases; connects to the sink tailpiece.
Polished / Matte
Surface sheen options for counters and tiles; polished is reflective, matte is soft/low-gloss.
Pilot Hole
Small pre-drilled hole that guides lag screws and prevents wood splitting.

 

Q

Quartz
Engineered stone countertop; durable, low-maintenance, and stain-resistant—ideal for busy baths.

 

R

Rough-In
Plumbing/drain/valve locations set during construction; verify before ordering vanity width and drawer layout.
Rail Support Screw Pattern
Recommended spacing for lag screws across studs to distribute load safely.

 

S

Side Splash
Narrow vertical backsplash used where a counter meets a side wall.
Silicone (Bathroom-Grade)
Sealant used to set tops and seal edges; allow full cure time per manufacturer.
Soft-Close
Drawer/door hardware that closes gently and quietly—standard on most O&N vanities.
Stud (Wall)
Vertical framing member. Floating vanities must be fastened into studs.
Sottile / Chiara / Monterey / Saggia
Signature O&N floating vanity lines with distinct profiles and finishes.

 

T

Tempered Glass
Safety glass used in mirrors and shower doors; stronger and breaks into small granules.
Toe Kick
Recessed base area on floor-standing cabinets (not present on floating designs).

 

U

Undermount Sink
Sink mounted beneath the countertop for a flush, easy-clean edge.
UPC
Uniform Plumbing Code; check local adoption for compliance.

 

V

Vessel Sink
Basin that sits atop the countertop; often paired with taller faucets.
Vanity Width
Overall left-to-right size; common widths: 24", 30", 36", 48", 60", 72".

 

W

Wall-Mount Bracket
Metal hardware used with (or instead of) a wood hanger rail to support a floating vanity.
Water-Resistant Finish
Protective coating that helps a vanity withstand bathroom humidity.
Widespread Faucet
Three separate pieces (hot, spout, cold) on 8" centers.

 

X

X-Brace (Cabinetry)
Internal reinforcement used in some cabinet constructions for rigidity.

 

Y

Yellowing (Sealant)
Discoloration that can occur with some sealants; choose non-yellowing bathroom silicone.

 

Z

Zero-Profile Edge
Minimal countertop edge profile for a sleek, modern look.

 

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