I have a 5 x 8 bathroom and it has a 30 x 21 vanity (top is 31 x 22), standard toilet and tub in the same configuration. You may want as large a vanity as possible with a daughter. They have tons of stuff to store. I think 5 x 8 is pretty typical for builder's bathrooms.

It is perfectly comfortable with that layout. You might want to build a box from cardboard to see how that size fits, but although there isn't extra fabulous floorspace the splace is very functional and the vanity top is standard.

Thanks very much for the info. Where did you find your vanity? I agree that bigger is better. Would you share your pictures?

>I was thinking of the Ikea godmorgon that is 31.5 x 18.5 but I wonder if length is the problem

I would ask over at ikeafans about using this vanity with a regular countertop. AFAIK they are meant to be used with the big ikea all-in-one sink/countertop and I'm not sure how amenable it is to using something else instead. It may be on the short side, since the ikea sink/top is pretty thick.

suzan,
In your other thread I posted the link to my similar bathroom. The key is a shallow vanity. If you look at the one we made out of an old dresser, you'll see it's wider in the middle. This definitely increases the feeling of floor space in the room, yet the vanity is still 35" long so we get TONS of storage space in the drawers and a lot of counter space. The counter top is 20" deep in the center but only 18" on the ends. We also used a small sink, so the counter space is maximized.

The fact that it doesn't go all the way to the floor also really helps the space feel bigger and more open!

The Ikea one would be great. It shouldn't be too wide... Our bath is 8'3" x 5' and we fit a 35" vanity while still keeping code clearances for the toilet.

I'll add the link to the post again, below. There are floor plans in there, too.

Here is a link that might be useful: link to similar sized budget bathroom thread

Also look at cat_mom's bathroom renos. She did two similar to this size and layout, in a more modern style. Link below...

Here is a link that might be useful: cat_mom's bathroom renos

I'm sure you can cut the vanity down. My DH has done that to various cabinets. You will need access to a good table saw to do it properly. And the way you go about it will depend on the way it's constructed, of course.

One thing though... I'd make sure you've chosen your sink and faucet before deciding how deep to make it. There are specific clearances needed you need to be sure to follow (in the items specs, downloadable on line.)

Are you DIY-ing this? You might want to consider doing a wall-mounted faucet to save space, since you may need ~4" to 6" between the sink edge and the wall for a deck-mounted one, depending on the style.

Undermount sinks are also great on small vanities for maximizing counter space :)

Gosh, I hadn't thought of that. Thanks for the heads up. This is not a DIY job: I don't have the skills and am far too busy to take it on. I have a good and next expensive contractor who did my kitchen that I will rely on.

Woops! I meant to write "not expensive."