36" is the height of a kitchen counter...............that requires a counter stool to use it.

That's why most 35-36" vanities have an area that is dropped down for a kneehole space. Counters that are level are mounted at the lower height.

A center vanity already doesn't "look modern" in the sense that most people don't want them. But if you like it, do what you want and get the right chair after.

thank you so much for this answer- I just don't love the drop down- so are you suggesting that this vanity has to be all the way down, or on legs wood or metal- looking just a few inches off floor?

and you didn't say what the lower height is- thnx anyway