It depends on what bathroom and the other storage options, but I lean towards vanity. We currently rent and while the pedestal in our downstairs bathroom looks great, the fact that there is no storage at all in there is a problem.

Space is a premium as you can imagine. The bathroom is extra large for the city so they could add extra shelving...but thank you for reminding me that storage is still a priority over appeal.

They could use (not just add).

I was thinking of renting an apartment and the landlord was going to remodel the bathroom, putting in a pedestal sink. I said I’d rather have storage and counterspace.

full vanity counter (that may be cookie cutter) but with extra storage

Is this a bathroom or powder room? In a full bathroom I’d definitely want a vanity. Powder room would depend on what other storage options there are - we did a pedestal in ours, but the room is big enough for a cabinet to hold cleaning supplies, toilet paper etc.

Is this the only bathroom? Would there be another convenient space to hide personal items, like feminine hygiene supplies? Counter space is a consideration, too.

Vanity hands down.

To answer everyone’s question. It’s the only bathroom in that unit. Folks have added their shelves or cabinets for that extra storage.

And, Maureen, a total swoon! Yes!

The wood bureaus are beautiful, but I wouldn't put them in a rental unit where lessees are not going to take care of the wood the way you would :)

Counter space wins every time, especially if it's the only bathroom!

I own rentals. In two of my buildings the sink is directly next to the tub. One building had been ‘upgraded’ with small vanities. There was a narrow gap between the tub and sink that was impossible to clean, and all the vanities were rotted from splash from the tub/shower. They all now have pedestal sinks.

I too have rentals and I have been in the rental game for 30 years now. In my experience one of the biggest mistakes a landlord can make is not having proper storage space for things a tenant is going to have.

Both the counter top and the storage under a vanity are essential for rental properties in my opinion. I would never sacrifice those. What the tenant is going to do to get storage keeps me up at night. The idea that a tenant is going to come in and put their own storage in makes me cringe.

I never buy a vanity with a toe kick. I always buy a floating vanity or buy a regular vanity and modify it so that it is on some type of leg. I never have a problem with a vanity rotting even when next to a tub. That really doesn't have anything to do with renters, that has to do with living in an area where setting wooden vanities on the floor in a bathroom was seen a kind of stupid.

Just my 2 cents. I am not saying anyone else is wrong, just relaying my experience.

We have a 100 year old house.

When we remodeled our basement, we put this 24" IKEA vanity and sink combo in the bathroom. It has an amazing amount of storage, and I think it fits fine with a vintage look. We put a glass shelf above it (under the mirror) for extra space to sit things.

https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/hemnes-raettviken-sink-cabinet-with-2-drawers-white-runskaer-faucet-s89293702/

In that bathroom we also put in a recessed between the studs shallow cabinet from this company--additional great storage that doesn't take up any room.

https://www.wgwoodproducts.com/

I live in a garage apt with one rather small bathroom; it does have a nice storage closet. It also has a pedestal type sink. No place to put the WaterPik, no place to put the Oral B toothbrush, no place for hairspray can. My grandson added a small shelf to the left of the sink, and up high enough to be convenient and not so low as to interfere with the sink. I hate the sink.Previous owners might have been trying to 'match' the era (think it was built in 1935).

Small vanity, hands down. When I moved into my home, the bathroom had a pedestal sink. Not only did I want more storage, but cleaning around the base was a PIA. When the vanity (finally) cracked, I bought a small vanity. Way happier with the vanity!

I use this model in 3 of my apartments with tiny bathrooms. The wonderful part is it has a porcelain top. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Glacier-Bay-Chelsea-26-in-W-x-36-in-H-x-18-in-D-Bathroom-Vanity-in-Charcoal-with-Porcelain-Vanity-Top-in-White-with-White-Sink-CH24P2-CL/206925822. I have medium toned cabinet. Not sure that color is still available.

A full vanity, if I'm renting any extra storage is a plus.