When you choose a bathroom cabinet, it should fit your space. It needs to hold your things and look nice. Strong, water-resistant materials are important. These last longer and help you save money on fixing them.
Marine-grade plywood and stainless steel do not get damaged in wet places.
Metal cabinets, like stainless steel, are getting more popular. They are strong and look good.
Measure Space
Choosing the right
bathroom cabinet starts with knowing your space. If you skip this step, you might end up with a cabinet that does not fit or blocks other things in your bathroom. Let’s break down how you can measure your bathroom like a pro.
Measure Width and Depth
You want your new cabinet to fit perfectly. Here’s a simple way to get the right measurements:
Draw a quick sketch of your bathroom. Mark where the sink, toilet, and tub are.
Measure each wall from corner to corner. Write down the numbers in inches.
Check for doors and windows. Measure how wide they are and where they sit on the wall.
Find the spots for plumbing. Use your measuring tape to mark where the pipes come out of the wall or floor.
Measure the ceiling height. This helps if you want a tall cabinet or shelves.
Double-check your numbers. Measuring twice helps you avoid mistakes.
Tip: Use a measuring tape and a level. If you have a laser measure, that works too. Always clear the area before you start so you don’t trip or miss a spot.
When you measure, don’t forget the depth. Some cabinets stick out more than others. Make sure you have enough walking space in front of the cabinet. If you want a vanity top, measure how far it will stick out from the wall.
Check Clearance
You need to make sure your cabinet doors and drawers can open all the way. You also want to avoid blocking the toilet, sink, or shower. Here’s what to look for:
Element/Requirement | Minimum Clearance/Specification |
Doorways (clear width) | At least 31 3/4 inches (810 mm) |
Toilet to wall (side) | At least 18 inches (455 mm) from the center of the toilet to the wall or cabinet |
Toilet to other fixture (side) | At least 15 inches (380 mm) from the center of the toilet to the next fixture |
Door swing | Doors should not swing into the space needed for fixtures unless extra space is provided |
Vanity top depth | Standard is 21 inches, but check your space for comfort |
Make sure cabinet doors and drawers do not hit the toilet, tub, or other cabinets.
Leave enough space to stand and move around. You want at least 18 inches from the toilet center to the edge of your cabinet.
If you have a swinging door, check that it does not block the cabinet or trap you in the bathroom.
Note: Building codes often require a certain amount of space around toilets and sinks. Always check your local rules before you buy a new bathroom cabinet.
Measuring your space the right way helps you avoid costly mistakes. You will save time and money by making sure your new cabinet fits and works well in your bathroom.
Storage Needs
What to Store
Before you pick out a cabinet, take a good look at what you need to store. Start by making a list. Do you have lots of hair products, makeup, or shaving supplies? Maybe you keep extra toilet paper, towels, or cleaning sprays in the bathroom. Write down everything you use every day and the things you only need once in a while. This step helps you figure out how much space you really need.
You might want to group your items by type. For example, put all your skincare together and keep your dental care in one spot. This makes it easier to see what kind of storage works best for you. If you have tall bottles or bulky items, you will need shelves with more height. Smaller items like cotton swabs or nail clippers fit well in drawers or bins.
Tip: Take a quick inventory before you shop. You might find things you can toss or move to another room.
Organizers and Features
Smart organizers can make a big difference in how much you can store. You do not have to settle for a messy cabinet. Try using pull-out trays, baskets, or drawer dividers. These tools help you reach items in the back and keep everything neat.
A 3-tier acrylic vanity organizer works well for bottles and containers of different sizes.
It gives you plenty of space for skincare and makeup, so nothing feels cramped.
The organizer keeps dust away, which makes cleaning easy and keeps your products in good shape.
Features like fluted drawers and curved tops add style and help you use every inch of space.
Many people like these organizers because they hold a lot and cost less than $30.
If you want to use your space better, look for
cabinets with adjustable shelves or built-in organizers. Tall cabinets can help you use vertical space, which is great for small bathrooms.
Bathroom Cabinet Materials
Durability
You want your bathroom cabinet to last a long time. Plywood is a great choice for bathrooms. It does not get ruined by water and stays strong for years. If you take care of plywood, it can last 20-30 years or even longer. MDF and particle board are cheaper, but they do not last as long in wet places. MDF is smooth and easy to clean, but water can make it swell or break. Particle board is light and costs less, but it wears out fast and cannot hold heavy things for long.
Plywood stays strong and keeps screws tight for many years.
MDF is good for painting and smooth doors, but you need to seal it to keep water out.
Particle board is okay for short-term or cheap projects. It gets damaged fast if it gets wet.
If you want a cabinet that lasts and adds value to your home, plywood is a smart choice.
Moisture Resistance
Bathrooms get wet and steamy, so you need materials that fight water. Plywood does better with water than MDF or particle board. If you pick MDF or particle board, make sure it has a strong seal or coating. Some finishes help protect your cabinet and make cleaning easy. Look for semi-gloss, high-gloss, or polyurethane finishes. These finishes stop water from soaking in and help your cabinet last longer.
Here is how experts test finishes for bathrooms:
Test Category | Relevant Tests/Instruments | Purpose in Bathroom Finish Evaluation |
Moisture Resistance | Hydrostatic head testers | Measure resistance to water penetration |
Moisture Management | Moisture management testers | Assess ability to manage moisture and prevent water retention |
Water Repellency | Water repellency testers | Evaluate surface water repellency properties |
Durability under Wet Conditions | Wet abrasion testers | Test abrasion resistance when wet, simulating bathroom wear |
Additional Performance Tests | Air permeability testers, Dry rate testers | Assess breathability and drying rate, important for moisture control |
Fabric and Finish Durability | Martindale abrasion & pilling testers, Snagging testers | Evaluate mechanical durability and surface integrity under use |
Tip: Always check if your bathroom cabinet has a water-resistant finish. This small step can save you from big problems later.
Style and Color
Match Bathroom Decor
Picking the right style for your bathroom cabinet can change the whole look of your space. You want your cabinet to fit your bathroom’s size and shape. If you have a small bathroom, a wall-mounted or tall, slim cabinet saves space and keeps things tidy. Freestanding cabinets work well in bigger bathrooms where you have more room to move.
Many people now want cabinets made just for their bathroom. Custom and semi-custom cabinets fit odd corners or special layouts.
Minimalist and space-saving designs are popular, especially in smaller bathrooms. These cabinets help you store more without making the room feel crowded.
Mirrored vanity cabinets are a smart choice. They give you storage and a mirror in one, making your bathroom look bigger and brighter.
Tip: Try a corner cabinet in a half bath or guest bathroom. It saves space and adds style.
When you match your cabinet style to your bathroom decor, you create a space that feels put together. For example, rich cherry cabinets with fancy doors look great in Mediterranean-style bathrooms. Simple wood cabinets add a natural touch to modern or spa-inspired spaces.
Color Choices
Color can make a big difference in how your bathroom feels. Light and neutral colors like white or beige make small bathrooms feel open and airy. Soft blues and greens help you relax and give your bathroom a fresh, clean look. If you want your bathroom to feel bigger, pick lighter shades for your cabinet and walls.
Light colors reflect more light and make the room seem larger.
Darker cabinets can add drama but may make the space feel smaller.
Timeless colors like white, gray, or soft wood tones never go out of style.
Note: Matching your cabinet color with your wall color helps everything blend together. This trick makes your bathroom look neat and spacious.
Installation and Plumbing
Cabinet Types
When you choose a bathroom cabinet, think about how it fits. Some cabinets stand on the floor. Others hang on the wall. Each type has good and bad points for installing.
Here is a table showing the main cabinet types and how easy they are to put in:
Cabinet Type | Installation Feasibility | Key Characteristics and Suitability |
Freestanding | Needs little work to set up; easy to move | Stands alone; can go anywhere; simple to replace |
Built-in | Must be fixed into the wall; takes more effort | Looks neat; gives you more storage |
Floating | Needs to be attached to the wall well | Looks modern; saves floor space; great for small rooms |
Wall-mounted | Like floating; must be fixed to the wall | Saves space; makes the room feel open; good for small bathrooms |
Freestanding cabinets are easy to use. You just put them where you want. Wall-mounted and floating cabinets need strong support in the wall. These types are good for small bathrooms. They help save space and make the room look bigger.
Tip: Check if your wall is strong before you hang a cabinet. Drywall by itself may not hold heavy cabinets.
Plumbing Location
Plumbing is important when picking a cabinet. Pipes for sinks and drains come from the wall or floor. You need to match your cabinet to where the pipes are. If pipes come from the floor, freestanding cabinets work best. If pipes come from the wall, you can use wall-mounted or floating cabinets for a modern style.
The 'Kitchen Plumbing Design Guide' says to plan your cabinet and plumbing together. This helps you avoid blocked pipes or hard-to-reach valves. The 'Pipe Placement 101' guide says to pick your fixtures early. This way, you do not have to move pipes later, which can cost more money and time.
Think about electrical outlets and building codes too. Some rules say you need space around sinks and toilets. Always check your local rules before you start.
Note: If you are not sure about plumbing or electricity, ask a pro for help. This keeps your bathroom safe and follows the rules.
Budget
Cost Factors
When you look for a
bathroom cabinet, prices can be very different. The price depends on a few things. What the cabinet is made of is important. Cabinets made from solid wood or metal cost more money. They last longer and look nicer. Cheaper cabinets like laminate or MDF cost less at first. But they might not do well with water.
The size of the cabinet changes the price too. Bigger cabinets or ones with many drawers and shelves usually cost more. Special things like soft-close doors or built-in organizers also add to the price. Custom cabinets are the most expensive. They fit your space just right and use better materials.
Here is a quick table to show the differences:
Aspect | Stock Cabinets | Custom Cabinets |
Material Quality | MDF or particleboard, less durable | Solid wood, very durable |
Durability | Lower, may not last in humid bathrooms | High, built to last |
Customization | Limited options | Fully customizable |
Cost | More affordable | Higher, but better quality |
Value for Money
You want to get the most for your money. Think about what is most important to you. If you want a cabinet that lasts a long time, it is smart to spend more on strong materials like solid wood or metal. These choices handle water and daily use better than cheaper ones.
Solid wood and metal cabinets are strong and look nice.
Laminate and acrylic are easy to clean and cost less, but may not last as long.
Custom cabinets are made by experts and use water-resistant materials. They can make your home worth more.
Tip: Try to match your budget with what you need. Spending a little more now can save you money on fixing or replacing your cabinet later.
Maintenance
Cleaning Tips
You want your bathroom cabinet to look great for years. Regular cleaning makes a big difference. Start by wiping the surfaces with a soft, damp cloth every week. This removes dust and keeps the finish smooth. For sticky spots, use a mild soap solution. Stay away from harsh chemicals because they can damage the wood or finish.
Here’s a handy table to help you remember how often to clean and care for your cabinet:
Maintenance Activity | How Often | Why It Matters |
Wipe with damp cloth | Weekly | Removes dust and grime |
Mild soap for stains | As needed | Cleans tough spots without harming the surface |
Apply wood conditioner/oil | Every 6 months | Keeps wood from drying or cracking |
Check for wear or leaks | Every 3 months | Catches problems early before they get worse |
Tip: Always dry your cabinet after cleaning. Water left behind can cause damage over time.
Preventing Damage
Moisture is the biggest enemy of any bathroom cabinet. You can stop problems before they start. Choose cabinets made with water-resistant plywood or wood with a strong finish. Good ventilation helps too. Open a window or use a fan after showers to keep the air dry.
Use waterproof liners inside drawers and shelves.
Pick plumbing parts that resist rust, like stainless steel or PEX.
Install leak sensors under the sink. These can alert you if water starts to collect.
Make sure your cabinet is easy to reach for repairs or checks.
Note: A little care now saves you money and stress later. Your cabinet will stay strong and look new for a long time.
When you pick a bathroom cabinet, measure your space, list what you need to store, and choose strong materials. Think about style, plumbing, and your budget. Good planning helps you balance looks and function. You get a bathroom cabinet that fits your life and makes your space work better.
FAQ
What is the best way to keep my bathroom cabinet from getting moldy?
Keep your bathroom dry. Use a fan or open a window after showers. Wipe up water right away. Choose cabinets with water-resistant finishes.
Can I install a bathroom cabinet by myself?
You can install a simple freestanding cabinet. For wall-mounted or floating cabinets, you may need help or special tools.
How do I choose the right cabinet size for a small bathroom?
Tip | Why It Helps |
Pick wall-mounted or slim cabinets | Saves floor space |
Measure before buying | Ensures a good fit |
Use vertical storage | Adds more room |