Requirements for bathroom cabinets
All products, regardless of their size, design and materials of manufacture, must meet several criteria:
Moisture resistance. The bathroom is a place where the microclimate changes frequently. Furniture comes into contact with drops of water and steam.
Therefore, its surface must be reliably protected with polymer coatings that are not afraid of such exposure. The best option in terms of price-quality ratio is facades made of chipboard, MDF or plastic.
Tightness. To prevent dampness and moisture from penetrating inside and spoiling the contents of the cabinet, the doors must close without gaps, as tightly and securely as possible.
Anti-corrosion properties of metal elements. Fittings, including handles, hinges, and opening mechanisms, must resist oxidation and rust.
Capacity and practicality of cabinets. Due to the small area of the room, the organization of storage of things must meet the requirements of compactness, accessibility and convenience.
Aesthetics. The design of the cabinets should follow the style of the bathroom. The color palette is dominated by calm pastel colors - white, cream, pale blue or soft green. They go well with plumbing fixtures.
But you can play with contrast by installing bright red and orange products. The facade is decorated with photo printing, milling or spraying.
Interior design time
In addition to the type of finish you can choose, you should also consider the design of your bathroom cabinet. The range of options is quite wide:
- from minimalistic designs that complete a compact bathroom installation,
- to bold circular cabinets that will act as centerpieces in a larger bathroom.
The specific cabinet design you choose really dictates the overall look you want with your bathroom decor, so choose wisely.
Select units with additional storage
Perhaps the biggest decision is how spacious should the closet be? While it is true that built-in bathroom cabinets can be chosen purely for their decorative element, the fact that they offer ample storage space should not be overlooked.
Instead of cluttering the spaces around your bathtub with essentials, cabinets have convenient interior storage space where you can easily put everything away.
A good way to check how much space you'll need is to look at the items you use every day and try to find a cabinet that can easily accommodate them all.
Hanging structures
They mean objects that are mounted on the wall. A wall cabinet is a smart choice for small bathrooms, because the space on the floor remains free for placing other utensils. At the same time, the room does not look cluttered.
Manufacturers offer a huge range of sizes and various ways of finishing cabinets. Closed, open and combined designs are available for sale.
The first type assumes the presence of two hinged or one hinged sash. Open cabinets are used for decorative purposes; vases, ceramic figurines and cute trinkets are placed on their shelves.
Combined models are most widespread. Hygiene products and replacement towels are placed inside, and shelves are used for arranging cosmetics.
Consider versatility
Even if the bathroom now looks new and fresh, right after installing the cabinetry, it is important to remember that due to fleeting trends in interior design, you may want to renovate the bathroom again. With this in mind, make sure the items you choose are versatile and will fit easily into your newly remodeled bathroom. Bathroom cabinet - 80 photos of arrangement ideas:
Floor structures
When buying a floor cabinet, you need to determine in advance where it will be placed. No special knowledge or installation skills are required.
There are 3 types of such models:
- With support on legs. The space under the cabinet is convenient to clean with a mop.
- On wheels. The high mobility of the cabinets allows you to easily move them from place to place.
- No legs. The bottom directly touches the floor covering. Such designs are fraught with several inconveniences. If pipes burst and water leaks, the product will quickly swell and delaminate. And for wet cleaning you will have to constantly move the cabinet aside.
A particular type of floor cabinets is a cabinet under the sink. It not only serves as a storage place for household chemicals, cosmetics and things, but also hides unsightly sink drain pipes.
Product material
Particular attention should be paid to the production features. Whatever object you choose: floor, wall, mirror, corner, ordinary, you will still have to face the issue of increased humidity in the bathroom. Experts recommend using different types of wood to make indoor furniture.
The next option will be absolutely useless in the restroom. The tree will quickly swell, crack, and begin to rot. Expensive protective coatings and water-repellent varnishes will not help. They will not protect the fittings from the effects of dampness. Photos of a wood bathroom cabinet before and after indoor use can provide you with a comprehensive picture of the extent of the problem.
Use chipboard or MDF. Such materials can be coated with a water-repellent agent. Plastic cabinets are perfect for a boudoir. An additional pleasant feature of plastic furniture is that such fittings have an unusual shape, appearance, and original design. As for metal or glass, they are rarely used in bathroom designs: such material is quite difficult to care for.
Mirror cabinet
What is it impossible to imagine a bathroom without? Without a mirror. It can be a separate decorative element, or it can be built into a closet.
A mirrored cabinet is an example of multifunctional bathroom items. Glass is not demanding in terms of maintenance and care. And the visual illusion of expanding space will turn a tiny room into a full-fledged place for taking water procedures.
A mirror cabinet with lighting looks unusual. For safety, the socket must be closed with a special cover.
A good option is to purchase a narrow but tall cabinet with mirror elements.
Features and purpose
The wardrobe can be a separate piece of furniture or part of a set. Kitchen pencil cases store large dishes (pots, pans), as well as bulk products (cereals, flour, sugar, spices).
Rarely used items can be stored on the shelves - it depends on the owner. Shelves can be occupied by:
- Cleaning products and textiles – cleaning products, detergents, towels, rags, tablecloths.
- Large appliances (washing machine or dishwasher) - if there is a lower closed section, it will be suitable for such equipment.
- Crockery – sets, cutlery that are not used every day.
- Oven - some cases have a special compartment to accommodate built-in appliances.
- Microwave oven - placed in a special compartment in the pencil case.
- Small appliances (multi-cooker, coffee machine, toaster) - with a special shelf or compartment.
- Spices and preserves are placed in special departments. Usually jars with bottles are placed downwards.
The pencil case helps in masking pipes and meters - if you remove part of the back wall, you can place the pipes inside the cabinet.
The cabinet can be ordered specially, indicating the required dimensions and number of shelves. Typically, such furniture is used as a kitchen unit, for example, by building in appliances or placing it in a special place. They are also made to order to match the style and color scheme of the room in which it is located.
Corner designs
A corner cabinet allows you to significantly save space. It can be either suspended or floor-mounted. The optimal location is above the washing machine or above the sink.
The floor-standing version is characterized by sufficient capacity and large dimensions. The elongated shape of the cabinet with a height of up to 190 cm allows it to be installed in a small bathroom. Not only shelves, but also hooks and laundry baskets can be hidden behind the door.
Basic recommendations for selection
First, you need to decide on the size of the product, as well as its shape and type of construction (floor-mounted, wall-mounted, corner, pencil case, etc.). Next, it is important to think about the material from which it is made, as well as how to secure it. Outline the installation location of the product and check all the practical aspects: what will be stored in it, how to arrange it so as not to constantly bang your head against the corner of the cabinet.
It is advisable to purchase a product that comes with a warranty. The style and color of the model must match the overall design of the bathroom.
Cabinet care
The service life of the cabinet can be extended only with proper use and timely maintenance. No matter how moisture-resistant the material is, it is still not suitable for prolonged contact with water.
An additional measure of insulation of the cabinet and the water source is screens, curtains and partitions. Chrome fittings should be wiped with a soft cloth that does not leave scratches or marks. Denatured alcohol or glass cleaner can help clean up the mirror.
