Improving your home is satisfying, especially when a new fixture makes everyday routines easier. One room that often gets left out of those plans, though, is the bathroom.
The bathroom is the part of the house visitors see the least, so it is understandable if it has not been at the top of your list. When the time does come to invest in it, new cabinets are a good place to start.
Bathroom cabinets are one of the most useful things you can add to a bathroom, even if they do not seem like it. People tend to focus on new showers, tubs, countertops, and tile, and rarely think about how much difference good cabinets make.
Bathroom cabinets are more useful than they look. Beyond storage, they hide clutter, protect toiletries and towels from moisture, and set the style of the room.
Bathroom cabinets are also not a small purchase, so it makes sense to choose ones that are worth what you spend. Here are four tips to help you choose.
What Are the Types of Cabinets?
There are three types of bathroom cabinets: stock, semi-custom, and custom. Each has its own advantages, and which one is right for you depends on your room and your budget.
Stock cabinets are pre-built in standard sizes. Many homes come with them, and you can also buy them off the shelf. The upside is that they are the least expensive option. The downside is that it can be tough to find one that fits your bathroom’s size and style.
Custom cabinets are made specifically for your home. Because they are built to your dimensions, they make full use of the space you have, including awkward corners. The trade-off is that they cost more than other cabinet types and take longer to arrive.
Semi-custom cabinets sit between the two. They start from standard cabinet boxes but allow changes to sizing, door style, finish, and storage features. They cost more than stock cabinets but less than fully custom ones.
If the budget allows, custom cabinets give a bathroom the closest fit. They cost more, but you choose the design, color, material, and construction, so the cabinet is built around the way you use the room.
Consider the Space
Do not focus only on the budget and the look of the cabinet. One of the most important factors is the space it will take up. Most bathrooms are not very big, and an oversized cabinet can make the room feel cramped.
Ideally, have your contractor measure the bathroom before you make a decision, so they know exactly what size the cabinet should be. A cabinet that is too large can block the door, crowd the toilet or shower, and make the room awkward to move around in.
When you consider the size of the room, also consider how much space the cabinet takes up when it is open. Doors swing outward and drawers pull out, so the clearance left in front of an open cabinet matters as well. This is easy to forget.
If your bathroom is tight, consider modular bathroom cabinets. These are made in small, combinable units that fit compact spaces and make use of the room that is available. They are also relatively easy to install.
Remember that your bathroom has vertical space too. Tall linen cabinets, wall cabinets, and over-the-toilet storage add room for towels and toiletries without taking up floor area, which leaves more room to move around.
How You Can Save on Your Bathroom Cabinets
Bathroom cabinets can be expensive, so it is natural to look for ways to bring the cost down. Here are a few that work without giving up quality where it matters.
One of the first things to consider is semi-custom cabinets instead of fully custom ones. You do not get quite the same freedom, but you can still choose the style and adjust many of the sizes. They cost less than custom cabinets and deliver many of the same benefits.
If you do want custom cabinets, pick the materials carefully. Some wood species and panel materials cost much less than others. Whatever you choose, make sure the material and finish are suited to a humid room, because bathroom cabinets deal with moisture every day.
Last but not least, choose the right contractor for the job. Installation is a smaller part of the cost than the cabinets themselves, but it is still worth comparing. Ask whether installation is included when you buy the cabinets from the same company.
There are many bathroom cabinet installers out there, and the best-known name is not always the best value. Compare a few, check that they are licensed and insured, and look at their previous work before you choose one for your installation.
Know the Trends
Bathroom cabinets get far more design attention than they used to, and it shows in how functional and attractive they have become. If you are new to shopping for them, it helps to know what is popular.
One popular approach is choosing cabinets that complement the floors and walls of the bathroom. White cabinets, often with a smooth painted or lacquered finish, are a common choice. They reflect light, make a small bathroom feel brighter, and give the room a polished look.
Dark cabinets are another common choice. In a bathroom that is mostly white, a black vanity makes a strong contrast. Deep shades such as navy or charcoal work the same way, and a dark countertop can make your bathroom look more current too.
Of course, trends do not have to matter. Just make sure you are happy with your cabinets, so you do not regret the decision later.
Bathroom cabinets are probably the last thing you think of when upgrading your home, but they deserve a place on the list. A well-made cabinet is a fixture you will use for years, so it is worth choosing one that is solid and durable.
A good bathroom cabinet makes the room easier to use and better to look at. Talk the options through with a contractor to see what fits your bathroom and your budget.