A popular trend in bathroom design at the moment is to add furniture to the room. Now I’m not talking about sofas or chairs, but about adding functional pieces of furniture such as bathroom cabinets or storage units. Bathroom cabinets are probably the most popular pieces of furniture to add to the bathroom due to their versatility. While they may act as a decorative addition to any bathroom, there are a few considerations you should make prior to purchasing or installing a new cabinet.
These ten tips will help you make the best decision when adding bathroom cabinets to your own bathroom.
What bathroom cabinet do you choose?
While you may just think there is one generic type of cabinet to choose, in actuality there are a whole host of different options that you could choose. One particular model is a mirrored cabinet, the advantage of choosing one of these is that it acts as a multi-functional piece as you have the mirrored front to assist with your morning bathroom routine and also have the internal storage to keep the bathroom neat and tidy. Another type of cabinet are those with inclusive shaver sockets, which would again assist with the morning routine.
Remember – location, location, location!
Probably one of the major considerations of buying a bathroom cabinet is where you will store it. Wall hung cabinets can be easily fixed above a basin whereas freestanding cabinets would have to be pushed into a corner or vacant space.
Is there access to the power supply?
Some models of bathroom cabinet have inclusive lighting or space for a shaver socket. If you are thinking about choosing one of these models it is important that you have access to a power supply so you can properly install the cabinet. However, it is advisable to always consult with or to hire a professional installer if you have any doubt when handling electrics in the home.
Does the finish suit your bathroom?
From a style perspective, one thing to think about prior to purchasing your new bathroom cabinet is what kind of finish the unit has. It is far easier to find a bathroom cabinet that matches your existing bathroom suite rather than have to undergo a costly refurbishment simply to suit your new piece of furniture. With this in mind, cabinets with wooden finishes such as in an oak or wenge will usually complement a traditional styled bathroom while the sleek finish of a chrome or white gloss cabinet will look good with a more contemporary bathroom setting.
Let the design do the talking!
In addition to the type of finish you could choose, you should also consider the design of the bathroom cabinet. This can be everything from minimalist designs that will complement a compact bathroom setting to bold circular cabinets that will act as a focal centrepiece to a larger bathroom. The particular design of cabinet that you choose really dictates the kind of statement you want to make with your bathroom decor so choose wisely.
Choose units with extra storage.
Possibly the main decision to make is whether the cabinet has sufficient storage. While it is true that bathroom cabinets can be chosen purely for their decorative element, the fact that they offer ample storage space should not be overlooked. Rather than cluttering your bathroom essentials around your basin, bathroom cabinets have handy internal storage space where you can easily tidy everything away. A good way of checking how much storage you would require is to take a look at the products you use every day and try to find a cabinet that will easily accommodate all of them.
What size of cabinet are you looking for?
The size of the cabinet is a major consideration. Not only do you want your cabinet to be large enough to store away those daily essentials, you also don’t want the cabinet to be too bulky as this could restrict any space in the bathroom. Make sure you measure your bathroom’s available space and consider the projection of the cabinet you wish to purchase prior to buying.
Is it easy to access?
When you have chosen your bathroom cabinet it is important to install it in an area that is easy to access. As many cabinets are fixed above a basin, make sure you have fully taken into account whether it can be easily opened without the door hitting any nearby vanities and also that it is within each reach. Having the cabinet too high or too low could cause strain on your back.
Make sure it’s durable!
When you are spending money on a new piece of furniture, you want to make sure that this investment will last, so it is important to invest in durable pieces of furniture that will see you through plenty of years to come. Check that the unit cannot be subject to any water damage or, if it has a mirrored front, that it has a de-mister to avoid any unsightly marks.
Keep versatility in mind.
While your bathroom may look all fresh and new once you have installed your new bathroom cabinet it is important to remember that due to fleeting interior design trends, you may want to redecorate the bathroom again in the future. With this in mind, make sure that the unit you choose is versatile so it can effortlessly fit in with a redecorated bathroom setting to remove the need of having to purchase a new cabinet in the future.
Top Ten Tips for Buying Bathroom Cabinets