Functional Cabinet Ideas to Enhance Your Bathroom

Your bathroom cabinetry isn’t just for storing your toiletries and toothbrush. Let these amazing ideas inspire you to give your cabinetry a starring role.

What comes to mind when you think of putting together a bathroom? Lightweight stuff like shower curtains and bath rugs, or maybe more intrinsic features like the tiles or the bathtub. But what are your options for bathroom cabinet ideas? Whether you want to make a statement with a bold wall cabinet or go minimalist with an understated floating vanity, cabinets, and vanities can set the tone for the whole space. Read on for some ideas on how to upgrade the look of your bathroom while incorporating some much-needed storage space.

1. Unique Designs

It might go without saying, but the best way to curate a unique, personalized bathroom is by opting for custom cabinets. Whether you’re working with an awkward space or just determined to find that perfect bathroom storage solution, custom cabinets are worth considering. If you have the budget, getting your cabinets made to order will ensure that you get the best pieces for the room.

This can be useful if you’re facing a massive master bathroom and are unsure how to fill the space. You can use a custom-made vanity to stretch the full length of the wall or rest between two adjoining cabinets. It can also stop halfway down the wall, leaving enough room for a stunning piece of oversized wall art. A double sink may allow you and your partner to share the space without stepping all over each other. You could go for either one mirror that fills the wall or individual pieces.

Since this cabinet is likely to be the biggest thing in the room, it’s best to stick with a neutral color so you don’t risk overwhelming the space. Of course, this doesn’t mean your bathroom has to be totally free of pigment. You can incorporate color throughout the room with accents like patterned tiles, pastel rugs, and lush greenery. You could also jazz up the vanity itself by laying down a marble countertop and swapping out the hardware. Brass, turquoise, and wrought iron drawer pulls can all elevate the fixture and each tells a different story.

2. Embrace Elegance

For a chic, minimalist look, go for a floating bathroom vanity. Depending on the color and material of your vanity, this fixture can complement any style of decor. A white vanity will blend in nicely with white walls for a modern, monochromatic look. You can compound it with black accents and elegant line art on the walls. You could also go the rustic route and pair a solid wood vanity with natural elements like wood floors and an abundance of plant life.

Even though the lack of legs only frees up a teeny amount of bathroom floor space, it’s enough to open up the room and decrease the amount of visual clutter. This illusion makes floating vanities an excellent option for a small bathroom that just feels cramped no matter what you do. A clear shower curtain and plenty of natural light will also help enlarge the space, especially if there’s a mirror on the wall opposite your window.

3. Enhance Your Space

If you’re looking to fill an awkward empty spot in your bathroom or are desperate for extra storage space, a freestanding cabinet could be the answer. They come in an array of choices – both a blessing and a curse.

It can feel impossible to decide which cabinet would be perfect, but with so many options, there’s no shortage of right answers. First, decide what mood you want your bathroom to convey. Do you want it to be modern or traditional? Energetic or reserved? Figure out which attributes would help you set the right tone and go from there.

While stained wood cabinetry is a safe choice, thinking outside the box can help you make sure your personality shines through your decor. Painting your cabinet a muted gray or an attention-grabbing teal, for example, can make a world of difference.

4. Stylish and Functional

Just as a freestanding cabinet can set the tone of your bathroom, so can a freestanding vanity. Today, it’s becoming more common to see vanities that look like furniture from other rooms of the house, like dressers or credenzas.

You can tweak a vanity to fit any decor style. A small, black vanity on long, slim legs would fit in with a mid-century modern interior. Decorate around it with a round mirror, plenty of natural light, and sage green walls. On the other hand, a large, wood bathroom vanity that sits a little lower to the ground would work well in a rustic, traditional vibe of farmhouse decor.

5. Clever Solutions

If you’re looking for the epitome of minimalist decor, check out these hidden gems. A hidden cabinet provides some much-needed, out-of-the-way storage. As a bonus, an opaque door means that all your stored items aren’t on display. This way, you have a place to store your odds and ends – towels, toilet paper, soap refills – without looking at them.

Given the seamless blending of hidden cabinetry, it can work in any bathroom, but it fits especially well in sleek, modern spaces. It could be an unassuming panel swinging out of a white wall or a mirrored medicine cabinet that slides open to reveal your toiletries. There’s just something about the secrecy of a hidden compartment that gives the room a little James Bond flair.

6. Wall-Mounted Cabinets

What’s a guy to do with a small bathroom in desperate need of storage? Throw a cabinet on the wall, of course. It’s not the most original bathroom storage idea, but it’s a classic for a reason. Mounting your cabinets to the wall draws the eye upward, evenly distributing the room’s visual weight and freeing up precious floor space.

As with any other classic, you could stick with the traditional or change things up to achieve a one-of-a-kind look. Pair a mid-tone wood cabinet with off-white walls and neutral decor for a relaxing, mid-century modern vibe. Adding candles and greenery will soften the space and bring in a touch of luxury. You could also juxtapose a black metal cabinet against exposed brick, reclaimed wood, and matching black metal fixtures to create an industrial-inspired bathroom.

While you can’t go wrong with neutrals, giving your wall cabinets a splash of color is a great way to add character to your bathroom. A soft blue would fit in nicely with Scandinavian decor, or you could go luxe with deep emerald green. If you’re looking for something really out there, try wallpapering your cabinets with a funky pattern. An ornate paisley or lush tropical print is all it takes to turn a simple bathroom storage cabinet into an attention-grabbing work of art.

7. Creative Storage Solutions

If you don’t want to dwarf your small bathroom with oversized furniture, small cabinets are the way to go. They’re perfect for the true minimalists among us who get by with just a few toiletries (or those who just don’t have that much room). Small cabinets prove that you don’t have to sacrifice style for convenience.

As with any tight space, vertical storage is essential in making the most of a small cabinet. To maximize storage, invest in cabinet organizers that let you sort your shaving creams, extra toothbrushes, and other toiletries. Be sure to take advantage of every cubic inch.

Since you might not have the space for much more decor in a small bathroom, choose wisely when deciding on the color of your storage cabinet. For example, going bold with a striking jewel tone can liven up an otherwise understated bathroom. Keep things simple with neutral accessories. Or, add towels and a bath rug in complementary colors and put up some funky wall art to tie it all together.

On the flip side, you could streamline the space with a monochromatic aesthetic. Busy prints and color palettes can overwhelm a small space. Stick to multiple shades of one color to keep things cohesive and interesting without over-complicating the room.

8. Tall and Sleek

Tall cabinets let you take advantage of vertical space while serving as a bit of functional decor. While they do take up a bit of floor space, buying a slim one will minimize that obstruction and add a much-appreciated place to keep things within reach.

Cabinets like these can come with opaque doors, see-through doors, or no doors at all, and each style comes with its own unique vibe. A black or dark brown corner cabinet with glass doors blends well with traditional bathroom decor. Accessorize it with books, candles, and cologne in elegant glass bottles to lean into that classy, vintage aesthetic. A lightweight etagere, on the other hand, suits a boho vibe perfectly. Fill each shelf with trailing plants, framed art prints, and crisply folded linen towels to keep things easy breezy.

While an opaque door will keep the contents of your cabinet out of sight, don’t take that as an invitation to let things get unruly. Your bathroom will never quite feel clean if there’s a hidden mess lurking in the shadows. Figure out a simple, intuitive system for organizing, and make sure you stick to it. Even if you aren’t the tidiest person around, you may surprise yourself with how easy it is to keep things in order once you make it a habit.

9. Inspiring Vanity Designs

Opting for a vanity cabinet with plenty of drawers is a win in terms of style and storage space. Whether you decide to go rustic or contemporary, this fixture can draw the eye and serve as an excellent focal point. Stick to neutrals like white, black, or wood for a timeless design element that you’ll never tire of.

When it comes to styling your vanity cabinet, take advantage of all that storage by tucking away unnecessary items when you finish with them. For the most part, your countertop should only hold decorative items like candles, reed diffusers, and elegant cologne (and soap, of course). Be sure to store these items on a glass tray, as it feels way tidier than just setting them directly on the counter. This minimalist look will keep your bathroom looking sleek and well put-together, and those vibes will flow right through to you.

FAQs

What material is best for bathroom cabinets?

You want cabinets that are durable and able to withstand the humid, muggy environment of a bathroom. Solid wood is a great option, as long as it’s properly sealed against water damage. Sturdy plywood is also a stable, cost-effective choice.

How do I add storage to a small bathroom?

When trying to make the most of a small room, vertical space is your best friend. Think outside the box when looking for places to put shelves or cabinets. We tend to overlook spots like above the toilet or over the bathroom door, which makes them the perfect places to add understated storage.

Can you use kitchen cabinets in the bathroom?

Absolutely! Rules aren’t unbreakable. As long as you’re willing to seal the wood and take out the drawers to make room for the plumbing, there’s no need to leave the perfect cabinets behind just because they came from the kitchen section of your local home store.