Let's talk about some practical and trendy ideas for bathroom cabinet designs.
Most bathrooms have limited space. The space that remains after situating the shower, toilet, and wash basin is what often gets used for storage. That includes the space around the mirror, under the basin, atop the toilet, inside the shower, above the door frame, or any other space that is easily accessible.
Different areas of the bathroom solve for storage in different ways, and cabinets are a big part of maximizing storage, especially in the case of a small bathroom. There are plenty of options available to choose from and take inspiration from while designing your bathroom cabinetry in terms of functionality and improving the aesthetics of the space.
Here are 10 bathroom cabinet design ideas to help you find inspiration for your bathroom decor and storage solutions.
- Floating Vanity Cabinets
- Over-the-Toilet Storage Cabinets
- Recessed Wall Cabinets
- Repurposed Cabinets
- Mirrored Cabinets
- Floor-to-ceiling cabinets
- Glass Door Cabinets
- Corner Cabinets
- Under-Sink Storage Solutions
- Accessorized Cabinets
- Paint Splash
Read on for details on each of these ideas!
1. Floating Vanity Cabinets
Floating cabinets are quite a common bathroom cabinet design solution- mounted directly onto the wall, around the wash basin, with the floor space beneath them open. Due to the empty space underneath the vanity, they look as if they are levitating, which gives them a minimalist and luxurious character. If your washbasin happens to be in the corner of the bathroom, a floating vanity can make the space look larger and feel less cramped while making more space for standing comfortably. They are also a good option if you have ample space for a statement or a focal piece in your design.
2. Over-the-Toilet Storage Cabinets
One of the popular small bathroom cabinet designs talked about on the internet is the over the toilet storage, which emphasizes vertical space usage. Vertical lines that go up to the ceiling, open the room up to create a feeling of spaciousness. There are many different kinds of over-the-toilet storage cabinets available, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Some have open shelves for easy access, others have cabinet doors. You can also find cabinets with glass fronts, as well as custom-made options if you want a specific design style. Open shelving is useful for items that need to be accessed frequently, while closed cabinets keep things out of sight. This type of cabinet makes use of space that might otherwise go unused.
3. Recessed Wall Cabinets
Recessed wall cabinets are built into the wall rather than protruding outward which is a space-saving storage solution. It is becoming popular as part of the hidden compartment design that is catching on as a larger design trend. Recessed cabinets are a suitable option in small bathrooms and can be placed around vanities and inside the shower. They come with different door options, glass, wood, acrylic, etc. depending on the design style and customization.
4. Repurposed Cabinets
One way to spin a bathroom basin cabinet design is to repurpose a distressed or old piece of furniture like a bookshelf, or an old cupboard, and turn it into a vintage or rustic-style washbasin. It is relatively easier than going the commercial route, cost-effective, and sustainable. It also adds storytelling to your bathroom; scratches and faded corners make the space feel lived in. To make it functional, you’ll need to retrofit the furniture piece to accommodate plumbing and a basin, which involves cutting out space for pipes and reinforcing the top for the sink.
5. Mirror Cabinets
Bathroom mirror cabinet design is another popular storage solution, especially in smaller bathrooms where you don’t have much real estate to play with. Instead of going for the full mirror cabinet, where you have to open it each time you want to access supplies stored behind it, consider a hybrid design that combines open shelving and mirror cabinet in one frame. What you display on the open shelves can add personality to the bathroom, while the cabinet behind the mirror keeps clutter out of sight.
6. Floor-to-ceiling cabinets
Floor-to-ceiling cabinets solve for storage by taking full advantage of vertical space and creating plenty of room for towels, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and other bathroom essentials without cluttering the floor area. This design is especially suitable for small bathrooms where space is scarce. It creates a sleek, minimalist look that draws the eye upward, making the space feel taller. There is, again, variety in the choice of internal compartments, pull-out drawers, and lighting so that these cabinets can suit your needs and design aesthetics.
7. Glass Door Cabinets
Glass door cabinets are also an option for bathroom storage. They allow you to see the contents inside without opening the doors, which can be convenient for organizing and finding items quickly. These cabinets come in different glass types; clear, frosted, or textured, depending on whether you want full visibility or privacy for objects stored inside. Clear glass can help create an open feeling, and frosted or patterned glass can reduce visual clutter. Glass door cabinets are available in wall-mounted and freestanding versions and can be framed in wood, metal, or plastic depending on your preferred design style.
8. Corner Cabinets
For small modern bathrooms, a corner cabinet vanity can be a promising space-maximizing solution. Let’s say a doorway is positioned such that it is making a corner on either side of it. That small space might appear to be wasted, for which a corner cabinet or a rounded version might just do the trick. Since rounded cabinets don’t have edges, the corner no longer remains a corner, instead, it becomes a seamless part of the two walls. A corner cabinet vanity can include a sink, concealed storage, or small open shelves to display essentials or décor. It uses what would otherwise be dead space.
9. Under Sink Cabinets
If you don’t want to spend separately on washbasin and custom cabinetry, or if you have a small bathroom where large vanities don’t make much sense, then there is the option of the sink with built-in storage cabinetry. There are again, plenty of options in material, door type, and style –from metal, wood, or plastic to glass paneled and even open shelving when it comes to bathroom sink designs with cabinet. This option is practical and combines the sink and storage into one piece, making it suitable for small spaces.
10. Accessorized Cabinets
If your cabinets are looking too monochromatic, neutral, or minimalist, then add some style by using, firstly, an eclectic color palette to add some character to the space and secondly, designer handles, hinges, and knobs for the cabinet. Although this idea is not fundamentally a design idea for the cabinet itself but for its accessories, it still holds because the accessories also contribute to the aesthetics of the overall design. Changing the hardware or adding color can make the space feel less dull.
11. Paint Splash
We know color drenching is a trend for the current times in all of interior design; symbolizing themes of indulgence, self-discovery, and freedom. Here is an idea that can add a certain charm to the aesthetics of your cabinets with minimal input. Painting a section of the bathroom space in one hue creates a cohesive, grand yet minimalist look that ties everything together. Applying the same color to your cabinets, walls, and sinks, can create a calming atmosphere, should you go with a muted tone. This approach requires little effort but significantly improves the visual.
Choosing the Right Bathroom Cabinet Design
With so many styles and configurations available, selecting the perfect one can feel overwhelming. Here are some pointers that can help you make the best choice when designing your cabinetry.
1. Space and Layout
Before choosing a cabinet, map out your bathroom’s size, shape, and existing fixtures. There are many different layout styles based on the position of the shower, basin, bath, and toilet. For small bathrooms, go for designs like recessed cabinets, or over-the-toilet storage to maximize space. In larger bathrooms, vintage floating cabinets can be a good choice. Also, cabinet doors and drawers should always open fully without blocking doors or walkways. If your bathroom has awkward corners or slant ceilings– which is sometimes the case if the bathroom is under a staircase, custom or corner cabinets can make use of otherwise unusable-looking space.
2. Define Your Storage Needs
Think about what you need to store and how often you use those items. For daily essentials like toothbrushes and skincare products, mirrored cabinets or under-sink cabinets make useful solutions. If you have bulky towels, cleaning supplies, or toiletries, prefer tall cabinets. Joint families might benefit from modular designs that have adjustable shelves. If you want a minimalist look, then closed cabinets with solid doors help hide clutter, and open shelving or glassed cabinets work well for displaying decor.
3. Match Your Style and Aesthetic
Your cabinet should complement the bathroom’s overall design theme. For modern spaces, sleek floating vanities, acrylic cabinets, or handleless designs with glossy finishes create a clean look. Traditional bathrooms pair well with vintage or rustic wood finishes. Industrial styles can have metal-framed glass cabinets or open shelving with exposed hinges. Repeat materials or finishes from other elements to create cohesion, like matching the cabinet hardware to faucets or lighting.
4. Prioritize Material and Durability
Bathroom cabinets naturally face moisture and humidity, so the material choice is important. Solid wood (teak, oak) requires sealing to prevent warping. Plywood with waterproof laminates is a budget-friendly, low-maintenance option. Glass-front cabinets need frequent cleaning to avoid streaks. Check build quality; joints, soft-close hinges, and drawer slides for longevity.
Final Thoughts
These design ideas talk about the various ways you can, simultaneously, create space for storage or transform available space into storage using recessed cabinets and over-the-top storage, while saving the amount of available space. Whether you’re working with a compact powder room or a spacious master bath, there are design ideas for you to play with your space and land perfect cabinetry. You can also check out this project by AND Learner, C. Monica Reddy for inspiration. Happy designing!
FAQs
Q. What’s the best bathroom cabinet design for small spaces?
Floating vanity cabinets, over-the-toilet storage, and recessed wall cabinets maximize space in small bathrooms.
Q. Are floor-to-ceiling cabinets practical in a bathroom?
Yes, they make full use of vertical space and are ideal for storing towels, toiletries, and cleaning supplies without cluttering the floor.
Q. Can I repurpose old furniture as a bathroom cabinet?
Absolutely! Repurposed cabinets add a vintage charm and are a sustainable way to create unique storage solutions—just make sure to retrofit them for plumbing.
Q. What’s the benefit of a mirrored cabinet?
Mirrored cabinets save wall space by combining two utilities in one.
Q. How do I decide between open and closed storage?
Use open shelves for items you use daily or want to display, and closed cabinets for hiding clutter or storing less-used supplies.
Q. Is glass a good choice for bathroom cabinet doors?
Yes, glass door cabinets (clear, frosted, or textured) create an open look and can show decor or hide clutter depending on your preference.
Q. What type of cabinet works well in bathroom corners?
Corner cabinets or rounded corner vanities are ideal for using awkward spaces.
Next Steps
For more insights into the latest trends in the interior design industry, head over to the AND Academy Blog. In case you need further assistance, here are some resources to consider:
- Watch this session by Snehanshu Mukherjee, Founding Partner at T.E.A.M and Mansi Almadi, an Interior Designer at Studio Lotus
- Talk to a course advisor to discuss how you can transform your career with one of our courses.
- Check out our Interior Design courses - all courses are taught through live, interactive classes by industry experts.
- Take advantage of our scholarship and funding options to overcome any financial hurdle on the path of your career transformation.
Note: All information and/or data from external sources is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication.
