Planning for a Bathroom Storage Cabinet

The average bathroom size is significantly smaller now than it was thirty years ago, and a bathroom storage cabinet is one way to alleviate the cramped feeling of your bathroom.  As the cost of real estate increases and house and condominium prices increase, one place where you will pay for the premium on space is your bathroom. Traditionally, most bathrooms contained a bathroom storage cabinet to hold towels, toiletries, and cleaning supplies.  Many bathrooms now include only a little more space than what is required to fit a toilet, sink, and bathtub.  But with a little creative planning, you can come up with a bathroom storage solution that will fit your needs and your space.

Planning Bathroom Storage to Fit Your Space

The space available in your bathroom is the primary limiting factor when considering what type of bathroom storage cabinet will best fit your needs.  Take measurements of your bathroom space. Generally speaking, you will need a space at least two feet wide by one foot deep for your bathroom storage cabinet to be useful.  If you have a free wall that meets the width requirements but does not have enough space coming out into the bathroom to fit your cabinet, you may want to consider a built-in cabinet that utilizes space within the wall itself.

Freestanding Bathroom Storage Cabinets Vs. Built-In Cabinets

A built-in cabinet can utilize space behind the drywall in your bathroom, but it requires some carpentry and drywall skills.  You will also need to ensure that the wall you will be altering is not a load-bearing wall.  Alterations to a load-bearing wall can be costly and complicated.  A free standing bathroom storage unit is a better choice if space is available or if you are renting an apartment and would like to be able to take your storage cabinet with you when you leave.  Some freestanding units can be wall-mounted to go above toilets or sinks, creating a hybrid option which for some may present the best of both worlds.  If you own your property and are looking for a long-term solution, a built in bathroom storage cabinet can add value to your home and improve the appearance and usability of your bathroom. A custom built freestanding unit that fits the floor to ceiling area of an existing open space within your bathroom is usually the best option for homeowners and will likely be the most aesthetically appealing.

Final Tips on Bathroom Storage

If you decide that your bathroom storage cabinet is a DIY project that you want to take on, carefully plan the materials and dimensions that you will use with your bathroom space in mind. Water damage is possible on wood that is not properly sealed to deal with shower condensation, even if a leak never occurs.  Do not block access to essential plumbing fixtures with a built-in unit, or you may encounter problems further down the road.  If you keep functional and space factors in mind when planning your bathroom storage cabinet, you will be able to enjoy a storage solution that will serve to improve storage options and beautify your home for many years to come.