Planning Your Cabinets for the Bathroom
As you start considering bath cabinet ideas and options, think about:
Your Goals for Adding Bathroom Cabinets
Do you simply need more storage space in the bathroom or do you want to combine storage and design goals? Simple storage options are more budget friendly and easier to implement. If you want cabinets for your bathroom that set or complement a style, you need a bigger budget and more time. Whatever your goals, remember to plan for the capacity you need, not just now, but what you might need in the future.
Your Bathroom Layout
In an existing bathroom, you can maximize the space with floor-to-ceiling bath cabinets and inset cabinets, but you’re working with a fixed space and layout so your design options are limited. You have more flexibility for your bathroom cabinet ideas if you’re designing a new bathroom.
Your Bathroom Cabinet Budget
Decide if you want a do-it-yourself (DIY) project with preassembled or ready-to-assemble storage or if you want custom bathroom cabinets and professional installation. If you plan to stay in your home, a bigger budget might make sense to create a bathroom you can enjoy. If you expect to sell your home soon, a bathroom that’s in line with those in comparable homes in the area might give you the best return on your investment.
Bathroom Cabinet Types
The phrases bathroom cabinets and bath cabinets can refer to several types of bathroom storage. Match your cabinets to your goals, layout and budget.
Bathroom Vanities Are Standard in Most Homes
Bathroom vanities are the most common type of bathroom cabinets, combining storage space with a sink, faucet and countertop. A vanity can be a focal point for your bathroom cabinet ideas as you add other cabinets with a similar style. Vanity options include countertops, double-sink configurations and more. Take a look at our vanity guide to learn the details on sizing and available options to find the right vanity for your bathroom. You can let us install your new bathroom vanity or take a look at our do-it-yourself vanity project and install it yourself.
Bathroom Wall Cabinets Are Simple DIY Solutions
Bathroom wall cabinets save valuable floor space. Adding this storage space is a bathroom cabinet idea that’s more budget-friendly than traditional cabinets. Bathroom wall cabinets are also DIY-friendly options. Different colors, styles, sizes and shelf configurations let you select cabinets that are right for your bathroom. You can find fully assembled bathroom wall cabinets as well as cabinets that you assemble yourself. Look for cabinets with adjustable shelves that allow you to configure your storage as your needs change.
Linen Cabinets Maximize Floor Space or Wall Space
Linen cabinets for bathrooms are freestanding or wall-mount units that let you easily add storage to a bathroom. You typically use linen cabinets to keep towels and washcloths within easy reach, but you can use them for supplies and toiletries as well. Linen cabinets are typically more economical than traditional kitchen cabinets and are available assembled or ready to assemble. Look for adjustable shelves in these cabinets as well as multiple styles and configurations.
Kitchen Cabinets in a Bathroom Offer the Most Options
You might think of traditional cabinets as kitchen cabinets only, but with the right space and budget, installing kitchen cabinets in a bathroom gives you the most stylish and functional addition for the space. These traditional cabinets tend to be more expensive than bathroom wall cabinets and linen cabinets, but you get a much larger range of options, starting with different levels of customization:
- Stock cabinets are fully assembled in select styles.
- Ready-to-assemble or RTA cabinets require some basic assembly.
- Custom cabinets create unique storage but are the most expensive option and require the most lead time.
Our cabinet guide explains options and standard sizes to help you choose storage that fits your space and style. Take a look at Lowe’s cabinet installation services and see how we can create the bathroom of your dreams. If you have DIY experience and want to save some of your budget, you can consider installing cabinets yourself. Our project focuses on kitchen cabinets, but the process is similar.
Get more bathroom organization ideas and take a look at our tips for small bathroom storage.
Bathroom Cabinet Ideas and Design
Different options play a role in your bathroom cabinet design ideas. Consider:
- Installation Type: Professional installation of custom cabinets creates a seamless look, but your bathroom will be out of commission for several days and you’ll need a large budget. Do-it-yourself cabinet types are budget-friendly options you can install in a couple of hours or less.
- Style: Custom products offer the most options for bathroom cabinet ideas and design, but preassembled bathroom wall cabinets and linen cabinets offer a range of colors and styles that work with many bathrooms.
- Color and Finish: Consider the design options of bath cabinet colors and finishes. Dark colors create a dramatic look and work well in large bathrooms. Light finishes create a welcoming space and make a small bathroom feel bigger. Choosing natural wood is a bathroom cabinet design idea that offers unique, natural warmth. You can also consider a contrast between your wall color and cabinet color.
- Recessed Cabinets: If bathroom cabinets are part of a remodel, you can consider installing recessed cabinets for the ultimate built-in look. In addition to creating a sleek appearance, recessed cabinets save floor space.
- Hardware: Cabinet knobs and pulls add stylish or simple touches to your bathroom cabinets. They dress up even inexpensive bathroom wall cabinets and linen towers and you can swap them out easily to change your look in minutes.
Bathroom Cabinet Ideas and Designs at Lowe’s
Bathroom cabinet ideas can be simple and budget friendly or elaborate and extravagant, depending on your goals, layout and budget. At Lowe’s you can find bathroom cabinets for nearly every budget and design need. Shop Lowes.com for vanities as well as preassembled and ready-to-assemble cabinets available today. You can also look at inspiration for custom cabinets and learn about our cabinet installation services, starting with a design consultation. Or go to your local Lowe’s and talk to a Red Vest associate about your bathroom cabinet needs. They’ll help you find a DIY or professional installation solution that works for your space.
Bathroom Cabinet FAQ
Bathroom cabinet ideas require planning. Answers to these common questions can help you start creating your bathroom cabinet designs.
What Types of Cabinets Are Good for a Bathroom?
The best cabinets for a bathroom depend on your budget and your space. If you have a generous budget, custom cabinets give you the best look and the most design options. For a smaller budget, consider preassembled bathroom wall and vanity cabinets. Even in a small bathroom, cabinets you mount over a toilet and these those designed to fit in a corner create storage options while sacrificing minimal space.
What’s the Difference Between a Vanity and a Cabinet?
When you think of bathroom cabinets, bathroom vanities might come to mind immediately. A vanity typically includes cabinets, drawers and a countertop but it also houses a sink and faucet. It’s typically where you get ready in the morning, so a mirror and vanity lighting usually complete the piece. Traditional cabinets focus on maximizing storage, though they might include a countertop as well.
Do the Vanities in My Bathrooms Need to Match?
You can decide whether you want the vanities in your bathroom to match or not. Vanities are a key design element in a bathroom, so if you want to create a consistent look, matching the vanities is a good idea. However, you can also fit the vanity design to the bathroom use. A powder room for guests benefits from a stylish vanity, while a kid’s bathroom vanity can focus on simplicity and functionality. And for a primary bathroom, double sinks and lots of counterspace are smart choices.