Bathroom cabinets: types and choices
A bathroom is a place where people put themselves in order before the start of a new day, take water procedures, and get ready for bed. This room should contain many small things necessary for the rituals of hygiene and beauty. To rationally organize space and distribute things, people purchase various lockers. The sizes, shapes, internal content and design of such furniture are different. Our article will tell you how to understand the variety of options and choose the right cabinet.
Features and purpose
Cabinets keep the bathroom tidy. This is especially important for those who adhere to the philosophy of minimalism. Cosmetics, hygiene items, household chemicals, linen and other things are hidden from prying eyes behind furniture facades. This allows you to fully enjoy the aesthetics of the interior.
There is also a practical side to this solution. Each thing has its own place, which means that the search for the necessary item becomes easy and quick.
In addition, the items in the cabinets do not collect dust, as is the case on open shelves. This, in turn, increases the level of hygiene.
And finally wardrobe can become a decoration of the room... Modern manufacturers offer a wide selection of furniture in different colors, shapes, sizes. With the help of a well-chosen environment, you can emphasize the chosen style of the interior, show your good taste, and create the desired atmosphere.
Of course, not every wardrobe is suitable for a bathroom.There are special requirements for such products. The material must be resistant to high humidity and temperature extremes, because the bathroom is a place with a special microclimate.
Many firms on their websites highlight a separate section of bathroom furniture. Items created specifically for such premises are collected here. If you choose a wardrobe in a regular store, check with the seller for the characteristics of the options you are interested in.
When using furniture, it is also worth showing responsibility. If water splashes on furniture, wipe the surfaces immediately with a dry cloth. Don't forget about airing. In a constantly closed bathroom with poor ventilation, even high-quality furniture will quickly deteriorate. Therefore, take care of resolving this issue.
Types of structures
Vanity unit
Using a storage space under the countertop that has a built-in sink is a great idea. The cupboard cabinet not only hides communications, but also allows you to place some important little things (for example, detergents and cleaning products). Curbstones are floor-standing and suspended.
Among floor models products with legs are considered the best... They protect the bottom of the furniture from dampness, which is often observed in the bathroom on the floor. Hanging options in this sense are also good. They also make cleaning easier and make interiors more modern, stylish and lightweight.
Mirror cabinet
A wall cabinet with a mirror is often sold complete with a vanity unit. The options are different. It can be a mirror with a shelf (or without it), to which a small closed cabinet is attached to the side. It can also be a small wall cabinet with a mirrored facade with shelves on the sides (or without them). The product can open in different ways. There are models with hinged and sliding doors on sale.
As a rule, a curbstone and a mirror cabinet are purchased as a single set. In this case, the items have the same material, style, color. This gives you a harmonious washbasin area. You can purchase such a locker separately. The main thing is that its design is combined with other furniture in the room.
Pencil case
This is the name for narrow but tall cabinets with hinged doors. Such products are ideal for the bathroom. They are quite roomy, but they do not take up much space. Like ordinary cabinets, such products are floor-standing and wall-mounted, one- and two-winged.
The design and internal content are varied. It can be a product with a single door covering the shelves, or a structure consisting of several compartments. For example, there may be shelves at the top, a built-in laundry basket at the bottom, and an open decor compartment in the middle.
Both wall-mounted and floor-standing models can also be divided into two types according to their location. In addition to conventional products, manufacturers offer corner options. Such a solution will be a salvation for a small bathroom, because a compact pencil case will occupy an unused corner and will not interfere with freedom of movement. Such products are in the shape of a triangle or trapezoid.
Built in furniture
If there is a niche in the bathroom, it can be equipped with a cabinet. You do not have to install side panels and a "roof". Their function will be performed by the walls and ceiling of the room. This will save money and also increase the capacity of the structure.
Often a built-in cabinet is made above the installation. In this case, a niche above the toilet is formed after special work to close the communications with a drywall screen. You can leave the recess and use it as a shelf, or you can turn it into a cabinet for household chemicals and other small items.
Can be done corner built-in structure. This way you make the most of all the usable space. You can make the design of the facade, internal filling and the type of opening of the storage system to your taste.If there is not much space, you will end up with a small cabinet with a swing door; if the niche is large, you can even place a sliding wardrobe in it.
Thus, the advantages of built-in furniture are obvious. However, there is also a drawback. You cannot move such a cabinet to another place. Therefore, when planning, it is important to carefully consider the location of the storage system.
Manufacturing materials
Wood
Wooden furniture is not cheap. Of course, she looks solid. Such cabinets look especially impressive in classic interiors. However, in order for the furnishings to retain their original appearance for a long time in conditions of high humidity, special processing of the material is required. Otherwise, the wood will swell and begin to deform.
Chipboard, MDF
Such products are much cheaper. However, if you buy a low-quality item, the top layer will begin to flake off, which negatively affects the aesthetics of the item. In addition, when exposed to steam and high temperatures, chipboard can release harmful substances into the air.
As for MDF furniture, it is quite safe. Products are covered with a matte or glossy film, which makes them moisture resistant and attractive. A high-quality cabinet made of such material will serve its owners for a long time without losing its aesthetic and operational properties.
Plastic
There are two options here. Inexpensive plastic chests of drawers are designed to store light items. Thin plastic is used in such products, so it can deform from heavy objects. In principle, weights are rarely stored in the bathroom, but for towels and bathrobes, for example, this option is quite suitable.
Wall-mounted plastic cabinets are made of thicker and more durable material. This product can store shampoos, shower gels, cleaning products, etc.
Both options considered are hygienic, moisture resistant, easy to clean. As for the design, the variety of models is simply amazing. These are classic white products, and color options, and designs with a pattern. Hinged models often have translucent doors. The only nuance worth remembering when buying plastic products is that they require careful handling (the material can be easily scratched).
Glass, mirror
These materials are more often used as complementary elements. It is unsafe and impractical to put a full glass cabinet in the bathroom, especially if the room is small.
Internal filling
Inside the cabinet there may be shelves for large items (clean linen, towels, household chemicals). Glass shelves designed for placing toothbrushes in glasses, cosmetics, shaving accessories and other light and small items.
Some lockers are supplied brackets for drying towels and washcloths. Pencil cases often have drawers for little things, built-in shopping cart for dirty laundry.
Dimensions (edit)
The sizes of the finished bathroom cabinets are different. Floor cabinets are most often 80-100 cm high, hanging models - 50 or 60 cm.The width usually corresponds to the width of the washbasin cabinet (from 50 cm). Pencil cases, of course, are narrower. The depth of the cabinets varies from 30 to 45 cm, although there are also more compact options (20 cm).
Styles and design
Classic
Sleek, classic furniture has a vintage feel (curly legs, carved facades, gilded fittings). Calm, noble shades: creamy, beige, nutty, chocolate. Classic style pencil cases and cabinets are always floor-standing. The surfaces of the furniture are matt.
Provence
Rustic furniture in gentle tones (beige, blue, pistachio, pale gray, lavender) imitates the setting of a French countryside. Country houses are usually decorated in this style. It is also dominated by matte textures and vintage notes.
Minimalism, hi-tech
These cabinets usually look like solid colored cubes. The fittings are either laconic and chrome-plated, or none at all.Opening is done by pressing the door.
Such furniture can be matte or glossy. The colors are clear, usually cold (white, gray, black), although there are also warm beige tones and bright shades (red, turquoise, orange). The concept of these directions assumes maximum functionality. Here, lockers are often equipped with lighting, heated mirrors, built-in thermometer, clock. Floor standing models are rare. Usually, both cabinets and pencil cases are made hanging.
Modern
This style combines modern achievements, elegance and originality. Such wardrobes can be any - neutral and bright, matte and glossy, monochromatic and patterned. Manufacturers offer models with straight and curved lines, two-color options, models with a combination of different textures. Furniture can be hung or placed on the floor, have glass and mirror inserts. In general, everyone has a chance to find something to their liking among the variety of models.
Color solutions
As already mentioned, the color range of bathroom cabinets is varied. You can choose a product with a wood texture or opt for a film coating. On the market there are pink, purple, green and other models of all kinds of halftones. The most popular are white and beige products. Connoisseurs of minimalism often choose gray furniture. Available in assortment and black cabinets.
Famous manufacturers
Russian firms offer beautiful modern bathroom furniture Alavann, Astra-form, Style Line and other companies.
Luxury classic models are produced by Italian manufacturers, for example, Armadi Art.
A well-known company has a good assortment of inexpensive furniture. IKEA.
All types of cabinets mentioned above can be found from these manufacturers and make your choice based on personal preferences.
Installation methods
Built-in furniture is assembled during the renovation phase. In this case, each shelf and basket is individually attached to the walls of the room. If a ready-made wall cabinet is purchased, it is simply hung on the selected wall. It is important to remember that the surface must be solid. Furniture is not attached to drywall walls.
First, markings are made on the wall. If the "moidodyr" is being installed, then the axis of the upper cabinet must correspond to the axis of the sink. Holes are drilled with a drill or puncher. It is important to remember: when drilling a tile, the blow must be turned off, otherwise the material may crack or even crack. Dowels are inserted into the finished holes. Then hooks are screwed onto which the cabinet is hung.
How to choose?
Product type, size, internal content
If there is not much space in the bathroom, you can limit yourself to a "moidodyr" (a curbstone and a wall cabinet with a mirror). If you already have such a set, and you need an additional cabinet, think about where it will be placed. Its dimensions depend on this. For example, over an installation, you can hang a product with a small height, but with a decent width. A narrow pencil case can be placed in a free area next to the washbasin.
remember, that the cabinet should not interfere with the freedom of movement around the room. Doors should open easily without hitting other furnishings. Also, decide in advance if you will be moving the cabinet in the future. Depending on this, a wall or floor model is selected.
Think about what you will be keeping in the closet. For example, towels can be stored in a dresser with drawers, but for cosmetics and hygiene items, fixed compartments are needed.
You may need a built-in basket for dirty clothes, or you may want to leave space under the countertop for a washing machine.
Design
The appearance of the product should be combined with the decoration of the room and other furniture. It is important to consider both the color scheme and the style. The best option is to immediately purchase a set of several items. If, nevertheless, the product is purchased separately, choose carefully.
Quality
Inspect the item before purchasing, check that all parts are included. Make sure there are no defects (chips, dents, scratches). This is not only a requirement for aesthetics. In high humidity conditions, cracks in the protective coating can lead to rapid deterioration of the product.
Subtleties of placement
Usually cabinets with mirrors are hung at a height of 160-170 cm from the floor level (if you are guided by the lower surface of the product - 120-130 cm). The distance between the sink and the bottom of the upper cabinet must be at least 20 cm.
If you bought a hinged pencil case, the height of the attachment is determined depending on the height of the family members.
Successful examples in the interior
A laconic set of cabinet and pencil case can be supplemented with open shelves.
The spacious room will house lockers on different walls.
Gloss and mirrors make storage systems eye-catching decorative items.
Furniture with a wood texture gives the bathroom a special cosiness.
In a classic interior, a cabinet can look like a chest of drawers, and an elegant showcase can perform the function of a cabinet.