Joybuy Insights

Bathroom storage: how to choose the right unit for your space

A well-organised bathroom isn’t about how many pieces of furniture you have, but how well they suit the room. Whether you live in a small flat or a family home, a bathroom cabinet should make the most of the space available without obstructing movement. It should also withstand the humidity and keep everyday essentials within easy reach.

Before choosing a bathroom cabinet or tall storage unit, take a moment to consider the most common pitfalls.

What to avoid before you buy

1. Don’t judge by appearance alone

A white, wood-effect or coloured finish can fit in easily with your décor, but it doesn’t tell you how much the cabinet can actually hold. Check the number of compartments, the usable height of the shelves and the maximum load it can support. A shelf that’s too low may not fit taller bottles, while a shallow drawer is better suited to small accessories than towels.

2. Don’t underestimate the depth or clearance needed

A bulky cabinet could stop a door from opening fully, make it harder to reach the toilet or reduce the space in front of the basin. In a narrow bathroom, measure the available width, depth and height, including the skirting boards. A shallow bathroom storage unit lets you make use of the room’s height without taking up much floor space, while a wall-mounted cabinet keeps the floor completely clear.

3. Don’t confuse moisture resistance with waterproofing

MDF, chipboard and bamboo can all work in a properly ventilated bathroom, but no cabinet is designed to stay in contact with large amounts of water for long periods. Wipe up splashes promptly, avoid placing it where it will be directly exposed to spray, and check the manufacturer’s guidance.

Technical details to check

Dimensions, clearance and capacity

Start by measuring the space where you plan to put the cabinet:

  • Width and depth to make sure the doors and drawers can open;
  • Available height beneath the ceiling or above an appliance;
  • Space around the basin, toilet and shower;
  • Maximum load per shelf, drawer and top.

A tall bathroom storage unit can hold towels and toiletries. By contrast, a narrow bathroom cabinet with a depth of 15 to 20 cm is better suited to small spaces, particularly next to the toilet. If you’re looking for a vanity unit, check whether it has a cut-out for the plumbing: this isn’t always included.

Doors, drawers and everyday access

Bathroom cabinets with doors keep products out of sight and instantly make a room feel tidier. Models with adjustable shelves are better suited to bottles of different sizes. Bathroom cabinets with drawers make it easy to keep cosmetics, accessories and small items separate, but you’ll need enough space in front of the cabinet to open them fully.

A mirrored bathroom cabinet can combine storage with everyday convenience. For a wall-mounted model, check the type of wall, the fixings supplied and the maximum load. Take extra care with anchoring if the cabinet is tall or will be used in a family home.

Materials, care and safety

Painted MDF, melamine-faced chipboard and varnished bamboo can generally be cleaned with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners and don’t leave water standing on the surfaces. Check the following details in particular:

  • the recommended total load;
  • whether an anti-tip device is included;
  • stability on a level floor;
  • assembly instructions and parts included;
  • suitability for a regularly humid environment.

An anti-tip kit doesn’t replace fixings suited to the type of wall. If you have children, keep heavy products on the lower shelves and don’t let them climb on the cabinet.

Our picks for different needs

Recommended for: Beginners on a budget
Kleankin Bathroom Cabinet Toilet Paper Holder with Cupboard and Adjustable Shelves 20 x 20 x 80 cm White

Kleankin bathroom cabinet with toilet roll holder, cupboard and adjustable shelves, 20 × 20 × 80 cm, white

Why it suits this profile: Its 20 × 20 × 80 cm dimensions make it a good fit for small spaces next to the toilet. It combines a toilet roll holder, a closed cupboard and adjustable shelves.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Its compact design keeps clutter to a minimum, while the adjustable shelves help you make the most of the space around smaller products.

Key features and benefits

A compact design, three shelf levels, a material described as moisture-resistant and an anti-tip fixing.

Recommended for: Those who love a premium finish
HOMCOM Wall Cabinet Bathroom Cabinet with Mirror

HOMCOM wall-mounted cabinet with mirror, 3 doors and 8 compartments

Why it suits this profile: Measuring 80 × 20 × 60 cm, this wall-mounted cabinet combines a mirror, concealed storage and open shelves in a contemporary grey finish.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Wall mounting keeps the floor clear, while the eight compartments let you organise products by how often you use them.

Key features and benefits

Three mirrors, six upper compartments and two open shelves, with smooth-opening hinges.

Recommended for: Specific needs and frequent use
HOMCOM Washing machine cabinet 96 x 60 x 90.5 cm white

HOMCOM washing machine storage unit, 96 × 60 × 90.5 cm

Why it suits this profile: It makes use of the space above a washing machine or tumble dryer, giving you room for detergent, towels and accessories in the utility room or bathroom.

How this product avoids the pitfall

It adds storage without taking up extra floor space and clearly states the dimensions of the area needed for the appliance.

Key features and benefits

Two open compartments, a wide top shelf, a stated total load capacity of 20 kg and an anti-tip kit.

Recommended for: Families and vertical storage
HOMCOM High Bathroom Cabinet 60 x 30 x 170.5 cm white

HOMCOM tall bathroom cabinet, 60 × 30 × 170.5 cm

Why it suits this profile: This tall cabinet can hold towels, toiletries and accessories across its three door-fronted sections, some of which have glass or slatted doors.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The doors let you separate items you want on display from those you’d rather keep out of sight, while adjustable shelves help avoid wasted space.

Key features and benefits

Six doors, an adjustable interior shelf, two glass doors, two louvre doors and a recommended total load of 50 kg.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a comprehensive selection, updated in real time, of products that meet these demanding criteria and European safety standards.

Frequently asked questions about bathroom cabinets

Which cabinet should I choose for a small bathroom?

Choose a narrow bathroom cabinet, a shallow tall storage unit or wall-mounted storage. Remember to measure the space needed to open the doors and drawers, too. A narrow unit won’t be suitable if it gets in the way.

How can I securely fix a bathroom cabinet to the wall?

Use the anti-tip device supplied and choose wall plugs that are suitable for your wall. For plasterboard, the fixing must be appropriate for the wall structure and the weight of the cabinet. A tall cabinet should never simply be left freestanding without being anchored.

How long can you expect a bathroom cabinet to last?

It depends on the quality of the materials, the room’s ventilation, exposure to splashes and whether you stay within the maximum load. Wipe up water promptly, air the bathroom regularly and check the screws and fixings from time to time. Regular care helps prevent warping and loose joints.