What is Bathroom Furniture

Bathroom furniture is a functional necessity, but not only that. Well-chosen designer bathroom furniture can transform a simple utility room into an oasis for rejuvenation and regeneration, a place to achieve physical and mental balance. 

In New Zealand, a bathroom can be a home spa centre, a tropical forest, or a minimalist epitome of functional efficiency. A well-chosen vanity set, a striking mirror, tactical lighting - each detail counts. Bathroom furniture layout promotes organised aesthetics, while its style ties the room together. 

Types of Bathroom Furniture

Bathroom Cabinets

There is a difference between a bathroom vanity and a bathroom cabinet. A bathroom vanity is an element that holds the sink, usually featuring some convenient built-in storage underneath. A bathroom cabinet is a storage unit that can look exactly the same as the vanity, just without a basin mounted on the top. 

Cabinets are versatile elements, available in a range of sizes and styles in New Zealand. They can be freestanding or wall-mounted (or sometimes both). Design variety makes it possible to find a suitable piece for any space, which is exceptionally convenient for small bathrooms, studios, offices, and similar. 

• Wall-mounted cabinets can save a lot of precious floor space and are perfect for storing items like small toiletries. 

• Wall-mounted mirror cabinets can be placed above the basin. Modern, illuminated designs bear a strong decorative flair and add a touch of glamour to the place.

• Freestanding models are, typically, larger and can be used to store a variety of bathroom essentials while adding a decorative touch.

• Tall and sleek freestanding cabinets take a minuscule portion of floor space while stretching high up. These units are ideal for organising more substantial items such as towels or tall bottles, especially since many models can be customised up to a point. 

Bathroom shelves

Shelves belong to versatile and unique bathroom furniture that help optimise the space in a neat and stylish way. Bathroom shelves provide handy extra storage when there is not enough space for an additional (or any) bathroom cabinet. They also come in a variety of sizes and styles in New Zealand, as simplistic flat surfaces or with added specialised storage.

• Freestanding shelves are available in a plethora of options, from simple to modular and combined. They can feature towel racks, toilet paper holders, small boxes, and more. 

• For small bathrooms, wall-mounted bathroom shelves are a solution for maximum utility of the available space. 

• Customised storage shelving units are available in a range of styles that promote good organisation without taking up a valuable surface area. They can be combined with the rest of the bathroom furniture, but also with bathtubs and showers. 

Bathroom vanities

A vanity is a versatile fixture that provides a place to install deck mounted basins and bathroom taps. Similar to cabinets, bathroom vanities frequently feature additional bathroom storage space to help keep the washroom organised. There are three standard types of vanities available in New Zealand: wall-mounted, floor-mounted, and freestanding, each with its own set of benefits and each suitable for different spaces. 

• Wall-mounted vanities are ideal solutions for limited floor space, but sometimes walls are not able to hold a substantial amount of weight. In such cases, floor-mount and freestanding vanities are a better solution, especially for midsize to large bathrooms. 

• Floor-mounted vanities are not much different from wall mounted units, except that they also have legs. Some models are available with both options, offering more versatility and freedom of use.  

• Freestanding vanities are handy storage units without sinks. They can be effortlessly installed without attaching to a wall. This modern bathroom furniture design is ideal for minimalist décor and highly functional spaces. 

Fitted & Combined Bathroom Storage

The modern way of life in New Zealand often implies downsizing, and that includes space-savvy bathrooms, cloakrooms and ensuites. Contemporary bathroom furniture design follows the trend, offering a broad range of small yet convenient items, designed particularly for compact spaces.

Modern units, such as fitted bathroom furniture, keep gaining popularity over the years. Similarly to modular kitchens, fitted bathroom furniture conveys a clean appearance with matching units, a worktop, and plenty of storage space to keep the area clutter-free. 

• Basin and toilet units merge a back-to-wall toilet type with a hidden cistern and basin & storage cabinet/vanity. The resulting set is ideal for smaller bathrooms or to use as cloakroom furniture.

• Combined basin and toilet units are available in a range of sizes and styles, with different varieties of both toilet and accessories. These units are easy to match with any bathroom style.

• A modular set of toilet, basin and cabinet storage can fit into even the smallest of bathrooms. 

Bathroom Furniture Materials 

Most bathroom cabinets, shelves and vanities in New Zealand are made of wood, either in pure or composite form. 

Solid Wood

It's hard to beat the organic character of solid wood and the look of walnut or oak bathroom furniture. This premium material features natural appeal and distinctive quality that creates unique finishes, rendering it almost impossible to find two identical pieces. The finish depends on the wood species and the choice of cut during the manufacturing process. Stains and paints are often used to highlight the grain.

MFC - Melamine Faced Chipboard

MFC is a material often used for making kitchen elements. It's comprised of melamine resin material bonded to chipboard. MFC is a very resilient material with a sturdy outer finish, affordable and easy to maintain. However, it requires a proper finish to resist water damage. 

MDF - Medium Density Fibreboard 

The MDF is a sustainable, environmentally-friendly solution that consists of wood offcuts and waste, mixed with glues and binders and compressed. It's denser but also more substantial than MFC, very resistant to humidity, temperature changes, and warping. All of these features make MFC a popular choice in the bathroom furniture industry. Furthermore, it's available in a wide variety of colours and finishes.

Standard Bathroom Furniture Finishes

Foil Wrapped

A foil-wrapped finish comprises a layer of thin plastic foil, heat set with adhesive. It's a convenient, budget-friendly solution that offers a lot of creative possibilities. On the downside, bathroom moisture can cause the foil to peel and bubble.

Painted Finishing

Painted finishes are more durable and more resilient than foiled wrapped counterparts. While also available in an extensive palette of colours and patterns, painted finishes are much less susceptible to moisture and heat. 

Acrylic Bathroom Furniture Finishing

The high gloss finish is highly sought after in modern bathroom furniture design ideas. Acrylic finish enhances the lines of the cabinetry, adding style and shape with its reflective surface. While being a less budget-friendly option than the previous two, acrylic is also more resilient to damages, humidity, scratches and bumps.

Things to Consider Before Choosing Bathroom Storage

In New Zealand, it's recommended to start by optimising the layout and considering what type of bathroom furniture would work best in terms of function, size and design. 

It is also essential to determine the volumes and proportions - a substantial piece of freestanding vanity will not look good in a confined space. Similarly, a small shelf will get lost in a large room. 

Less is more, and simplicity is often the key. Having too much furniture will cramp the space, rendering the efforts to keep it clutter-free futile. It will also make the bathroom feel smaller than it actually is.