Bathroom Cabinets

Bathroom cabinets

Bathroom cabinets and vanities are essential pieces of bathroom furniture. Their function is to provide bathroom storage space with a combination of enclosed shelving and drawers. Their designs are versatile and vary in size, style, and shape. 

A specific type of bathroom cabinet that comes with a mounted basin (or a place to install one) is called a bathroom vanity.

Types of bathroom cabinets

Bathroom cabinets typically come with two or three drawers and cupboard storage. They can sometimes be customised with a choice of countertop material like stone or laminate. However, it's best to choose the finish that can withstand a substantial amount of regular bathroom humidity, especially given the proximity to baths and showers.

Bathroom cabinets in New Zealand can be built-in or freestanding. Built-in bathroom cabinets feature a specific construction that can be framed or frameless. Freestanding are independent pieces of bathroom furniture that can be easily brought in to stylise and provide extra bathroom storage in a space.

Face-frame bathroom cabinets

The frame structure makes this kind of bathroom cabinet sturdy, with a strong base for hinges. Typically, doors and draw fronts cover the frame, but it's not uncommon to see models with offset or flush fronts in New Zealand. The frame's sturdiness eliminates the need for a top panel, also allowing for the use of affordable materials for cabinet sides. The backside is often made of thin materials.

Frameless bathroom cabinets

Frameless bathroom cabinets are also known as "European-style" models. Their box-like construction features panels finished on both sides, while the edges are marked with a simple laminate banding or narrow strip. 

This type is distinguished by vertical holes, drilled along each cabinet side panel for added flexibility of use. The holes make it possible to fit the cabinet with European hinges, shelf pins, as well as a variety of drawer slides and other hardware. Frameless bathroom cabinets typically feature hidden hinges, flush doors, and a solid top and back.

Freestanding bathroom cabinets

A freestanding cabinet is essentially a console bathroom vanity, a small bathroom cabinet or chest of drawers or a combination with a set of shelves. They have legs but commonly necessitate less floor space than conventional cabinetry. 

Floating bathroom cabinets

Wall hung bathroom cabinets are very popular in New Zealand and are an ideal choice for small and minimalist bathrooms. This bathroom wall cabinet features no legs and “floats in the air” - hence the name floating cabinet. By saving some floor space, these cabinets make a bathroom feel more spacious.

Corner bathroom cabinets 

Corner bathroom cabinets work well in limited spaces, such as powder rooms or bathrooms with an untypical layout. They are very space-savvy; however, that also means they offer limited counter space. Corner bathroom cabinets are available in both traditional and modern styles in New Zealand.

Bathroom cabinets materials

Wood bathroom cabinet

Bathroom cabinets can be made from a variety of materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. One popular option is wood, which can give a warm and traditional look to the bathroom. Wood requires maintenance to prevent water damage.

MDF bathroom cabinet

MDF (medium-density fiberboard) is another material that is commonly used for bathroom cabinets. It is a more affordable alternative to solid wood and is often covered with a laminate or veneer finish.

Metal bathroom cabinet

Metal is also an option for bathroom cabinets, particularly for modern or industrial styles. Stainless steel and aluminum are popular choices.

Glass bathroom cabinet

Glass can be used for cabinet doors or shelves, particularly in modern or contemporary bathroom designs.

Bathroom cabinet styles

Distressed style cabinets

Distressed style cabinetry catches the eye with its weathered vintage look. Hardware and details such as brushed metal counter accessories, perfectly blend into the style. The distressed appeal requires specific techniques and the right amount of patina to look authentically antique, fitting beautifully to the farmhouse, cottage and coastal style interiors.  

Flat style bathroom cabinets

Flat style cabinets typically feature minimal hardware and decoration. They are stylish and simple, flexible to blend into a variety of elegant bathroom interiors in New Zealand, whether modern, contemporary or industrial. They often feature wooden construction but can also be found in budget-friendly laminate, in a broad wide range of colours and finishes. 

Beadboard bathroom cupboards

Beadboard style cabinets boast a rustic cottage-chic. Intricate detailing and coloured surfaces of beadboard bathroom mirror cabinets make a stunning focal point. They will fit flawlessly into any kind of bathroom design in New Zealand be it shabby chic, French farmhouse, boho, eclectic etc. 

Louvred bathroom cabinets

Louvred style cupboards are easily recognisable by their construction. A series of slats are placed in a row to allow ventilation, at the same time offering timeless appeal and excellent functionality.

Inset style bathroom cabinets

The Inset style requires a high level of precision craftsmanship. The drawers and drawer headers are meticulously measured and cut to create a perfect fit inside the frame opening. For that reason, inset cabinet style comes with a high price tag, but the craftsmanship guarantees a durable and long-lasting product worthy of investment. 

Thermofoil bathroom cupboards

Despite the name, the Thermofoil style does not contain foil or metal or foil. It's composed of thin vinyl layers, vacuum-pressed on a medium density fiberboard. High-temperature heat is then used to create an impenetrable seal. Thermofoil cabinets are attractive and affordable, available in a variety of colours and finishes.