When you plan on renovating your bathroom, do not overlook the importance of bathroom cabinets in your design! Not only are these cabinets highly functional as storage spaces and organizers, but they also have a significant impact on the visual appeal of your bathroom. When it comes to medicine cabinets, there is a lot to consider:

-Style
Cabinets come in an astounding array of distinct styles, from traditional to modern, intricate to simple. Recently, a common priority has been that cabinets “reflect” their owner’s personality. What does your cabinet say about you? Are you hip, chic, and rugged? Are you conservative, unassuming, efficient? Perhaps you’re interested in the finer things in life, the ornate things, the expensive things. The cabinet you choose, now more than ever, tells your guests a lot about you.

-Materials
Traditionally, cabinets and bathroom vanities were constructed of wood, or some press board or melamine facsimile. The modern renovator, however, has a multitude of materials to choose from: hardwoods, stone, plastic, stainless steel. The trick is choosing a material that works for you.

In general, it is recommended that you avoid press and flake boards or melamine, as these materials are easily warped in a humid bathroom environment. Stone is also not often recommended, because it is very heavy, difficult to mount effectively, and usually quite expensive. Hardwoods and rust-resistant metals (like stainless steel) are your best bet. Hardwoods are almost always covered in a thick, water-proof varnish that seals the cabinet and protects it from the adverse effects of moisture. For a more modern look, try stainless steel or quality plastic. Moisture-proof cabinets will last you much longer than traditional (and generally cheaper) cabinets, which warp frequently. Constantly replacing these cabinets will cost you more in the end than buying one quality cabinet when you begin remodeling.

-Dimensions
Before you start remodeling, and long before you actually buy a cabinet, take the measurements of your bathroom. Make sure not only that your cabinet is large enough to hold your toiletries and bathroom miscellany, but that it is small enough to fit your bathroom without imposing too much. You’ll want room to maneuver in your bathroom; the last thing you need is a monster of a cabinet hogging your space. Decide early on if you want your cabinet to be a floor-based countertop, like a bathroom vanity, or a wall-mounted storage space.

-Function
Cabinets aren’t just there to be pretty, although that is certainly a definitive characteristic: your bathroom cabinet is also an effective means of organizing your bathroom. Before you begin remodeling, figure out what the purpose of your cabinet will be: will you store towels in it? Toiletries? Will the contents be dry, or wet? Are the contents potentially dangerous (cleaning supplies, plumbing chemicals, bathroom de-odorizing gels)? Once you know what function your cabinet will perform, you may go about selecting the cabinet of your choice. Just make sure that the material the cabinet is made out of and the location of the cabinet correspond to the contents. For example, if you plan on storing a lot of wet materials, make sure that the interior is sealed to prevent water damage. If you intend to keep cleaning supplies and other potentially hazardous materials in your cabinet, consider placing it up on the wall where small children won’t be able to access it. Likewise, your cabinet should be of medium height if you intend to store towels or other frequently-used items in it, so everyone can access these items conveniently.

For ideas, take a look at home-décor and lifestyle magazines. Or, you might consider looking online for inspiration; there are a lot of sites devoted to professional bathroom remodeling. You might even consider paying a visit to your friends and neighbors and looking at their bathrooms for ideas.

After taking these factors into consideration, you’re ready to go out and find your cabinet or bathroom vanity! It’s easy to find the perfect cabinet for your bathroom, as there are so many styles and customization options available in all price ranges. But take your time, plan ahead, and make sure that your new cabinet is just right for you and your needs.