Bathroom floor cabinets are a great way to maximize storage space in your bathroom. Installing cabinets on the floor provides plenty of room for organizing toiletries, towels, cleaning supplies, and more. With so many options for size, style, and configuration, it’s easy to find the right floor cabinets to suit your space and storage needs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about bathroom floor cabinets.
Types of Bathroom Floor Cabinets
There are several main types of bathroom floor cabinets to consider:
Freestanding Storage Cabinets
Freestanding storage cabinets sit directly on the floor, rather than being attached to the wall. They come in a range of dimensions, typically between 1-4 feet wide. Freestanding cabinets provide versatile, movable storage solutions. Popular configurations include:
- Drawer cabinets – Features pull-out drawers of varying sizes. Great for organizing smaller items.
- Door cabinets – Contains shelves behind cabinet doors. Ideal for neatly storing stacks of towels and toilet paper.
- Combination cabinet – Combines drawers and door storage in one cabinet. Provides the best of both worlds.
Wall-Mounted Floor Cabinets
Wall-mounted floor cabinets attach directly to the wall, several inches above the floor. They add significant storage while occupying minimal floor space. Wall-mounted cabinets include:
- Vanity cabinets – Designed to pair with a bathroom vanity/sink. Includes drawer and shelf space.
- Single door cabinet – Typically 15-25 inches wide, with shelves behind a single door.
- Double door cabinet – Spacious option, around 30-40 inches wide with two doors.
Corner Floor Cabinets
Corner floor cabinets maximize unusable space by fitting into tight corners. They make great use of awkward, triangular spaces. Consider a:
- Lazy susan – Rotating shelved insert that provides easy access to the contents of a corner cabinet.
- Blind corner cabinet – Features angled interior shelves that pull out when the doors open.
Bathroom Floor Cabinet Materials
Bathroom floor cabinets are constructed from moisture-resistant materials designed to withstand steam, condensation and spills.
Wood
The most common cabinet material. Wood options include:
- Plywood – Durable and inexpensive.
- MDF – Water-resistant engineered wood.
- Wood veneers – Real wood glued onto core material like MDF. Provides an upscale look.
- Solid wood – Exclusive option made from high-quality wood like oak or maple.
Pro Tip: Look for wood cabinets with water-resistant finishes. Laminate and thermofoil coatings protect against moisture damage.
Metal
Metal bathroom cabinets provide a sleek, modern look. Popular choices include:
- Stainless steel – Sleek and modern with a shiny, chrome-like finish. Resists rust.
- Powder coated steel – Steel with a colored, baked-on paint coating for extra durability.
Thermoformed Plastics
Affordable, lightweight options like:
- Laminate – Melamine-coated particleboard. Resists swelling and warping.
- Acrylic – Plastic that mimics the look of glass. Scratch-resistant.
Popular Bathroom Floor Cabinet Styles
Floor cabinets are available in an array of styles to match your bathroom’s decor.
Traditional Cabinets
Offer classic styling with details like:
- Ornate molding and carved accents
- Decorative feet
- Raised panel doors
- Distressed two-tone finishes
Best suited to traditional, old-world, or farmhouse style bathrooms.
Contemporary Cabinets
Feature minimalist, modern design elements like:
- Shaker-style doors
- Clean lines
- Solid colors and materials
- Polished metal hardware
- Glass fronts
Ideally matched with contemporary, modern, or minimalist bathrooms.
Transitional Style
Strikes a balance between traditional and contemporary with:
- Simple molding and detailing
- Neutral two-tone colors
- Tapered legs
- Unadorned cabinet fronts
Works well for many decor styles when you want an updated classic look.
Choosing the Right Floor Cabinet Size
Bathroom floor cabinets come in a range of widths, heights, and depths to work in small to large bathrooms.
Width
Typical widths are:
- 15 inches – Great for tight spaces
- 18-24 inches – Versatile mid-range size
- 30-36 inches – Spacious wider cabinets
Corner cabinets can fit into 5-7 inch spaces.
Height
Common options include:
- 24-26 inches – Counterheight cabinets
- 30-36 inches – Full height cabinets
- 42-48 inches – Extra tall oversized cabinets
Measure carefully to ensure cabinets fit beneath existing wall cabinets.
Depth
Usual depths are:
- 14-16 inches – Standard depth
- 20-22 inches – Deep cabinets hold more
- 11-12 inches – Shallower cabinets for tight bathrooms
Pay attention to depth if planning for cabinets to protrude from under a vanity.
Design Tips for Bathroom Floor Cabinets
Thoughtful planning is key to successfully incorporating bathroom floor cabinets.
Measure Your Bathroom
Take detailed measurements of your space before selecting cabinets. Note obstructions like pipes and electrical outlets that could impact placement.
Evaluate Your Storage Needs
Decide which items need storage – like towels, toiletries, cleaning supplies – and choose cabinet configurations to accommodate them.
Consider Existing Storage
Factor in other bathroom storage like vanities, medicine cabinets and shelving when deciding what floor cabinets to add.
Allow for Plumbing and Electricity
Make sure cabinets won’t block access to sinks, toilets, or critical connections that may need maintenance.
Check Door Clearances
Ensure cabinets won’t interfere with the swing of the bathroom door opening and closing.
Allow for Ventilation
Leave room around any heat registers or HVAC ductwork.
Choose Moisture-Resistant Materials
Select cabinets made from non-porous materials that won’t warp or degrade in a damp bathroom environment.
Include Drawers and Trays
Opt for cabinets with compartments to corral small items. Trays allow custom organization.
Incorporate Clever Storage Solutions
Lazy susans, slide-out trays, tilt-out hampers, and other specialized storage items maximize cabinet space.
Consider Toe-Kick Access
Cabinets with a recessed toe-kick area give access to the space underneath for storing long or bulky items.
Add Pull-Out Cabinet Organizers
Inserts with adjustable shelves, dividers, and racks double storage capacity.
Use Glass Doors Wisely
Glass fronts work best for neatly stored items. Use opaque doors to conceal clutter.
Include Wastebasket Storage
Look for cabinet inserts or roll-out trays designed to hold small trash cans.
Provide Adequate Lighting
Under-cabinet lighting or battery-operated LED lights inside cabinets make contents easy to see.
Pro Tip: Pay attention to the bathroom’s existing style elements – like patterns, colors, finishes and hardware – and choose floor cabinets that coordinate.
Installing Bathroom Floor Cabinets
Installing floor cabinets on your own is doable with good preparation and attention to detail.
Gather Supplies
You’ll need basic tools – drill, screwdriver, tape measure, level – plus fasteners and caulk. Have materials for shimming and filling gaps.
Protect Surrounding Surfaces
Cover floors, countertops, and other finishes to prevent damage during the installation process.
Load Cabinets Carefully
Unload and move cabinets into position cautiously to avoid scratches, scrapes or cracks.
Shim and Level Properly
Adjust with shims until cabinets sit level and plumb. Secure shims in place.
Attach Securely
Drill pilot holes to avoid splitting. Use screws designed for bathrooms. Attach to wall studs or blocking.
Seal Thoroughly
Caulk along tops, sides and back to prevent moisture penetration. Let caulk cure fully before loading cabinets.
Add Decorative Trim
Install matching trim pieces or molding to conceal gaps and create a built-in look.
Pro Tip: Hire a professional if your flooring, walls, or existing cabinets require adjustments to fit new floor cabinets.
Bathroom Floor Cabinet Ideas
Floor cabinets free up counter and wall space in a bathroom. Here are some creative ways to put that valuable storage capacity to good use.
Extra Linen Storage
Use bigger cabinets and drawers to stash multiple sets of towels, washcloths, bath mats, and other linens.
Designated Guest Bath Supplies
Devote a floor cabinet in a powder room to soap, tissues, and spare toiletries for visiting friends and relatives.
Bath Toy Cabinet
Corral rubber duckies, squirt guns, and other playthings behind a childproof cabinet door.
Pet Care Center
Store pet shampoos, towels, brushes, and medications organized in a dedicated pet supply cabinet.
Overflow Pantry Items
Keep extra toilet paper, tissues, cleaning products, and first aid supplies in cabinets near the toilet area.
Hidden Litter Box Spot
Conceal litter boxes inside full-height floor cabinets with ventilation slots.
Discreet Waste + Recycling
Use built-in roll-out trays to stash small bins for trash and recycling.
Makeup Organizer
Designate drawers or a corner lazy susan for organizing toiletries and cosmetics.
Electrical Access Doors
Strategically place floor cabinets with doors or removable panels to access wiring, plumbing, and junction boxes.
Mop + Broom Cubby
Utilize the toe kick space under wall-mounted cabinets to store long-handled cleaning tools.
Pro Tip: Include pull-out trays, adjustable shelves, and other storage accessories to maximize usable space inside cabinets.
Best Practices for Organizing Bathroom Floor Cabinets
Follow some basic principles for outfitting and arranging your bathroom floor cabinets like a pro:
Categorize Items
Group like items together – towels, toiletries, first aid supplies, etc. Assign each category to a drawer or shelf.
Use Bins + Baskets
Divide space into small compartments with bins, trays and baskets to prevent jumbled, messy cabinets.
Store By Frequency of Use
Keep items you use daily readily accessible. Reserve the back and lower areas for occasional-use products.
Stand Bottles Upright
Organize toiletries, lotions, cleaners etc. vertically to see labels and prevent spills.
Maximize Drawer Space
Use adjustable separators and compartments to create custom-sized divisions in drawers.
Avoid Over-Cramming
Only fill cabinets 3⁄4 full so contents don’t jam. Overflow can go in other bathroom storage zones.
Label Discreetly
Use removable vinyl labels to designate where items belong for easy returning.
Install Child Locks
Add safety latches to cabinets containing any risky cleaning products or medications.
Light It Up
Install battery-operated stick-on lights to illuminate shadowed cabinet interiors.
Revise as Needed
Re-evaluate storage needs periodically and adjust your cabinet contents accordingly.
Pro Tip: Designate a miscellaneous “junk drawer” cabinet for odds and ends that don’t have a designated spot.
Bathroom Floor Cabinet FAQs
Get answers to common questions about choosing, buying, and installing bathroom floor cabinets.
Are bathroom floor cabinets waterproof?
Quality bathroom cabinets are made from moisture-resistant materials like treated solid wood, plywood, laminate, and thermoplastics. They are water-resistant but not 100% waterproof. Spills should be wiped up promptly.
Do floor cabinets cause a tripping hazard?
Installed properly, flush with the wall, floor cabinets do not generally pose a safety tripping risk. Ensure any doors do not protrude when fully opened.
What flooring works best with floor cabinets?
Tile, vinyl, linoleum sheet flooring or waterproof laminate flooring are good bathroom flooring options. Avoid carpeting or bare floors that will be damaged by moisture.
How are freestanding cabinets secured?
Freestanding cabinets should be firmly placed against a wall and attached to the wall with L-brackets inside the cabinet. This prevents tipping if loaded unevenly.
What depth is typical for bathroom cabinets?
The standard depth for bathroom floor and wall cabinets is 21 to 24 inches deep. However, depths can range from as shallow as 12 inches for small spaces to 25+ inches for roomy cabinets.
How much weight can bathroom cabinets hold?
Most manufacturers rate bathroom storage cabinets for 50-75 lbs per each shelf or drawer. Spread loads evenly across shelves to prevent sagging or breakage.
Should you match cabinet hardware in a bathroom?
Coordinating all cabinet knobs and pulls creates a cohesive, polished look. Contrasting hardware makes each cabinet a decorative focal point.
Can you put bathroom cabinets on carpet?
Cabinets must have a sturdy base and not sink into plush carpet when loaded. Use a plywood platform or firm pad beneath freestanding cabinets on carpet.
How are wall cabinets installed?
Wall mounted cabinets are screwed securely into wall studs, reinforced with blocking, and shimmed level and plumb. Wall strength must support weight.
What is the most durable material for bathroom cabinets?
Solid stainless steel is very durable. Otherwise, solid wood, plywood, and thermoplastics like melamine resist moisture damage. Natural wood needs a protective finish.
Enhance Your Bathroom with Floor Cabinets
Bathroom floor cabinets grant you expanded, versatile storage space that both beautifies your bathroom and keeps it tidy. Take time to consider your storage requirements and layout options before choosing floor cabinets in sizes, materials and configurations that maximize your available space. With some advance planning and careful installation, you can enjoy floor cabinets that provide years of sturdy, reliable service. Keep contents organized using bins, baskets and trays that make retrieval easy. Routinely tidy your bathroom floor cabinets to continue getting the most out of this functional storage solution.
