Small bathrooms in apartments can often feel cramped, especially when storage space is limited. Finding the right balance between functionality and style is key to making these compact spaces work efficiently while still looking visually appealing. Custom cabinets are the perfect solution to maximise every inch of space and create a more organised and streamlined bathroom. With clever designs tailored to suit the specific needs of small bathrooms, custom cabinetry can transform even the tiniest apartment bathrooms into functional, stylish havens.
Here are some creative custom cabinet inspirations for small apartment bathrooms, designed to make the most of limited space while keeping everything tidy and accessible.
Maximising Vertical Space with Floor-to-Ceiling Cabinets
One of the most effective ways to maximise storage in a small bathroom is by using vertical space. Floor-to-ceiling cabinets offer plenty of storage without taking up valuable floor area. Custom cabinetry that stretches from the floor to the ceiling can be used to store towels, toiletries, and cleaning supplies, all neatly tucked away behind sleek cabinet doors.
Tall cabinets can be designed to fit in narrow spaces, such as between the sink and the shower or next to the toilet, making them perfect for apartment bathrooms. These vertical cabinets can include a combination of open shelving for decorative items and closed storage for less attractive necessities, keeping the bathroom tidy and organised.
If your apartment bathroom has an awkward nook or corner, a custom floor-to-ceiling cabinet can be tailored to fit that space, ensuring no area goes to waste. This type of cabinetry also draws the eye upward, creating the illusion of a taller, more spacious room.
Floating Vanities for a Modern, Minimalist Look
Floating vanities are an ideal choice for small apartment bathrooms, as they create a sense of openness by leaving the floor space beneath the vanity free. These wall-mounted vanities give the bathroom a clean, modern aesthetic while still providing essential storage.
A custom floating vanity can be designed with built-in drawers or compartments to store toiletries and grooming tools, ensuring that everything is within easy reach without cluttering up the countertops. Additionally, the space beneath the vanity can be used to store baskets or bins for extra towels, toilet paper, or cleaning supplies.
Floating vanities also make it easier to clean the floor, a practical advantage in apartment bathrooms where space is often tight. By elevating the vanity off the ground, you create a more airy and open feel in the bathroom, which helps to make the space seem larger than it really is.
Recessed Cabinets for a Seamless Design
In a small bathroom, bulky cabinets can make the space feel even more confined. Recessed cabinets, built into the walls, offer a sleek and efficient storage solution that doesn’t protrude into the room. These cabinets are perfect for creating a seamless design, where everything appears neat and unobtrusive.
Recessed medicine cabinets above the sink are a common example of this design. These cabinets provide hidden storage for toiletries and medications, all while incorporating a mirrored front that enhances the functionality of the space. Shower niches are another example of recessed cabinetry, offering built-in shelves for storing shampoo, conditioner, and soap without relying on bulky shower caddies.
For apartment bathrooms with limited floor space, recessed cabinetry along the walls or above the toilet can provide additional storage without compromising on style. This approach helps maintain a clutter-free bathroom while still providing ample storage for everyday essentials.
Slimline Cabinets for Narrow Spaces
In apartment bathrooms where space is particularly tight, slimline cabinets are a smart choice. These cabinets are designed to be narrow but deep enough to store essentials like toiletries, cleaning products, and towels. Slimline vanities are another great option, offering ample storage within a compact footprint.
Slimline cabinets can be custom-designed to fit into narrow spaces, such as between the shower and the wall, or next to the toilet. Despite their small size, these cabinets provide plenty of storage space, helping to keep the bathroom organised and free of clutter.
To further maximise the usability of slimline cabinets, consider adding pull-out shelves or drawers that make it easier to access items stored at the back of the cabinet. This ensures that even the smallest spaces in your bathroom are fully utilised.
Open Shelving for a Light and Airy Feel
While closed cabinets are essential for concealing clutter, open shelving can add a light, airy feel to small apartment bathrooms. Custom open shelves allow you to display decorative items, such as candles, plants, or neatly folded towels, giving the bathroom a more inviting and personalised touch.
Floating shelves are a popular choice for small bathrooms, as they don’t take up any floor space and can be installed at varying heights to suit your needs. You can place open shelving above the toilet, next to the vanity, or even inside the shower to keep everyday items like soap and shampoo within easy reach.
To keep the space looking tidy, use baskets or containers on open shelves to organise smaller items. This not only helps maintain a clean and cohesive look but also adds a decorative element to the bathroom.
Mirrored Cabinets for Added Light and Space
Mirrors are an essential feature in any bathroom, but in small spaces, they can also serve a dual purpose by making the room feel larger and brighter. Custom cabinets with mirrored fronts are an excellent solution for small apartment bathrooms, as they combine storage with the added benefit of reflecting light and creating the illusion of a more open space.
Mirrored cabinets can be designed with sliding or fold-out doors, providing hidden storage behind the mirror itself. These cabinets are especially useful above the vanity, where you can use the mirror for grooming while keeping toiletries and other essentials stored neatly out of sight.
For an even more modern touch, consider adding integrated LED lighting around the mirrored cabinet. This enhances both the functionality and the aesthetic of the space, making it feel brighter and more spacious.
Corner Cabinets for Awkward Spaces
Small apartment bathrooms often come with awkward corners or unusual layouts that can make it difficult to find standard storage solutions. Custom corner cabinets are a great way to make use of these often overlooked spaces, turning them into functional storage areas.
Corner vanities, for example, can be designed to fit snugly into the corner of the bathroom, providing storage and counter space without taking up too much room. Similarly, corner shelving units can offer both open and closed storage options, giving you flexibility in how you organise your bathroom essentials.
By incorporating corner cabinets into your bathroom design, you can ensure that no space goes to waste, even in the most compact of bathrooms.
Built-in Laundry Hampers
Laundry hampers can take up valuable floor space in a small bathroom, but custom cabinets with built-in hampers provide a smart and stylish solution. These cabinets can be designed with pull-out or tilt-out hampers, keeping dirty laundry hidden out of sight while still making it easy to access when needed.
Built-in hampers are particularly useful in apartment bathrooms that double as laundry spaces. By incorporating the hamper into the cabinetry, you maintain a clean, clutter-free bathroom while still keeping laundry management practical and efficient.
Smart Storage Solutions for Small Items
In small apartment bathrooms, it’s easy for small items like toiletries, makeup, and grooming tools to create clutter. Custom cabinets with built-in organisers and dividers can help keep these items under control. Consider adding pull-out drawers with compartments for cosmetics, grooming products, or hair tools, ensuring that everything has its place.
For even more convenience, include custom pull-out shelves or trays within the cabinetry, making it easy to access items stored at the back of the cabinet. These smart storage solutions keep the bathroom tidy while making it easier to find and use everyday essentials.
Concealed Laundry Cabinets
For apartment bathrooms that double as laundry rooms, custom cabinets with sliding or fold-out doors can be used to conceal laundry appliances such as a washing machine and dryer. This keeps the laundry area hidden when not in use, maintaining a clean, streamlined look in the bathroom.
In addition to concealing laundry appliances, these cabinets can be designed with extra storage for laundry supplies, such as detergent, fabric softener, and ironing tools. By incorporating the laundry area into the bathroom’s cabinetry, you can create a multifunctional space that remains stylish and uncluttered.
Custom Vanity Designs with Integrated Storage
The vanity is often the focal point of the bathroom, and in a small apartment bathroom, it’s essential to make the most of this space. Custom vanities with integrated storage can provide both countertop space and hidden storage for toiletries, towels, and other bathroom essentials.
Consider a vanity with built-in drawers or pull-out shelves that keep everything organised and easy to access. You can also design a vanity with integrated lighting, mirrors, and even electrical outlets, ensuring that the space is both functional and stylish.
By opting for a custom vanity that is tailored to your bathroom’s specific dimensions and needs, you can create a design that maximises storage while still maintaining a sleek and modern appearance.
Conclusion
Custom cabinets offer endless possibilities for transforming small apartment bathrooms into functional, stylish spaces. Whether you’re looking to maximise vertical storage with floor-to-ceiling cabinets, create a modern look with floating vanities, or make use of awkward corners with custom corner cabinets, there’s a custom cabinetry solution for every apartment bathroom.
With thoughtful design, you can create a bathroom that not only meets your storage needs but also enhances the overall aesthetic of the space. By incorporating features like recessed cabinets, mirrored fronts, built-in laundry hampers, and smart storage solutions, you can ensure that even the smallest apartment bathroom feels organised, efficient, and stylish.
FAQs
What type of cabinet is best for a small apartment bathroom?
Floor-to-ceiling cabinets, floating vanities, and slimline cabinets are all excellent options for small apartment bathrooms. These designs maximise storage without taking up too much floor space, helping to keep the bathroom organised and clutter-free.
How can I add storage to a small apartment bathroom without making it feel cramped?
Using vertical space with tall cabinets, recessed cabinetry, and floating shelves can add storage without crowding the room. Opting for minimalistic designs, such as floating vanities or handle-free cabinets, can also help create a sense of openness.
Are custom cabinets worth the investment for small bathrooms?
Yes, custom cabinets are a great investment for small bathrooms, as they are designed to fit your space perfectly and meet your specific storage needs. Custom cabinetry allows you to make the most of limited space while enhancing the overall design of the bathroom.
How do I make a small apartment bathroom feel bigger?
Mirrored cabinets, light colours, and floating vanities can all help make a small apartment bathroom feel bigger. Using glass elements and incorporating plenty of light, whether natural or artificial, will also create a sense of spaciousness.
What materials work best for custom cabinets in small bathrooms?
Water-resistant materials like plywood, high-quality laminates, and moisture-resistant MDF are ideal for custom cabinets in small bathrooms. These materials offer durability and style, ensuring that your cabinets can withstand the humidity of a bathroom environment.
