In small bathrooms, space is often at a premium, making every inch of storage crucial to maintaining a tidy and functional space. One of the most overlooked yet potentially valuable areas for storage is the space under the sink. With the right custom cabinet solutions, the under-sink area can be transformed into an efficient storage hub, providing a place for bathroom essentials, cleaning supplies, and more without cluttering up the rest of the room.
While standard under-sink cabinets may offer limited storage due to the presence of pipes and plumbing, custom cabinetry can be designed to make full use of the available space. By tailoring the design to fit your specific bathroom layout, you can maximise storage in a way that keeps your bathroom organised, functional, and stylish. In this article, we explore a variety of custom cabinet ideas for utilising the under-sink space in small bathrooms.
Tailored Cabinets for Maximising Storage
The beauty of custom cabinetry lies in its ability to be tailored to the unique dimensions and layout of your bathroom. Under-sink areas are often awkwardly shaped, with plumbing and fixtures taking up a significant amount of space. Custom cabinets can be designed to work around these obstacles, ensuring that no space is wasted.
For example, a custom cabinet can be built with cut-outs or U-shaped shelving that fits around the pipes, providing storage above, below, or to the sides of the plumbing. This allows you to make the most of the under-sink area, providing space for storing toiletries, towels, and cleaning supplies without interfering with the sink’s plumbing system.
If your sink has exposed plumbing, custom cabinetry can be designed to conceal these pipes, giving the bathroom a cleaner and more streamlined look. By enclosing the pipes within the cabinet structure, you also protect them from accidental bumps and knocks, while creating more usable storage space.
Pull-Out Drawers for Easy Access
One of the main challenges with standard under-sink cabinets is that it can be difficult to access items stored at the back. Pull-out drawers offer a practical solution to this issue, allowing you to make full use of the cabinet’s depth without having to reach around or remove other items.
Custom pull-out drawers can be designed to fit around plumbing and pipes, with compartments and dividers that keep everything organised. For example, a pull-out drawer with a U-shape or L-shape can fit around the sink’s drainpipe, ensuring that every inch of space is used efficiently.
Pull-out drawers are particularly useful for storing smaller items like cleaning supplies, toiletries, or makeup, as they keep everything visible and within easy reach. Soft-close mechanisms can also be added to prevent slamming and ensure a smooth, quiet operation.
Sliding Shelves for Compact Spaces
In compact bathrooms, traditional cabinet doors may not be practical due to the limited space available for them to swing open. Sliding shelves offer an alternative solution, providing easy access to items stored under the sink without the need for additional clearance.
Custom sliding shelves can be built to fit the dimensions of your under-sink area, with shelves that slide out smoothly for easy access to the contents. These shelves can be designed with dividers, baskets, or compartments to keep everything organised and prevent items from shifting around when the shelf is moved.
Sliding shelves are ideal for storing heavier items like cleaning products or extra toilet paper, as they allow you to access these items without having to lift them out of a deep cabinet. By eliminating the need for traditional cabinet doors, sliding shelves also contribute to a more streamlined and modern bathroom design.
Tiered Storage Solutions
To make the most of the vertical space under the sink, custom tiered storage solutions can be added. These solutions involve stacking multiple layers of shelving or drawers within the cabinet, providing extra storage without taking up additional floor space.
For example, you could have a set of pull-out shelves at the bottom of the cabinet for storing larger items like toilet paper or cleaning supplies, with a smaller shelf or drawer above for holding toiletries or grooming products. By stacking the storage, you can keep everything organised and easy to access, even in a small bathroom.
Tiered storage is particularly useful in bathrooms with pedestal sinks, where the under-sink space is often quite limited. Custom cabinetry can be designed to fit the specific dimensions of the sink, ensuring that every bit of space is utilised effectively.
Organisers and Dividers for Small Items
In a small bathroom, it’s easy for small items like toothbrushes, razors, and hair ties to create clutter under the sink. Custom organisers and dividers can help keep these items neat and tidy, ensuring that everything has its place.
Custom under-sink cabinets can be designed with built-in organisers, such as trays, bins, or dividers that separate different items and prevent them from getting mixed up. For example, a drawer with separate compartments for toiletries, makeup, and grooming tools can make it easier to find what you need without digging through a cluttered cabinet.
Drawer dividers are particularly useful for keeping small items in order, while pull-out baskets or trays can be used for storing items like sponges, brushes, or cleaning cloths. These organisers not only help keep the cabinet tidy but also make it easier to maintain a clean and organised bathroom.
Open Shelving for a Light and Airy Feel
In small bathrooms, closed cabinets can sometimes make the space feel cramped and enclosed. Open shelving under the sink provides a lighter, more airy feel, while still offering practical storage solutions.
Custom open shelves can be designed to fit the dimensions of your under-sink area, with multiple levels of shelving to store toiletries, towels, or decorative items. Open shelving also allows you to showcase stylish storage baskets or containers, adding a decorative element to your bathroom while keeping everything organised.
If you’re concerned about maintaining a tidy appearance with open shelving, consider using matching baskets or bins to keep smaller items neatly contained. This not only helps prevent clutter but also adds texture and visual interest to the bathroom.
Hidden Storage for a Minimalist Look
For those who prefer a clean, minimalist aesthetic, hidden storage solutions can be a great option for under-sink cabinets. Custom cabinets can be designed with sleek, handle-free doors that blend seamlessly into the rest of the bathroom, keeping everything hidden from view.
Push-to-open mechanisms can be incorporated into the cabinet doors, eliminating the need for visible handles or knobs. This creates a smooth, uninterrupted surface that contributes to a modern, minimalist look. When the doors are closed, the under-sink area remains completely concealed, creating a streamlined and clutter-free environment.
Hidden storage is particularly useful in bathrooms with a minimalist or contemporary design, where the focus is on clean lines and simplicity. By keeping all your bathroom essentials neatly stored behind closed doors, you can maintain a serene and organised space.
Compact Cabinets for Pedestal Sinks
Pedestal sinks are a popular choice for small bathrooms due to their space-saving design, but they often leave little room for storage. Custom cabinets can be built around the pedestal to provide storage without compromising the aesthetic of the sink.
A compact cabinet can be designed to wrap around the base of the pedestal, with shelves or drawers that provide storage for toiletries, towels, or cleaning supplies. The cabinet can be tailored to fit the shape and dimensions of the sink, ensuring that it blends seamlessly into the bathroom design.
For a more modern look, consider using materials like glass, metal, or sleek laminates for the cabinet doors. This creates a contemporary aesthetic while still providing practical storage for your small bathroom.
Waterproof Materials for Durability
When designing custom under-sink cabinets for a bathroom, it’s essential to choose materials that can withstand moisture and humidity. Bathrooms are high-moisture environments, and choosing the right materials ensures that your cabinets remain durable and long-lasting.
Marine-grade plywood, moisture-resistant MDF (medium-density fibreboard), and high-quality laminates are excellent choices for under-sink cabinetry. These materials are specifically designed to resist water damage, mould, and warping, ensuring that your cabinets stay in good condition even in humid environments.
Additionally, choosing materials with water-resistant finishes, such as polyurethane coatings or waterproof sealants, can help protect the cabinets from moisture. This is particularly important for areas directly under the sink, where water splashes and leaks are more likely to occur.
Choosing the Right Finishes for Small Bathrooms
The finish of your custom under-sink cabinet can have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your bathroom. In small bathrooms, light colours and glossy finishes can help create a sense of openness and brightness, making the space feel larger and more inviting.
For a sleek, modern look, consider using high-gloss laminates or lacquered finishes for your under-sink cabinets. These finishes reflect light and create a smooth, polished surface that enhances the bathroom’s aesthetic. If you prefer a more natural or rustic look, wood finishes in light, natural tones can add warmth and texture to the space.
Matte finishes are another popular option for small bathrooms, offering a more subtle, sophisticated look. Matte cabinets are less reflective than glossy finishes, but they can still create a clean and modern aesthetic. When choosing finishes, it’s important to consider the overall style of your bathroom and how the cabinet will complement the existing design.
Conclusion
The under-sink space in small bathrooms offers a wealth of potential for creative storage solutions. With custom cabinetry, you can maximise this often-overlooked area, transforming it into a functional and stylish storage hub that enhances the overall organisation and aesthetic of your bathroom.
From tailored cabinets that fit around plumbing to pull-out drawers, sliding shelves, and tiered storage solutions, there are endless possibilities for making the most of the space under the sink. By choosing durable, moisture-resistant materials and incorporating smart storage features like organisers and dividers, you can create a custom cabinet that keeps your small bathroom tidy and clutter-free.
Whether you prefer a modern, minimalist look with hidden storage or a more decorative approach with open shelving, custom under-sink cabinets provide the flexibility and functionality needed to make your small bathroom work for you.
FAQs
What are the best materials for under-sink cabinets in a bathroom?
Marine-grade plywood, moisture-resistant MDF, and high-quality laminates are ideal materials for under-sink cabinets in a bathroom. These materials are designed to withstand moisture, resist mould, and prevent warping, ensuring long-lasting durability in humid environments.
Can I add pull-out drawers to my under-sink cabinet?
Yes, custom pull-out drawers can be added to under-sink cabinets to improve accessibility and organisation. These drawers can be designed to fit around plumbing and pipes, allowing you to make full use of the cabinet’s depth without having to reach around or remove other items.
How do I organise small items in my under-sink cabinet?
Custom organisers and dividers can be incorporated into the cabinet design to keep small items like toiletries, razors, and cleaning supplies neat and tidy. Pull-out trays, bins, and drawer dividers help prevent clutter and make it easier to find what you need.
What finishes work best for small bathroom cabinets?
Light colours, glossy finishes, and reflective surfaces help create a sense of openness in small bathrooms. High-gloss laminates, lacquered finishes, or light wood tones can enhance the bathroom’s aesthetic while contributing to a more spacious feel.
Are sliding shelves a good option for small bathrooms?
Yes, sliding shelves are a practical option for small bathrooms where traditional cabinet doors may not have enough clearance to open. Sliding shelves provide easy access to stored items without taking up additional floor space, making them ideal for compact areas.
