Store Your Essentials in Vintage Bathroom Wall Cabinets
Vintage bathroom wall cabinets can be a quirky and design-forward storage element in your bathroom. Most bathrooms can benefit from the addition of easily accessible storage space over the sink, above the toilet, or by the shower.
What are the design options for vintage bathroom wall cabinets?Vintage wall cabinets have a remarkable range of designs depending on their construction materials, time period of origin, and function.
- Bathroom wall cabinets can contain metal, wood, glass, or mirrors. Mirrored cabinets are most often placed above the sink and provide the dual function of storing necessities and providing that all-important bathroom mirror. Metal cabinets may be made from repurposed materials like file drawers or storage containers, while wooden cabinets with glass doors usually have a more classic appearance.
- Cabinets from older eras are often made of wood and may feature elaborate carvings, glass hardware, or intricate border details. Not all vintage cabinets are antiques, however. Some are new pieces inspired by past design elements and can even be made from materials like reclaimed wood or crates.
- The intended function of a bathroom wall cabinet can change the design. Cabinets intended mostly for storage will offer deeper shelves and often have a wood, glass, or mirrored hinged door. Pieces that are created for holding linens, towels, or decorative objects tend to have open shelves or compartments.
Most bathroom cabinets can be installed using a stud finder, drill, wall screws, and a level. Each product may have a slightly different procedure, so refer to the manufacturer’s instructions before beginning the installation process.
- Use a stud finder to locate the studs in the wall of your bathroom. This is especially important for storage shelves that will hold heavy items.
- With the drill, make pilot holes in the back of the cabinet. This is not necessary for cabinets that include mounting hardware on the back.
- Attach the cabinet to the wall with wall screws. Ensure that the cabinet is straight by testing it with the level.
Vintage medicine cabinets with hinged doors are large enough for storing typical toiletry items like toothpaste, small bottles of medication, and tubes of cream. Most medicine cabinets are deep enough to store only one row of items, so look for a depth of over 14 centimetres if you’d like to double up items on the shelf. A cabinet with adjustable shelves will give you the flexibility to customise the vertical space between shelves for the possibility of storing taller items.