Whether you’re updating a powder room or designing a brand-new primary bath, choosing the right cabinetry is a critical piece of the puzzle. But with so many styles, materials, and configurations to choose from, it’s easy to make a decision that doesn’t hold up in real life.
At New England Cabinetry & Millwork, we’ve seen it all—and we’re here to help you avoid the most common bathroom cabinetry mistakes. Here are the top five pitfalls (and what to do instead):
1. Prioritizing Looks Over Function
The Mistake: Choosing cabinets based on aesthetics alone—like sleek floating vanities or trendy open shelving—without considering your real-life storage needs.
How to Avoid It:
Think about how you use your bathroom every day. Do you need deep drawers for towels? Hidden hampers? Charging drawers for electric razors or toothbrushes? Form and function can absolutely coexist—you just need a design that supports your routine.
✅ Tip: Always test your layout with actual items you use. If you don’t have a home for it, it will live on your counter.
2. Ignoring Moisture and Humidity Resistance
The Mistake: Choosing materials that look great in a showroom but warp, peel, or discolor in real-world bathroom conditions.
How to Avoid It:
Bathrooms are high-moisture environments. Stick to water-resistant finishes like marine-grade plywood, thermofoil, or sealed hardwoods. Avoid particleboard unless it’s been properly sealed.
✅ Tip: Ask your cabinetmaker how the materials will hold up against long showers, splashes, and steamy mornings.
3. Not Planning for Long-Term Needs
The Mistake: Designing for “right now” instead of planning for how your needs will evolve over time.
How to Avoid It:
Maybe your kids are young now, but they’ll need their own space before you know it. Or perhaps you plan to age in place. Choosing flexible storage solutions—like adjustable shelves or pull-out drawers—gives your cabinetry longevity.
✅ Tip: Consider how your family’s needs will change in 5–10 years, and design with future usability in mind.
4. Skimping on Customization
The Mistake: Settling for stock cabinets that don’t quite fit your space, style, or storage goals.
How to Avoid It:
Custom doesn’t have to mean complicated. Tailored cabinetry lets you maximize every inch—especially in tight or uniquely shaped bathrooms. From drawer organizers to corner cabinets, a custom approach eliminates wasted space and clutter.
✅ Tip: Even semi-custom cabinets can offer big improvements in fit and function over standard sizes.
5. Overlooking Electrical Needs
The Mistake: Forgetting about in-cabinet power options during the design phase.
How to Avoid It:
Adding outlets inside drawers or medicine cabinets keeps counters clean and cords out of sight. But retrofitting electrical after cabinets are installed can be costly—or impossible.
✅ Tip: Plan for in-cabinet outlets during the design phase, especially if you use electric toothbrushes, razors, or hair tools daily.
🛠️ The Bottom Line
Beautiful bathroom cabinetry is an investment—and getting it right takes thoughtful planning. At Kustom Klosets, we guide you through every step of the process to ensure your cabinets don’t just look good—they actually work for your life.