Bathroom Storage Cabinet Calculator
A bathroom cabinet that is too small leaves toiletries cluttering the sink and windowsill, while an oversized one wastes valuable floor or wall space in a room that is often tight on both. Enter your household size below to get a recommended storage capacity.
Find the right bathroom storage capacity
Enter your household size to get a recommended cabinet capacity.
For your household, look for a bathroom cabinet around:
50-70L
Medium cabinet — 3-4 people.
Recommended products
A few well-reviewed bathroom storage cabinets at a range of capacities.
- Bamboo
- 35L
£65.99
Pros
- Natural bamboo construction
- Two magnetic-close doors keep it looking neat
- Adjustable interior shelf
Cons
- Wall fixings needed — not freestanding
£31.99
Pros
- Two mirrored doors double as a vanity mirror
- White gloss finish suits most bathrooms
- Wall-mounted design saves floor space
Cons
- MDF construction can be sensitive to prolonged damp
£99.99
Pros
- Tall freestanding design for vertical storage
- 2 doors keep contents concealed
- Decorative grooved panel detailing
Cons
- Flat-pack assembly required
Frequently asked questions
How much bathroom storage do I actually need?
It depends mostly on how many people share the bathroom. A single person or couple can usually manage with a small cabinet, while a family of four or five will fill a medium or large cabinet quickly once toiletries, towels and cleaning supplies are all accounted for.
Should I count under-sink storage separately from wall cabinets?
It is worth adding up all your storage together, including vanity units, wall cabinets and any shelving, since the total capacity is what matters for keeping the room tidy rather than any single unit.
What counts as a large bathroom cabinet?
Cabinets around 80 litres or more are generally considered large, often featuring multiple shelves or a mirrored double door design, and suit bigger households or bathrooms that also store spare towels and cleaning products.
Is it better to have one big cabinet or several smaller ones?
A single larger cabinet is usually easier to keep organised, but splitting storage across a vanity unit and a separate wall cabinet can work well if you want to keep everyday items and spares apart.
How this calculator works
The calculator asks for the number of people in your household and matches that to a storage capacity band. A household of 1-2 people typically needs a small cabinet of 30-40 litres, enough for basic toiletries and medicines. A household of 3-4 people needs a medium cabinet of 50-70 litres to accommodate multiple sets of toiletries, spare towels and cleaning supplies. A household of 5 or more people should look for a large cabinet of 80 litres or more, or consider splitting storage across a vanity unit and a separate wall cabinet.
These are starting points, not hard rules. If you have a large family with lots of hair products, cosmetics or medical supplies, you may need more than the recommended capacity. If you have a separate airing cupboard or linen storage nearby, you can get away with a smaller bathroom cabinet and keep spare towels and cleaning products elsewhere.
Bathroom cabinet sizes and capacities
| Cabinet type | Capacity | Width | Shelves | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small vanity cabinet | 30-40L | 50-60cm | 1-2 | 1-2 people, ensuite, cloakroom |
| Medium vanity cabinet | 50-70L | 70-80cm | 2-3 | 3-4 people, family bathroom |
| Large vanity cabinet | 80-100L | 90-120cm | 3-4 | 5+ people, master bathroom |
| Wall cabinet | 20-40L | 50-70cm | 2-3 | Extra storage, small bathrooms |
| Tall cabinet / tower | 100-150L | 40-50cm wide | 4-5 | Large families, spare storage |
Worked example: A family of four
A household of four people would typically need a medium cabinet of 50-70 litres. A 70cm wide vanity cabinet with three shelves gives roughly 60L of storage, enough for four sets of toiletries, a shared hair dryer and straighteners, spare toilet rolls, cleaning supplies and a first-aid kit. If each person has a lot of products, or you store spare towels and bedding in the bathroom too, step up to a large 90cm cabinet (80-100L) or add a small wall cabinet above the toilet for extra capacity.
If you have a separate airing cupboard or linen cupboard nearby, you can keep spare towels, bedding and bulk cleaning products there and use a smaller bathroom cabinet just for daily-use items. This keeps the bathroom feeling uncluttered while still having enough storage for everything you need at arm's reach.
Common mistakes when choosing bathroom storage
- Buying a cabinet that's too shallow for your toiletries. A standard bathroom cabinet is 30-35cm deep, but some toiletries — especially tall bottles, aerosol sprays, and hair styling tools — need more depth. Check the internal dimensions, not just the external width.
- Forgetting to account for the sink and taps. A vanity cabinet sits under the basin, but the basin itself and any exposed pipework eat into the usable space. A countertop basin sits on top of the cabinet and reduces the internal height, while a semi-recessed or wall-hung basin can give more room inside the cabinet.
- Not considering door swing and clearance. A cabinet door needs space to open fully — typically 90-180 degrees depending on the hinge type. If the cabinet is next to a toilet, shower door or bath, make sure the door can open without hitting anything. Soft-close hinges are worth the extra cost for a quieter, safer bathroom.
- Ignoring ventilation. A completely sealed cabinet can encourage mould and mildew on damp towels or toiletries. Look for a cabinet with a vented back or sides, or choose a mirrored cabinet with a demister pad that also helps air circulate. In a small, windowless bathroom, a vented cabinet or an open shelf unit can be a better choice than a sealed box.
What to look for when buying bathroom storage
Material matters in a damp environment. MDF or wood veneer cabinets are common and affordable, but they need a moisture-resistant finish (typically a waterproof lacquer or melamine coating) to prevent swelling and delamination. Solid wood cabinets are more durable but more expensive, and they still need sealing in a wet room. Aluminium or stainless steel cabinets are completely waterproof and ideal for wet rooms or very humid bathrooms, but they can feel cold and clinical.
Shelving configuration affects how usable the space is. Adjustable shelves let you reconfigure the cabinet as your storage needs change — useful if you switch from small bottles to larger pump dispensers, or need to store tall items like hair dryers. Fixed shelves are simpler and often stronger, but less flexible. A combination — one or two adjustable shelves plus a fixed bottom — is often the best compromise.
Finally, think about the mirror. A mirrored cabinet combines storage with a mirror, saving wall space in a small bathroom. Mirrored cabinets typically add 10-15cm to the depth of the cabinet (the mirror sits on the front of the door), so make sure you have enough wall depth. Look for a mirrored cabinet with a demister pad if the bathroom is prone to steaming up — it keeps the mirror clear and the cabinet interior dry.
More questions answered
How much bathroom storage do I actually need?
It depends mostly on how many people share the bathroom. A single person or couple can usually manage with a small cabinet, while a family of four or five will fill a medium or large cabinet quickly once toiletries, towels and cleaning supplies are all accounted for.
Should I count under-sink storage separately from wall cabinets?
It is worth adding up all your storage together, including vanity units, wall cabinets and any shelving, since the total capacity is what matters for keeping the room tidy rather than any single unit.
What counts as a large bathroom cabinet?
Cabinets around 80 litres or more are generally considered large, often featuring multiple shelves or a mirrored double door design, and suit bigger households or bathrooms that also store spare towels and cleaning products.
Is it better to have one big cabinet or several smaller ones?
A single larger cabinet is usually easier to keep organised, but splitting storage across a vanity unit and a separate wall cabinet can work well if you want to keep everyday items and spares apart.
Can I install a bathroom cabinet myself?
Yes, if you're comfortable drilling into tiles or plasterboard. Use a spirit level to mark the fixing points, choose appropriate wall plugs for the wall type (tile, plasterboard, or solid wall), and make sure the cabinet is level before tightening the screws. If the cabinet has electrical features like LED lights or a shaver socket, you'll need a qualified electrician to wire it safely.
Should I get a cabinet with a lock?
A lockable cabinet is useful if you share a bathroom with children or housemates and want to keep medicines, sharp objects or expensive toiletries secure. However, for most households, an unlocked cabinet is more convenient for daily use. If you do want a lock, make sure the key is easy to find in an emergency — you don't want to be searching for a key at 2am when you need painkillers.
What's the difference between a mirrored cabinet and a regular mirror?
A mirrored cabinet combines a mirror with storage behind it, so you get both functions in one unit. They're ideal for small bathrooms where wall space is limited. The downside is that the mirror is typically smaller than a dedicated mirror would be, and the cabinet depth (usually 15-20cm) reduces the internal storage volume. For a main bathroom with plenty of wall space, a separate mirror and cabinet can give more of both.
How do I keep my bathroom cabinet mould-free?
Keep the cabinet well ventilated by leaving the door open after use, especially after a shower or bath. Avoid storing damp items like wet flannels or used sponges inside — they should dry on a rail or hook outside the cabinet. If the cabinet has a vent, make sure it's not blocked. Wipe the inside shelves regularly with a mild disinfectant, and don't store food or perishable items in the bathroom cabinet.