Bathroom furniture questions answered

What do you want to know about bathroom furniture? We’ve picked out 10 of your most frequently asked questions and provided detailed answers to help you buy with confidence.

Hi, I’m Adam, Victoria Plum’s resident bathroom buff. I’ve been writing about bathroom furniture for over a decade, so, when it comes to bathroom-related questions, I’m armed to the teeth with answers!

In the first of a series of helpful articles, we’ve collected the most popular questions customers ask about our main bathroom categories, answering them as clearly and concisely as possible—no jargon, no sales talk. So, when it comes to buying for your bathroom, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to make an informed decision.

Can you spot your question in the list below? Perhaps you’ve spotted a question you never even knew you wanted to ask? Simply click on the link to reveal the answer immediately.

Your bathroom furniture questions

What are the different types of bathroom furniture available?

The main types of bathroom furniture you’ll find include vanity units (storage with an integrated basin), bathroom cabinets, shelves, storage units, mirror cabinets and back to wall toilet units.

A bathroom may contain some or all of the types of bathroom furniture featured above

More commonly found in kitchens, fitted bathroom furniture (see below) is something you may wish to consider. Creating a seamless, coordinated appearance, it’s a great way to increase both storage and worktop space.

How do I choose the right size of bathroom furniture for my space?

Simply measure your bathroom, noting down the length, width and height, and consider the available space. Choose furniture that fits comfortably without overcrowding the area. Check out our guide to bathroom layouts to see how much clearance space you’ll need to leave around fixtures.

Ensure your bathroom furniture doesn’t leave your bathroom feeling cramped

What materials are commonly used for bathroom furniture?

One of the most common materials used for bathroom furniture is MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard). Also known as engineered wood, it is durable, can be shaped easily and is relatively inexpensive, helping to keep costs low. When used for bathroom furniture, it can be treated to help prevent damage from moisture.

Take a look at just some of the benefits of MDF below:

You can also find bathroom furniture made from solid wood such as oak, pine and even bamboo, but these will bump the price tag up and require more care and attention.

Other materials used for bathroom furniture include metal (for hinges, shelves, brackets, etc.), glass (for mirrors and shelves), plus ceramic, resin and marble (countertops and basins).

Featuring a mix of moisture-resistant engineered wood and genuine marble, the Dalston vanity unit from The Bath Co. is both hardwearing and luxurious

If you’re wondering which materials are best for your bathroom, read our handy guide.

How do I ensure durability in bathroom furniture?

To ensure durability, look for bathroom furniture made from water-resistant materials like moisture-resistant MDF/engineered wood. It’s also worth noting whether your chosen item has an extended product guarantee and how long this lasts. Should any manufacturing or material defects arise (not including normal wear and tear, inappropriate use or accidental or deliberate damage) during this time, you can contact the retailer who will help solve your issue.

Combination units, like the Lea from Orchard Bathrooms, are made from high quality, moisture-resistant, engineered wood

What styles of bathroom furniture are popular?

Bathroom furniture fall into 2 general styles: Contemporary (often referred to as Modern) and Traditional.

Contemporary bathroom furniture is the most popular style in the UK, characterised by clean lines, unfussy designs and trend-led colours. Sub-genres of contemporary style include Minimalist, Scandi and Industrial.

The Eden bathroom furniture range is one of our most popular contemporary bathroom furniture ranges

Check out the latest bathroom trends to see what’s hot in contemporary bathroom furniture.

Many people commonly confuse Contemporary and Modern styles. “Modern” actually refers to a style from a time period, roughly between the 1920s and 1950s, when old, ornate designs gave way to simple, more functional styles. Also known as “Mid-Century”, this style is best reflected by the Hale bathroom furniture range (see below).

Another popular bathroom furniture style is Traditional. Traditional bathroom furniture is typified by classic detailing, like bevelled edges, panels, marble countertops and undercounter sinks.

Traditional styles can be further split into Art Deco, Country and Shaker (see below).

The Camberley bathroom furniture range, from The Bath Co., has been designed in a classic, Shaker style

As a general rule of thumb, you should choose a style that complements your overall bathroom decor.

At Victoria Plum, check out Orchard Bathrooms for a mix of high quality contemporary and traditional bathroom furniture at everyday prices. You may also want to browse Mode Bathrooms for premium, contemporary furniture and The Bath Co. for luxury, traditional style furniture.

Can I install bathroom furniture myself?

It depends on the complexity of the furniture and your DIY skills. Some pieces, like freestanding cabinets, are relatively easy to install, while others, like wall-mounted vanity units, may require professional help. Anything which needs to be plumbed in or electrically wired should be left to a relevant Tradesperson. Fitting a bathroom cabinet (see below) should be achievable if you have a basic level of DIY skill.

How do I maintain and clean bathroom furniture?

To keep your bathroom furniture clean, regularly wipe down your surfaces with a mild soap solution and water to remove dirt and grime. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage finishes, and dry surfaces thoroughly to prevent water damage.

To leave your mirror cabinet streak-free, fill a spray bottle with a white vinegar and water mixture. Spray on and wipe with a soft sponge, before removing excess moisture with a squeegee.

If your storage becomes cluttered, dirty or overcrowded, check out our guide to organising your bathroom cabinet and restore order.

Keep mirror cabinets streak-free with our simple cleaning tips

Are there space-saving options for small bathrooms?

Yes, there are plenty of space-saving bathroom furniture options to help you maximise space in a small bathroom.

From wall hung vanity units to corner cabinets, and from combination toilet and basin units to slimline storage, you’ll find numerous ingenious bathroom furniture designs, specifically for cloakrooms, ensuites and small family bathrooms.

Turn corners to your advantage in a small bathroom with a corner vanity unit, like the Harrison from Mode Bathrooms

What should I consider when choosing a bathroom vanity unit?

The main things to consider, when choosing your vanity unit, are size, style, storage options, material, sink type and plumbing requirements.

Size—Check how much room you have available for your vanity unit.
Style—Do you prefer contemporary or traditional? How does this fit with your bathroom décor?
Storage options—Do you need cupboard space for taller items? Drawers for smaller items? Or a combination of the two?
Material—Are you looking for a hardwearing, easy-clean material that costs less, like engineered wood? Or, do you want to push the boat out a little and include luxury materials like marble or genuine wood?
Sink type—Choose between different options, including semi-recessed basins, counter top basins and more.
Plumbing requirements—A vanity unit with utility space at the rear may make installation easier for your plumber.

For further advice, read our guide to shopping for your vanity unit.

Love a contemporary style that frees up floor space? The Adler wall hung vanity unit from Mode Bathrooms is ideal

How do I prevent bathroom furniture from warping or swelling due to moisture?

Adequate ventilation is key to preventing moisture-related damage. Switch on an extractor fan whilst using showers, fix any leaks promptly and consider using waterproof sealants on exposed surfaces. Additionally, it’s always best to check whether your bathroom furniture is made from moisture-resistant materials.

Ensure your bathroom furniture is made from moisture-resistant materials, like the MySpace combination unit from Orchard Bathrooms

More helpful advice on bathroom furniture

At Victoria Plum, you’ll find a whole world of handy resources to help you buy your bathroom furniture with confidence.

Your first port of call should definitely be our comprehensive bathroom furniture buying guide, where you’ll find easy-to-digest information on different types of units and storage options.

If you’re in need of inspiration, why not check out our latest bathroom furniture ideas?

Still got a question about bathroom furniture that hasn’t been answered? Head to our help centre, where you’ll find many more FAQs, or why not contact us? We’ll do our very best to help.