What's the Right Shaving Cabinet for You?
Some practical considerations in time shaves nine
You’d think that choosing a shaving cabinet for your bathroom would be entirely straightforward – just pick one that’s big enough to hide all your bathroom paraphernalia and provides a good spot for your morning shave and you’re done. Of course, when it comes to building and renovating, nothing is ever that simple. As well as the usual aesthetic and design decisions involved in installing a new bathroom, there are some practical considerations to take into account when it comes to selecting a shaving cabinet. Here are some questions to ask yourself before you buy.
Storage. If storage is more important to you than the grooming station, it’s important to decide how much storage you need and whether the majority of your bathroom products will be confined to this shaving cabinet. A deep, wall-mounted cabinet can cover all manner of sins in the bathroom, and is a great storage option for bathrooms without much free floor space to tuck in a vanity.
There are also a number of ways to maximise storage without simply blanketing one wall with a monolithic cabinet. For example, you could leave space for box storage shelves, as pictured. Alternatively, if you do have the space, a single-width cabinet above a spacious vanity or a cabinet flanked by open shelving both work well. By stashing the bulk of your stuff (linens, electric toothbrush charger, toilet paper) in your vanity, you can save the shaving cabinet for your routine items and save yourself riffling to find the razor each morning.
There are also a number of ways to maximise storage without simply blanketing one wall with a monolithic cabinet. For example, you could leave space for box storage shelves, as pictured. Alternatively, if you do have the space, a single-width cabinet above a spacious vanity or a cabinet flanked by open shelving both work well. By stashing the bulk of your stuff (linens, electric toothbrush charger, toilet paper) in your vanity, you can save the shaving cabinet for your routine items and save yourself riffling to find the razor each morning.
How much space do you have?
Once you know how much storage you need, it’s important to asses the available usable space so you know what kind of dimensions you’re working with. The temptation is to whack in the biggest cabinet that will fit in the space. That can make sense from a storage point of view, but it’s not always necessary and not always the best aesthetic choice. This narrow shaving cabinet has plenty of room for morning essentials above the sink bench, but is complemented by handy storage in the floating vanity below, that also saves on floor space.
Once you know how much storage you need, it’s important to asses the available usable space so you know what kind of dimensions you’re working with. The temptation is to whack in the biggest cabinet that will fit in the space. That can make sense from a storage point of view, but it’s not always necessary and not always the best aesthetic choice. This narrow shaving cabinet has plenty of room for morning essentials above the sink bench, but is complemented by handy storage in the floating vanity below, that also saves on floor space.
If you’re torn between the look of a mirror and the practicality of a cupboard, consider opting for a recessed shaving cabinet. With the door shut, they present as a mirror, especially if you choose one with no handle.
The main practical consideration here is to make sure that the wall you’re planning to use is capable of accommodating a recessed cabinet. Check with your builder if you’re not sure. The same goes for hanging a particularly large or heavy mirror.
Who will be using it?
When deciding on where to install the cabinet, don’t forget that it’s also important to consider who will be using it. Is it to keep things away from kids or a unit that will be shared by all? Is the priority ease of access or the ability to fully secure the contents?
The main practical consideration here is to make sure that the wall you’re planning to use is capable of accommodating a recessed cabinet. Check with your builder if you’re not sure. The same goes for hanging a particularly large or heavy mirror.
Who will be using it?
When deciding on where to install the cabinet, don’t forget that it’s also important to consider who will be using it. Is it to keep things away from kids or a unit that will be shared by all? Is the priority ease of access or the ability to fully secure the contents?
What’s the layout like?
Think about which way the cabinet door will swing and how much room that will take up. There are many space-savvy design options – for example, cabinet doors that swing up and out on hinges (like the one pictured), press-open systems and some with a hidden lip. These are great solutions for small bathrooms where opening a large mirrored door can bash into the bathroom or shower door and make it a nightmare to get around.
Think about which way the cabinet door will swing and how much room that will take up. There are many space-savvy design options – for example, cabinet doors that swing up and out on hinges (like the one pictured), press-open systems and some with a hidden lip. These are great solutions for small bathrooms where opening a large mirrored door can bash into the bathroom or shower door and make it a nightmare to get around.
Another unsung layout point to consider when planning where your shaving cabinet is going to go is to consider the reflection. Take into account how you can use the reflection to your benefit – a mirrored cabinet from the bench to the ceiling, for example, can create the illusion of more space and send a great amount of light around the scheme.
On the other hand, the mirror’s reflection can turn into an eyesore. Avoid making the toilet an inadvertent feature by holding up a trial mirror in your chosen spot (a spare house mirror will do) and recruiting a buddy to study it from all angles.
On the other hand, the mirror’s reflection can turn into an eyesore. Avoid making the toilet an inadvertent feature by holding up a trial mirror in your chosen spot (a spare house mirror will do) and recruiting a buddy to study it from all angles.
How much light do you need?
Given that your shaving cabinet is going to be used for shaving, make-up, washing and all the various bits of peering and prodding that make up most people’s daily routine, you need to make sure that it’s well lit. Natural light from windows and skylights is great during the daytime, but isn’t much help in the evening or on a gloomy day. That said, not everybody wants to feel like they’re in the spotlight while they’re going about their ablutions, and that’s where integrated lighting comes in. Softer than the main overhead fitting, they should cast enough light to let you do what you need to do without making you feel like you’re under interrogation.
Given that your shaving cabinet is going to be used for shaving, make-up, washing and all the various bits of peering and prodding that make up most people’s daily routine, you need to make sure that it’s well lit. Natural light from windows and skylights is great during the daytime, but isn’t much help in the evening or on a gloomy day. That said, not everybody wants to feel like they’re in the spotlight while they’re going about their ablutions, and that’s where integrated lighting comes in. Softer than the main overhead fitting, they should cast enough light to let you do what you need to do without making you feel like you’re under interrogation.
There are two main types of integrated lighting – backlighting and front-mounted side lights. Backlights offer enough light for a quick face wash and a bit of dental hygiene, but they’re not necessarily strong enough for everything else. If you want a more direct light to shave and wash by, then front-mounted side lights are the way to go. In either case, you can choose to purchase a cabinet with built-in lighting or get the lights of your choice installed. As with any electrical work, always use a qualified tradesman.
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To mix or to match?
There are solid aesthetic and practical reasons for choosing a vanity and shaving cabinet from the same range. You’ll often find more flexibility in terms of storage and composition when you opt for a suite, including open shelves and a mix of mirrored and non-mirrored doors. As an added bonus, this option will naturally give the room a very pulled together look.
On the other hand, this can also be your opportunity to opt for something a little bit different; to venture outside the ubiquitous. You might wish to consider using timber, stone or a splash of colour that stands out from the rest of your scheme and creates visual impact.
There are solid aesthetic and practical reasons for choosing a vanity and shaving cabinet from the same range. You’ll often find more flexibility in terms of storage and composition when you opt for a suite, including open shelves and a mix of mirrored and non-mirrored doors. As an added bonus, this option will naturally give the room a very pulled together look.
On the other hand, this can also be your opportunity to opt for something a little bit different; to venture outside the ubiquitous. You might wish to consider using timber, stone or a splash of colour that stands out from the rest of your scheme and creates visual impact.
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What do you use your shaving cabinet for?
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What do you use your shaving cabinet for?
MORE
12 Vital Considerations Before a Big Bathroom Renovation
Clever Design Ideas for Your Bathroom Vanity
Brilliant Bathroom Basins … With a Difference
As much as the name might suggest, shaving cabinets are not reserved just for shaving. In fact, the term ‘shaving cabinet’ is more commonly used as a loose term for a wall-mounted bathroom cupboard, traditionally with a mirror. It can also be called a ‘bathroom cabinet’ or a ‘medicine cabinet’. With that in mind, it’s important to decide what you’re going to be using it for. There are two main reasons to add a shaving cabinet.
Grooming. If this is going to be the main grooming station in the house, you’ll not only need to ensure there’s enough storage in the bathroom for your products but also that there’s enough bench space to lay everything out on.
On the other hand, if you’re just looking for a practical wash station for a quick wet shave, you might only need a simple solution, such as a two-way mirror with an extendable arm that can be tucked away when not in use. There’s a lot to be said for a modest, uncomplicated wash station. It has a simple, austere aesthetic of its own, discourages clutter and, best of all, cuts down on cleaning.