The modern bathroom has evolved from a simple home utility to a place of luxury, beauty and relaxation. From the major fixtures to the tile details, style and design have become just as important as function. For instance, cabinets inside the bathroom are installed not only for storage purposes but also for aesthetic reasons. Contemporary bathroom cabinets have to fit in with the rest of the décor, and can even serve as the bathroom's focal point.

Minimal, functional

Thin is in, especially in small bathrooms where space-saving is a primary concern. One of the popular trends in contemporary bathroom design is the minimalist approach, characterized by sleek lines, bold colors, and a mixture of natural and synthetic materials. Vertical rise and wooden cabinets with smooth metal handles fit in perfectly with this theme.

Limitless faces

“Ordinary” bathroom cabinets use traditional designs and safe, solid colors. The modern bathroom favors more creative cabinets – wood carvings, glass doors, hanging cabinets. Bathroom cabinets now come in a wide range of styles and materials, from simple wooden cabinets to pieces that are as stylish as they are functional. It doesn't have to be bold or avant-garde – a simple change in color or detail can change the overall look of your bathroom. Use carved handles instead of round ones to create an antique look, or use bright neon accents to liven up a plain wall. If you can't decide on a theme, a quick browse through online stores and designers' websites should give you some good ideas.

Material choices

Bathroom cabinets used to come only in wood and plastic, and in rather plain designs. A dull, bulky cabinet can ruin an otherwise beautiful bathroom. Fortunately, modern bathroom design now offers more choices in color and material. Some of the most popular are glass and laminate doors, and wall-mount and vertical rise designs.

The main advantage of glass cabinets is that you can see the contents from the outside. Glass also looks great with minimalist designs, especially against a rough stone or granite countertop. Be sure to use tempered glass to make it more resilient against heat and moisture. Wood laminates are a cheaper alternative to glass, and also look good with contemporary themes.

Reminders

The Internet is a good source for browsing and shopping for bathroom cabinets, but you should be careful when shopping online. Online stores don't let you test the product or see how it will look with your bathroom. To prevent online fraud and bad purchases, buy only from a reputable company with a return policy. Ask around first or read up about the company. Be sure to ask about warranties and shipping costs, as these are seldom discussed on manufacturers' websites.

Tag it:

?