Freestanding or wall-mounted bathroom cabinet: which to choose?

Choose according to the space available in the bathroom

The available space in your bathroom is a determining factor when choosing your furniture. Before making any purchases, it is strongly recommended that you take accurate measurements to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Small bathroom: wall-mounted cabinet to free up floor space

In a small space, wall-mounted bathroom furniture is an ideal solution. By freeing up floor space, it creates a feeling of space and visual lightness. This configuration also makes cleaning easier.

Wall-mounted models are particularly suitable for bathrooms smaller than 5m². Their clean lines and small footprint optimize every available square inch. What's more, the feeling of space is greatly enhanced when the floor remains visible in its entirety.  To maximize storage despite limited space, it is advisable to opt for a cabinet with drawers rather than doors. Drawers allow you to use the entire depth of the cabinet and easily access products.

Large bathroom: double sink vanity unit for extra storage space

In a spacious bathroom, the freestanding bathroom cabinet with sink and mirror comes into its own. Its sturdy structure easily supports a double sink, ideal for couples or large families.

The main advantage of a double sink vanity is its superior storage capacity. Its generous dimensions offer more space to organize towels, beauty products, and accessories. In addition, its inherent stability makes it a safe choice for families with children.

Floor-standing models fit harmoniously into bathrooms larger than 8m², where their imposing presence contributes to the visual balance of the room without creating a feeling of clutter.

Solutions for narrow spaces: shallow or corner furniture

For long, narrow bathrooms, it is advisable to choose shallow cabinets. Available in wall-mounted or floor-standing versions, these optimized models (30-35 cm deep compared to the usual 45-50 cm) allow for smooth circulation.  Another solution is to make use of corners with a strategically positioned freestanding single-basin bathroom cabinet. 

This configuration maximizes available space by utilizing an area that is often underused. Corner furniture is available in both wall-mounted and freestanding versions, adapting to all constraints.  Whatever the layout of the space, functionality must come first, without neglecting aesthetics, which contribute to everyday well-being.

Style and design according to your preferences

The style you choose for your bathroom furniture reflects your personality and influences the overall atmosphere of this everyday room. Beyond space constraints, it is often a question of aesthetics that guides our final decision.

Modern ambiance: wall-mounted bathroom cabinet

For a contemporary bathroom, wall-mounted cabinets are the ideal solution. Their clean lines and minimalist design immediately create a feeling of space and lightness. The absence of legs visually frees up the floor and adds an undeniably modern touch.

Glossy or matte lacquer finishes are particularly popular in modern bathrooms. White remains a classic choice, but shades of gray, anthracite, and even matte black are gaining popularity. These neutral colors pair perfectly with metal accessories such as chrome or brushed steel faucets.

In addition, wall-mounted cabinets are often paired with countertop or built-in sinks with clean, geometric lines. To enhance this minimalist look, choose discreet or even invisible handles with a push-pull system.

Classic or retro style: freestanding bathroom cabinet

On the other hand, if you prefer a more traditional atmosphere, opt for a freestanding bathroom cabinet. This model adds a touch of authenticity and warmth to your space. Dark woods such as walnut or mahogany immediately evoke a retro style, while distressed finishes recall the charm of yesteryear.

In a classic style, the pedestal cabinet is usually accompanied by a white ceramic basin and faucets with intricate details. Brass or aged bronze handles perfectly complement this ensemble. Some models even feature sculpted legs that reinforce their traditional character.

To accentuate this atmosphere, pair your furniture with a framed mirror and matching wall sconces. Cement tiles on the floor will also beautifully echo this timeless style.

Bold colors: wall-mounted furniture as a decorative element

Finally, for the more daring, bathroom furniture can become a real decorative feature thanks to bold colors. Bright colors such as sage green, midnight blue, or terracotta transform a simple wall-mounted cabinet into the centerpiece of your bathroom.

These bold colors work particularly well in white bathrooms, where they create a striking contrast. To avoid visual overload, limit strong colors to a single element and keep the rest of the room in neutral tones.

A colorful wall-mounted cabinet becomes the focal point of your bathroom while retaining the practicality and functionality essential to this everyday space.

Installation and technical requirements

Installing bathroom furniture requires careful attention to technical aspects to ensure its strength and durability. Before making any purchase, it is essential to consider the constraints of your space.

Type of wall required: load-bearing, brick, reinforced plasterboard

The nature of the wall is crucial, particularly for wall-mounted bathroom cabinets. These models require a load-bearing wall or brick wall to support their considerable weight—approximately 50 kg for a single sink cabinet and up to 70 kg for a double sink model. Standard plasterboard walls are generally not recommended as they are too fragile.

However, if you absolutely want to install a wall-mounted cabinet on a plasterboard wall, there are several solutions available. You can reinforce the back of the plasterboard with a piece of solid wood to serve as a support, or use special plasterboard such as "Knauf Diamant Hydro," which can support up to 55 kg per fixing point. For hollow walls, opt for expansion anchors that expand behind the facing.

If none of these solutions are feasible, a freestanding bathroom cabinet is the ideal alternative, offering stability and safety regardless of the type of wall.

Tools required: drill, level, suitable wall plugs

To successfully complete the installation, you will need specific tools:

• A spirit level to ensure perfect horizontality
• A drill with bits suitable for the type of wall
• A tape measure and a pencil to mark the fixing points
• Appropriate anchors and screws depending on the wall and the weight of the furniture
• An adjustable wrench for connecting plumbing fixtures
• Sanitary silicone for sealing joints

Don't forget to wear protective eyewear and gloves. For tiled walls, turn off the hammer mode on your drill to avoid damaging the tiles.

Plumbing connection: drainage and water supply

Before doing anything, turn off the water supply and drain the pipes. To connect, start with the drain using PVC fittings, then connect the mixer hoses to the water supply, making sure to distinguish between hot and cold water.

The recommended installation height places the top of the basin between 85 and 92 cm from the floor, with the European standard suggesting 83 cm from the floor to the drain. Once all connections have been tightened, apply a silicone seal between the wall and the cabinet to prevent water infiltration.

Finally, turn the water back on and check for leaks around the faucet and drain. This seal should be replaced approximately every two years to prevent mold growth.

Daily maintenance and use

Ease of maintenance plays a crucial role in choosing your bathroom furniture. On a daily basis, this humid room requires special attention to preserve the durability of your fixtures and ensure a healthy environment.

Easy cleaning: wall-mounted cabinet with no obstacles on the floor

Cleaning is a major advantage of wall-mounted bathroom cabinets. With no legs to get in the way, the floor can be cleaned with a simple wipe of a mop. The underside of the cabinet is directly accessible, making dust removal much easier.

On the other hand, furniture with legs has areas around the legs that are difficult to access, which can sometimes make thorough cleaning difficult. However, some models with integrated legs partially solve this problem by limiting the number of inaccessible corners.

For surface maintenance, a simple damp cloth is usually sufficient to clean lacquered furniture. However, wooden furniture sometimes requires light sanding followed by the application of a suitable oil.

Stability and robustness: heavy-duty cabinet with legs

The double basin bathroom cabinet offers unparalleled stability, ideal for supporting heavy loads. Its structure rests directly on the floor, giving it a robustness that is particularly appreciated in large families or when the cabinet needs to hold many products.

In addition, freestanding furniture generally offers more generous storage capacity. This feature is particularly advantageous for those who need a lot of space for their toiletries and accessories.

For spacious bathrooms or if you are considering a large piece of furniture, the pedestal model is therefore the safest and most stable option, guaranteeing peace of mind and longevity.

Air circulation and moisture prevention

Moisture is the number one enemy of your bathroom. Wall-mounted bathroom cabinets allow for better air circulation, reducing the risk of moisture and mold. The space underneath the cabinet promotes natural ventilation and limits the accumulation of standing water.

Without contact with the floor, suspended furniture is naturally less exposed to moisture problems and the risk of warping. This increased resistance significantly extends its lifespan, which can reach 15 to 20 years for high-quality models.

To prevent moisture-related problems, remember to ventilate your bathroom regularly, wipe up spills, and use cleaning products that are suitable for your furniture.

Summary of bathroom furniture choices

Making the right choice for your bathroom

After considering all aspects, the choice between a wall-mounted or floor-standing bathroom cabinet essentially depends on your specific needs. Each option has distinct advantages that address different requirements.

For small spaces, wall-mounted cabinets undeniably create a feeling of increased space and greatly facilitate daily maintenance. In addition, their contemporary aesthetic blends perfectly with modern interiors. However, keep in mind that their installation requires a wall that is strong enough to support their weight.

Conversely, freestanding furniture stands out for its remarkable stability and generous storage capacity. Particularly suited to large families, it adds a classic or retro touch to your bathroom. What's more, it is easier to install as it does not require any specific wall fixings.

Beyond practical considerations, remember that this piece of furniture will be with you for many years to come. Therefore, your personal taste should also guide your final decision. Whatever your preference, make sure that the model you choose meets your requirements in terms of space, style, and everyday use.

Ultimately, the ideal piece of furniture is one that harmoniously combines functionality and aesthetics while fitting perfectly into your available space. I therefore advise you to take the time to weigh up each criterion before making your choice, so you can create a bathroom that truly reflects your personality.