Choosing a 5five storage cabinet: find the right fit for any room in your home

A 5five storage cabinet can help you keep books, home accessories and everyday essentials neatly organised. But an attractive design isn’t everything. A cabinet that looks spacious in photos may not be deep enough in real life. Load capacities can also be listed in different ways, which may lead to a bookcase carrying more weight than intended.

So, keep an eye out for these three common pitfalls when shopping:

• Misjudging the dimensions: a cabinet that’s 32 cm deep may work well for books and decorations, but may not fit wide storage boxes.
• Misinterpreting the load capacity: check whether the maximum weight applies to one shelf, one compartment or the entire cabinet.
• Overlooking assembly and wall fixing: an open cabinet or compartment unit needs to be stable. Some models must be fixed to the wall.

Below, we compare the key specifications of several 5five models to help you choose the right one for your living room, bedroom, home office or another room in your home.

Which specifications should you check?

1. Dimensions and layout

First, measure the space where the cabinet will go. Note the available width and height, and remember to allow for skirting boards, doors and room to move around. A compact cabinet, for example, is easier to fit beside a desk or in a narrow alcove.

The design also affects how you can use the cabinet:

• An open cabinet gives you quick access to books and accessories.
• A compartment unit keeps items sorted by category and can double as a lightweight room divider.
• A cube unit is handy when you want to fill equally sized compartments with baskets, books or decorations.
• A taller compartment cabinet makes good use of vertical space, but needs extra attention to stability.

Also check that the stated dimensions refer to the outside of the cabinet. The usable space inside is usually smaller because of the thickness of the panels.

2. Materials and load capacity

These models list materials including chipboard, MDF, pine, steel and zinc. A wooden storage cabinet, or a cabinet with wooden components, can have a calm, natural look, while chipboard is often used for panels and shelves. The material alone doesn’t tell you how much weight a compartment can safely hold.

So, check:

• The maximum weight for each shelf or compartment.
• The maximum weight for the whole cabinet.
• How heavy items should be distributed across the compartments.
• The type of floor the cabinet will stand on.

For the 5five model with nine compartments, the safety information gives a maximum of 3 kg per shelf and 9 kg for the whole unit. Although a higher maximum product weight is shown elsewhere, it’s best to follow the specific safety instructions and stick to the lower limit.

3. Assembly and safety

A flat-pack cabinet is easier to transport, but it takes time and care to assemble. Check in advance whether you’ll need tools and whether it should be assembled by one or two people.

A tall, open cabinet can topple if heavy items are placed on the top shelves or if it isn’t properly secured. So, follow the instructions provided. Wall mounting with the supplied brackets is required for the nine-compartment model. Only use a cabinet indoors, and protect the panels from moisture to prevent them from warping.

Our recommendations for different needs

Suitable for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers

5five Wood Shelf Unit - Grey, 34.4 x 32 x 34.4 cm

Why it suits this need: This standalone grey cabinet takes up little space, making it a good fit for a small living room, bedroom, hallway or home office.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The dimensions and maximum load capacity of 20 kg are clearly stated. This makes it easy to check in advance whether one compartment will hold your belongings.

Key benefits and features

34.4 × 32 × 34.4 cm, grey finish, suitable for indoor use and can be assembled by one person in around 15 minutes.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality

5five Wood Bookcase - Multi, 100.5 x 32 x 100.5 cm

Why it suits this need: This wide bookcase has nine equal compartments, giving you a set layout for books, baskets and decorations in the living room or home office.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The nine equal compartments make it easy to plan how you’ll use the available storage space. Wall mounting and the 3 kg per-shelf limit help prevent misuse.

Key benefits and features

100.5 × 32 × 100.5 cm, MDF back panel, FSC listing, nine compartments and a simple Scandinavian style.

Suitable for: Specific needs and frequent use

5five Bookcase 2-Drawer Compartment Cabinet - Natural, 34.5 x 32 x 67.6 cm

Why it suits this need: Taller than a cube unit, this natural-finish cabinet combines open storage with two drawers for items you’d rather keep out of sight.

How this product avoids the pitfall

At 34.5 × 32 × 67.6 cm, it’s easy to work out how much space you’ll need. The stated maximum load is 25 kg; distribute heavier items evenly.

Key benefits and features

Natural colour, open compartments, two drawers, FSC listing and can be assembled by one person in around 30 minutes.

Frequently asked questions about 5five storage cabinets

How do you assemble a 5five storage cabinet?

Follow the assembly instructions provided and check that all the parts are there before you start. According to the product information, one person can assemble the small grey unit in around 15 minutes. The taller models take about 30 minutes. The nine-compartment model must be fixed to the wall using the supplied brackets.

How long does a 5five bookcase last?

Its lifespan depends on how it’s assembled, how much weight it holds, where it’s placed and how well it’s maintained. Use the cabinet indoors only, keep it away from moisture and don’t exceed the stated weight limits. If it’s wall-mounted, check regularly that the screws and brackets are still secure. The models listed come with a statutory warranty period of at least two years; this isn’t a guarantee of their actual lifespan.

Which cabinet is suitable for a small living room?

Start by checking the available width and depth. A unit around 34 cm wide and 32 cm deep is a good choice if you’re short on floor space. For extra storage height, consider the natural-finish cabinet, which is 67.6 cm tall. A 100.5 cm-wide cabinet offers more compartments, but needs more wall space and must be secured according to the safety information.