A 5five storage cabinet can help bring extra order to your bathroom, kitchen, pantry or home office. However, it’s worth looking beyond colour and price. A cabinet that looks compact in a photo may be too deep for a narrow passageway in real life. A chest of drawers may seem suitable for heavy items, yet its maximum load capacity could be lower than you expect.
Here are three common pitfalls to watch out for when buying a storage unit:
First, decide what you want to store. A 5five chest of drawers is handy for small items you’d like to keep out of sight, such as stationery, accessories, cleaning cloths or personal care products. A 5five storage cabinet with shelves is better suited to boxes, pantry jars and larger items.
Check the usable storage space. A cabinet that’s 32 cm wide may fit a narrow alcove, but its depth will determine whether you can fit storage containers inside, for example. If you’re choosing a cabinet with drawers, also check how much space you’ll need to pull them out fully.
The maximum load capacity is a technical product specification. It doesn’t mean that every drawer or shelf can hold the same weight. The 5five Dolo model has a stated total maximum capacity of 80 kg. According to the product information, the compact bamboo drawer unit has a maximum capacity of 10 kg for the whole unit and 3 kg per shelf.
Store heavier items near the bottom of the cabinet and put lighter products higher up. This also helps keep a narrow storage cabinet stable. Never exceed the stated maximum, and don’t use a unit as a step stool.
A wooden storage cabinet or a model made from paulownia wood adds a warm touch to your home. Bamboo is often chosen for its natural look and light weight. Chipboard and MDF can be practical options for affordable indoor furniture, but need extra care around moisture and during assembly.
For a bathroom storage cabinet, it’s best to avoid splashes and wipe up spills quickly, unless the manufacturer specifically states that the unit has greater moisture resistance. Clean it according to the instructions. For example, a damp cloth is recommended for the compact 5five bamboo drawer unit.
If you’re considering a mobile storage cabinet on castors, check that the castors are suitable for your floor and can be locked in place. The 5five wooden storage tower has four castors and a stated maximum capacity of 25 kg. The product information says it should be placed on a level surface and warns against letting children hang on it.
Why it suits this profile: The combination of two drawers and open compartments gives you an organised layout for a bedroom, home office or hallway.
The stated dimensions of 34,5 x 32 x 67,6 cm make it easy to measure up in advance. The 25 kg maximum capacity helps you avoid relying on it for heavy storage without checking first.
Open compartments, two drawers, FSC certification and indoor use; self-assembly is required.
Why it suits this profile: If you want to combine a natural look with drawers and easy manoeuvrability, this versatile unit is a good fit for a bathroom, kitchen or pantry.
The product information lists three drawers, castors and a maximum capacity of 35 kg. Before buying, check the exact dimensions in the current product listing.
Bamboo and MDF components, three drawers and a mobile design with castors.
Why it suits this profile: This wider unit is designed for anyone who needs several drawers and a higher total load capacity in a bedroom, office or utility room.
You can check the exact dimensions of 73 x 48 x 78 cm and the 80 kg maximum capacity in advance. No soft-close feature is listed, so expect standard drawer runners.
Three drawers, steel drawer runners and a stated total load capacity of 80 kg.
Why it suits this profile: Its vertical design makes good use of limited floor space, while the castors make it easy to move between the kitchen, office and utility room.
The product information specifies a 25 kg load capacity, four castors and assembly by one person in around 10 minutes. Place the trolley on a level surface and avoid moving it when heavily loaded.
Paulownia wood, three drawers, four castors and a height of 82,2 cm with a width of 31,4 cm.
Most models require self-assembly. Lay out all the parts first, use the correct fixings and only fully tighten the connections once the unit is properly aligned. Check after a few weeks that the screws are still secure.
A unit with a narrow base or castors needs extra care. Store heavier items at the bottom, keep it on a level floor and avoid placing it where it could block a door or walkway. According to the product information, the compact 5five bamboo drawer unit must be fixed to the wall using the supplied fixings to prevent it from tipping over. Its stated maximum capacity is 10 kg, with a maximum of 3 kg per shelf.
A minimum two-year statutory guarantee is stated for all the models mentioned. This is separate from proper use and assembly, and from the statutory rights that apply in the Netherlands.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
That depends on the material, ventilation and how much splashing it will be exposed to. Don’t place a wooden or bamboo cabinet right next to a shower or bath, and wipe up moisture straight away. Always check the product information before using a unit as a bathroom storage cabinet.
It varies by model. The 5five Dolo has a stated maximum capacity of 80 kg for the whole unit, while other models are listed at 25, 35 or 40 kg. Some compact units also have a separate maximum load for each shelf. Always follow the lowest relevant limit in the product specifications.
Not every model needs the same type of fixing. According to the instructions, the compact 5five bamboo drawer unit must be securely fixed to the wall. Wall fixing is also advisable for a tall cabinet if the instructions recommend it. Before assembly, check what type of wall you have and use suitable fixings.