Buying a storage cabinet seems simple until you have to choose between plastic, wood, metal, drawers, doors or open shelving. A cabinet may look spacious in the product photos, yet be too deep, unstable or difficult to clean in your bathroom, bedroom or office.
Look out for these common pitfalls:
Note the available height, width and depth. Also check that doors, drawers or wheels have enough room to open and move. In small flats, student rooms and narrow hallways, a narrow storage cabinet around 24 to 34 cm deep may be more practical than a wider cabinet.
A tall cabinet makes use of vertical space, but often has a higher centre of gravity. So check whether wall fixings are required. This is especially important for a cabinet in a child’s bedroom or a busy household.
A storage cabinet with doors keeps items out of sight and limits the dust that settles on them. A storage cabinet with drawers is useful for small items you want to keep organised. An open cabinet works better when you need to access items every day.
Also check the maximum weight capacity. Don’t treat this as a guideline you can ignore: distribute heavy items across the lower levels and don’t exceed the stated limit. For books, cleaning products or supplies, a cabinet with a clearly stated weight capacity is a better choice than a lightweight rack with no such information.
Why it suits this type of buyer: This lightweight PP plastic cabinet has four tiers, wheels and tool-free click-together assembly. It’s a flexible option for students, renters and households looking for extra storage in the bathroom, kitchen or office.
The product information clearly states the material, number of tiers and assembly method. The smooth plastic surfaces can be wiped clean, according to the description; this cabinet isn’t designed for heavy industrial use.
PP plastic, four storage tiers, wheels and tool-free assembly.
Why it suits this type of buyer: This tall wooden storage cabinet is designed for anyone looking to make use of vertical space and wanting a cabinet with doors for the bathroom or bedroom. It measures 34 x 24 x 170 cm.
The product information lists six shelves, two doors, a maximum load of 30 kg and the requirement for wall fixings. This makes the safety requirements clear from the outset.
Six shelves, two doors, a height of 170 cm and a stated maximum load of 30 kg.
Why it suits this type of buyer: This metal storage cabinet can be used as a sideboard, TV unit or office cabinet. The adjustable shelf accommodates items of different sizes.
The specifications list steel construction, an adjustable shelf, double doors and an anti-tip kit. According to the product information, the cabinet must be secured to the wall.
Measures 80 x 40 x 76 cm, with an adjustable shelf, steel body and a stated maximum load of 50 kg for the top.
Why it suits this type of buyer: This mobile storage cabinet has three pull-out drawers and four wheels. It’s well suited to a kitchen, office or utility room where you want to change the layout regularly.
The cabinet has a stated weight capacity of 25 kg, along with clear safety instructions for moving, assembly and use on a level surface.
Three drawers, four wheels and dimensions of 31.4 x 34 x 82.2 cm. According to the product information, one person can assemble it in around 10 minutes.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety requirements.
Look for an easy-to-wipe material, such as PP plastic or a metal cabinet with a moisture-resistant finish. If you’re choosing a wooden storage cabinet, check that its components are suitable for bathroom use. Keep ventilation clear, wipe away water straight away and place the cabinet securely on a level surface.
Secure a tall or narrow cabinet to the wall if the product information says to do so. Use fixings that are suitable for your type of wall, distribute heavy items across the lower shelves and don’t let children hang from the doors, drawers or shelves.
It depends on how you plan to use it. Drawers are useful for sorting small items. Doors keep the contents out of sight and limit dust. For towels, office supplies or toys, a storage rack with baskets may be easier to access. Whichever you choose, check the internal dimensions, weight capacity and clearance needed to open it.