Vandaag of morgen in huis
Kwaliteit gegarandeerd
Welkomstaanbiedingen ontgrendelen: GRATIS bezorging | Tot 80% korting | Gratis 30 dagen JoyPlus-proefperiode
Download de app
A storage cabinet may seem simple at first glance: choose a size, a colour and enough shelves. In practice, problems often only become apparent after purchase. The cabinet may turn out to be too deep for the hallway, the shelves may not accommodate tall bottles, or the material may be less suitable for a damp bathroom.
With this buying guide, you can compare a storage cabinet based on its dimensions, material, layout and safety features. This makes it easier to see which cabinet suits your bathroom, hallway, living room, kitchen, garage or office.
A cabinet that is 80 cm wide does not automatically offer plenty of usable space. Doors, side panels, back panels and hinges take up some of the interior. So, measure not only the available space, but also check:
For a narrow hallway, a depth of 24 cm may be more practical than a roomier cabinet that is 40 cm deep. In a garage or office, extra depth is useful for folders, tools or boxes.
A bathroom cabinet with fixed shelves only can be awkward for tall shampoo bottles or cleaning products. A shoe cabinet without adjustable compartments makes it less efficient to store different shoe sizes. So, look for a cabinet with adjustable shelves or removable shelves.
Also consider the difference between open and closed storage. Open compartments are suitable for items you use often or want to display. A storage cabinet with doors keeps loose items out of sight and reduces the amount of dust that settles on the contents.
MDF and chipboard can be suitable for dry living spaces, but the finish and placement are important in a damp bathroom. According to the product information for some models, moisture-resistant panels and metal components are designed for everyday use in a humid environment. This does not mean that every cabinet can withstand prolonged contact with water.
Therefore, do not place a bathroom cabinet directly in a puddle of water, and check whether the base is raised. For a garage, a metal storage cabinet is often practical thanks to its wipe-clean surfaces and sturdy construction. In a living room, a sideboard made from engineered wood may fit in better with the interior.
First, note down the available space: width, height and maximum depth. When choosing a bathroom unit, allow for pipes, skirting boards and the trap. A base cabinet must fit around the basin and waste outlet, so check the cut-out before ordering.
A narrow storage cabinet is suitable for a hallway or small bathroom, but usually offers less space per compartment. A wider model can work as a sideboard, hallway unit or TV unit. For a shoe cabinet, check how many pairs the product description says it can hold and whether the shelves are adjustable.
The maximum load capacity must be suitable for how you intend to use the cabinet. Books, tools and crockery can quickly weigh more than towels or accessories. With a metal cabinet, it is useful to check the load capacity of both the top panel and the individual shelves.
Also check the type of material:
A tall cabinet or one with heavy doors must stand securely. Included anti-tip fittings are an important safety feature, but they only work if the cabinet is correctly secured to a suitable wall. Follow the assembly instructions and check that the fixings are suitable for the wall surface.
A cabinet with a magnetic closure is convenient when you need frequent access to the contents. A lock may be more suitable for documents, tools or other items that you do not want to leave freely accessible. Also look for adjustable feet if the floor is not completely level.
Why it suits this profile: This compact open cabinet fits into a small hallway, bedroom, bathroom or office and, according to the product information, requires self-assembly with an estimated assembly time of 30 minutes.
The dimensions and maximum load capacity of 25 kg are clearly stated. This allows you to decide in advance whether the model is suitable for lightweight household items.
Open compartments, two drawers, an FSC statement in the product details and a compact size of 34.5 × 32 × 67.6 cm.
Why it suits this profile: This model combines enclosed compartments with three open shelves and is designed for households that want to combine bathroom storage with a furniture-style look.
The product information mentions moisture-resistant MDF panels, metal components, three adjustable shelf heights and a raised base of 12.5 cm. However, always check the exact placement conditions.
Dimensions of approximately 35.5 × 100.5 × 75.5 cm, two doors, open storage space and an anti-tip feature according to the product description.
Why it suits this profile: This cabinet is intended for tools, documents or stock in a garage, office, kitchen or utility room where lockable storage is desirable.
The adjustable shelves prevent a completely fixed layout. The included anti-tip fittings and the instruction to secure the cabinet to the wall help ensure stable placement.
Steel construction, lockable doors, adjustable shelves, dimensions of 40 × 60 × 90 cm and a stated load capacity of 30 kg on top and 25 kg per shelf.
We have compiled a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
First, level the cabinet and follow the included assembly instructions. Use the anti-tip fittings if provided, and choose fixings suitable for your type of wall. A cabinet containing heavy items or fitted with heavy doors should not be left unsecured against the wall if the manufacturer specifies anchoring.
Its lifespan depends on the material, load, assembly and room. Avoid overloading it, clean surfaces with a slightly damp cloth and dry up any spills immediately. In the bathroom, adequate ventilation helps limit prolonged exposure to moisture. Regularly check the hinges, fixings and shelf supports.
Most cabinets do not use energy themselves. The costs mainly consist of the purchase price, any assembly and maintenance. A model with adjustable shelves may prevent you from having to buy additional small cabinets later. So, do not compare only the price, but also the usable compartment space, material and included fixing components.
