Open Shelving vs Closed Cabinets for Your Bathroom: Which One is Better?

Bathrooms. They’re rarely as big as we’d like, always crying out for more storage, and somehow seem to accumulate clutter overnight. So when you’re planning a revamp - or even just trying to tidy up - it’s only natural to ask: open shelving or closed cabinets? Which one should you choose?

Well, let’s unpack that. Because while both can be perfectly practical, the best choice for your bathroom depends on how you live, what you love, and (let’s be honest) how tidy you actually are.

What Does Open Shelving Bring To A Bathroom?

It feels light and airy

One of the biggest perks of open shelves is how they open up a space. Literally. If you’re working with a smaller bathroom (and many of us are), open shelving helps things feel less cramped. Cabinets can sometimes make a room feel boxed in, especially if they’re chunky or placed at head height.

Your best bits are always on display

Towels, candles, fancy skincare bottles - open shelves let your personality shine. You can lean into a bit of that curated chaos look or keep it minimal and pristine. It’s your call. And yes, we’re all guilty of artfully placing items we never actually use...

They're easier to install

Flat-pack warriors rejoice: open shelving is often easier and cheaper to put up than traditional cabinetry. No doors, no hinges, no fuss. Just a few brackets and you’re good to go.

But (and here comes the big but)...

You need to keep it neat

Open shelves are not forgiving. If you’re prone to shoving things into drawers and hoping for the best, this might not be your match made in bathroom heaven. Everything’s on show, dust included. So unless you’ve got the energy (or the organisational skills) to keep things tidy, it can end up looking messier than you’d like.

Why Closed Cabinets Still Hold Their Own

Clutter? What clutter?

Let’s face it - most of us don’t live in interior-themed magazines. We’ve got toothpaste tubes, spare razors, that one bottle of shampoo we never use but can’t seem to throw away. Closed cabinets hide all the evidence. They’re the go-to for anyone who values a clean, streamlined look without needing to do a daily tidy-up.

They protect from humidity and dust

Bathrooms are steamy places (in more ways than one). Closed cabinets keep your things better protected from moisture and airborne dust - so they’re ideal for medicines, electronics like shavers, or anything that doesn’t love damp.

A wide range of styles

You’re not short on choice, either. Whether you want ultra-modern units or something more classic, there are elegant bathroom cabinets for daily essentials that blend style with function beautifully.

More structured storage

Unlike open shelves that can be a bit of a free-for-all, closed cabinets often have built-in sections, drawers, or adjustable shelving that helps keep everything in its place. It’s storage that works harder.

What About Combining TheTwo?

You don’t have to go all-in on one or the other. Some of the most stylish bathrooms out there mix open and closed storage cleverly. Picture this: a sleek vanity unit with doors for the messy bits, paired with a floating shelf above the toilet for decorative touches. Practical and Pinterest-worthy.

Not sure where to begin? Check out these creative bathroom storage ideas to spark inspiration.

Things To Consider Before Choosing

Your storage needs

How much stuff do you actually have? Be honest. A couple of shelves won’t cut it if you’ve got a hoard of hair-care products.

Your bathroom size

Smaller bathrooms benefit from the visual openness of shelving, but sometimes you just need more closed storage to avoid the dreaded cluttered look.

Your cleaning habits

If you're the type who wipes down the sink religiously every day - great. Open shelving might work. If you're more "out of sight, out of mind," cabinets are your best friend.

Your aesthetic

Do you lean towards minimal, Scandi-inspired interiors or something more luxe and dramatic? Open shelving can feel casual and open, while closed cabinets offer a more polished feel.

Our Take? Balance Is Key

There’s no clear winner here, and honestly, that’s a good thing. Your bathroom should work for you. Whether that’s a wall of crisp white cupboards or a few rustic wooden shelves, the best storage solution is the one that makes your mornings easier and your space more enjoyable.

Mix and match. Experiment. Have fun with it. But if you're after storage that looks good and hides a multitude of sins, our elegant bathroom cabinets for daily essentials are a solid starting point.