Built-in vs freestanding bathroom cabinets – interior designers on how to choose the right design for your space and style

When re-designing your bathroom, is it better to choose built-in or freestanding cabinets? Recent trends have favored built-in vanities and storage, but as eclectic style reigns supreme, is it time to give freestanding alternatives a look in?

Bathroom cabinet ideas come in all shapes, styles, and sizes, but there seems to be a real mix of built-in and freestanding options at the forefront of bathroom design at the moment. With pros and cons to both designs, it can be tricky to decide which style to go with.

We've turned to the experts to find out once and for all which is better; built-in or freestanding bathroom cabinets. From personal preference to the spaces each style suits best, this advice is sure to help you make up your mind.

Should you choose built-in or freestanding bathroom cabinets?

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to designing a bathroom, so whether you choose built-in or freestanding cabinets will come down to two factors: personal style and space.

'Both built-in and freestanding bathroom cabinets have advantages and disadvantages however whenever I design a bathroom, it is important to keep in mind those who will be using the space,' says interior designer Lauren Gilberthorpe.

'For a children’s bathroom, it may be more practical to design something more bespoke allowing for plenty of storage for bath toys, towels, and additional toiletries. Built-in cabinets can provide a seamless look, creating a cohesive and spacious feel. Conversely, freestanding cabinets introduce character and allow you to be more flexible,' she explains.

Pros and cons of built-in bathroom cabinets

If you are designing a small bathroom and need as much storage as possible, built-in bathroom cabinets will feel much more effective in your space. Not only will it create a seamless design that can sit perfectly wall-to-wall, but it also gives you more options to maximize space.

'I am a fan of built-in cabinets. Storage is at a premium and not only does built-in deliver this, but opting for a wall-hung model, that doesn’t touch the floor, actually creates a sense of the bathroom being bigger. The floor can continue for a longer period so tricks the eye,' says Barrie Cutchie, design director at BC Designs.

It's not just the practical elements that may draw you to built-in bathroom cabinets, but if your style leans more modern and minimal, this sleeker cabinetry style caters perfectly to the more polished interior design styles.

However, there are some downsides to built-in bathroom cabinets, as Lauren explains: 'They can be more expensive and time-consuming to install due to their bespoke nature. They also offer less flexibility; once installed, they become a permanent fixture in a bathroom, which can be restrictive if you wish to change the layout or design in the future.'

Pros and cons of freestanding bathroom cabinets

For a less permanent option, freestanding bathroom cabinets tailor beautifully to certain aesthetics, and in the year of eclecticism and lived-in style, it's little wonder why they're becoming more popular. In more traditional bathrooms, from farmhouse to antique-style spaces, introducing freestanding pieces adds unique appeal.

'Freestanding bathroom cabinets offer a degree of versatility that built-ins may not. They are simpler to install and can be relocated or replaced with ease. Freestanding cabinets can also be a sustainable choice, repurposing antiques or old pieces of furniture,' says Lauren.

The beauty of using a freestanding cabinet, especially for a bathroom vanity, is that you can choose a unique, eye-catching piece that can become the basis for your bathroom design, or simply become the focal point of the room.

'I love freestanding bathroom cabinets because they very much become a ‘hero’ piece in the bathroom; offering a statement while still being functional,' says Louise Ashdown, head of design at West One Bathrooms.

'While there are beautiful models that can be bought off the shelf, there is a greater capacity for bespoke creations, which is what many people now want in their bathroom design. A freestanding bathroom cabinet can be designed and built exactly how you’d like it, fitting into exact spaces, and color schemes, or using materials and designed to unusual shapes,' she adds.

While freestanding bathroom cabinets offer plenty of visual appeal, there's no denying that storage is often a compromise. 'Freestanding cabinets, though flexible and stylish, may not offer the same level of storage efficiency as built-ins,' adds Lauren.

It's not just storage to consider, but how they will fit into your bathroom – if your cabinets leave awkward gaps between other units and the walls, you could be creating a dust-attracting nook.

'Freestanding cabinets leave a lot of open areas, including small and difficult-to-reach gaps, which the likes of dust and moisture can stick to, meaning free standing may be more effort to clean around and between,' says Hayley Bowman, marketing manager at Frontline Bathrooms.

So, while there is no right or wrong way to design a bathroom, expert advice is to consider which cabinet style will work best in your space and cater to your needs the most, while also adhering to your design style.

'When it comes to designing a bathroom, buyers often contemplate between built-in and freestanding cabinets. Whilst both come with their advantages and look great, choosing which is the best option depends on the bathroom in question and the buyers’ priorities,' says Hayley.

If storage is a priority, opting for built-in cabinets is much more practical – you can still choose a cabinet style that works with your aesthetic. In a traditional bathroom scheme, shaker cabinets or a more rustic wood design can look truly beautiful.

But if you have plenty of space for additional storage, or you simply don't require much of it, freestanding bathroom cabinets can add a unique and eclectic design element and will allow you to bring in vintage and antique furniture if you so wish.

As much as we all love to think about the aesthetic elements of room designs, bathrooms need to be as functional as they are visually appealing. Built-in and freestanding bathroom cabinets are both beautiful and can add plenty to a bathroom's design, it's simply a case of deciding what works best in your house and utilizes the space you have best.