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What Is The Difference Between Kitchen and Bathroom Cabinets?

by Andrew Saladino
August 9, 2021

During your home renovation, you may find yourself wondering if there is a difference between kitchen and bathroom cabinets or if they can be used interchangeably. Although kitchen and bathroom cabinets may look the same on the outside, you can’t always judge a book by its cover as there are key differences between the two. If you’re remodeling your kitchen and are hoping to continue the same look and feel into your bathroom, you may need custom cabinets designed specifically for the bathroom that are built to the proper dimensions.

To equip you with the necessary knowledge as you embark on your home renovation journey, we’ve outlined the key differences between kitchen and bathroom cabinets and answered the most frequently asked questions.

Are Bathroom Cabinets & Kitchen Cabinets Different?

While the cabinets in your bathroom and kitchen may look similar, they are different. You aren’t able to use them interchangeably between the two rooms for a few reasons, including their size, durability, and strength. Let’s dive in and discover the differences between kitchen and bathroom cabinets.

White bathroom cabinets and drawers with a double vanity.

Dimensions

The biggest and most noticeable difference between kitchen and bathroom cabinets is the size and dimensions of the cabinet. To remain proportional to the space, kitchens tend to use cabinets that are approximately 24 inches deep. Because bathrooms are usable working with less square footage than a kitchen, standard bathroom cabinets are about 21 inches deep. The extra few inches of depth provide you with ample storage space for all your cookware and more.

Along with the depth, the height of the kitchen and bathroom cabinets is also different. When in the kitchen, you need your counters to be the ideal height to prep your meals. Standard kitchen cabinets stand at 34 inches tall, offering the perfect height for you to use your countertops as a workspace. Bathroom cabinets typically run shorter than kitchen cabinets with a height of approximately 31 inches tall. While bathroom cabinets can be custom designed to match the height of kitchen cabinets, the most common practice is to have them stand at 31 inches tall.

White bathroom vanity with linen closet.

Durability

Another difference between kitchen and bathroom cabinets is the material they’re made out of. Consider the ways you use your kitchen and bathroom. Both serve two completely different functions. In the kitchen, you spend your time cooking and hanging out with your family. Your bathroom is a private sanctuary where you can relax and unwind in a steaming bubble bath. Ultimately, the building material used to make the cabinets needs to match each room’s intended purpose.

Consider the environment in your bathroom. It can get extremely hot and humid when exposed to the steam of your shower or bathtub. Although your kitchen can get hot from cooking, the large square footage allows for better circulation of the temperature and humidity. Because your bathroom typically has smaller square footage, it reaches much higher levels of humidity. With daily showering that results in humidity, your bathroom cabinets need to be made with durable and moisture-resistant materials that will prevent them from becoming warped over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Kitchen Cabinets in the Bathroom?

If you have a very specific aesthetic you’re looking for, you can use kitchen cabinets in the bathroom. However, it might be more of a headache than it’s worth. Repurposed kitchen cabinets will need to be reworked to allow for the under-sink plumbing that is required in the bathroom. Additionally, the kitchen cabinets will need to be completely resealed to better prepare them against the extra moisture and humidity found in the bathroom. If the repurposed kitchen cabinets aren’t regularly resealed, you may find yourself with warping or sagging cabinets that don’t have the durability you need.

Lastly, the additional depth of kitchen cabinets can not only make the square footage in a small bathroom feel more cramped but can cause accessibility issues. If the cabinets stick out too far, they may block your bathroom door or shower door from opening all the way. So while kitchen cabinets can be used in a bathroom, it isn’t usually the best option.

What Is the Best Material for Bathroom Cabinets?

There are a variety of building materials for you to choose from when determining the best material for your bathroom cabinets, including MDF, solid plywood, or solid wood. Ultimately, bathroom cabinets made of any of these materials will provide you with the durability and longevity you crave, but you should take into account how much moisture and humidity they’ll be exposed to. You may also want to consider the weight of your countertops to ensure the cabinet material is strong enough to support your counters without any dipping, cracking, or warping.

Should My Bathroom & Kitchen Cabinets Match?

Matching your kitchen cabinets to your bathroom cabinets is a personal preference. In most instances, you do not need to match them to one another. However, if your bathroom is right off of the kitchen you may want to consider continuing with the same color and style for consistency within the space.

What Is the Best Hardware for My Cabinets?

Choosing the hardware for your bathroom or kitchen cabinets is a personal preference to match your overall design aesthetic. Chrome, nickel, and stainless steel are popular choices due to their ability to blend into nearly any space. However, you may also decide to opt for a metallic or matte finish to create a more modern appearance.

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Johnny

Thanks for this article post.

Adam

LOVE THE BLOG!

James Smith

Now completely aware about the difference between Kitchen and Bathroom furniture. I am agreed with all the issues raised here.Thanks for sharing ! ! ! Loved the blog

Escalante

It is very convenient to have the extra 3 inches in height on the bathroom cabinets and I think it looks aesthetically better than the older vanities that used to be very low. Nice post!

Hawk

You are only talking 3 inches in height and width and the quality of standard store bought vanities is much lower than kitchen cabinets using mostly particle/flake board. Most bathrooms and kitchens have exhaust fans and in my opinion the environment in both rooms would be very similar unless you just eat microwave food off paper plates. I think the choice is more of a personal one than one of necessity. If you have the room the extra width would be nice plus and as someone that is 6’3″ the extra height would be a big advantage.