Open vs Closed Bathroom Storage: Which is Best?

Bathroom storage is one of the most important design choices in a remodel. The debate between open bathroom storage and closed bathroom storage often comes up when clients begin planning.

Both styles have benefits, but they also bring unique challenges. Contractors in Flagstaff and Verde Valley, like Outlook Construction & Remodeling, often help homeowners decide which approach best suits their daily routines, bathroom size, and design goals.

The right choice balances aesthetics, function, and durability in a space that faces daily use and constant moisture.

Below, we dive into the discussion over which is best: open or closed bathroom storage. We assess the pros and cons to help homeowners make an informed decision. If you’d like to speak with a team member directly about your Flagstaff bathroom remodel, please reach out directly.

See also: 4 Biggest Bathroom Remodeling Mistakes Homeowners Make

Understanding Bathroom Storage

There are two types of bathroom storage: open storage, which consists of shelving, baskets, or open vanity cubbies with items visible, and closed storage, which consists of cabinets, drawers, or mirrored medicine cabinets as items are out of view.

Bathrooms are typically smaller spaces with humidity and heavy traffic, which can complicate storage decisions. The choice between open storage versus closed storage is both a visual choice and a practical one as it protects the items stored there and keeps the room tidy.

Bathroom contractors who work on older homes and cabins, like those found throughout Northern Arizona, understand that every home is different.

Outlook Construction & Remodeling’s design team understands that homeowners are partners in selecting the best combination of storage utilization and style.

Open Bathroom Storage

Open bathroom storage has become a popular trend, offering a fresh and airy vibe. An open shelf, a floating unit, or a cubby will help a bathroom feel larger and less boxed in. Arranged in this setup, towels, candles, or decorative containers present well and are easy to grab when you don’t have to open a drawer or cabinet to get to your everyday items.

However, there are reasons why contractors typically do not recommend open bathroom storage in most households. Bathrooms are high-moisture environments, so usable items left exposed collect dust, lint, or water spots.

Most toiletries, cleaning supplies, and personal care products are not meant to be seen, serving more as utilitarian functions, and it is all too commonplace to have them laid out on display, making the bath look cluttered and, to some, shabby.

Open shelving requires cleaning more often because when dust attaches to the moisture of the bathroom, buildup gets worse and more noticeable.

There is one design feature that is common when it comes to an open storage unit in the bathroom. Some homeowners will install vanities with one open shelf underneath, to use for towels or linens. Towels and linens serve a functional purpose, but they can also be carefully stacked or rolled in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

Contractors often suggest open storage elements for clients who want a balanced function, but don’t want to sacrifice the clean and finished look of closed storage.

Closed Bathroom Storage

 

Closed bathroom storage can be considered the most practical and broadly accepted recommendation; cabinets, drawers, and medicine cabinets all provide a level of protection from moisture, as well as concealment from plain sight if you want to keep your toiletries, cosmetics, medications, or grooming items safe.

Closed storage removes cluttered visual designs for more streamlined blank surfaces that feel calm, clean, and purposeful.

Another advantage of closed storage is its adaptability. There are many ways to adapt shelving in bathroom cabinetry, such as pull-out trays or other organizers, which provide usability and allow items to be arranged to reduce searching time.

A medicine cabinet that changes the mount to a mirror serves more than one purpose, giving you a reflection for styling. Soft-close drawers are quiet, can prevent injuries, and can remain functional longer than traditional drawers.

The biggest limitation of closed storage is that small bathrooms can feel heavier, and cabinetry can easily take up significant wall space in a small room.

Our best bathroom designs take care to best utilize limited space. We have many examples of our work, featuring bathroom vanities and floating vanities, many times with lighter finishes that are easily protected.

Many of the homes in Flagstaff and Verde Valley that we remodel include a blend of traditional and modern features. We do not just advise that homeowners choose a closed storage system, but recommend it as the best-looking, most practical solution.

Hybrid Approaches

Some of the most functional bath designs offer both open and closed storage. Fixtures may include a vanity with drawers and cabinet space for personal belongings, but then only one shelf for use and one shelf for towels.

Floating shelves can be above a toilet or bathtub for decorative items, while a large cabinet can hide some of the less desirable items kept in a bathroom – the non-decorative essentials.

With this hybrid approach, the client gets the best of both worlds: a place to store the daily-use essentials while still allowing them to have some decorative features throughout the room.

The contractors generally drive the project through the process in this function, allowing the client to make controlled, practical decisions, while the outcome is still visually appealing.

Material & Design Considerations

Regardless of the storage choice, material selection is very important. Bathrooms need materials that can withstand moisture.

Solid wood can work well, but requires finishing to protect it from humidity and prevent swelling.

Laminates, quality veneers on MDF, and marine-grade plywood are more durable alternatives.

Metal and glass have a modern appeal, but are also more likely to show water spots.

When it comes to closed storage, hardware options are as important as materials. Soft-close hinges, drawer organizers, and dividers increase the functionality of the cabinet.

Pro tip: Built-in outlets inside cabinets are great to charge electric toothbrushes and razors out of sight and reduce clutter.

Stock cabinetry will work in a lot of renovation options, allowing homeowners a lot of flexibility with layout, finish, and special features in custom cabinets, while keeping costs down.

Practical Advice from Our Design Team

Here’s how we often advise homeowners:

1. Evaluate Your Routine

When deciding between open storage and closed storage, the best way to approach it is to take a step back and give yourself an honest evaluation of your daily routine.

2. Household Members

Families with children typically want to add more closed storage to help with house cleaning purposes and keep toxic cleaners out of reach.

3. Consider Ventilation

Homeowners and contractors alike should consider ventilation when reviewing bathroom designs. It doesn’t matter how impressive your designs are with open storage, as it could all be worthless without proper ventilation.

Whether that is an exhaust fan or a window, the proper ventilation will start to help with the removal of moisture from the bathroom. In open storage areas, this moisture can have a high potential to become damaging to shelf items.

4. Electricity & Gadgets

Homeowners need to consider how to accommodate their electrical storage requirements. Cabinets with electrical outlets built into them will help with using grooming tools.

You can also put hair dryers, curling irons, and skincare products into deep, organized drawers, thus decluttering your space, including countertops.

5. Where You Live

Lastly, there will be some local considerations that can weigh heavily against the functionality. Flagstaff homes, for example, need to factor in the colder winters and seasonal changes, generally requesting more closed storage to keep more linens and supplies from the elements.

In contrast, Verde Valley homes, with more ways to incorporate architectural styles, would be inclined to have some sort of a hybrid storage system, combining decorative open storage and options that include concealed cabinet doors.

Let’s Talk Bathroom Storage. Contact Outlook Construction to Speak with Our Design Team Today!

Open bathroom storage can be visually appealing, but it may be impractical for everyday use because of moisture, clutter, and cleaning responsibilities. Closed storage also offers protection, privacy, and a generally nicer overall appearance, suitable for most households.

Whether you are designing a small powder room, also known as a half-bath, or a full master bath, when choosing between open or closed storage, you should evaluate your lifestyle, design preferences, and future needs.

Collaborating with an experienced bathroom contractor gives you the best chance for your storage options to be beautiful, functional, and last for years. Contact our team today to get the ball rolling on your perfect bathroom design.