When planning bathroom renovations in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, you must choose between open and closed shelving. Remember, your choice will dictate your bathroom’s overall look. Consider that both styles have their unique benefits and drawbacks. So, it’s essential to understand them before making your final decision.

Open Shelving: The Good and the Bad

The Pros of Open Shelving

1. Easy Access and ConvenienceOne huge benefit to open shelving is access. It provides an exposed layout, so you can easily reach for what you need without opening doors or drawers. The latter is especially convenient in bustling households where time and efficiency are of the essence.
2. Aesthetically PleasingAll the same, open shelving choices can help in opening up a space and make even compact bathrooms feel much larger. They also provide you with a decorative shelf to highlight other treasured items, like stacking towels neatly on the shelf and placing some display jars or green plants for added character to your bath decor.
3. Cost-EffectiveUsually, it is more costly to install closed cabinets than open shelving. Instead of hinges, doors and complex joinery, you can save on both materials and labour. This can be a major benefit if you are on a tight budget during your bathroom renovations.

The Cons of Open Shelving

1. Dust and MaintenanceOpen shelves make it simple to find what you need but are also more work. Before you know it those exposed items are full of dust and grime, requiring regular cleaning for your bathroom to look decent.
2. Limited PrivacyThere is no privacy when you use open shelves with your belongings. So open shelving may not be the best choice if you have items that you prefer to keep hidden. And because it’s all on show, you’ll need to store everything neatly and aesthetically.
3. Potential for ClutterOpen shelving can become cluttered very quickly if not managed properly. Because of that, be conscious about what you will put on these shelves so as not to look messy.

Closed Shelving: The Advantages and Drawbacks

The Pros of Closed Shelving

1. Clutter ControlClosed shelving is good for hiding all the mess. Behind cabinet doors, you can store all of your bathroom essentials away for a neat and tidy look. This is especially great in smaller bathrooms where keeping things tucked away gives the illusion of more space.
2. Protection from Dust and MoistureItems inside closed cabinets have better protection against dust, moisture and wear and tear over time. This could be particularly convenient for essentials such as towels, toiletries or gadgets that need to stay in excellent form.
3. Customisation and VersatilityThere are more customisations in closed shelving. Pick from a multitude of door styles, finishes and hardware to match the look of your bathroom. You can add built-in features, such as mirrors, lighting or integrated storage that fit your specific needs.

The Cons of Closed Shelving

1. Higher CostWhile open shelving can help you save money, closed cabinets are normally more costly to install. The materials to the door, hinges and handles can get expensive as well with more labour involved in making sure everything lines up properly. And this can be a key detail if you are trying to keep your bathroom renovations in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs on budget.
2. Bulkier AppearanceClosed cabinets can sometimes make a bathroom feel more enclosed, especially in smaller spaces. The bulkier structure can dominate the room, potentially making it feel less open and airy compared to the lightness of open shelving.
3. Less Immediate AccessAlthough it’s not something of importance in regard to sheer function, if your go-to products are hidden behind a door or drawer, you’ll have a pretty annoying inconvenience in your daily life just to get something out. Sometimes, a small issue like this can become a deal breaker for individuals that want to think less about how they will retrieve their items.

Finding the Right Balance

Before you decide on your bathroom storage solutions, think about your way of living and how big your storage requirements are. Is your bathroom small? Is it big? The size also matters. But if you can’t decide on one, you can always go with both.

Practical Tips for Incorporating Open and Closed Shelving

1. Mix and MatchHaving both types of shelving in moderation means you’re gaining storage and style. You could go for cabinets under the sink for the oversized items, meanwhile, have some open shelves near the toilet for the basic and purposeful items that will be used daily.
2. Consider Your SpaceIf you’re dealing with a tiny bathroom, then go for open shelving as it makes the room look bigger. But make sure that you’re cleaning it at least once a week to ensure it doesn’t get messy. If you have a big bathroom with lots of space, then closed shelving may be more appropriate since it won’t overwhelm the space.
3. Think About MaintenanceIf you despise cleaning your bathroom and bathroom surfaces, then it’s a reminder that closed cabinetry might be the best option for you. They usually require less maintenance and less frequent clean ups to look neat in the bathroom. However, if you enjoy cleaning your house and think that shelves look better when they’re completely organised, then go for open shelving.

Ancorp Constructions: Your Partner in Bathroom Renovations in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs

We know that no two bathrooms are the same, so however you choose to store your stuff is 100% up to you here at Ancorp Constructions. Our team can help you build bathrooms that work for you in any style — whether it includes open shelving, closed cabinets, or even a mix of both. So, if you’re planning bathroom renovations in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, we can provide you with a bespoke solution to your style making sure you stay within budget.

The Ancorp Constructions difference: benefit from transparent pricing, free in-home measurements and a fully licensed & insured service that provides you with peace of mind regarding the quality and value of your new bathroom.

If you are considering a bathroom renovation, get in touch with us today and find out how we can assist you in balancing form and function perfectly.