In an increasing number of households, mirror cabinets have replaced the traditional mirror in bathrooms, thanks to their dual advantages of storage and mirror functionality. This is especially true for smaller bathrooms, where mirror cabinets serve as the last "struggle" for space optimization. Without them, there would be even fewer suitable spots for storage. However, choosing the "right" type of mirror cabinet has become one of the most troubling decisions. Here are some suggestions and insights:

According to the Shanghai Home Expo, based on the different styles and functional areas, the commonly used and practical types of mirror cabinets in bathrooms can be categorized into four main styles: "combined," "double-cabinet," "full," and "integrated."

1. Combined-Type Mirror Cabinet

The combined-type mirror cabinet features both a "closed" storage area with a mirrored door and an "open" storage area. This design allows items to be stored according to their usage frequency. Frequently used items can be placed in the open area for easy access, while less frequently used or long-term stored items can be placed in the closed area. This helps prevent dust accumulation and moisture, ensuring that items are stored according to their needs.

The open storage area enhances convenience by allowing direct access to items without the need to open and close cabinet doors. This design also creates a sense of depth in the bathroom, which can slightly alleviate the cramped feeling in smaller spaces. However, the open area requires regular tidying to prevent dust buildup and clutter, which could negatively impact the bathroom's appearance.

Depending on the layout of the open storage area, combined-type mirror cabinets can be further divided into several subtypes, including "bottom," "one-end," "both-ends," "middle," "L-shaped," and "U-shaped."

2. Double-Cabinet-Type Mirror Cabinet

The double-cabinet-type mirror cabinet combines a cabinet with a mirrored door and a regular cabinet without a large reflective surface. This design satisfies the need for a mirror while also providing decorative value through the cabinet doors. However, accessing items requires opening and closing cabinet doors, which might be inconvenient for frequently used items. To minimize interference with mirror usage, frequently used items can be stored in the regular cabinet or on a designated area on the countertop.

3. Full-Type Mirror Cabinet

The full-type mirror cabinet consists entirely of a closed storage area with mirrored doors. The doors are either entirely mirrored or feature a dominant mirrored surface with minimal other materials used as frames for decorative purposes. This design is neat and tidy and can create an illusion of a larger space when the cabinet covers a larger area. Reserving a space on the countertop for frequently used items can help address the potential inconvenience of accessing items stored inside the cabinet.

4. Integrated-Type Mirror Cabinet

The integrated-type mirror cabinet is not a conventional cabinet with mirrored doors as the main body. Instead, it combines a regular cabinet with a separate mirror. The storage and mirror functions are independent of each other, preventing any interference. This design offers flexible and varied combinations, resulting in a richer visual effect. The "depth difference" created by the cabinet and mirror adds a sense of layering to the space. However, the mirror size might be smaller, which should be considered in terms of the number of people who can use it simultaneously with the washbasin.

The China International Furniture Fair (Shanghai) will be held from September 9th to 12th, 2025 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai Hongqiao). This event is a great opportunity to explore the latest trends, innovations, and developments in the home furnishing industry. If you want to know more about the home furnishing industry, please visit the China International Furniture Fair (Shanghai) website for more information.

Source: RabbitFish, Interior Designer

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