The Simple Rule You Should Follow When Installing A Cabinet Over Your Toilet

Bathroom storage is essential, but these areas often have minimal space to put any kind of organizing solution on the floor. If you find yourself with limited square footage, you might have to think about going vertical to maximize your storage capacity. There are countless bathroom cabinets that can add storage and declutter your countertops. With many bathrooms, placing them above the toilet is the perfect solution. This gives you convenient storage while making the most of otherwise wasted wall space. While adding a bathroom cabinet above your toilet is a straightforward project, there is one simple rule you should follow: Ensure there is sufficient vertical space above the toilet tank.

Adding a cabinet above the toilet is an easy bathroom upgrade that will make your home more appealing to buyers should you ever choose to sell, but it can also help you live a less cluttered life. When choosing to take on this project, it's important to pay attention to the height. The generally recommended minimum clearance between the top of the toilet tank lid and the bottom of the cabinet is 24 inches. While this may seem like an arbitrary number, this amount of space allows you to use the commode comfortably and, if needed, remove the toilet tank lid for maintenance or repairs without having to worry about the cabinet getting in the way.

In addition to providing sufficient space to work on the toilet, this minimum cabinet height helps prevent people from bumping their heads on the bottom of the storage unit. The user plays a key role in determining the best place to hang bathroom accessories. For taller individuals, a cabinet that is too close to the toilet may become a safety or comfort issue. If you are on the shorter side, you could lower the cabinet above the toilet to a level that is more accessible for you, though it is still recommended to keep the bottom of the cabinet about 24 to 36 inches from the toilet's top. Keep in mind that if the cabinet is shallow and doesn't extend past the toilet tank, you'll have more flexibility in the height, as anyone using the toilet would be less likely to bump their head into it.

While simple usability and safety concerns are primary considerations, installing your cabinet 24 inches or higher above the toilet also leads to improved aesthetics. Having a cabinet that is too close to your toilet can make your bathroom look cramped and cluttered. Raising it at least 24 inches from the toilet tank lid will generally help the space feel more balanced. Another aspect of bathroom aesthetics is the distribution of light throughout the space. Where you mount your cabinet could impact light circulation significantly — put it too low, and it will cast shadows over the toilet and tank, making the area feel darker.