1000mm Shaving Cabinets: Your Guide to Smarter Bathroom Storage
Right then. Let's talk bathrooms. You’re doing a reno, and it’s probably doing your head in. There are a million and one things to decide on. Tiles, taps, tubs... the list goes on. But let's have a real chat about something that’ll genuinely make your life easier every single day: storage. Specifically, where you’re gonna hide the mountain of stuff that seems to live in every bathroom. The half-used tubes of cream, the electric toothbrush, the beard trimmer, the kids' bubble bath. All of it. The answer, my friend, could very well be a 1000mm shaving cabinet. Here at The Blue Space, we've helped countless Aussies pull their dream bathrooms together, and we’ve seen the magic a good shaving cabinet can work. So, let’s get into it.
So, What is a 1000mm Shaving Cabinet Anyway?
Let's not overcomplicate it. It's a mirrored cabinet for your bathroom wall that measures one metre across. That’s it. But that one metre is a bit of a golden ticket. It’s the perfect size for most Aussie bathrooms – not so huge it swallows the whole wall, but big enough to be seriously, seriously useful. Think of it as a secret agent. On the outside, it’s a nice big mirror. But behind that mirror? A hidden world of shelves, just waiting to gobble up all your clutter. It’s one of the smartest moves you can make in a bathroom design. Hands down.
Where Would I Even Put One?
Fair question. The go-to spot, and the one that usually looks best, is right above the vanity. If you’ve got a vanity that’s about a metre wide, or even a bit wider like 1200mm, popping a 1000mm shaving cabinet on top creates a really satisfying, professional look. It makes that whole part of the bathroom look like one single, well-designed unit. Check out our vanity units to see how they pair up.
Imagine the family bathroom on a weekday morning. It’s pure chaos, isn't it? A wide cabinet, often with two or three doors, means you can have your own section. Your partner has theirs. No more rummaging through each other's things just to find the toothpaste. It’s a small thing, but it brings a little bit of peace to the morning madness.
And for your own ensuite? It's a slice of heaven. It’s your space to escape to. A big, beautiful mirrored cabinet gives it that luxe, hotel feel. All your personal items are tucked away, organised, and clean. It transforms the room from a purely functional space into your own private retreat. It's a simple upgrade that makes a massive difference to how you feel starting and ending your day.
They’re Not All Just Boring Boxes: Styles and Shapes
Now, don’t picture your grandma's old rickety medicine cabinet. The world of shaving cabinets has come a long way. There's a shape and style to fit pretty much any look you're going for.
The Shape of Things
The outline of your cabinet is a big deal. It sets the tone.
Rectangular
The classic. Old faithful. You honestly can't go wrong with a rectangular shaving cabinet. It gives you the most storage space, and its clean lines work with everything. Modern, traditional, coastal... you name it. A 1000mm rectangle is a fantastic canvas, giving you a wide, uninterrupted mirror.
Round
You might not find a single round cabinet that's a metre wide, but what you will find are awesome designs that have two round mirrored doors on a wider cabinet body. This is a brilliant trick for softening a room. Bathrooms can be very angular and hard, with all the tiles and glass. A couple of curves makes everything feel gentler.
Pill & Arch
These are the cool kids on the block. A pill shape (think of a stretched circle) or an arch shape adds a bit of architectural flair. It’s a designer touch that can make the whole room feel more special. An arch, for instance, naturally draws your gaze upwards, making the ceiling feel a bit higher. These aren't just cabinets; they're features.
And then there was light...
Oh, you're gonna love this. An LED shaving cabinet. This is, without a doubt, a game-changer. The light is built into the mirror itself. Why does that matter? Well, the single light on your ceiling casts shadows down your face. It's awful for shaving or putting on makeup. An LED cabinet lights your face directly. The light is even, it's clear, and it's shadow-free. Many have touch-free sensors and even let you change the warmth of the light. Bright and cool for the morning, warm and dim for the evening. And the best bit? The demister. A little heating element behind the glass that stops the mirror fogging up. You step out of a hot shower and can actually see yourself. You will never want to go back.
The Actual, Real-Life Benefits of a 1000mm Cabinet
So what do you really get out of choosing this size?
A Clutter-Free Life
Well, a clutter-free bathroom bench, at least. And that's a huge win. A metre of cabinet space lets you hide everything. It's liberating. No more mess. Your bathroom instantly looks ten times cleaner and feels way more calming.
It Just Looks Good
A big cabinet has presence. It anchors the vanity area and makes it look complete. It makes your bathroom look like it was designed by someone who knew what they were doing. With so many finishes available, from the warm timbers of Timberline to the custom colours of Otti, it becomes a key part of your room's personality.
The Ultimate Combo
It’s a big mirror and a big cupboard. The perfect partnership. You're not compromising on either. You get a huge, usable mirror, and all that storage is a bonus that doesn't take up any extra floor space. It’s the smartest way to use your wall.
The Nitty Gritty: Materials and Finishes
Okay, let's talk construction. A cabinet in a wet room needs to be tough. Look for stuff made from moisture-resistant (MR) MDF or plywood. Plywood is the top of the line for handling moisture, but a good quality sealed MDF from a reputable brand will do the job just fine. What you really want to look for are the little things. Soft-close hinges are a non-negotiable. They stop the doors from slamming shut. It's a touch of quality you'll appreciate every day. And check the mirror itself. Many of our better cabinets from brands like Bao or Ingrain use copper-free mirrors. This just means they're much less likely to get those horrible black spots around the edges that you see on old, cheap mirrors.
Hold Up! How Do You Install This Thing?
Before you get too carried away, you need to know how it attaches to the wall.
Surface-Mounted
This is the straightforward way. You just screw the cabinet onto the tiles. Simple. It will stick out from the wall a bit, usually about 15cm.
Recessed
This is the schmick, integrated look. Here, the cabinet actually sits *inside* the wall. This is a bigger job. You need to have the space in the wall cavity, and you need to be damn sure there are no pipes or wires in the way. It’s something your builder has to plan for from the start. You can’t just decide to do it later. I've heard horror stories of people hitting water pipes. Trust me, the plumber's bill for that is much bigger than getting a pro to do it right. And if you're getting an LED cabinet, you'll need a sparky to sort out the wiring.
Keeping It Looking Good
This is easy. To clean the mirror, don't use harsh chemicals. A simple mix of vinegar and water on a soft cloth is perfect. For the cabinet itself, just a wipe with a damp cloth will do. If you get a timber finish, just make sure you wipe up any water splashes. Don't let them sit there. A little TLC goes a long way.
Putting It All Together
Last thing. Think about what's going underneath your cabinet. If you've chosen a beautiful tall basin that sits on the counter, make sure you have enough space between it and the bottom of the cabinet. You still need to be able to see your face! Check your tap height too. And don’t forget the details. A nice basin waste that matches your tapware is a small touch that ties everything together. You can see options in our wastes and traps range. It’s these final little choices that make a bathroom feel complete.
So there you go. The 1000mm shaving cabinet. It's a workhorse, a space-saver, and a style-maker all in one. A seriously smart move for any bathroom reno. Go on, have a squiz at the range. You'll find one that’s just right.
