ᐅ Building an Ikea Metod Bathroom Cabinet and Other Small Furniture Pieces to Save Space

Hello everyone,

I am currently planning to install an IKEA Metod toilet cabinet in a small bathroom and considering how to design this and other small furniture pieces to save as much space as possible. Especially in small rooms, storage space is always a crucial factor, and I have the impression that IKEA furniture often leaves a lot of valuable volume unused.

My specific question to the community is:

How do you build the IKEA Metod toilet cabinet or similar small furniture pieces to provide maximum storage with minimal footprint? I am interested in handling standard dimensions, adapting to unusual ceiling heights, as well as tips for additional fixtures or combinations with other IKEA systems.

I look forward to practical experiences, including advice on tools, modifications, or alternative products that work well together.

Thanks in advance for your support!

Hello karko,

First, you should carefully check the exact dimensions of the Metod cabinet body (width, height, depth) and compare them with your available space. A common approach is to plan the bathroom cabinet up to the ceiling edge to make the best use of the vertical space. IKEA Metod is compatible with various interior fittings, such as drawers, shelves, or dividers.

For small bathrooms, it is often recommended to use narrow, tall cabinets that provide plenty of storage despite their small footprint. The modular design of Metod allows these cabinets to be adapted as corner units or to fit under sloped ceilings.

In addition, optimizing the space with shelves or additional baskets can be helpful. Make sure not to alter the hinges and fittings of the doors to maintain stability and proper function.

If the doors are too bulky, they can be replaced with sliding doors, although this is not standard for Metod and requires modifications to the tracks and runners.

BEMAU schrieb:

In small bathrooms, it is often advisable to use narrow, tall cabinets that provide plenty of storage despite their small footprint.

Exactly, and here is a brief step-by-step guide on how I would space-efficiently modify my Metod toilet cabinet:

- Step 1: Measure the usable volume, including any existing niches.
- Step 2: Choose a cabinet body with maximum height that reaches up to the ceiling.
- Step 3: Plan the interior layout – depending on whether mainly toilet paper, cleaning supplies, or other small items will be stored, the shelf configuration will vary.
- Step 4: Install additional shelves or pull-outs from kitchen components. Adjust the shelf heights flexibly at any time.
- Step 5: For limited depths: consider removing the back panel to gain more storage space, but make sure it is protected against moisture.

A common mistake is to install too many shelves in small cabinets, which creates unnecessary empty space between levels. Adjustable shelves are better.

A quick tip: For installation, I always recommend using corner brackets inside to increase stability, especially if the cabinet is built very tall.

karko schrieb:

How do you build the IKEA Metod bathroom cabinet or similar small furniture pieces to maximize storage space while minimizing floor space?

I find this topic really interesting because I recently completely redesigned my small bathroom area!

My secret tip: creative combinations! So, not just the Metod cabinet alone, but for example mounting an open shelf from the IKEA Sävedal series above it. This way you make great use of the vertical space. I also added extra storage boxes on the shelves that can be quickly pulled out.

It’s also important not to always rely on traditional door openings, but to consider whether sliding doors or even curtains could be used as alternatives – that saves space and adds flexibility!

I was skeptical at first, but with a bit of DIY courage, it really helped me make the most of that narrow corner.

Good luck – and I look forward to seeing your solutions!

KODAN32 schrieb:

A common mistake is installing too many shelves in small furniture, which creates unnecessary empty space between the levels.

I agree with that. It’s better to plan for fewer, taller compartments to store bulky items more efficiently.

Also, slim designs take up less floor space and offer greater flexibility. If possible, replace doors with flaps that require less clearance to open.