Draw a side profile of the wash area
Mark the finished wall, basin edge, tap height and proposed cabinet bottom. Add the cabinet's maximum projection, including any light or projecting detail. Use the exact dimensions rather than scaling the product photograph.
Think through leaning towards the basin, using the tap and moving an object onto the shelf. If the cabinet feels intrusive in the sketch, test a comparable projection with a safe temporary outline. The right position depends on the people, basin and product; there is no single height that resolves every arrangement.
Check the opened door as well as the closed mirror
Read how far the doors are intended to open and whether the hinges or mirrored edges need side clearance. Compare that movement with wall lights, a tall cabinet, a sloping ceiling and a nearby wall. Ask whether all shelves remain accessible at the opening angle your room permits.
For an illuminated or charging cabinet, include the features demonstration checklist. A control underneath or beside the cabinet may need operating space even when the mirror door itself clears the obstruction.
| Dimension or movement | What to check |
|---|---|
| Outer projection | Closest edge to the person using the basin |
| Clear shelf depth | Actual room for bottle bases and lids |
| Door sweep | Nearby lights, cabinets and walls |
| Control access | Space to use switches or sensors |
| Internal charging area | Device and cable fit without trapping the lead |
Compare the inside with real items
Measure the widest bottle or toiletry container you expect to store, including its lid. A narrow shelf behind a mirror can suit small daily items while leaving larger refills better placed elsewhere. Check shelf spacing and the location of hinges, dividers or internal sockets.
Do not assume the whole external box is usable storage. Ask to inspect the actual interior or obtain its drawing. If the product is not displayed, a different model can demonstrate a concept but cannot confirm the same shelf dimensions.
Decide whether recessing is a separate proposal
A recessed mirror cabinet may reduce visible projection, but it introduces a wall-cavity and services assessment. Do not buy a surface-mounted cabinet with the intention of recessing it unless the manufacturer explicitly permits that arrangement.
Bring the side profile and door-sweep notes to your showroom appointment. The useful outcome is a cabinet position and model shortlist with the remaining wall and electrical questions clearly assigned to the installer.
The supplier illustration comes from the Suburb 500mm two door mirror cabinet with light and shaver socket in Matt Ash listing. Confirm the exact specification, stock and available showroom examples before choosing; the image is not an installation approval.
Sources & further reading
Prepared with AI assistance from the linked sources and Elegant Haven’s published service information. This guide helps you prepare decisions; product suitability and installation details need confirmation for your own room. It is not a record of a completed Elegant Haven installation or an expert sign-off.