Beyond the Kitchen: Expanding Cabinet Sales to Closet, Laundry, and Bathroom Sectors

As the cabinet market grows, one of the most promising opportunities for manufacturers and dealers lies beyond the kitchen. Growing cabinet sales into the bathroom, laundry room, and closet markets can increase revenue. Success depends on understanding market trends, effective marketing, and high-quality products.

Expanding Cabinet Sales: A Growing Market Opportunity

The global cabinet market will reach $137.54 billion by 2025. Significant revenue growth will occur in the bathroom, laundry, and closet sectors. The design and manufacturing segment will grow by 9%, the construction sector by 8%, and the retail sector by 4%. With these promising growth rates, cabinet makers and dealers have a clear opportunity to diversify their offerings.

Why Expand into the Bathroom, Laundry, and Closet Segments?

Bathroom Cabinets

The bathroom cabinet market presents high-value projects, with cabinets ranging from $1,500 to $30,000. Consumers are increasingly investing in elegant, functional, and durable bathroom cabinetry, leading to consistent growth in this sector.

Design Trends:

1. Whimsical Wallpaper: This trend goes beyond simple patterns. Think bold, large-scale florals, playful geometric designs, or even textured wallpapers that add depth and personality. It creates a focal point and injects some fun into a space that’s often purely functional. Consider using wallpaper in a powder room for a bolder statement or as an accent wall in a larger bathroom.
2. Natural Stone Showers: Creating a spa-like atmosphere is the goal here. Think of luxurious materials like marble, granite, or slate. Large format tiles minimize grout lines and enhance the clean, serene aesthetic. Consider adding natural stone accents throughout the bathroom, like on countertops or flooring, to tie the look together.
3. Wet Rooms: This trend embraces open, accessible spaces that feature a shower area without a door or curb. This is a modern and stylish approach, often seen in smaller bathrooms to maximize space. Proper waterproofing is crucial for wet rooms. This design often features a linear drain and can include features like freestanding tubs within the wet room area.
4. Reclaimed Wood Vanities: Sustainability is a key driver here. Reclaimed wood brings a unique, rustic charm and a story to the bathroom. These vanities can range from rustic farmhouse styles to more refined, contemporary designs. The wood’s natural imperfections and variations add character.
5. Floating Vanities: Sleek, modern design is the focus. Floating vanities create a sense of spaciousness, especially in smaller bathrooms. They allow the floor to be visible underneath. This style often pairs well with minimalist hardware and clean lines throughout the bathroom.
6. Backlit Mirrors: These mirrors offer both style and functionality. The soft, diffused light creates a flattering ambiance and eliminates harsh shadows. This makes them ideal for applying makeup or grooming. They also add a touch of modern elegance to the space and can serve as a subtle night light.

Laundry Cabinets

The laundry room cabinet segment is highly versatile. Options range from affordable RTA options to high-end solutions costing several thousand dollars. Shaker cabinets account for 32.41% of the market, while flat panels comprise 24.16%.

Design Trends:

1. Geometric Wall Tiles: These tiles add a modern, visually interesting element to the laundry room. They can range from simple geometric patterns like chevrons or hexagons to more complex, interlocking designs. Using different colors or finishes within the geometric pattern can create even more visual impact. Consider using them as a backsplash behind the washer and dryer or to create a feature wall.
2. Countertops for Folding: A practical and essential addition. Countertops provide a dedicated space for folding clothes, ironing, and sorting laundry. Durable materials like quartz or laminate are popular choices because of their resistance to stains and moisture. You can integrate the countertop into the design so it sits above the washer and dryer for a seamless look.
3. Barn Doors: A stylish, space-saving solution, especially useful to conceal your washer and dryer. Barn doors slide along a track, waiving the need for a traditional swinging door, which can waste valuable floor space. They also add an air of rustic charm to the laundry room.
4. Clothing Racks: A must-have for air-drying delicate clothing or items that shouldn’t go in the dryer. Retractable or fold-down racks work well in smaller spaces because you can tuck them away when not in use. Consider placing the rack near a window or vent for better airflow.
5. Hidden Laundry Hampers: Keep laundry out of sight and the room looking tidy. You can integrate built-in hampers into cabinets or pull-out drawers. This helps to maintain a clean and organized appearance in the laundry room. Some designs include separate compartments for sorting lights and darks.
6. Pet Washing Tubs: These tubs make it much easier to bathe your furry friends without the hassle of using a regular bathtub or shower. Consider including a handheld shower sprayer for easier rinsing.

Closet Cabinets

Closet systems saw a 39% increase in popularity in 2024, driven by consumer interest in organization and personalized storage. The closet cabinet market provides an average 50-60% ROI, making it a highly profitable venture for cabinet dealers. This presents an exciting opportunity for cabinet dealers to tap into a market with high potential returns.

Design Trends:

1. Concealed Storage: This trend focuses on maximizing space while minimizing clutter. Consider installing drawers, pull-out baskets, hidden hampers, and specialized organizers for jewelry, scarves, and other accessories. The goal is to create a clean, streamlined look where everything has its designated place and is easily accessible. This can even include hidden compartments for valuables or off-season clothing.
2. LED Lighting: LED lighting enhances both visibility and ambiance within the closet. Consider installing LED strip lighting under shelves, inside drawers, and hanging rods to illuminate the contents. Motion-activated lights are a convenient and energy-efficient option.3 Warm LED lighting can create a more luxurious and inviting atmosphere.
3. Premium Hardware: Upgrading the hardware is a subtle but impactful way to add a high-end feel to your closet. Choose hardware that complements the overall style of the closet, whether it’s modern, traditional, or transitional. Consider finishes like brushed nickel, polished brass, or matte black. High-quality hardware not only looks better but also functions more smoothly and lasts longer.
4. Seamless Integration of Mirrors: Mirrors are both functional and stylish additions to a closet. Integrating them seamlessly into the design enhances their impact. Consider a full-length mirror attached to the inside of a closet door or a mirrored panel added to a cabinet. This not only provides a convenient place to check your outfit but also helps to make the closet feel larger and brighter.
5. Intelligent Systems: This trend embraces technology to create a more efficient and personalized closet experience. Smart closet systems that track your wardrobe and suggest outfits are becoming increasingly popular. These innovations add a touch of luxury and convenience to the closet. While still a higher-end option, smart closet features are becoming more accessible.

Strategies to Capture New Market Segments

Leveraging modern marketing strategies and staying on top of consumer preferences is essential to expand your cabinet sales. Here are a few ways to make an impact:

• Utilize Social Media Marketing: Leverage social media platforms like Instagram to showcase your products. These platforms allow you to reach a wide audience with minimal investment. This makes these platforms ideal for promoting your bathroom, laundry, and closet cabinet offerings.
• Offer Virtual Design Tools: Consumers like to see cabinet mock-ups before buying. Virtual design tools allow for an interactive, personalized experience that can drive conversions.
• Use High-Quality Product Visuals: Good photos and 3D images make your cabinets look much better. This makes them stand out in a saturated market.
• Target New Audiences: Consider running targeted ads highlighting the unique benefits and features of your cabinets. You can reach homeowners looking to improve their living spaces by targeting these specific niches.
• Provide Excellent Customer Service: From when a customer shows interest to the final installation. This ensures a smooth and responsive experience will help retain clients and encourage referrals.
• Run Targeted Ads: Highlight the unique benefits of your products in ads tailored to specific markets. You can tailor these ads to different platforms, such as Google Ads for more targeted inquiries.

Join Forces with CabinetCorp

Partner with CabinetCorp and grow your business! As a member of our Dealer Network, you’ll gain access to exclusive pricing, high-quality products, and expert support through our Pro Dealer Program. We’re committed to your success.

Final Thoughts

Expanding your cabinet sales beyond the kitchen is a smart way to increase revenue and grow your brand. Keeping up with trends and marketing well can bring in new customers and boost profits. As the cabinet market continues to evolve, now is the perfect time to diversify your portfolio. Selling cabinets for more than just kitchens boosts profits and makes your brand stronger.