How to Set Up a Narrow Bathroom Storage Cabinet

Quick answer

Assemble your narrow bathroom storage cabinet by first organizing all parts, then building the frame from the bottom up, installing adjustable shelves at your desired heights, and finally securing the cabinet to the wall if needed.

Step-by-step assembly guide

1. Unpack and organize all parts: Lay out all panels, hardware, and tools on a soft surface. Check the manual against the pieces—missing parts are easier to spot before you start. Common mistake: skipping this step often leads to using the wrong screws or missing a bracket halfway through. Take a photo of the parts layout for reference.
2. Assemble the base and side panels: Attach the bottom panel to the left and right side panels using the provided cam locks or screws. Ensure the frame is square by measuring corner-to-corner diagonally. Common mistake: overtightening cam locks can strip the plastic, so turn until snug, not forced. Use a carpenter's square to check for 90° angles.
3. Install adjustable shelves at your desired heights: Before adding the top panel, insert shelf pins into the pre-drilled holes at the heights you need. Slide each shelf onto the pins and confirm it sits level. Common mistake: placing shelves too close together wastes vertical space—plan for tall bottles or baskets first. Mark shelf heights with painter's tape as a guide.
4. Attach the top panel and back panel: Secure the top panel, then nail or screw the thin back panel into the grooves. This panel adds rigidity and prevents the cabinet from racking. Common mistake: forgetting the back panel until later makes it nearly impossible to fit without disassembly. Drive nails at a slight angle for a tighter fit.
5. Mount doors, handles, and accessories: Hang the doors on the hinges, adjust for even gaps, then attach handles. Install the toilet paper rod and side hook according to the manual. Common mistake: over-tightening hinge screws can bind the door—leave a hair of play for smooth operation. Test door swing before tightening all hinge screws.
6. Position and level the cabinet: Move the cabinet to its final spot—beside a toilet, in a corner, or near a vanity. Use a level on top and adjust the leveling feet or shims until it's perfectly plumb. Common mistake: a tilted cabinet causes doors to swing open or shelves to slide. Re-check level after adding weight to the shelves.
7. Anchor to the wall (recommended for safety): Use the included anti-tip bracket or a wall anchor to secure the cabinet to a stud. Mark the bracket height, drill a pilot hole, and screw it in. Common mistake: skipping this step in a home with children or pets creates a tipping hazard. If you can't find a stud, use heavy-duty drywall anchors rated for the cabinet's weight.

Product fact

• Tangkula 69.5" Narrow Bathroom Cabinet with 2 Doors & Adjustable Shelves (1/2): This 69.5" tall cabinet combines open shelving, enclosed cabinets, a toilet paper rod, and a side hook for practical everyday access. You get multiple storage types in one slim unit, so you can plan where to place each item before you start assembly.