Best Medicine Cabinets for Your Bathroom

A medicine cabinet, also known as a bathroom cabinet, is a storage space near the bathroom sink. They are usually designed to hold everyday get-ready essentials like toiletries, medications and hygiene products.

Medicine cabinets were originally placed directly above the sink for easy access to items like toothpaste, pain relievers, skincare products and more. Now, many homeowners are choosing to position them wherever best fits their space. This can be above the sink, to the side on a far wall or even above the toilet if needed.

Recessed cabinets should be installed so the top of the cabinet is 72 inches above the floor. Surface mount cabinets can be installed as high or as low as needed, but make sure they’re out of reach of small children and pets.

There are many different types of medicine cabinets to choose from. The style you choose depends on your decor preference and the amount of space in your bathroom.

• Medicine cabinets with mirrors are the traditional and most popular option. They make getting ready each morning more convenient, and the reflective finish can help smaller bathrooms feel bigger.
• Medicine cabinets without mirrors are available in a variety of materials for an understated yet functional accent in your bathroom.
• Tri-view medicine cabinets feature three mirrors and are usually a bit wider than the standard medicine cabinet. The wider style may come in handy if you have more than one person trying to get ready at the same time; and they generally have multiple doors for sectioned storage. They’re also great for viewing your reflection at different angles.
• Frameless medicine cabinets offer a sleeker and more modern look. When paired with a recessed mount installation, these cabinets can blend perfectly into your bathroom wall for a seamless finish.
• Framed medicine cabinets offer a clean and classic finish. Frames come in different finishes so it’s easy to find one that matches your space. They are also easier to open without leaving fingerprints on the mirror.

• Plastic is an economical choice that lasts a long time and is easy to clean. It can only be used in the construction of swing-door cabinets.
• Wood cabinets provide a warm, attractive look to any bathroom. Match wood to a nearby vanity for a uniform appearance.
• Stainless steel offers strength, beauty and easy maintenance.

Tip: Stylish medicine cabinets can also be installed and used for storage in other parts of the house.
Choose colors that complement your existing scheme.

Medicine cabinets come in a wide range of shapes and styles. Choose a cabinet that complements your sink and vanity.

• Rectangular medicine cabinets are positioned so the long sides are vertical, offering a better view of your head, neck and shoulders.
• Oval-shaped medicine cabinets typically open up to a square frame and offer the same amount of space as rectangular models. These are a fun to add more character to your bathroom decor.
• Arched medicine cabinets are similar to rectangular medicine cabinets, but the top and/or bottom arches for a rounded finish. These may feature two or three levels of storage shelves for bathroom essentials.

• Surface-mounted cabinets should be used when plumbing or electrical wires are located inside the wall.
  Easy to install. Available in a range of sizes. Can create a decorative focal point. Installing a surface-mounted medicine cabinet is relatively simple.
• Recessed cabinets save space because they are built into the wall. They take up less space. Provide a built-in look. Often has deeper shelves. Recessed units are a little more complicated to install because of possible plumbing and electrical issues. Make sure you have the right tools on hand before you begin. If installing lights, you will need electrical tape, cable and wire connectors.
• Some models marked as dual mount installation. This means they are universally compatible. You can install them on a surface mount or a recessed mount, depending on your bathroom setup.

When choosing the right medicine cabinet size, consider the width and height of your sink or vanity.

• For smaller sinks and vanities 18 to 24 inches wide, a 15 x 24-inch medicine cabinet is a good fit.
• For compact vanities 30 to 36 inches wide, a 20 x 24-inch medicine cabinet is a good fit.
• For mid-size vanities 42 to 48 inches wide, a 30 x 24-inch medicine cabinet is a good fit.
• For larger vanities approximately 60 inches wide with a double sink, choose two smaller medicine cabinets to go above the faucets. 20 x 24 inches is a comfortable choice for both.

• Locks: Look for cabinets featuring locks to prevent access to harmful substances if you have children in your house.
• Push-button doors: Cabinet doors that open at the touch of a button requires less time cleaning mirrors.
• Mirror defoggers: Units featuring magnifying mirrors make grooming easier. Premium cabinets may have built-in defoggers to prevent the mirrors from getting steamed up while you’re in the shower.
• Outlets: Built-in outlets let you plug in your electric razor, heat up a curling iron or even recharge your cell phone while you’re getting ready for work.
• Interior lights: Lights built inside the cabinet makes it easier to quickly see and find what you’re looking for.
• Corner cabinets: Fit neatly into any corner of your bathroom if you’re short on wall space.
• Reversible doors: Medicine cabinets with reversible doors make it so the door can be installed for left or right opening. This is useful if you have limited wall space above your sink.