Types of Medicine Cabinets: How to Choose the Right Storage for Your Bathroom
Keep your bathroom essentials neatly organized.
From spacious en suites to compact powder rooms, medicine cabinets are a great way to add a mirror and extra storage to any bathroom. Medicine cabinets come in a wide variety of sizes and styles, so it's easy to choose one that suits your storage needs. Continue reading for a step-by-step guide to choosing the right one for your bathroom.
1. Choose Your Size
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Before choosing a medicine cabinet, it's best to measure your desired space first so that you can pick the right size. Start by measuring the width of the sink area or bathroom vanity. The medicine cabinet should be the same width or narrower than the sink area or bathroom vanity. Then measure the space between the top of the bathroom vanity and the bottom of the vanity lights. Don't forget to provide enough clearance on each side and above the sink faucet to open the cabinet doors fully. We recommend leaving at least 3" of space between the bottom of the medicine cabinet and the top of the faucet.
Small medicine cabinets are best used above single vanities or placed side-by-side above a double vanity. Large medicine cabinets are better suited for double vanities and offer even more bathroom storage.
2. Consider Installation Type
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Surface-Mount: Surface-mount medicine cabinets are mounted on the surface of the wall. This type of medicine cabinet is easy to install by yourself and doesn't require moving any plumbing or electrical lines. Surface-mount medicine cabinets include any screws and mounting hardware required for installation. These units tend to stick out a few inches from the wall.
Recessed: Recessed medicine cabinets are installed into a hole in the wall to create a built-in look. These medicine cabinets can be deeper than surface-mount designs, granting you more storage. Though these medicine cabinets often require professional installation, recessed medicine cabinets are a great space-saving option since they don't stick out from the wall.
Corner Mount: Corner-mount medicine cabinets are installed in the corner of the bathroom and often placed above corner vanities. This style is an excellent choice for small bathrooms because they make the most of unused corner space.
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Frameless: Frameless medicine cabinets are a sleek, modern option – especially for recessed medicine cabinets. There are two edge styles: flat and beveled. Flat edges are great for creating a bold, minimalist look, while beveled edges can add a soft, timeless feel to the medicine cabinet.
Framed: Medicine cabinets with frames offer a classic look and come in a variety of finishes to match the finishes throughout the bathroom. Because of the frame, this type of medicine cabinet is less likely to show fingerprints on the edge of the mirror.
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Medicine cabinets come in four main shapes – rectangular, arched, square, and oval. When choosing a medicine cabinet, consider which shape would complement the fixtures and architectural details of your bathroom and which one functions best with your lifestyle.
Rectangular: Rectangular medicine cabinets are positioned vertically so that you can have a full view of yourself while getting ready. This shape adds a clean-lined to your bathroom and works well with any type of bathroom vanity or sink.
Arched: Arched medicine cabinets have similar elongated shape and interior storage as rectangular ones, but feature a decorative arch at the top or bottom of the mirror for a bit of added flair.
Square: Similar to rectangular designs, square medicine cabinets add sleek style to your bathroom and offer ample storage space.
Oval: Oval medicine cabinets often open up to a rectangular interior cabinet for optimal storage. Though an oval cabinet has similar storage to a rectangular cabinet, the oval design pairs nicely with rounded bathroom fixtures.
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The number of interior shelves is another thing to keep in mind when choosing a medicine cabinet. Think about what types of items you plan storing. If you want to store tall items like electric toothbrushes, opt for a medicine cabinet with one or two shelves that allow enough clearance for your items. For smaller items like cosmetics, skin care, or medications, choose a medicine cabinet with three or four shelves to maximize storage space.
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The door style determines the way the medicine cabinet door opens. While swinging doors are the most popular option, tri-view medicine cabinets are best for providing plenty of storage and sliding doors are a great choice for compact bathrooms. From swinging to sliding mechanisms, we've outlined the three types of door styles.
Swing: The most common door style, swinging medicine cabinet doors open from one side. The door is attached to one side of the cabinet with hinges, which allow for full movement. Swinging doors can be either left-facing or right-facing to accommodate the layout of your bathroom.
Tri-View: These medicine cabinets feature three mirrored doors that open to a full-size interior. The interior space comes in two options: one single cabinet that can be accessed from the three doors, or three separate cabinets that can be accessed from each individual door. Because tri-view medicine cabinets are typically wider than standard medicine cabinets, there's enough space for more than one person to get ready.
Slide: Medicine cabinets with sliding doors use a sliding movement rather than a swinging mechanism. Most medicine cabinets with sliding doors feature two doors that slide from one side to another in order to open and close the cabinet. Some medicine cabinets simply have one door that slides across the track to one side to open the cabinet.
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Because they're located in the bathroom, medicine cabinets are made from durable materials that can withstand heat and moisture. Materials like plastic, aluminum, wood, and stainless steel are popular options.
Plastic: Plastic is one the most common medicine cabinet materials because of its moisture- and heat-resistant qualities. Plastic medicine cabinets are easy to clean and come in plenty of styles to match your bathroom.
Aluminum: Aluminum medicine cabinets are waterproof and treated with an oxidized finish to prevent any rust, making them a long-lasting fixture. These medicine cabinets are excellent for humid bathrooms or bathrooms with showers.
Wood: Wood is a great medicine cabinet choice because it gives your bathroom a stylish finish and can be stained or painted any color. However, wood can be prone to warping or splitting in humid bathrooms, so it's best suited for well-ventilated bathrooms or bathrooms without showers.
Stainless Steel: Similar to aluminum, stainless steel medicine cabinets are designed to handle steam and moisture, have a rust-resistant finish, and last for a long time. Stainless steel medicine cabinets are also a great option for humid spaces.
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Mirrored Interior: Medicine cabinets with mirrored interiors make it easier to see everything inside. Plus, you don't need to close the cabinet doors to use a mirror – you can use one of the interior mirrors while using your toiletries.
Mirror Defogger: Medicine cabinet mirror defoggers prevent fog from building up on the mirror's surface while you shower.
Magnifying Mirror: A medicine cabinet with a magnifying mirror lets you get a close-up view. The enlarged image is excellent for applying makeup or achieving a precise shave.
Adjustable Shelves: Customize your bathroom storage with adjustable shelves. Accommodate taller toiletries with plenty of vertical space or add in extra shelves to stash small items.
Adjustable Hinges: Adjustable hinges offer flexibility during installation and for future use. These hinges allow you to realign the door if they shift over time.
Side Kit: If you want to convert a recessed medicine cabinet into a surface-mount, a side kit includes a set of panels that attach the exterior sides of the medicine cabinet to give it a polished look.
Concealed Hinges: Concealed hinges appear invisible when the cabinet is closed. These types of hinges are installed on the inside of the cabinet to create a sleek, stylish appearance.
Electrical Outlet: These medicine cabinets are designed with electrical outlets inside the cabinet. From hair styling tools to electric toothbrush chargers, the medicine cabinets with electrical outlets provide concealed charging and storage for all bathroom essentials.
Medical Lock: This feature is a great option if you want to keep any medications stored safely.
Tip!
Now that you know all about medicine cabinet options, check out our guide How to Install a Medicine Cabinet for step-by-step instructions for a simple installation process.
