Question 1

Are Medicine Cabinets in Style Now?

Accepted Answer

Medicine cabinets never really went out of style, per se. It was more that mirrored cabinets and bathroom vanities with standard mirrors took the lead in many designs, which led a lot of people to forget about the longstanding, reliable medicine cabinet. As mentioned above, thanks to modern design trends and the increased need for function, these cabinets are making a comeback, of sorts.

Question 2

How Do You Measure a Medicine Cabinet?

Accepted Answer

To measure a medicine cabinet, you’ll want to measure the dimensions of the cabinet itself (length x width), as well as the door or mirror that it has (if those dimensions are different). With recessed cabinets, you’ll need to measure the depth to ensure they are installed flush with the wall. Surface mount cabinets require less measuring and are often easier to install. However, you’ll still want to make sure that you have enough space for it on the wall.

Question 3

What Is a Good Height for a Medicine Cabinet?

Accepted Answer

Some people use the rule of thumb that the top of the cabinet should be 72 inches from the floor. However, if you hang it too high, you won’t be able to use the mirror properly. If you need to install it lower, go ahead. Most people make the mistake of installing a medicine cabinet too high rather than too low, so always err on the side of caution. You can even hold it up before choosing a height to see where it fits best.

Question 4

What Is the Difference Between Surface and Recessed Mount?

Accepted Answer

A surface-mount medicine cabinet is installed on the wall, usually using anchor screws to ensure that it holds the weight necessary. A recessed mount cabinet is inset in the wall—if there is not an existing hole for one in the bathroom, it will have to be made before installation. This allows the cabinet to sit flush with the wall instead of jutting out like a wall-mount cabinet does.

Question 5

Can Medicine Cabinets Be Wider than the Vanity?

Accepted Answer

Medicine cabinets and vanity mirrors can be any size that you like. Mixing and matching sizes, when you also choose the right fixtures and designs, can create a unique look. Usually, medicine cabinets are narrower than the vanity, but they come in all sizes. Choosing an oversized cabinet or mirror could add a dramatic touch to the space and help the floor space seem larger in some ways, too.

Question 6

Why Is the Bathroom Medicine Cabinet Not Always the Best Place to Store Medicine?

Accepted Answer

There are several reasons not to store medicine in the bathroom medicine cabinet. For starters, the bathroom is damp and humid, and often warm—most medicine requires being stored in a cool, dry place. Not only that, but medicine cabinets aren’t secure. Children, guests, and others can have access to various medications, including prescriptions and dangerous drugs, and that can present a safety risk. Medicines are best kept in locked cabinets when they are dangerous or children are around and in less humid rooms, such as the bedroom or even a hall closet.

Question 7

What Should You Store in a Medicine Cabinet?

Accepted Answer

For starters, your toothbrushes should go in here. A lot of people leave them on the sink or counter, but this leaves the bristles susceptible to whatever gross things go airborne during regular bathroom use. Other items to store in your medicine cabinet include first aid items, a thermometer, tweezers, nail clippers, and unopened items. You don’t want to store beauty or personal care products here because they will be susceptible to the humidity. Razors can also be rusted by the humidity, so it’s best to store those elsewhere, too.

Question 8

What Are the Benefits of Medicine Cabinets?

Accepted Answer

Medicine cabinets come with several benefits. Namely, they provide more storage and function in the space than just installing a mirror. They give you space to store toiletries and medications (although you might want to be careful with the latter—more on that in a bit). They come in several design options to fit any bathroom style and they can increase the aesthetics of any space, all while offering functional use.

Question 9

What Are Some Modern Features of Medicine Cabinets?

Accepted Answer

Modern medicine cabinets have unique features like differently-shaped mirrors (such as an oval mirror over a rectangular cabinet. Some include multiple doors to give you dual- or tri-view mirrors so that you can get ready and ensure that you look your best. They also feature premium modern materials and styles that blend into any design. Plus, they’re available in just about any size and mounting option needed.

Question 10

Should I Get a Recessed or Wall-Mounted Medicine Cabinet?

Accepted Answer

Recessed medicine cabinets save space in small bathrooms because they are set into the wall. However, unless you already have one in place, you’ll have to cut a hole in the wall and make sure that you create the appropriate recess, which can take more work and cost more money. Wall-mounted models stick out a few inches, but they are easier to install and require less of an investment, in many cases.

10 Questions About Medicine Cabinets