What is a Medicine Cabinet
A medicine cabinet is not only used to store medicine, but also personal care products and other hygiene products. Depending on their intended use and available space, medicine cabinets can be kept in many different places, such as bathrooms or hallways.
Standard Medicine Cabinet Size
Medicine cabinets come in various sizes. The standard medicine cabinet dimensions are between 15 x 30 inches to 36 x 28 inches. However, you can get a larger or smaller size depending on your needs.
Types of Medicine Cabinet
Let’s look at the different types of medicine cabinets, such as surface mount medicine cabinets, recessed medicine cabinets, wall mount medicine cabinets and countertop medicine cabinets.
Surface-Mount Medicine Cabinets
Surface mounted medicine cabinets, also known as wall mounted medicine cabinets, are fixed on the wall directly. They are generally installed with screws or a strong glue, such as epoxy glue.
Features of a Surface-Mount Medicine Cabinet
- Simple to install:
- Flexible to place:
Surface mounted cabinets can be installed on any flat surface, including tiled walls. They can even be placed in areas where there are wires and pipes installed behind the walls.
- Easy to replace:
Recessed Medicine Cabinets
Recessed medicine cabinets are fixed inside a recess in the wall. This creates an uninterrupted and seamless look. You will require a premade cut-out inside the wall to install this type of medicine cabinet.
Feature of a Recessed Medicine Cabinet
- Space Efficient:
A recessed medicine cabinet uses minimum space since it is installed within the wall. It is efficient for people who have smaller bathrooms.
- Design:
Since these cabinets blend in with your wall, they give a seamless and minimalistic look.
Countertop Medicine Cabinet
Countertop medicine cabinets are a type of storage unit designed to sit directly on top of your bathroom counter. These are helpful for people who have a small bathroom and less wall space. They are also positioned at a convenient height for easy access. You do not need to reach high or bend low.
How to Measure for a Medicine Cabinet
- The first step is to select the space where you want your medicine cabinet to go. This will be a recess if you’re getting an in-built cabinet, or a space on your wall in case of a surface mount cabinet.
- For a countertop cabinet, measure the available space on your counter.
- Using a measurement tape, measure the height of the space where you want to install the medicine cabinet.
- Next measure the length and breadth of the space.
- The last step is to measure the depth where you want to install the medicine cabinet. This could be above your counter or on an empty wall. This will ensure that your cabinet fits in the space well.
- You can now choose the right medicine cabinet dimensions based on these measurements.
Finishings
Choose a cabinet that matches the color and design scheme of your bathroom. There are various finishings available for a medicine cabinet, for example:
- Molded plastic medicine cabinets
Shapes
Medicine cabinets come in different shapes. You can choose a cabinet that compliments your sink and dressing area. For example
Additional Features
- Medicine cabinets come with built in mirrors, but they often fog up after a shower. Look for fog-free mirrors to solve this issue.
- LED strip lights can be added onto your medicine cabinet for easy visibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Look for When Buying a Medicine Cabinet?
When choosing a medicine cabinet, several factors must be considered, such as size, style, material, and features. Choose a material that suits your bathroom, such as plastic, aluminum, wood or stainless steel. Materials like steel and aluminum are more durable than others and can better withstand wear and tear over time.
Should a medicine cabinet be the same size as a vanity?
A medicine cabinet should be slightly narrower or the same width as a vanity. You can measure your vanity to help you determine the width of the medicine cabinet.
Are all recessed medicine cabinets the same size?
No, not all recessed medicine cabinets are of the same size. The most common dimensions are 24 inches wide, 30 inches tall and 4 inches deep. Smaller and larger options are also available depending on your needs and the size of your bathroom.