Key Takeaways
We’ve got stylish and practical ways to upgrade bathroom storage with a new medicine cabinet.
Medicine Cabinet Styles
- Modern or Contemporary
- Rustic
- Lighted
- Bi-View or Tri-View Mirrored
- Surface-Mounted
- Install adjustable shelving to accommodate your toiletries.
- Use small bins and baskets for like items and label them.
- Add magnetic strips to hang nail clippers or tweezers.
Before You Shop
There are a few considerations to keep in mind before shopping for your new medicine cabinet.
Installation
There are two different types of medicine cabinets: recessed and surface-mount.
Recessed cabinets fit between the studs. They're more difficult to install, but they have a sleek, built-in look.
- If there's plumbing or wiring behind the wall, you'll need to install a surface-mount medicine cabinet. They do stick out, but they function the same as a recessed cabinet.
- If you're unsure about which type to hang, consult a professional.
Size
Measure the space over your vanity. If you have a single vanity, you'll want to go with a single medicine cabinet. If you have a double vanity, you can install two singles or opt for a bi-view or tri-view mirrored medicine cabinet. As a general rule, you’ll want your medicine cabinet to be 2-6 inches narrower than the vanity.
Style & Design
Make sure that the design of your medicine cabinet complements the existing bathroom. Whether your style is rustic, modern, transitional or transitional, we have thousands of cabinets to choose from.
Storage Needs
To organize all your toiletries, look for cabinets with adjustable shelves. Organize like items together and place smaller items in clear or labeled containers.
More Info
Learn how to install a mirrored medicine cabinet.
Find out how to remove a bathroom mirror.
Try one of these 7 bathroom mirror ideas.
Stylish Medicine Cabinets Ideas
Explore these medicine cabinet ideas to find one that suits your style preferences and practical needs.
Modern or Contemporary Medicine Cabinets
If you prefer a modern aesthetic, a recessed medicine cabinet is ideal because it provides a clean and simple look. Here are a few other ideas and finishes to find the perfect modern medicine cabinet for your space.
Hardware
Look at your existing hardware and purchase a medicine cabinet with a complementary finish. In the image on the right, the faucet and lighting are black matte, so we used a curved medicine cabinet with matching trim to tie it altogether.
Finish
The finish is important. Brushed gold, matte black and polished nickel finishes work best in a modern bathroom.
Shape
Consider the shape. Curves and arches are popular in modern spaces.
Traditional Medicine Cabinets
If you prefer a more traditional design, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Frame
Traditional medicine cabinets typically have a visible frame around the mirror, often matching the vanity or trim work in the bathroom. This creates a tailored, architectural look that works well in colonial, farmhouse and craftsman-styled homes. If your style leans more towards a formal or vintage-inspired aesthetic, consider a cabinet with beveled-mirror edges.
Finish
The finish on the medicine cabinet frame typically mimics the color of the vanity. White, cream and muted pastels like sky blue or sage green are popular. If you prefer wood tones, oak, cherry and walnut finishes are popular in traditional design. Do you like metal trim? Brushed nickel, polished chrome, antique brass or oil-rubbed bronze are often used. In this case, coordinate the finish with your faucets and lighting.
Timeless Look
Overall, this look uses warm, inviting materials that focus on timelessness over trendiness. Avoid using frameless or lighted mirrors with high-tech features.
Lighted Medicine Cabinets
Illuminated or lighted medicine cabinets are modern and practical. The built-in LED lighting behind or around the mirror provides even illumination, which is ideal for grooming, shaving or applying makeup. Here are some other benefits.
Best Use
Lighted medicine cabinets are often frameless with a sleek look, so they work best in modern or contemporary bathrooms.
Energy Efficiency
By incorporating LED lighting, the bulbs use less energy while lasting longer than incandescent bulbs.
Adjustable Settings
Select a medicine cabinet with adjustable light settings, so that you can change the light from warm to cool depending on your needs. Some lighted cabinets are also dimmable.
Extra Features
Mid- to higher-end models also have features like anti-fog, built-in outlets, USB ports, soft-close hinges and touch or motion sensors.
Bi-View and Tri-View Mirrored Medicine Cabinets
Most single medicine cabinets have a mirrored front, but if you have a larger vanity or multiple people using the space, you might want to look at other options. Consider adding a bi-view or tri-view mirrored medicine cabinet.
Bi-View Mirrored Medicine Cabinets
Get more organizational space with a bi-view cabinet. A general design rule is to have the medicine cabinet slightly smaller than the bathroom vanity. If your bathroom vanity is 30-48 inches wide, then consider using a bi-view cabinet that's between 24-36 inches wide. These medicine cabinets work well in smaller primary bathrooms or standard full bathrooms.
Tri-View Mirrored Medicine Cabinets
If you have a large vanity or one with two sinks, a tri-view medicine cabinet is a great idea. The large mirror will not only make the space feel more expansive, but you have plenty of storage for all of your makeup and toiletries. Select a medicine cabinet that's 36-60 inches wide when you're using a 48-72 inch vanity. These are commonly found in primary bathrooms and shared bathrooms.
Surface-Mounted Medicine Cabinets
If you're a renter or prefer a simpler installation, then a surface-mounted medicine cabinet is the way to go. You'll also want to use a surface-mounted cabinet if you live in an older home where existing wiring and plumbing could get in the way. They can be affixed to tile or drywall using the included hardware. It will stick out from the wall, but it offers the same functionality and storage space as a recessed cabinet.
Organize Your Medicine Cabinet
Now that you've selected the best medicine cabinet for your bathroom, it's time to organize it. Follow these steps to simplify your morning routine.
Step 1: It's time to declutter. Put all of your toiletries, skincare, dental care and more in like piles. Dispose of anything that's expired or never used.
Step 2: Adjust the shelves in your medicine cabinet to accommodate taller bottles.
Step 3: Place small items (ex. cotton pads, Q-tips, lipsticks, etc.) into clear or labeled bins.
Step 4: Use magnetic strips on the inside of the door to easily access scissors, tweezers or nail clippers.
Step 5: Take your like items and organize them in your medicine cabinet, keeping highly used items at eye level. Place infrequently used items on the top shelf.
Let's Get Started
If you're ready to purchase a new medicine cabinet, shop online or visit your local Lowe's store. We have thousands to choose from in an array of styles and finishes.
While you're selecting a medicine cabinet, add these items to your cart for a bathroom refresh you're sure to love.
- Change out the vanity cabinet hardware.
- Install new bathroom lighting.
- Purchase a new bathroom accessory set.
- Upgrade your bathroom sink faucet.
- Buy a fresh set of towels to complement your new look.
- Replace your toilet roll holder, towel ring and towel bar.
Medicine Cabinet FAQ
What's the Difference Between a Recessed and Surface-Mount Medicine Cabinet?
A recessed medicine cabinet is installed between the studs, sitting nearly flush with the wall. This gives a clean, built-in look that's commonly found in modern bathrooms.
A surface-mount medicine cabinet is easier to install because it attaches to drywall or tile, making it an ideal choice for renters or those in older homes. It's a good DIY project, where you won't have to worry about potentially damaging the wiring or plumbing inside the wall.
What Size Medicine Cabinet Should I Choose for My Bathroom?
First, look at the size of your vanity. You'll want to choose a medicine cabinet that's slightly smaller than the bathroom vanity. For example, if your vanity is 36 inches wide, you'll want a medicine cabinet that's between 24-30 inches wide.
For larger bathrooms, use two single medicine cabinets or one large bi-view or tri-view mirrored medicine cabinet.
How High Should a Medicine Cabinet Be Mounted?
You'll want the medicine cabinet to be hung at average eye level, so we recommend installing it 60 inches from the floor.