Best Bathroom Medicine Cabinets Buying Guides
Trying to decide which bathroom medicine cabinet will suit your space can be challenging because thousands of aesthetically pleasing models are available. To narrow down your choices, consider the following points:
Medicine Cabinet Types
Wall-mounted medicine cabinets are popular because they are easy to install, affordable, and complement the traditional layout of houses. These kinds of medicine cabinets have been a staple since the 1920s, and they show no signs of extinction.
Typically, wall-mounted medicine cabinets come with a set of precise instructions for straightforward installation; however, those who are not handy will need professional help.
Recessed medicine cabinets are all the rage in the marketplace as they suit modern house plans that hide appliances from view.
Recessed cabinets are installed into the wall; hence they require more work and patience to be set up correctly.
The weight of the medicine cabinet should be light enough for the wall to support it; otherwise, you risk damaging the wall.
One also has to consider the wiring and plumbing of the area while installing it to avoid accidents or further damage to the wall.
This is why it is advisable to seek professional help if you have no experience cutting through drywall and patching or spackling walls.
The good news is that there are models that offer both a recessed or wall-mounted function like the spacious KOHLER K-3073-NA Frameless Aluminum Medicine Cabinet. You can choose to change the installation method and change the look of your bathroom.
This frameless 20” x 31” aluminum model offers two adjustable glass shelves for storage and a bevel-edged mirrored door for elegant aesthetics.
If you choose to mount the medicine cabinet, ensure that it is stable and secure before loading it with items.
Installation pace available
How big is the space where you want to install the medicine cabinet? Is there enough headroom for you to walk without bumping your head?
These are crucial questions to ask yourself because they determine the medicine cabinet’s size you will buy for your bathroom.
If you have little space to work with, you can select a small-sized recessed or wall-mounted model.
For those who don’t want to cut through their walls, models like the Tangkula Bathroom Cabinet with Double Mirror Doors are available.
This space-saving model has double mirrored doors with a magnetic doorstopper so that it won’t bang. Furthermore, it has three adjustable shelves and a clear manual to assist you in installing it in a few minutes.
If you buy a larger medicine cabinet than your vanity, there is a high chance that there will be a visual imbalance in the bathroom.
You might also find yourself dropping items absent-mindedly, thinking the vanity is beneath the medicine cabinet to hold the items.
You can analyze different shapes and styles of medicine cabinets to find a model that maximizes your space.
There is no rule set in stone about where medicine cabinets should be placed, so you are free to fit it anywhere you want in the bathroom as long as it is easily accessible.
Quality material and Finishes
Whether you want a recessed or wall-mounted bathroom medicine cabinet, there is no shortage of different quality materials.
Bathroom medicine cabinets can be plastic, wooden, or made from metals like aluminum and stainless steel.
Wood medicine cabinets are durable, and depending on design, they complement both modern and traditional houses.
These wooden models are available at affordable and high-end prices; thus, it’s up to you to pick one that fits your budget.
Stainless steel and aluminum medicine cabinets are popular, durable, and have beautiful designs that give good value for your money.
Although stainless steel medicine cabinets are more robust, they can be heavy, making them unsuitable for some recess wall installations.
It doesn’t matter which material you choose as long as the medicine cabinet is of good quality and has a good finish.
If your bathroom has matte decorations, then look for medicine cabinets with a matte finish. Those who like shiny surfaces can pick medicine cabinets with mirrored doors and a high gloss finish.
Even if you seek a bathroom medicine cabinet with an ornate or colored frame, be sure that at least one will be available in the market.
You can take it up a notch and find models such as the Blossom Recessed Surface 48 Inch LED Mirror Medicine Cabinet.
This medicine cabinet is a premium-priced model fitted with three tempered glass shelves and LED-lit double doors.
It has three soft-touch buttons available to adjust the color temperature and brightness. The IP44-rated medicine cabinet possesses an in-built defogger to make it easy to use the mirror after showering, and you can mount it or build it into the wall.
Weight
A point most people forget during installation is to consider how heavy the medicine cabinet will be once it houses all the items.
As much as the bathroom cabinet may seem light, the wall might not be able to support the weight when it’s fully stocked.
That is why you may need to consult a professional beforehand, especially for those looking to install a recess medicine cabinet.
Professionals have better insight, and they are more likely to point out any challenges to expect during installation and offer ways to fix them.
Storage capacity
Ideally, your medicine cabinet should have adequate space to hold all the items you need. It is essential for the shelf space provided to contain items of different heights, from lotions to razor blades.
That is why some models like the 24 Inch Wall Mount Corner Medicine Cabinet with Mirror come with adjustable shelves.
This high-quality 430 anodized aluminum model is compact but spacious to house various toiletries. It possesses double doors and clear mirrors, and it is easy to install as it comes already assembled.
According to how you choose to organize your medicine cabinet, you can make the most out of the space provided by adding organizational tools like magnetic strips or cups to hold small magnetic objects.
Additional features
Some bathroom medicine cabinets have more to offer than others to make them more user-friendly.
For example, some bathroom cabinets come with built-in LED lights activated every time the door opens.
You might not think this is an important feature until you have to grab something in the middle of the night and you don’t have time to find the light switch.
Some brands fit their models with integrated brush holders, mirrors that are fog-proof, dimmable colored lights, and a magnifying mirror, among others. You can find all these additional features depending on how badly you need them.
FAQs
How do I find a medicine cabinet that compliments my bathroom vanity?
Your bathroom theme dictates the style of the bathroom medicine cabinet you buy. The theme you choose is affected by personal taste in terms of textures and colors; hence that is entirely up to you. All you have to do is make sure that the sizing is accurate, and then the rest is easy.
Interior décor experts recommend that you pick a medicine cabinet that suits the size of your bathroom.
Small bathrooms work better with recess medicine cabinets that are delicate and dainty. In contrast, large bathrooms with adequate space work better with sizeable medicine cabinets that are not larger than the vanity unless the style compliments it.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a medicine cabinet in the bathroom corner to optimize the space available.
You won’t have to worry if it compliments the vanity, and it will reduce traffic at the sink if you have a large family.
What is the best way to organize my medicine cabinet?
There are small things you can undertake to optimize the storage space your medicine cabinet has to offer. These pointers may not relate to every organizational style, but they will be of assistance.
- Arrange your items according to how often you use them. Things you use often should be closer to you, and the least used things at the top shelf.
- Make sure everything has a label, and it is visible for easy accessibility.
- Employ the use of organizational tools like cubbies, door pockets, magnetic strips, glass jars, and others to reduce clutter.
- Clean the shelves often to remove expired products and other unnecessary items accumulated over time.
- Ensure to space the products so that they don’t tip over when you pull one item out of the cabinet.
Is it safe to have medicine cabinets with electronic functions in the bathroom?
As long as the medicine cabinets have a high waterproof rating and are well-installed, there should not be an issue.
The biggest concern would be to get the wiring done right and avoid the electrical components from contacting water.
That is why many prefer to get installations professionally done, especially for recessed models with electrical components.
Final Thoughts
The best bathroom medicine cabinets are the keys to creating neat, functional spaces without breaking the bank.
As long as they are organized, you can easily access your items efficiently and use the mirror without any major incidents.
Those seeking a spacious premium-priced model will love the Blossom Recessed Surface 48 Inch LED Mirror Medicine Cabinet.
In contrast, those looking for an affordable space-saving wooden model can settle for the Tangkula Bathroom Cabinet with Double Mirror Doors.
If not, the HOMFA 27.6 X 23.6 Inch Wall Mirror Cabinet works perfectly for small bathrooms that need a stylish frameless mirrored bathroom cabinet.
It is an affordable model that possesses two shelves with three separate sections and mirrored doors for aesthetics.
There is no point in overthinking; just select the best bathroom medicine cabinet that appeals to your taste while keeping in mind the budget and the space available. With that in mind, selection should be a breeze!
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