Are you overwhelmed by the variety of medicine cabinets available? Do you need an easy guide to pick the right one for your bathroom? You’re in luck!
This article will provide you with all the information needed to find the perfect fit. Don’t worry, even if you don’t have any prior experience, this guide has everything covered. So let’s get started right away!
When it comes to choosing a medicine cabinet for your bathroom, there are many factors to consider. While some may prefer the traditional look of an antique medicine cabinet, others may opt for a modern and stylish design. There are also important considerations such as size, type of door, security features, storage options and mirror type.
This guide will provide information on the different types of medicine cabinets available and their features. Additionally, advice is given on how to choose the right one for your bathroom space and provide tips for taking care of it. With a little research and planning ahead, you should be able to find the perfect medicine cabinet solution that meets all your needs.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Medicine Cabinet
Before purchasing a medicine cabinet, it’s important to know the size of your bathroom, the placement of existing plumbing and electrical outlets, and your desired aesthetic. The last factor is perhaps the most important when it comes to choosing a style, as you want something that complements the look you are trying to achieve.
When deciding on a design and size for your medicine cabinet, image size usually matters more than frame size. In other words, if the interior shelf of your medicine cabinet is smaller than the specified width and height measurements on the exterior frame, then once you install it that frame will cover part of its interior shelves.
Be sure to select moisture-resistant materials if installing in humid environments such as bathrooms with showers or objects made from materials that are prone to warping over time from warm air or excessive moisture. Consider models with a safety-tempered glass front panel for extra protection in cases where children may be playing around and vulnerable areas need added protection against potential shattered glass pieces.
The type of mount also matters when it comes to choosing a medicine cabinet– surface or recessed mounting are two options available in most units– each offering its own advantages when placed in certain areas. Many modern cabinets come equipped with highly adjustable mounting solutions so they can be conveniently adjusted accordingly based on wall heights. Additionally, consider accessories like shelves that can be installed both inside and outside depending on space availability within the unit itself and where they will fit best according to available height clearance above or below doors/windows/baseboards (or near outlets).
Size and Space
When choosing a medicine cabinet for your bathroom, the first consideration should be size and space. You want to make sure that you get a medicine cabinet that fits neatly into the space you have available while still giving you enough room to store all of your supplies safely and securely.
This means determining both the height and width of the area in which it will be installed. It is important to measure your space accurately so that you get the right size and shape of cabinet for your needs. You may also want to think about whether or not the cabinet will be surface mounted or recessed, as this can affect how much room is available.
Once you know what size and shape of cabinet you need, then you can begin looking for styles that might fit in with your decor.
Style and Design
Choosing the right style and design of a medicine cabinet varies depending on the look and feel you are hoping to create in your bathroom. There are various options and combinations available, from traditional medicine cabinets with louvered doors to modern medicine cabinets with frameless doors or raised panels.
Traditional Medicine Cabinet: A traditional medicine cabinet features a louvered door that swings open for access to shelves within. Some models available also have an extra mirror on the back of the door itself to double as an additional mirror in the bathroom area.
Modern Medicine Cabinet: Modern medicine cabinets include frameless or raised panel doors, beveled edges, and detail carvings which add a designer touch. These types of cabinets allow you to bring creativity and functional design into your bathroom space while still ensuring maximum storage capability with shelves in standard sizes or customizable shelves for added organization.
Surface-Mounted Medicine Cabinet: Surface-mounted medicine cabinets can be used when recessing is either impossible or not desired due to aesthetic reasons, such as the texture and design of existing tile work or other wall finishes in your home’s decor scheme. Surface-mounted models come with mounting hardware for easy installation directly onto existing walls without needing any cutting of cabinetry into surrounding walls.
Wall-Mounted Medicine Cabinet: Wall mounted medicine cabinets are designed for recessed installation within existing walls; cutting correct measurements will be necessary during installation as well as having an adequate electrical outlet source if choosing one of these models lined with LED lighting accents along its perimeter edges. These provide a luxurious look while raising ambient lighting levels in your bathroom space!
Types of Medicine Cabinets
Medicine cabinets come in a variety of shapes and sizes to meet the needs of any bathroom configuration. Here are some of the most common varieties available to choose from:
Surface-Mounted Medicine Cabinets: These are the most popular type, and they mount flat against a bathroom’s wall. They’re simple to install, easy to use and come in a range of designs and materials, including plastic, stainless steel, wood or even mirrored fronts.
Recessed Medicine Cabinets: For a cleaner looking solution, recessed medicine cabinets sit flush with a wall or surrounding cabinetry. To install these kinds of cabinets requires significant changes in an existing bathroom structure – such as creating additional space for mounting the cabinet – so seek professional advice first.
Corner Medicine Cabinets: Corner cabinets hang at an angle on two adjacent walls for easy access but take up more floor space than other types of medicine cabinets. Again, these usually need professional installation as they involve cutting away part of the wall or surrounding cabinetry (they also require additional materials) and this can be costly.
Mirrored Medicine Cabinets: For those who love seeing themselves before they walk out each morning, mirrored medicine cabinets provide handy storage while giving your restroom that extra sparkle. A wide variety available depending on size and depth are easy to clean and maintain – look out for steam-resistant options if you have a humid bathroom environment.
Surface-Mounted Medicine Cabinets
Surface-mounted medicine cabinets are the most traditional style and are mounted on the outside surface of the wall, using just screws or nails to hold them in place. This type of medicine cabinet provides ample storage space and comes in many sizes and designs, but they tend to be more exposed. They can also look bulky as they stick out from the wall—so make sure your bathroom has enough space for a surface-mounted medicine cabinet.
As far as installation is concerned, they are relatively easy to mount; all you need is a screwdriver and drilling hardware. However, if you do not feel comfortable installing one yourself, you can always hire a professional firm to do it for you.
Recessed Medicine Cabinets
Recessed medicine cabinets are perfect for bathrooms with limited space. This style of cabinet is installed inside a hollow wall – between two wall studs – in place of a larger traditional cabinet or vanity.
Recessed medicine cabinets come in a variety of styles and sizes to fit the unique needs of your bathroom. Most models feature flat doors, with magnet latch closures and can be recessed between 16”-20” deep in your wall for extra space savings. These cabinets can also have semi-recessed doors that allow for minimal space to provide an alternate solution if you have limited room for installation. Options also include mirrored doors, multiple shelves, an LED lighting system and integrated electrical outlets to accommodate other facial features such as razors, curling irons and electronic toothbrushes.
Additionally, many recessed medicine cabinets are made from a durable steel body construction with rust-resistant components. Most showcases depending on the brand vary in size from 14”-20” wide x 4”-7” high x 4” depth making them ideal selections for tight spaces like closets or side walls when cabinetry or vanities may not fit into the design layout due to space restrictions.
Corner Medicine Cabinets
Corner medicine cabinets are a great choice if you have limited wall space and want to store items neatly in an out-of-the-way location. They come in a range of sizes, styles and materials, with some models even having the option to fit mirrors or cabinets over the sink pipes.
When purchasing a corner medicine cabinet, it’s important to consider its size — both width and height — as well as how much weight it can safely hold. Many models offer adjustable shelves so that you can customize the storage capabilities.
It’s also important to make sure your corner model is built with waterproof or rustproof materials so it will stand up against dampness or moisture from your steamy showers.
Additional Considerations
When choosing the perfect medicine cabinet for your bathroom, there are additional considerations that should be taken into account. These include but are not limited to:
- Size: Medicine cabinets vary greatly in size and should be chosen according to the available space in your bathroom. Make sure to measure carefully before purchasing. It is important to leave enough room for door swing and shelving when possible.
- Style: Medicine cabinet style choices range from classic and traditional to modern and sleek. You can choose between framed or frameless options, as well as a variety of colors, textures and materials such as stainless steel, solid wood, melamine or MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard).
- Installation Method: Medicine cabinets can either be wall-mounted or recessed into walls between studs; make sure to check the weight allowances if you decide on a recessed option. Cabinet construction also comes in knock down pre-assembled formats which are easier to transport and potentially cheaper than larger one-piece units which tend to require professional installation if not pre-assembled prior delivery.
- Functionality: Most cabinets offer a combination of shelves and drawers that can be customized depending on your needs; however, some come with built-in features such as lighting or an open shelf positioned at eye level for easy access of daily items like contact cases or toothpaste tubes for example. Make sure these extra features fit with the size dimensions of the cabinet selected as they may impact on space available inside the unit itself otherwise reducing capacity significantly over nominal sizes indicated outside the product package or manufacturer’s website description before purchase order placement advises customers.
Lighting
Having the right lighting in your bathroom is key when it comes to selecting the right medicine cabinet. With different styles, sizes, shapes and finishes available, there are a few criteria you’ll want to consider when choosing the perfect cabinet.
The first is illumination. Natural light is always best if possible – either through windows or through skylights – but it’s not always possible depending on the layout of our bathroom. If you require more than natural light to illuminate your countertops, we suggest opting for lighting around and above the mirror rather than installing lights inside of it. This allows for brighter and more even lighting throughout your entire countertop area without requiring a special fixture in your medicine cabinet.
Secondly, when looking for an illuminated medicine cabinet make sure you get one with adjustable brightness as well as an integrated low/off mode – this way you can reduce glare for daytime or nighttime use as necessary. If you don’t have space or budget constraints we recommend getting a dimmer switch so that you can adjust brightness levels quickly and easily according to your needs or mood at any given time.
Security and Safety Features
It is important to ensure the safety of medications stored in the home, especially if there are small children or pets around. Medicine cabinets should have appropriate security and safety features to store medications safe and out of sight.
Many cabinets come with a lock and key, which can help prevent access by curious children or pets when not in use by adults. There are also many models that feature locking mechanisms with a sliding drawer or features such as magnets and dividers; these allow items to be divided and prestored while keeping out of easy reach.
Medicine cabinets should also be made of durable materials that won’t rust, scratch or corrode easily; this helps protect the contents from potentially damaging pollutants. Look for rubber lined edges or doors with soft-close technology which ensures accidental bumps won’t result in splintering or chip damage down the line. Guarantees against fading over time are also beneficial — this will help ensure your medicine cabinet remains stylish for years to come.
Ease of Installation
When deciding on a medicine cabinet for your bathroom, the ease of installation should be taken into consideration. Depending on the size and weight of the unit, it can be a cumbersome process to install the cabinet properly. Most medicine cabinets come with easy-to-follow instructions that will help you mount them fast and efficiently.
It is important to think about how much hands-on experience you have with DIY projects before attempting to install a medicine cabinet on your own. It may be worthwhile to consult with a professional handyman or contractor to make sure that your project is done up to code and structurally sound. If you don’t feel confident that you can do the job yourself safely, it can always be worth it to hire an experienced contractor who will have access to all of the right tools and materials necessary for the job.
Conclusion
Whether you’re shopping for a large medicine cabinet for your master bath or looking for something smaller to accommodate limited space, there are plenty of options available. Consider your storage needs and the size of your bathroom before selecting the perfect medicine cabinet, and don’t forget the finishing touches — mirrors, lighting and options that can upgrade functionality. Making a few thoughtful decisions can help you find just the right medicine cabinet for your bathroom.
FAQ’s
How do I choose a bathroom medicine cabinet?
To choose a bathroom medicine cabinet, consider your bathroom size, the types of items you want to store in the cabinet, and the existing style of your bathroom. Also keep in mind factors such as durability, water resistance, mounting options, and lighting. Compare different styles and designs to find the best fit for your bathroom.
What is the best material for bathroom medicine cabinet?
The best material for bathroom medicine cabinets is stainless steel, as it provides a durable, easy-to-clean and aesthetically appealing surface.
What should I look for in a medicine cabinet?
When shopping for a medicine cabinet, look for features such as adjustable shelving, a mirrored door and an easy-to-clean surface. Consider additional features such as an electrical outlet or additional compartments or drawers for storing larger items. You may also want to evaluate the size of the medicine cabinet, as well as its security features.
Should I put medicine cabinet in bathroom?
Yes, you should put a medicine cabinet in your bathroom. It is a great way to store toiletries, medications, beauty products, and other necessary items in one organized location.
What type of cabinets are good for bathroom?
Wall-mounted cabinets are a good option for bathrooms, as they keep the floor space free and clear.
What type of bathroom cabinets are best?
The best type of bathroom cabinet depends on your personal preferences and budget. Generally, wall-mounted bathroom cabinets are the most popular choice. They offer plenty of storage while still saving floor space, plus they come in a wide variety of finishes and styles. Alternatively, stand-alone cabinets can provide additional storage and can be moved around if needed.
How do I choose the right bathroom design?
When choosing the right bathroom design, consider factors such as the size and layout of your bathroom, the existing fixtures and fittings, and the desired style of the bathroom. Additionally, consider practical factors such as storage space, lighting and ventilation.
Where is the best place to put a medicine cabinet?
The best place to put a medicine cabinet is in a place near a sink or in the bathroom near the bathtub or shower.
What color bathroom cabinets are trending?
White and light gray cabinets are currently trending for bathrooms.
What is the most common medicine cabinet size?
The most common medicine cabinet size is 30 inches wide by 30 inches tall.
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