Eliminate the mess around your sink with these medicine cabinets.
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Better Homes & Gardens / Alli Waataja
When it comes to your bathroom design, a medicine cabinet is an essential detail to consider. Afterall, it’s the ideal place to store toiletries, makeup, hair tools, and other essentials you’ll need easy access to.
With so many styles out there, however, it can be difficult to choose the best medicine cabinet to install above your bathroom vanity or toilet. To help, we researched a variety of styles, keeping in mind price, style, features, and more. We also consulted Lara Apelian, principal architect at Lara Apelian Studio.
What We Researched
We evaluated several medicine cabinets on their material, size, assembly and mounting, shelves, and other additional features.
Best Overall: IKEA Godmorgon Mirror cabinet with 2 doors
Why You Should Get It
The dual-door design adds versatility.
Keep in Mind
IKEA suggests two people for assembly and installation.
IKEA’s Godmorgon is our favorite medicine cabinet for its simplistic design and attention to detail. The tall, narrow design of this option makes it a great choice for people with limited bathroom space.
We like that this medicine cabinet features mirrors on each door, both on the interior and exterior. The doors are self-closing for added convenience. Plus, knobs are included, so you won’t have to purchase them separately.
Inside, the adjustable shelf is heat- and impact-resistant for added durability. A safety film on the back also helps to keep you protected in case the glass mirror shatters during use.
Though we didn’t think it was a dealbreaker, it’s worth noting that IKEA recommends two people for assembly and installation.
Product Details: Material: Mirror glass | Size: 23.63×5.5×37.65 inches | Mount: Surface | Shelves: Four
Best Budget: ChooChoo Bathroom Wall Cabinet
Why You Should Get It
It has a sleek wooden design with clean lines.
Keep in Mind
This option doesn’t feature a mirror.
If you want to upgrade a bathroom in your home without making a large investment, we recommend ChooChoo’s Bathroom Wall Cabinet. The cabinet is offered in several colors and offers plenty of storage space.
The cabinet is made of medium-density fiberboard (MDF), which is an engineered wood. It may not be as durable as other materials, but we like that the rectangular style features sleek lines and a rustic design that can work in a wide range of spaces. Plus, the two-door style features two adjustable shelves for toiletries on the inside.
The medicine cabinet is offered in eight colors, including black, gray, espresso, rustic, navy, cream yellow, white, and antique white with brown. It’s also quite spacious, so you won’t have to sacrifice any toiletries. Plus, it features magnetic door stops for a smooth opening and closing operation.
Unlike some other styles, this pick doesn’t feature a mirror. While we didn’t think it was a dealbreaker, it may not be the best option for smaller bathrooms where there’s no additional space to add a mirror elsewhere.
Product Details: Material: MDF board | Size: 21.1×8.8×24 inches | Mount: Surface | Shelves: Two
Best Splurge: DECADOM LED Mirror Medicine Cabinet
Why You Should Get It
It provides time and temperature information.
Keep in Mind
It requires wiring.
We think the DECADOM LED Mirror Medicine Cabinet is worth the investment. The medicine cabinet features three dimmable LED task lights, and touch screen buttons to toggle between 2,500K and 6,500K to adjust the lighting to your liking.
This cabinet also features a defogging mirror and three 8-millimeter tempered glass shelves that can be adjusted to your specific needs. There are mirrors on the front and back of the door as well as on the interior back wall. It also includes an auto memory feature that will recall your preferred lighting.
An integrated digital clock can present the time in 12- or 24-hour options, and it also can show the temperature in the room in either Celsius or Fahrenheit. Plus, an interior light automatically turns on and off when the door is opened.
The door can also open 170 degrees, and it has a soft-close feature. The cabinet also has two outlets and two USB ports.
The removable side mirrors help to make recessed installation easier. Just note that this cabinet will require wiring, but there is an included an installation kit.
Product Details: Material: LED, aluminum | Size: 30x30x5 inches | Mount: Surface or recessed | Shelves: Three
Best Round: Wrought Studio Veedersburg Surface Mount Frameless Round Medicine Cabinet
Why You Should Get It
This medicine cabinet features a 90-degree pivot hinge for easy access to stored items.
Keep in Mind
It doesn’t include any lighting.
Wrought Studio’s Veedersburg medicine cabinet is an excellent choice for the minimalist who is looking for a sleek, round medicine cabinet. The contemporary stainless-steel design gives this option a versatile style that will work in many different spaces.
A 90-degree pivot hinge means that you can set this frameless mirror up to accommodate whatever you may need. Inside, the medicine cabinet features one static shelf, providing ample space to store your taller items with approximately 5.8 inches of clearance for the two shelves that are created.
The cabinet comes fully assembled, and all the necessary hardware is included to make installation easier. Just be aware that this pick doesn’t include any lighting, unlike some other picks on our list.
Product Details: Material: Stainless steel | Size: 19.7×4.3×19.7 inches | Mount: Surface | Shelves: One
Best Recessed: Pottery Barn Vintage Recessed Medicine Cabinet
Why You Should Get It
A beveled edge and five color options elevate this chic design.
Keep in Mind
It’s a pricey option, and shipping isn’t free.
With rounded edges and clean lines, the Pottery Barn Vintage Recessed Medicine Cabinet is a timeless and suitable option for your bathroom. The mirror features a beveled edge that adds an elegant look overall.
The cabinet is made of aluminum, steel, and glass. There’s also protective lacquer that seals it for added moisture resistance. The adjustable shelves are made from tempered glass, a process that makes it more break-averse than traditional glass.
This choice is available in two different sizes: a 17×27-inch option that has two adjustable shelves and a 21×34-inch option that has three adjustable shelves. This recessed cabinet can be mounted to accommodate an opening to the left or the right, depending on your layout and preference.
Pottery Barn offers this sleek option in a wide range of colors: chrome, nickel, satin nickel, warm bronze, and matte black. Just note that Pottery Barn doesn’t offer free shipping, so you’ll have to account for an additional cost.
Product Details: Material: Glass, aluminum, steel | Size: From 17×4.75×27 inches | Mount: Recessed | Shelves: Various
Best Mirrored: West Elm Seamless Medicine Cabinet
Why You Should Get It
It’s offered three sizes to accommodate different bathroom layouts.
Keep in Mind
It doesn’t include fog-free features.
For a simple mirrored frame with rounded edges, West Elm’s Seamless Medicine Cabinet is a great option. This option is available in multiple finishes, including antique brass, matte black, chrome, dark bronze, and brushed nickel. Plus, it’s offered in a few sizes, so you can choose the one that suits your needs.
The steel frame on this cabinet adds a layer of stability. Inside, there are three glass shelves to hold your toiletries, makeup, and more. This option can also be reversed to be able to be opened from the left or right.
This medicine cabinet can be surface-mounted or recessed into the wall, and it comes with all the hardware to hang it. It includes metal components that are sealed during the finishing process to keep it safe from corrosion and protect against moisture, which is ideal for bathrooms. Just be mindful that this product doesn’t include any fog-free features.
Product Details: Material: Steel, glass, and engineered wood | Size: From 16.5×5.1×27.5 inches | Mount: Surface or recessed | Shelves: Three
Best Oval: Hesonth Arched Medicine Cabinet with Mirror
Why You Should Get It
Shatterproof glass and a simple design make this a viable choice for any bathroom.
Keep in Mind
It’s only offered in one size and color.
If you prefer a more subtle design, Hesonth’s Arched Medicine Cabinet is our pick. The oval medicine cabinet is made from glass and metal for a durable and sturdy option that’ll sit pretty in your bathroom.
A fine powder coating also helps to keep it protected from rust and moisture. It’s only offered in one size and doesn’t rely on any sort of ornate framing or finishes. That being said, it can suit just about any bathroom aesthetic.
Behind the HD shatterproof mirror is a concealed storage space with three, shatterproof 4-millimeter glass shelves to store your items, all held in place by rustproof metal brackets. This option can either be mounted on the wall surface or recessed, depending on your preference.
The mirror itself is plexiglass and is designed with anti-corrosion and anti-breakage in mind. It also comes with all of the necessary mounting hardware, and flexible fittings mean that you can set it up to open from either the left or right, depending on your needs.
Product Details: Material: Glass, metal | Size: 24x36x5 inches | Mount: Surface or recessed | Shelves: Three
Best with Lighting: Ivy Bronx Frameless Medicine Cabinet with Mirrors and Three Adjustable Shelves
Why You Should Get It
The shelves are all adjustable.
Keep in Mind
It can only open in one direction.
If you want to upgrade your bathroom storage and vanity lighting, the Ivy Bronx Frameless Medicine Cabinet is a great option to consider. It uses energy-efficient LEDs to illuminate your face, which is ideal for doing your hair and makeup, as well as brushing your teeth.
This surface-mounted option can either be plugged into an outlet or hardwired, depending on your needs. When installing, note that it can only open from right to left and it cannot be reversed to open in the other direction.
Inside, there’s a 4000K LED spotlight to help you find whatever you’re looking for, and it turns on and off automatically when you open and close the door. There are also three 6-millimeter clear tempered glass shelves that can be moved thanks to adjustable shelf clips.
On the bottom of the mirror, a digital clock shows the time and room temperature. There’s also a smart light auto setting that can remember your lighting preference each time you turn it on.
Product Details: Material: Steel, glass | Size: 19.68×4.72×27.55 inches | Mount: Surface | Shelves: Three
Best Design: Kohler Maxstow
Why You Should Get It
It has staggered shelving that enables you to store the taller items.
Keep in Mind
The shelves are not adjustable.
While Kohler’s Maxstow offers a sleek design with a dark anodized aluminum frame, it’s the interior that’s noteworthy.
Inside, the cabinet features staggered shelving that allows you to store taller items. The shelves also have a deeper design, so they’re able to accommodate larger containers as well. In addition to the mirror on the front, there is also another mirror on the back door.
This cabinet has a low-profile design that can fit seamlessly against the wall. The two-way adjustable hinges open 108 degrees for easy access to all your items.
While we like the staggered shelf design, note that the four shelves are fixed and are not adjustable. Additionally, this option is quite tall, measuring 40 inches, so be sure to place it in a position that won’t leave the top shelf out of your reach.
Product Details: Material: Anodized aluminum | Size: 20×3.56×40 inches | Mount: Surface | Shelves: Four
Best Decorative: Tangkula Bathroom Medicine Cabinet with Mirror
Why You Should Get It
It features exterior shelves for added storage or decor.
Keep in Mind
It’s only offered in two color options and one size.
The Tangkula Bathroom Medicine Cabinet is a great option for those who need added storage or want to display decor. The cabinet features two exterior shelving areas that are a great place to display candles, perfume, soap, and more.
This cabinet features three interior shelves that are adjustable, so you can maximize the storage. The cabinet’s edges are rounded for safety and there’s also a door magnet that ensures a firm close, so you won’t have to worry about anything falling into the sink.
This pick is only offered in two colors and one size, but we think it would work in most standard bathrooms.
Product Details: Material: MDF | Size: 26×6.5x 25 inches | Mount: Surface | Shelves: Nine
Best Secure: AdirMed Large Locking Medicine Cabinet
Why You Should Get It
It comes with predrilled holes, installation hardware, and easy-to-follow installation instructions.
Keep in Mind
It doesn’t include a mirror.
If you’re in the market for a medicine cabinet to protect the medications and valuables in your home, AdirMed’s Large Locking Medicine Cabinet is our pick for you. Unlike the other options on our list, this one can be locked for added safety.
The cabinet is made from welded steel and is corrosion and scratch-resistant. It includes two different locks with separate keys. Inside, it has three large storage compartments and two additional mini shelves for smaller bottles and other items.
It comes with predrilled holes and installation hardware, making installation easier. It’s offered in red, white, and purple, so you can choose which suits your bathroom best. While you can place this wherever you choose, it may not make an ideal choice above a bathroom sink, as it doesn’t include a mirror.
Product Details: Material: Welded steel | Size: 16x6x21 inches | Mount: Surface | Shelves: Five
The Bottom Line
If functionality, design, and storage are your main concerns, IKEA’s Godmorgon is the best medicine cabinet to consider. We like the narrow and tall design of this cabinet and like that the shelf is adjustable as well.
What to Know About Medicine Cabinets Before Shopping
Material
Medicine cabinets are made with an array of materials, but the bulk of options are made of aluminum and wood.
- Aluminum: Aluminum cabinets, like the DECADOM LED Mirror Medicine Cabinet, are a good choice because aluminum can handle water, and with an added oxidized finish, many aluminum options can also avoid rusting.
- Wood: Wood options or manufactured wood cabinets, like the Tangkula Bathroom Medicine Cabinet with Mirror, feature a great aesthetic look and make a nice addition to your space. Wood can swell in humid environments, though, so be sure to look for something that has a protective coating or is designed to handle the environment of a bathroom.
Size
Medicine cabinets come in all shapes and sizes. Taller and thinner ones, like the IKEA Godmorgon, enable you to optimize more vertical space, while others are wider than they are tall.
As a rule of thumb, Apelian recommends that you ensure your medicine cabinet is within the size of your sink or vanity, just from an aesthetic perspective.
Assembly and Mounting
To make assembly easier, look for options that feature all of the necessary hardware in the purchase, like the Wrought Studio Veedersburg Surface Frameless Medicine Cabinet.
Whether you choose to mount the medicine cabinet to the wall’s surface or recess it, you will be required to mount your medicine cabinet into the wall. Features like predrilled holes, which are featured on the AdirMed Large Locking Medicine Cabinet, can make assembly even easier.
Shelves
If you’re looking to make the most of your medicine cabinet to keep your sink space clean, then shelving is worth considering. Many options on our list, like the Tangkula Bathroom Medicine Cabinet with Mirror, feature adjustable shelves to be able to optimize your medicine cabinet space.
Additionally, we appreciate innovative options like the Kohler Maxstow that features staggered shelving to accommodate larger items.
Other Features
For Apelian, details like “interior cabinet lighting, outlets inside for charging items, fogless mirror attachments, two-sided mirrored medicine cabinet doors, and adjustable shelves to maximize your storage needs,” are some of the best available features.
The Ivy Bronx Frameless Medicine Cabinet features interior lighting that makes it easy to find just what you’re looking for. However, the DECADOM LED Mirror Medicine Cabinet, our best splurge pick, features three dimmable LED task lights, and touch screen buttons to adjust lighting. We also appreciate that the AdirMed’s Large Locking Medicine Cabinet features a lock to secure medicine and other valuables.
Your Questions, Answered
What is the standard size of a medicine cabinet?
Since medicine cabinets are offered in a range of shapes and sizes, Apelian notes that there is not one specific standard size. However, as a guideline, she notes that “typically you want to stay within the width range of your sink or vanity.”
How much do medicine cabinets cost?
The price of a medicine cabinet depends on several factors, including the brand, materials, features, and size. For a stylish option that’s under $100, we recommend the ChooChoo Bathroom Wall Cabinet, our best budget pick.
If you want to invest in a medicine cabinet, we like the DECADOM LED Mirror Medicine Cabinet. Though it’s over $700, our best splurge pick features a digital clock, multiple mirrors, and adjustable lighting.
Who We Are
Jack Byram is a freelance writer who covers all things home-related. He has written dozens of articles and spoken with numerous experts, covering everything from bed frames to blenders, all in the name of a happier home. For this article, he spoke with Lara Apelian, principal architect at Lara Apelian Studio.
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