Medicine cabinets are a practical storage solution for bathrooms, providing a place to organize toiletries, medications, and other supplies. A key consideration when installing a medicine cabinet is whether it will be mounted into the wall or on the wall surface. There are pros and cons to each method that homeowners should consider when deciding where to install their medicine cabinet.
An Introduction to Medicine Cabinets
Medicine cabinets have been a bathroom staple for decades, offering concealed storage space behind a mirror. The first medicine cabinets emerged in the late 1800s as bathrooms moved indoors and homeowners needed a place to store medical supplies and personal grooming items out of sight.
Over the years, the design of medicine cabinets evolved from purely functional to more aesthetic. Modern medicine cabinets come in a wide range of styles, sizes, and finishes to match any décor. The basic function, however, remains the same—to provide practical storage space for bathroom essentials.
When shopping for a new medicine cabinet, homeowners have two main options: recessed or surface-mount. Recessed cabinets are installed into a hole cut out of the wall, so the cabinet face is flush with the wall surface. Surface-mount cabinets attach directly onto the wall.
Below we’ll explore the pros and cons of each mounting method to help you decide whether medicine cabinets should go into the wall or on the wall in your home.
The Benefits of Recessed Medicine Cabinets
Recessed medicine cabinets have long been the most popular style because they offer a built-in look and take advantage of unused space inside the wall cavity. Here are some of the main benefits of installing a recessed medicine cabinet:
A Streamlined, Built-In Appearance
The main advantage of a recessed medicine cabinet is the seamless, built-in look it provides. With the cabinet face perfectly flush with the wall, it appears much more integrated than a surface-mounted style. This gives a cleaner, more high-end look that many homeowners prefer.
Increased Storage Space
Because recessed cabinets are installed inside the wall, they can be much deeper than surface-mount styles. This allows for more generous storage capacity without protruding out from the wall. Recessed cabinets are often 20-24 inches deep compared to just 3-5 inches for surface-mount.
Works Well with Any Wall Material
Recessed medicine cabinets can be installed on any type of wall—drywall, tile, concrete, brick, etc. The installation involves cutting a hole to embed the cabinet so it looks built-in regardless of the wall finish. Surface-mount cabinets stand out more on masonry walls.
Better Waterproofing
With their tighter installation directly against the studs, recessed medicine cabinets provide better protection against moisture infiltration than surface-mounted designs. This helps prevent leaks, mold, and mildew buildup.
Increased Illumination
Many recessed medicine cabinets are designed with integrated lighting. The recessed position allows the light to be mounted inside the cabinet to provide better task lighting than surface-mounted styles.
Factors to Consider with Recessed Installations
While recessed medicine cabinets have some clear aesthetic advantages, there are also some considerations to keep in mind:
More Complex Installation
Installing a recessed medicine cabinet requires cutting an opening in the wall, securing the cabinet to studs, and patching around it. This is more labor-intensive than simply hanging a surface-mount cabinet. Homeowners need carpentry skills or must hire a professional.
Limited Sizing Options
The width of recessed cabinets is restricted by the spacing between wall studs. Standard sizes are usually 16 or 20 inches wide to align with typical stud spacing. Larger medicine cabinets generally need to be surface-mounted.
Built for First Installation
Recessed cabinets are designed to be installed during initial bathroom construction. Adding one later involves significant drywall work and potential plumbing modifications. Retrofitting recessed storage is much harder than a simple surface-mount cabinet.
Electrical Wiring Challenges
If the medicine cabinet will be illuminated or have an integrated power outlet, installing the required wiring for a recessed cabinet can be tricky. Surface-mount options are easier to electrify after construction.
Reduced Storage Accessibility
While recessed cabinets provide ample storage space, the compartments tucked inside the wall cavity are also more difficult to access than surface-mounted designs. The deeper shelves can require some stretching and maneuvering to reach items in the back.
Advantages of Surface-Mounted Medicine Cabinets
Here are some of the benefits of choosing a medicine cabinet that attaches directly to the wall surface:
Easier Installation
Surface-mount medicine cabinets simply hang on the wall like any other cabinet. No special cutouts or structural modifications are required. This also allows for trouble-free repositioning or removal later on.
Size Flexibility
Surface-mount cabinets are manufactured in a wide range of widths, heights, and depths to fit any space. Recessed cabinets are limited to typical stud spacing.
Work with Any Wall Type
Surface-mount medicine cabinets can be installed on any wall material—drywall, tile, concrete, etc. There’s no need to cut into the existing finish.
Simplified Electrical
Wiring surface-mount cabinets for lights or outlets is much easier since the wiring can be run externally and covered by molding. Fishing wires inside walls for recessed cabinets is avoided.
Improved Accessibility
Contents are easier to access in a surface-mount cabinet regardless of depth. The shelves are visible and can be reached from multiple angles, unlike recessed designs tucked inside the wall.
Quick Retrofit Option
Adding surface-mount storage to an existing bathroom is simple. Just find a good location and hang the cabinet. Recessing a cabinet into a finished wall takes much more work.
Budget-Friendly
Surface-mount medicine cabinets tend to be more economical than recessed versions. There is no additional charge for cutouts, structural modifications, or complex installations.
Key Disadvantages of Surface Mounting
Surface mounting also comes with a few downsides to consider:
Protruding Appearance
Surface-mounted cabinets stick out from the wall rather than sitting flush. This can look more obtrusive and seem like an afterthought rather than integrated storage.
Less Overall Space
Since surface cabinets cannot utilize the wall cavity, they offer much less storage capacity—usually just 3 to 5 inches deep. Recessed cabinets are at least four times deeper.
Not as Water-Resistant
The gaps around a surface-mounted cabinet make it more prone to moisture infiltration than a recessed version sealed inside the wall. Bathroom humidity can still get behind.
Limited Styles
Many modern medicine cabinet styles are designed specifically for recessed installation. The selection of surface-mount cabinets is more limited in terms of finishes and variations.
Difficult to Align with Tile
Getting clean alignments where wall tile meets a surface-mounted cabinet can be tricky. Recessed cabinets always provide seamless transitions regardless of wall finishes.
Key Considerations for Your Installation
Determining whether medicine cabinets should go into the wall or on the wall comes down to a few key factors:
- Bathroom layout – Is there adequate wall space to accommodate a recessed cabinet of adequate size? Or does the room dictate a smaller surface-mounted style?
- Storage needs – Do you require maximum capacity from the hidden wall cavity? Or will a shallow surface cabinet suffice?
- Ease of installation – Are you open to the carpentry work needed for recessed cabinets? Or would a quick surface-mount install be preferable?
- Budget – Surface-mount cabinets tend to cost less than recessed versions. But you may get more long-term value from the larger recessed storage space.
- Appearance – Do you prefer the seamless look of a recessed cabinet? Or are you open to a surface style?
- Existing finishes – Will cutting into tile or masonry make recessed installation impractical? A surface cabinet may work better.
Recessed Medicine Cabinet Installation
If you decide that going into the wall is the right choice for your bathroom, here is an overview of how recessed medicine cabinets are installed:
Step 1: Mark the Location
Map out the exact spot for your recessed medicine cabinet based on stud locations and bathroom layout. Make sure there are studs or blocking to secure the sides and top.
Step 2: Cut the Wall Opening
Use a drywall saw to cut a rough hole about 1 inch larger than the cabinet frame. Try to cut on the stud edges. Remove any insulation.
Step 3: Secure the Cabinet
Set the cabinet in place and secure to the framing with screws through the inside. Don’t overtighten. Shims can help plumb the cabinet.
Step 4: Connect Electricity
If lighting or an outlet will be included, run wires from the source to the cabinet location and connect.
Step 5: Attach Plumbing
If the cabinet will contain a sink, attach supply lines and drain piping. Make sure water supply is shut off.
Step 6: Install Door Panels
Most medicine cabinets come with removable door panels. Reinstall them now to hold insulation in place.
Step 7: Insulate the Gaps
Pack fiberglass insulation around the cabinet sides and top to muffle sound and absorb vibration.
Step 8: Patch the Drywall
Finish the wall with joint compound and tape for smooth transitions around the cabinet perimeter.
Step 9: Add Trim
Install any desired molding or trim kits to conceal edges and provide a built-in look. Caulk around trim for clean results.
Step 10: Clean and Finish
Remove construction debris, dust down the cabinet interior, and install the shelves. Your recessed medicine cabinet is complete!
Hanging a Surface-Mount Medicine Cabinet
If you opt for a surface-mounted medicine cabinet, installation is much more straightforward:
Step 1: Locate Wall Studs
Find studs at the desired mounting location so you can secure the cabinet properly. Use a stud finder to detect them.
Step 2: Mark the Height
Determine the ideal height for the cabinet based on sight lines and usage. Mark a level line to align the top of the cabinet.
Step 3: Install Mounting Brackets
Screw the provided mounting brackets into the wall studs. Make sure they are level with each other.
Step 4: Attach the Cabinet
Lift the medicine cabinet into place over the brackets. Drill screws through the cabinet back and into the brackets.
Step 5: Run Electrical Wires
If wiring for lighting or outlets is needed, drill holes to run wires from the source to the cabinet location.
Step 6: Make Plumbing Connections
For cabinets with sinks, connect the drain line and water supply lines at this point.
Step 7: Seal the Perimeter
Caulk around the sides and top of the cabinet. This seals the back to keep moisture out of the wall.
Step 8: Add Trim
Install coordinating trim pieces, if desired, for decorative purposes and to hide caulk lines.
Step 9: Clean and Load
Wipe out the cabinet, install any shelves, and transfer over your supplies!
Medicine Cabinet Ideas
Beyond just the installation method, there are many different styles and options to consider for your medicine cabinets:
- Mirrored cabinet – A mirrored front is the classic medicine cabinet look, concealing contents while providing a functional mirror in the bathroom.
- Framed or frameless – Framed cabinets have trim surrounding the mirror, while frameless have a sleek, modern look.
- Corner unit – Makes use of wasted space in corner areas. Can be wedge-shaped or L-shaped.
- Surface or recessed lighting – Well-placed lighting makes contents easy to see. Recessed lights are integrated, while surface lights attach on.
- Defogging technology – Heated pads behind the mirror prevent fogging up even in steamy bathrooms.
- Built-in outlets – Convenient for electric razors, toothbrushes, curling irons, and more. Water-resistant covers keep moisture out.
- Adjustable shelving – Interior shelves can be moved or removed to accommodate items of any height.
- Magnifying mirror – One section features magnifying properties to aid in applying makeup or detailed grooming.
- Bluetooth connectivity – Allows medicine cabinet to play music and charge Bluetooth-enabled devices wirelessly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medicine Cabinets
Here are answers to some of the most common questions homeowners have about medicine cabinets:
Should medicine cabinets be installed over sinks?
This is no longer recommended. Modern building codes require a minimum distance of 1 inch above or 8 inches to the side of a sink basin to prevent electrical hazards.
How deep are recessed medicine cabinets?
Standard recessed cabinet depths are 20-24 inches to make full use of the wall cavity. More shallow versions around 5 inches deep are also available.
Can any medicine cabinet be installed flush to the wall?
Only recessed, or “semi-recessed” cabinets are designed to be flush. Surface-mount cabinets will protrude slightly. Framing kits can make them appear more flush.
How much weight can medicine cabinets hold?
The average medicine cabinet can hold 15-25 lbs on its shelves safely. Units with thicker glass shelves or sturdy metal can support heavier items like makeup palettes.
Should I get a cabinet with a mirror or solid door?
Mirrored cabinets are most popular for functional use, but solid doors provide a more concealed look. Combination cabinets have a solid lower door and mirrored upper.
How do I cut into a tiled wall to install a recessed cabinet?
Carefully score the grout lines with a utility knife then gently knock out the tile. A hammer and masonry drill bit also works. Be mindful of plumbing and wires.
Should I light a medicine cabinet internally or externally?
Internal lighting offers more directed task lighting. External fixtures like wall sconces provide better ambient lighting for the whole bathroom. Using both is an option, too.
Can I add an electrical outlet inside a medicine cabinet?
Yes, many models come equipped with water-resistant outlets specially designed for humid bathroom environments. They should only be wired by an electrician.
Are illuminated medicine cabinets energy efficient?
Newer LED-lit medicine cabinets use 80% less energy than incandescent lighting. Automatic shut-off features also help conserve electricity.
Summary
When planning for a new medicine cabinet, carefully weigh the pros and cons of both recessed and surface-mounted options. Recessed mounting provides a built-in look and expansive storage capacity, but involves more complex installation. Surface mounting is quick and simple but results in a more protruding cabinet with limited depth.
Consider your own bathroom layout, storage needs, installation constraints, and style preferences to decide what works best. If choosing a recessed cabinet, be prepared for the necessary wall modifications. Or opt for the simpler route of hanging a surface cabinet for convenience and budget. With good planning and proper installation, your medicine cabinet can become a functional, attractive storage fixture in the bathroom for years to come.
Do Medicine Cabinets Go Into the Wall
Conclusion
In summary, whether to install your medicine cabinet recessed into the wall or mounted on the wall surface comes down to weighing installation factors, storage needs, and aesthetic preferences. There is no universally superior option.
Recessed mounting provides a seamless built-in look and expansive storage capacity but involves more complex installation. Surface mounting is quick and simple but results in a more protruding cabinet with limited depth.
Carefully assess your specific bathroom layout, storage requirements, budget, and style goals when deciding. Plan ahead for the necessary modifications if choosing a recessed style. Or opt for the quicker surface-mount approach if you prioritize simplicity.
With good planning and proper installation, a thoughtfully selected medicine cabinet makes an excellent addition to any bathroom’s form and function. Utilize this storage necessity in a way that best fits your space and needs.