Once a way to stow medication, modern medicine cabinets combine function and aesthetic appeal. These catchalls store everything from medicine to beauty products, keeping your bathroom tidy. A mirrored cabinet comes in handy for doing makeup, shaving or giving yourself a morning pep talk! Medicine cabinets are the unsung heroes of the bathroom. Yet, despite their value and flexible functionality, they often get pushed down the home renovation list.
Do you want to know how to redo bathroom cabinets, but you’re not sure where to start? Then you’ve come to the right place! This guide covers everything you need to replace your old medicine cabinet and breathe new life into your bathroom.
Choosing the Right Medicine Cabinet for Your Home
When considering an upgrade, it’s important to choose a cabinet that offers functionality and storage capacity while complementing your bathroom’s design. The right choice depends on your style and the existing space. Medicine cabinets come in two types — wall-mounted (on-the-wall) or recessed (in-the-wall). Each has benefits that make them ideal for specific needs:
Recessed Medicine Cabinets
Recessed medicine cabinets fit into a hole in the drywall between two studs. These cabinets save space and blend seamlessly into the bathroom without adding bulk. Choose between framed or frameless recessed cabinets:
- Framed cabinets: A framed recessed medicine cabinet has a frame that overhangs the box insert to cover the rough edges of the drywall opening. The frame and door sit on the outside of the wall surface, adding up to 1.5 inches of projection. On the flip side, the frame gives the cabinet even more depth.
- Frameless cabinets: For a more modern look, opt for a frameless recessed medicine cabinet. These units have a thin trim that hides the edges but allows the door to sit flush against the wall. Keep in mind that frameless cabinets are only as deep as the box insert itself.
Wall-Mounted Medicine Cabinets
Surface or wall-mounted cabinets are a good alternative if you prefer not to cut into the drywall. They come in a variety of options to match your needs and bathroom decor. Choose a wall-mounted cabinet when you want a simple installation or to make a bold statement.
Cabinet Style and Finish
Another important consideration is the style and finish of your new medicine cabinet. For full remodels, consider the new paint colors, tile, countertops and fixtures when selecting a cabinet. If you’re upgrading your bathroom, choose a style and finish that complements the existing look. You want your medicine cabinet to stand out for its quality and functionality.
For bathrooms with cooler tones, such as a light blue wall and gray countertops, a white medicine cabinet with silver hardware works well. If your bathroom has natural tones like greens, go with a pine or maple wood medicine cabinet.
How to Remove an Old Medicine Cabinet
Here’s how to remove an old medicine cabinet in the bathroom:
Step 1: Preparation
Gather the following tools:
- Sturdy gloves
- Safety glasses
- Screwdriver
- Utility knife
Before you remove the cabinet, prep the area by plugging the drain and covering the sink and floors with a plastic tarp or old sheets. Empty the old cabinet and remove the door to make it easier to work with.
Step 2: Remove the Cabinet
The removal process is different depending on whether the existing cabinet is wall-mounted or recessed:
- Recessed: Remove the screws that attach the cabinet to the wall studs. You might need to loosen the cabinet by sliding a screwdriver around the edge. If the cabinet has caulking, use a utility knife to cut the caulk between the drywall and the cabinet frame. Once loosened, pull the cabinet out of the wall.
- Wall-mounted: Take out the screws and any mounting hardware holding the cabinet to the surface. Keep a firm hold on the unit and pull it away from the wall — consider getting some help with this part.
What to Do With an Old Medicine Cabinet
Before you throw out your old cabinet, consider these options:
- Reuse it: Do you have another room in the house that could use extra storage space? If so, you can move the medicine cabinet there to prolong its use.
- Repurpose it: A medicine cabinet can store more than medicine. You can repurpose it as a spice rack for your kitchen or extra storage in a closet or garage workshop.
- Donate it: If your old medicine cabinet is in good condition, consider donating it to a local charity organization. Nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity often accept donations of furniture and building materials. They may even pick them up for you.
How to Install a New Medicine Cabinet
Once you remove the old cabinet, you can prepare to mount your new one. The size of the new medicine cabinet is an important consideration, as it influences many other steps in the process. Aim for a new cabinet that is the same size or a little larger than the old one.
If you need to drill into the walls, exercise caution! Use a stud finder that detects water pipes or electrical wiring to avoid accidents. You can also create a small hole in the drywall and use a flashlight to check for hazards.
Recessed Medicine Cabinet Installation
Installing a new recessed cabinet is simpler when the size matches your previous unit. Before diving in, you’ll need a screwdriver, power drill, level and utility knife.
Here’s how to fit an in-the-wall cabinet:
- Step one: Detach the door and put it to one side. Removing the door can make installation easier and protect the mirror if the unit has one.
- Step two: If the cabinet is the same size as the old one, slide it into the existing cavity. For larger cabinets, you may need to increase the drywall opening.
- Step three: Make sure the unit is level and secure it to the drywall studs using a screwdriver.
- Step four: Reattach the door, ensuring it aligns with the body. Add the internal supports, resting the shelves on top.
- Step five: Check the door opens and closes as expected.
Wall-Mounted Medicine Cabinet Installation
While you can use drywall anchors to mount the cabinet, attaching it to at least one stud keeps it secure. Make sure the drywall anchors can handle more than the total weight of the filled cabinet.
Before you start, you need a screwdriver, level, power drill, putty knife and stud finder. Then, follow these steps:
- Step one: Remove the cabinet’s door and shelves. Set them aside.
- Step two: Enlist the help of a friend or family member to hold the cabinet steady. Position the unit against the wall and mark the outline.
- Step three: Locate the studs within the outline using a stud finder or by knocking on the wall. You should hear a solid thud when you hit a stud. Once you find the studs, mark them.
- Step four: Follow the instructions to install any mounting hardware, such as brackets.
- Step five: Use the holes from your old cabinet to attach the new one. If the old holes don’t line up, mark the mounting sites and drill new holes.
- Step six: Reattach the shelves and door. Check the cabinet’s level, fill it up and enjoy your new cabinet!
Transform Your Bathroom With WG Wood Products
The perfect medicine cabinet can revitalize your bathroom and add much-needed storage space. At WG Wood Products, our passion is providing you with beautiful, handcrafted medicine cabinets that complement your home aesthetic. From basic shaker cabinet designs to antique finishes, we offer a variety of products to suit your budget and unique style.
One of our latest innovations is our sliding door cabinets, available in recessed or wall-mounted options. These units are ideal for areas that would benefit from a cabinet but lack the space to open a swinging door.
Each of our U.S.-made products features solid wood, so you know you’re getting the best quality and unmatched durability. Visit us online to browse our extensive selection or request a quote for your own one-of-a-kind custom medicine cabinet.
