How to Choose the Right Size for Your Medicine Cabinet with Mirror and Lights

Choosing the right size for a medicine cabinet with mirror and lights can significantly impact both the functionality and the aesthetics of your bathroom. A well-sized medicine cabinet doesn’t just provide much-needed storage; it also complements the design of your space. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve put together a practical guide based on essential factors like vanity width, lighting plans, installation preferences, and design considerations.

1. Base the Size on Vanity Width

The width of your vanity is a key factor in determining the ideal size for your medicine cabinet with mirror and lights. It’s important that the cabinet is proportionate to the vanity for both visual balance and functionality. Here's a helpful guide to recommend the appropriate cabinet width based on your vanity size:

Allsumhome Pro Tip:

The medicine cabinet should generally be at least 1 inches narrower than the vanity. This ensures the cabinet door open freely (at least 90 degrees).

2. Consider Your Lighting Plan

Your choice of lighting impacts the size of your medicine cabinet with mirror and lights. Here’s how your lighting setup can affect cabinet dimensions:

• Wall Sconces: If you’re adding sconces on either side of the cabinet, leave 5–6 inches of space between the cabinet and each sconce. This will ensure proper lighting while maintaining enough clearance for the cabinet to open comfortably.

• Overhead Lighting: If you’re using overhead lighting, you may have more flexibility with a slightly wider medicine cabinet as it won't compete with the sconces.

3. Installation Style

The type of installation affects the overall size and depth of your bathroom medicine cabinet:

• Recessed Cabinets: These can be larger without protruding out from the wall, making them an excellent choice for smaller spaces. However, recessed cabinets require sufficient wall depth and framing.

• Surface-Mount Cabinets: These cabinets sit directly on the wall, so slightly narrower widths are recommended to avoid overwhelming the space with bulkiness.

4. Aesthetics and Symmetry

The visual impact of your medicine cabinet is just as important as its functionality. The placement and style of your cabinet should complement the overall bathroom design:

• Centered Cabinet: A centered medicine cabinet directly above the sink will create a balanced and harmonious look. This is the most common and visually appealing option for most bathrooms.

• Double Vanities: When you have two sinks, consider using two separate cabinets (one above each sink) rather than a single long cabinet. This arrangement helps maintain symmetry and prevents the space from looking too cluttered.

5. Wall Space and Ceiling Height

Ensure there’s sufficient space above and around the medicine cabinet for both functionality and comfort:

• Clearance Above the Faucet: Make sure there is enough room above the faucet and below light fixtures to comfortably install your medicine cabinet with mirror and lights.

• Standard Medicine Cabinet Height: Typically, a medicine cabinet will be between 24–30 inches in height. Make sure your ceiling height can comfortably accommodate this dimension without interfering with other fixtures.

6. Standard Sizes for Medicine Cabinets

While medicine cabinets come in various shapes and sizes, it’s important to choose one that fits your bathroom layout. Standard medicine cabinet sizes typically have heights ranging from 26–36 inches and depths between 4 and 6 inches. You can select the size based on your space and storage requirements.

Need Help Choosing the Perfect Medicine Cabinet?

If you’re still unsure about the best size for your bathroom medicine cabinets, feel free to contact us: sales@exbriteusa.com! 
By sharing your vanity size and lighting setup, we can help you determine the ideal medicine cabinet layout for your bathroom.