Curious if your bathroom’s surface mount medicine cabinet is still a must-have? Whether it was there when you moved in or you added one yourself, you might be questioning its relevance. If you’re thinking about whether to keep it in your next bathroom setup, we’re here to help you out.
This article focuses on the advantages and disadvantages of installing a medicine cabinet with lights. By weighing these factors, you can determine whether this addition is necessary for your bathroom or not.
Key Advantages of Bathroom Medicine Cabinets
Why do many homeowners still prefer installing bathroom medicine cabinets? Let’s explore.
1. Increased Bathroom Value with Built-in Storage
The addition of built-in storage, such as a medicine cabinet, enhances the functionality of the bathroom. Most buyers find homes with designed spaces more attractive. A wood medicine cabinet here helps contribute to this appeal by making the bathroom more organized and efficient. So, whether amid a remodel or planning future upgrades, the value added by a medicine cabinet is a worthwhile consideration.
2. Enhanced Functionality for Everyday Use
A bathroom medicine cabinet with lights is a practical and functional addition to your bathroom space. Installed as a surface mount or recessed feature, these cabinets integrate behind the mirror, offering a concealed storage solution for daily essentials.
From perfumes and lotions to pills and contact cases, a medicine cabinet clears your countertops, providing an organized space for easy accessibility. With the added benefit of shelves within the cabinet, accessing your products becomes a breeze, making it a valuable feature in high-traffic bathrooms. The built-in functionality further contributes to a more usable and convenient bathroom experience.
3. Modern Design Integration
In the age of minimalist interior design with clean lines, bathroom cabinets with lights still hold great value in modern home design. This lasting importance is derived from the practical storage solutions they offer while adapting to contemporary aesthetics.
From a practical perspective, they efficiently store medications, toiletries, and grooming supplies, minimizing clutter on countertops and in drawers. Moreover, they come in a diverse range of styles and designs, including sleek and frameless options or traditional cabinets with decorative frames. These different designs available in plain and wood medicine cabinets help blend the cabinet’s outlook with any modern home design.
4. Versatility in Aesthetics
Bathroom medicine cabinets cater to modern design preferences and offer a versatile range of aesthetics to suit various styles. Whether you prefer a sleek, contemporary look with frameless mirrors or a more traditional design with fancy details, modern surface mount medicine cabinets come in all designs.
The ability to customize these cabinets, choosing between a recessed or surface mount option, allows for seamless integration into the overall design. Material options such as metal, wood, or glass provide further versatility, ensuring your medicine cabinet aligns perfectly with your aesthetic preferences.
5. Seamless Customization for a Polished Look
One notable advantage of wood medicine cabinets is their capacity for seamless customization, enhancing the overall visual appeal of your bathroom. Recessed installations create a sleek and integrated appearance, blending harmoniously with surrounding tiles or wallpaper.
On the other hand, surface-mounted options offer an opportunity to make a bold design statement, allowing you to choose materials that align with your overall bathroom theme. This level of customization ensures that your medicine cabinet serves its practical purpose and contributes to the polished and cohesive look of your bathroom.
6. Dual-Purpose Mirrored Doors for Grooming
The mirrored doors of medicine cabinets serve a dual purpose, catering to storage and grooming needs. Beyond concealing your bathroom essentials, the mirror provides a convenient surface for grooming and makeup application. This dual functionality makes the medicine cabinet an efficient and space-saving choice, especially in smaller bathrooms.
The mirror further adds practical value and contributes to a more streamlined and organized grooming routine. This, as a result, makes such cabinets an indispensable feature for those who value efficiency in their bathroom design.
7. Practicality Over Trends
While contemporary design trends may shift towards alternatives like open shelving or wall-mounted cabinets, the popularity of medicine cabinets lies in their lasting practicality. Visually appealing options may lack the discreet storage and organization that medicine cabinets offer.
For homeowners prioritizing practicality and efficiency in their bathroom design, medicine cabinets with lights remain a popular and timeless choice. Their ability to blend into various design styles while providing unmatched functionality reinforces their status as a staple in well-designed bathrooms.
Drawbacks of Bathroom Medicine Cabinets
Besides the various advantages, bathroom medicine cabinets also come with specific drawbacks, including:
Installation
The installation process poses a significant challenge for bathroom cabinets, especially when it comes to a surface mount medicine cabinet. Installing these cabinets can be a complex task, particularly for individuals lacking experience in electrical wiring or plumbing.
The complexities of securely mounting a medicine cabinet can make it a daunting DIY project. Many homeowners may find themselves in a situation where hiring a professional becomes necessary, adding an extra layer of cost to the overall investment.
Limited Space
Bathroom cabinets also have limited space, especially in most medicine cabinets. These cabinets can be too small to accommodate larger medical equipment such as nebulizers, pain-killing sprays, etc. This limitation can be inconvenient for those requiring larger storage space for their bathroom necessities and medical supplies.
The limited space may lead to an overcrowded surface mount cabinet, making organizing and accessing necessary items difficult. Additionally, the challenge of fitting essential medical equipment into these compact cabinets can compromise the overall functionality and accessibility for those with specific health needs.
Maintenance
Another notable drawback of bathroom cabinets, particularly medicine cabinets, is the regular maintenance they demand. These cabinets require consistent cleaning to prevent dust from being stored, which, if neglected, can lead to the growth of bacteria. This poses health risks and creates an unhygienic environment for storing essential healthcare supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do they still put surface mount medicine cabinets in bathrooms?
Yes, surface mount medicine cabinets are still commonly installed in bathrooms.
What do people use instead of medicine cabinets?
As an alternative to traditional wood medicine cabinets, people often opt for open shelving installed above or below the mirror. These shelves are also often installed within the shower or integrated into the bathroom wall. Such shelves provide a sleek and modern alternative to conventional medicine cabinets, offering accessible storage space for bathroom necessities and grooming essentials.
Should a medicine cabinet be in the bathroom or kitchen?
It’s not advised to keep a medicine cabinet in the kitchen or bathroom because the temperature and humidity in these areas can change. The ideal location for a surface mount medicine cabinet is somewhere cool, dry, and dark. This prevents changes to the characteristics and properties of medicines inside the cabinet, ensuring they remain effective and safe.
