Which surface mount medicine cabinet is best?
Not only does a medicine cabinet provide a safe place to keep medicines and first aid supplies, but it is also handy for all the small items that need to be close at hand yet out of sight or away from small children. Medicine cabinets are ideal for storing makeup or toiletries and often contain lamps or mirrors.
Medicine cabinets come in a variety of sizes and styles. A surface-mounted cabinet is easy to install and can easily be retrofitted to bathrooms, powder rooms or downstairs toilets. The Fine Fixtures Bathroom Medicine Cabinet is an excellent choice with double mirror doors and integrated LED lighting. It is available in two sizes and has three adjustable tempered glass shelves.
What to Know Before Buying a Surface Mount Medicine Cabinet
Place
First, decide where you want to install your medicine cabinet. Above the sink in bathrooms and laundry rooms is the most common place. However, due to the variety of designs and materials available today, a medicine cabinet can easily be used elsewhere in the home.
Mate
Once you have chosen a location for your medicine cabinet, you can determine the size. Cabinets designed to be mounted over a sink are usually quite shallow and comparable in size to a vanity mirror. Alternatively, corner or floor-to-ceiling cabinets generally offer much greater capacity.
Doors
Medicine cabinets can have one, two or three doors. Mirrored doors are the best choice for cabinets mounted over a sink, while solid doors, paneled or glass doors may work better in other locations. Since unobstructed access to your medicine cabinet is critical in an emergency, it is not recommended to lock doors.
What should you look for in a high-quality surface-mount medicine cabinet?
Lights
Some medicine cabinets are available with built-in lighting. Mirrored cabinets can be illuminated or have an illuminated edge, while other designs include spotlights, LED panels or downlights that can be adjusted in shade and intensity.
Planks
The depth and number of shelves is another important factor when choosing a medicine cabinet. Compact cabinets may have only one or two narrow shelves, which limits functionality. Look for a cabinet with adjustable and removable shelves, as this allows them to be positioned at the ideal height or removed completely to accept larger items such as shampoo bottles.
Optional extras
Many cabinets can be upgraded with additional features, such as dimmable or multicolored lamps, touchless controls, and Bluetooth speakers. Some can even be controlled via your mobile phone. However, many of these features require the cabinet to be permanently connected to your home’s electrical system, which may make installation more challenging.
How Much You Can Expect to Spend on a Surface Mount Medicine Cabinet?
Basic medicine cabinets with a solid door can be found for as little as $50. For a model with a mirrored door for use in a bathroom, expect to pay up to $300. A high-quality cabinet with dimmable lighting and touchless controls can easily cost over $1,000.
Surface Mount Medicine Cabinet FAQ
Is a surface mount medicine cabinet difficult to install?
A. This depends on the type of cabinet and the location. Most cabinets can be installed with two or four fasteners. However, bathrooms often have tiled walls, so a special drill is needed for this. If the cabinet has lighting or other electronic facilities, a power supply must also be connected, which may require professional installation.
At what height should a medicine cabinet be mounted?
A. As a rule of thumb, cabinets above a bathroom sink should be installed 72 inches from the floor. Elsewhere in the house it is a matter of personal choice. If you have small children, it should ideally be installed out of their reach.
Can a surface mount medicine cabinet be built into the wall?
A. Many medicine cabinets can be mounted both recessed and surface-mounted. The main difference is that built-in options have unfinished sides, which can look unsightly when mounted on the surface. Before installation, make sure that the door is not obstructed in any way and can open fully.
What is the best surface mount medicine cabinet to buy?
Top surface mounted medicine cabinet
Fine Fixtures Bathroom Medicine Cabinet
What you need to know: This cabinet is made of moisture-resistant aluminum and has double mirror doors with built-in LED lighting.
What you will like: It is available in two sizes and has three removable glass shelves and an interior light.
What to think about: The lights are not adjustable and may be too dim for some.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top mount medicine cabinet for the money
Pegasus silver medicine cabinet
What you need to know: This versatile cabinet can be surface-mounted or built-in. It has a mirrored front door†
What you will like: With a depth of 5 inches, it is suitable for use over a bathroom sink. It has adjustable shelves and a soft close door.
What to think about: This model has no lighting.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
Worth watching
Design House Richland Cabinet
What you need to know: Available in different sizes, this modern cabinet is made of oak wood with a waterproof sealant.
What you will like: It has three mirrored doors surmounted by a row of six lights. It has two full length shelves inside.
What to think about: The shelves cannot be removed or adjusted in height.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
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Chris Gillespie writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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