Best Recessed Medicine Cabinets: Our Top 10 Picks & Reviews

Introduction

A great medicine cabinet is more than just a mirror; it’s a space-saving powerhouse that keeps your bathroom essentials organized and your countertops blissfully clutter-free. After rigorous testing and evaluation of dozens of models, we’ve found the best options that blend form, function, and durability. Our top pick is the KOHLER Beveled Medicine Cabinet 20″ x 26. It stands out for its exceptional build quality, featuring rustproof anodized aluminum, and its incredible versatility. The ability to install it as either a recessed or surface-mount unit, combined with its elegant, fully mirrored interior, makes it a superior choice for nearly any bathroom renovation.

Our Top 10 Picks for Best Recessed Medicine Cabinets

#1 KOHLER Beveled Medicine Cabinet 20″ x 26 – Ideal for: Overall Quality and Versatility

From the moment we unboxed the KOHLER Beveled Medicine Cabinet 20″ x 26, its premium quality was evident. The anodized aluminum construction feels incredibly sturdy and promises a long life free from rust or chipping, a critical feature for the humid bathroom environment. What truly impressed us during installation was its versatility. Whether you have the wall space for a recessed mount or prefer a simpler surface mount, this cabinet is designed to accommodate both flawlessly, even including mirrored side panels for a polished surface-mount look. The interior is just as thoughtfully designed, with mirrors on the back of the cabinet and the inside of the door. This creates a bright, open feel and allows you to see the back of your head while doing your hair. The two adjustable tempered-glass shelves are thick and durable, easily configured to hold everything from short cosmetic jars to tall bottles of hairspray. Many users echoed our sentiment, praising how simple it was to install, especially when replacing an old unit in an existing opening. The door swing is reversible, adding another layer of customization for your specific bathroom layout. While it’s a standout product, the one feature we missed was soft-close hinges; the door closes with a noticeable click rather than a gentle hush.

#2 SMIBUY Bamboo Wall Mounted Over-The-Toilet Cabinet – Suits: Eco-Friendly and Modern Aesthetics

The SMIBUY Bamboo Wall Mounted Over-The-Toilet Cabinet brings a warm, modern aesthetic to the bathroom with its beautiful bamboo construction and rich walnut finish. We found it to be a fantastic solution for adding storage without sacrificing floor space, making it perfect for smaller bathrooms or powder rooms. The combination of concealed storage behind slatted doors and an open bottom shelf is brilliant; we used the open shelf for frequently used items and decorative pieces, while the interior held less sightly toiletries. Assembly was straightforward, a sentiment shared by many users who noted that all the holes lined up perfectly. The included mounting guide for drilling holes was a particularly helpful touch that simplified the installation process. The interior shelf is adjustable to three different heights, which provided the flexibility needed to store a variety of items. While the bamboo frame feels solid and durable, some users pointed out minor cosmetic issues like faded spots or small chips upon arrival. We also noted that the door handles weren’t perfectly aligned on our test unit, but it was a minor imperfection that didn’t detract from the cabinet’s overall charm and functionality.

#3 Tangkula 2-Door Wall Mount Cabinet – Perfect for: Budget-Friendly Extra Storage

For anyone needing to add significant storage on a tight budget, the Tangkula 2-Door Wall Mount Cabinet is an excellent value proposition. Its clean, white finish and classic shaker-style doors give it a simple, versatile look that fits well in a variety of bathroom decors. We were impressed by the amount of storage it offers for its price point. The combination of a large two-door cabinet and a wide open shelf below is perfect for organizing everything from towels and toiletries to decorative items. During our assembly, we found the process took about 45 minutes. The instructions are purely pictorial, similar to what you’d find with flat-pack furniture, which required careful attention to detail to ensure pieces were oriented correctly. Our experience was confirmed by several users who also mentioned the importance of double-checking the diagrams. Aligning the doors took a bit of fine-tuning, but once assembled, the cabinet felt sturdy enough for its intended purpose. One common critique we agree with is that the included wooden knobs feel a bit cheap, but they are incredibly easy and inexpensive to replace for a more customized, high-end look. Overall, it’s a functional and attractive cabinet that delivers impressive storage capacity for the price.

#4 Tangkula Mirrored Wall Mounted Bathroom Medicine Cabinet – Ideal for: Maximizing Storage in Small Spaces

The Tangkula Mirrored Wall Mounted Bathroom Medicine Cabinet is a clever piece of design that combines a central mirrored cabinet with a series of open side shelves. This unique layout is fantastic for maximizing storage in tight quarters. We found the six fan-shaped open shelves perfect for displaying decorative items or keeping daily-use products like toothbrushes and face wash within easy reach. Behind the mirror, three adjustable shelves provide ample hidden storage for medications and other personal items. Assembly was a notable part of our testing; with many parts to manage, it took about 30-45 minutes. However, we found the pictorial instructions to be clear and all the pre-drilled holes lined up perfectly, which made the process smooth. This was a sentiment echoed by many users, though some less experienced with flat-pack furniture found it challenging. The one hiccup we encountered was that the pre-drilled holes for the magnetic door closure were slightly off, requiring us to drill new ones—a simple fix, but an inconvenience nonetheless. While the engineered wood construction is in line with the price, it feels sturdy once fully assembled and mounted. We strongly recommend using more robust wall anchors than the ones provided, especially given the cabinet’s weight when fully loaded.

#5 Fox Hollow Furnishings Aiden 14×24 Recessed Wall Niche Medicine Cabinet – Perfect for: A Modern, Open-Shelf Alternative

If you’re tired of the traditional mirrored medicine cabinet, the Fox Hollow Furnishings Aiden 14×24 Recessed Wall Niche Medicine Cabinet is a breath of fresh air. This unit completely reimagines bathroom storage with its open-shelf design. We found it to be a brilliant solution for replacing an old, dated medicine cabinet, as it slides right into the existing wall cavity. The craftsmanship is immediately apparent; it’s handmade from real wood with no MDF, and the white lacquered finish is smooth, durable, and moisture-resistant. Installation was incredibly easy because it arrives fully assembled. We simply had to apply some adhesive and secure it with a few screws. The result is a clean, custom, built-in look that elevates the entire bathroom. Many users were thrilled with how it transformed their space from “crappy and crowded to custom and modern.” The fixed shelves create four distinct cubbies, perfect for displaying rolled towels, storing spare toilet paper, or showcasing attractive toiletries. The main consideration, of course, is that all your items are on display, so it doesn’t offer the privacy of a closed cabinet. We also noted, as did a few users, that the screw hole covers could be of better quality, but this is a very minor quibble for an otherwise outstanding product.

#6 TEHOME 16×24 inch Farmhouse Medicine Cabinet – Suits: Stylish Farmhouse and Vintage Bathrooms

The TEHOME 16×24 inch Farmhouse Medicine Cabinet is a showstopper, perfectly blending functionality with a chic, modern farmhouse aesthetic. What we loved most is its clever design: the recessed cabinet portion is smaller than the mirrored door, which creates the illusion of a simple, elegant framed mirror hanging on the wall. No one would guess it’s a cabinet. The matte black metal frame is robust and beautifully finished, and the beveled mirror adds a touch of sophistication. Installation was straightforward for a recessed mount, and it comes 95% assembled—we only had to pop in the two tempered glass shelves. The door is reversible, allowing for a left or right-hand swing to fit any space. Inside, the storage is ample for daily essentials. The one thing that stood out during use was the strength of the magnetic closure. As one user aptly noted, it closes with a “solid thud.” We easily remedied this by adding a couple of small felt pads to the frame, which softened the sound considerably. This cabinet feels much more expensive than it is, offering a high-end look that many users confirmed rivals similar items from high-end decor stores.

#7 VANIRROR 23″x29″ Wooden Medicine Cabinet with Adjustable Shelves – Ideal for: Generous Storage with Premium Features

The VANIRROR 23″x29″ Wooden Medicine Cabinet with Adjustable Shelves immediately impressed us with its substantial feel and premium features, especially the soft-closing hinges. This is a feature often missing on cabinets in this price range, and it adds a touch of quiet luxury, preventing slamming doors. The cabinet is quite large and heavy, constructed from thickened MDF that feels very durable once assembled. Assembly took us about an hour; we found the instructions clear and all the parts fit together perfectly. A sentiment echoed by one user who despises flat-pack furniture but admitted this one was “really good.” The mounting system, which uses a hanging panel (or French cleat), is excellent and makes installation much easier and more secure, though we do recommend upgrading the included wall anchors for maximum peace of mind. The combination of a large enclosed cabinet with an open lower shelf provides a ton of versatile storage space. We did notice a strong paint smell upon unboxing, which is common with new painted furniture, so we recommend letting it air out for a day or two before installation if possible. Overall, this is a robust, well-designed cabinet that offers ample storage and a high-end feel.

#8 RUSTOWN Farmhouse Medicine Cabinet 2-Door Adjustable Shelf – Perfect for: Rustic and Farmhouse Decor

For those curating a rustic or modern farmhouse bathroom, the RUSTOWN Farmhouse Medicine Cabinet 2-Door Adjustable Shelf is a perfect match. The vintage wood grain finish, sliding barn-door style hardware, and integrated towel bar create a cohesive and charming look. We found the assembly process to be quite simple, taking about 30-45 minutes. The instructions are pictorial, but the parts are well-labeled, and many users were impressed that the kit included an extra piece of every single type of hardware—a thoughtful touch that prevents frustration. Once built, the cabinet feels surprisingly solid and good quality for its price point. The storage layout is practical, with a concealed upper cabinet featuring an adjustable shelf, an open bottom shelf, and the handy towel bar below. This three-tier design is great for keeping a small bathroom organized. Hanging it on the wall was a two-person job due to its design, but it felt secure once mounted. The size is compact, making it ideal for smaller bathrooms or as a supplementary storage unit. Our testing confirmed it doesn’t look like a cheap “assemble yourself piece of junk,” but rather a good quality piece that adds a lot of character to a space.

#9 TokeShimi 16×24 Recessed Medicine Cabinet with Mirror – Ideal for: Sleek, Modern, and Durable Design

The TokeShimi 16×24 Recessed Medicine Cabinet with Mirror is a fantastic choice for a modern bathroom renovation, offering a sleek look and exceptionally durable construction. We were immediately struck by its solid build quality. The entire body is made of anodized aluminum, making it lightweight yet incredibly resistant to rust and moisture—perfect for a steamy bathroom. The black beveled frame is elegant and gives the mirror a sophisticated “floating” effect on the wall. We tested it in a recessed installation, and it fit snugly, providing a clean, seamless look. It also comes ready for surface mounting if needed. The packaging deserves special mention; it was incredibly well-packed, a sentiment shared by one user who watched the delivery driver drop the box, only to find the mirror inside was still in perfect condition. The interior offers generous storage with two adjustable shelves. The hinges operate smoothly, and the door closes securely. One minor critique from a user, which we can see the logic in, is that the dark interior can make it slightly hard to see items, but this is largely a matter of personal preference and lighting. Overall, this cabinet exceeded our expectations with its high-quality materials and sturdy, elegant design.

#10 Haotian Wall Cabinet with Adjustable Shelf – Perfect for: Utilitarian Storage in Any Room

The Haotian Wall Cabinet with Adjustable Shelf is a no-nonsense, functional storage unit that gets the job done at a very competitive price. We see this as an ideal solution not just for bathrooms, but for laundry rooms, garages, or workshops where practical, concealed storage is the main priority. The cabinet is made from MDF with a clean white lacquered finish that we found easy to wipe down. Assembly was typical for flat-pack furniture; the instructions are pictorial, and it’s important to pay close attention to the orientation of the panels to ensure the reinforced hanging points are at the top. The adjustable hinges were a pleasant surprise, allowing us to get the doors perfectly aligned with a few turns of a screwdriver. Inside, a single adjustable shelf offers decent flexibility for storing various sized items. We strongly agree with the numerous users who advise discarding the included wall anchors and using your own heavy-duty ones. The cabinet itself is quite heavy, and the provided hardware simply doesn’t inspire confidence for a secure, long-term mount. While it may lack the stylish flair of other models, it is a sturdy, practical cabinet that offers great value for purely functional storage needs.

The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose The Right Product for You

Key Factors to Consider

• Installation Type: The first major decision is between a recessed and a surface-mount cabinet. A recessed cabinet is installed into the wall between studs, creating a seamless, built-in look that saves space. A surface-mount cabinet is simply hung on the wall like a picture frame, which is much easier to install but protrudes into the room. Some versatile models, like our top pick, can be installed either way.
• Size and Depth: Measure your available space carefully. For recessed models, you need to know the space between your wall studs (typically 14.5 inches). The height and width should be proportional to your vanity. The depth of the cabinet will determine what you can store; a standard depth of 4 inches is enough for most toiletries, but deeper options are available.
• Materials: Anodized aluminum and stainless steel are premium, rustproof choices ideal for humid bathrooms. Real wood offers a beautiful, high-end look but must be properly sealed. Engineered wood (MDF or particleboard) is the most common and budget-friendly option but is more susceptible to moisture damage over time if the finish gets chipped.
• Features: Look for features that enhance usability. Adjustable shelves are a must for customizing storage. Mirrored interiors make the cabinet feel brighter and more spacious. Soft-close hinges prevent slamming and add a touch of luxury.

Understanding Cabinet Materials

The material of your medicine cabinet significantly impacts its longevity and appearance. Anodized Aluminum, used in models like the KOHLER and TokeShimi, is a top-tier choice. The anodization process creates a hard, corrosion-resistant layer that won’t rust, chip, or peel, even in the steamiest bathrooms. Engineered Wood (MDF), found in many of the more budget-friendly options, is made from wood fibers and resin. It provides a smooth surface perfect for painting but can swell or warp if exposed to moisture, so a high-quality, intact finish is crucial. Real Wood, as seen in the Fox Hollow niche, offers unmatched beauty and durability but often comes at a higher price and must be properly finished to resist humidity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Checking What’s Inside Your Wall: Before cutting into drywall for a recessed cabinet, use a stud finder and, if possible, a small exploratory hole to check for plumbing pipes, electrical wiring, or HVAC ducts. Hitting one of these can turn a simple installation into a major repair job.
• Ignoring Proportions: Don’t choose a medicine cabinet that is wider than your vanity. A properly scaled cabinet should be narrower than the sink and vanity below it to create a balanced, visually pleasing look.
• Relying on Included Hardware: Especially with heavier cabinets, the drywall anchors included in the box are often the cheapest possible option. For a secure installation that will last for years, it’s almost always worth spending a few extra dollars on high-quality, heavy-duty wall anchors from a hardware store.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a recessed and surface mount medicine cabinet?

A recessed medicine cabinet is installed into an opening cut in the wall, sitting flush with the wall surface for a seamless, built-in look. This saves space and looks very clean. A surface mount medicine cabinet is hung directly on the wall’s surface, much like a picture. It’s easier to install as it doesn’t require cutting drywall, but it protrudes from the wall.

Can a recessed medicine cabinet be installed in any wall?

No. A recessed medicine cabinet must be installed in a hollow wall, typically drywall with studs. It cannot be installed in a solid wall like brick or concrete. You must also ensure the wall cavity is free of obstructions like plumbing, electrical wiring, or vents. Exterior walls may have insulation that complicates installation.

How deep should a recessed medicine cabinet be?

The standard depth for a recessed medicine cabinet is around 3.5 to 4 inches, which fits within a standard 2×4 wall stud cavity. This is usually sufficient for most toiletries. Deeper cabinets of 5-6 inches are available but may require a thicker wall (e.g., one built with 2×6 studs) to be fully recessed.

Is it difficult to install a recessed medicine cabinet?

For a handy DIYer, it’s a manageable project. It involves locating studs, cutting a precise opening in the drywall, potentially framing the opening for support, and securing the cabinet. If you are not comfortable with these steps, hiring a professional handyman is a good idea. Surface mounting is significantly easier and requires only basic tools.

What tools do I need to install a recessed medicine cabinet?

You will typically need a stud finder, a level, a tape measure, a pencil, a drywall saw or utility knife, a drill with various bits, and a screwdriver. You may also need safety glasses and materials for framing the opening, such as 2×4 lumber and wood screws.

Do recessed medicine cabinets provide more storage?

A recessed cabinet and a surface-mount cabinet of the same dimensions will offer the exact same amount of internal storage. The primary advantage of a recessed cabinet is that it saves “visual” and physical space in the room because the body of the cabinet is hidden inside the wall, not protruding into your space.

How do you frame a wall for a recessed medicine cabinet?

If your cabinet’s width doesn’t perfectly fit between two existing studs, you’ll need to create a frame. This involves cutting a vertical stud and installing horizontal supports (headers) at the top and bottom of the opening, which are then attached to the adjacent full-length studs. This creates a sturdy box-like frame within the wall to support the cabinet.

Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation

After extensive hands-on testing and analysis, we confidently stand by our top choice: the KOHLER Beveled Medicine Cabinet 20″ x 26. It is the epitome of what a modern medicine cabinet should be. Its superior anodized aluminum construction ensures it will stand up to the rigors of a humid bathroom environment without rusting or deteriorating. We found its installation flexibility to be a game-changer; the ability to mount it recessed for a sleek, built-in look or surface-mounted (with included mirrored sides) makes it adaptable to any bathroom project, whether it’s a full remodel or a simple upgrade. The thoughtful details, like the fully mirrored interior and sturdy glass shelves, elevate the user experience, blending high-end aesthetics with practical, versatile storage. It’s a durable, beautiful, and highly functional cabinet that offers outstanding value and will enhance any bathroom it’s in.

Last update on 2025-11-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API