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Because your 12-step skin routine doesn't need to take over your bathroom countertop.

Published on June 13, 2025

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Better Homes & Gardens

Your bathroom should feel just as polished and put-together as the rest of your home—a calming, organized space that functions as beautifully as it looks. While there are several storage options out there, a well-designed cabinet can streamline your routine, eliminate countertop clutter, and make even the most manic Monday mornings feel a little more manageable.

“I always recommend installing a recessed medicine cabinet if the existing conditions allow,” says Emily Hodge, a full-service interior designer at Emily Hodge Design. “Vendors have done a beautiful job of framing medicine cabinets to look like mirrors, so it’s almost like a hidden feature now. That said, this is not a DIY project—it often requires framing, drywalling, and even electrical work.”

With so many designs out there, choosing the right medicine cabinet isn’t just about looks—it’s about making your space work smarter. To help, we researched a variety of picks and evaluated each option on their material, size, mount type, and number of shelves. We also consulted Hodge on what to look for when shopping for a medicine cabinet.

What We Researched

To find the best medicine cabinets, we evaluated over 30 options from trusted retailers and brands, comparing specs, materials, and customer reviews. We focused on four key factors that impact both style and functionality: material, size, number of shelves, and mount type. Additionally, we consulted interior designer Emily Hodge to gain expert insights on what makes a medicine cabinet both stylish and practical.

Our Top Picks

Why You Should Get It

  • The cabinet features three adjustable shelves, so you can install them however you see fit.

Keep in Mind

  • Professional installation is recommended, which makes for an additional cost.

When it comes to functionality and style, the Kohler Beveled Medicine Cabinet stands out as a great choice for any bathroom. Its sleek mirrored doors offer a polished and sophisticated look. Plus, this cabinet features three adjustable shelves, giving you the flexibility to organize toiletries and skincare products with ease.

The soft-close hinges prevent the doors from loudly slamming shut while also helping to protect the cabinet. Plus, it’s a great feature to have if you’re living in a space with others. 

We also like that this medicine cabinet can be recessed or surface-mounted, allowing you to choose which style suits your space. However, keep in mind that professional installation is recommended, which makes for an additional cost. 

Product Details: Material: Aluminum and tempered glass | Size: From 15 x 26 in. | Number of Shelves: 3 | Mount Type: Recessed or surface

Key Terms to Know

  • Recessed Mount: This style is installed directly into the wall, so the cabinet sits flush with the surface. It creates a built-in look and saves space, but typically requires cutting into drywall and navigating around electrical wires.
  • Surface Mount: This type of medicine cabinet is hung directly onto a wall, similar to how you’d hang a picture. It does protrude slightly into the room, but is ideal for renters or for quick, easy upgrades. 
  • Frameless: Framed medicine cabinets feature an edge-to-edge mirror with no border, giving them a sleek, modern look often seen in modern bathrooms and spas. 
  • Framed: Framed cabinets have a visible trim around the mirror, often made of metal or wood, which you can coordinate with faucets, hardware, and other finishes for a cohesive look.

Why You Should Get It

  • The cabinet features both internal and external shelves, so you can add decorative accents.

Keep in Mind

  • It’s made of medium-density fiberboard, which is not as durable as real wood.

The ChooChoo Bathroom Wall Cabinet is a great way to add storage to your bathroom on a budget. The cabinet is made of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and is offered in several finishes: walnut, black, cream yellow, gray, and white.

This cabinet’s sleek design includes a mirrored door that opens to reveal an adjustable shelf. The internal shelf is perfect for stashing everyday essentials while a few external shelves give you the option to display a few decorative items according to your style. 

Some assembly is required but each part is clearly labeled, making it easier to put together the unit. While MDF is not as durable as real wood, this option is under $100 and offers great storage and style for your space. 

Product Details: Material: Engineered wood | Size: 21.6 x 6.3 x 24 in. | Number of Shelves: 5 | Mount Type: Surface

Why You Should Get It

  • The cabinet features a digital clock, adjustable color temperature, built-in defogger, and dual-USB outlets.

Keep in Mind

  • This cabinet isn’t meant to be your bathroom’s primary lighting source.

Although it’s an investment, the Blossom LED Mirror Medicine Cabinet delivers on both form and function. The cabinet includes several features that other cabinets don’t have, like a digital clock and built-in lighting. 

This cabinet’s LED lighting system offers adjustable brightness and color temperature, so you can set the right lighting for makeup, shaving, or winding down. There’s also an integrated magnifying mirror, which is great for applying makeup and other self-care needs. 

The cabinet’s door features an interior lighting that’s triggered by a door sensor, so you don’t have to worry about turning off the light each time you need to grab something. There’s also a one-touch defogger, which is ideal if you want to use the cabinet’s mirror post-shower. 

Inside, three adjustable tempered-glass shelves give you flexible storage, while dual outlets and USB ports let you charge your toothbrush, shaver, or even your phone—so you can stream tutorials on TikTok without draining your battery. 

The anodized aluminum frame is corrosion- and scratch-resistant, and soft-close hinges make operation smooth and quiet. A digital clock and temperature display dim automatically at night, and the mirrored interior and exterior add a sleek, spa-worthy finish.

Product Details: Material: Aluminum | Size: 5 x 24 x 32 in. | Number of Shelves: 4 | Mount Type: Recessed or surface

Why You Should Get It

  • It features a reversible door swing and can be surface-mounted or recessed, making it both renter- and remodel-friendly.

Keep in Mind

  •  It only includes one full shelf, though a half-shelf accessory helps maximize space.

The Kohler Verdera stands out for its elegant silhouette and polished finish that brings a modern, architectural feel to any bathroom. Designed for flexibility, it can be installed with a left- or right-hand door swing and mounted on the surface or recessed into the wall. 

We like that the mirror is available in four colors (brushed nickel, matte black, brushed gold, and polished chrome), so you can choose which suits your bathroom best. 

Inside, a mirrored door and back panel improve visibility, and the adjustable tempered-glass shelf plus half-shelf accessory offer smart storage for everyday essentials. Though there’s less storage space than other medicine cabinets on our list, we think the stylish look and multiple mirrors make it worth considering. 

Product Details: Material: Aluminum | Size: 24 in. | Number of Shelves: 1 adjustable tempered glass and 1 half-shelf accessory | Mount Type: Surface

Why You Should Get It

  • Sleek, mirrored surfaces and smart interior storage give this cabinet a built-in, designer look.

Keep in Mind

  • It weighs 25 pounds, which could be difficult for some shoppers to install themselves.

The Kohler Beveled Medicine Cabinet stands out as our favorite recessed option thanks to its elegant, space-saving design and functional storage. The cabinet is crafted from durable anodized aluminum with a rust- and chip-resistant finish and features a beveled edge that offers timeless sophistication to your bathroom.

Inside, you'll find two adjustable tempered-glass shelves and a mirrored back wall. We like that the cabinet features two-way adjustable hinges that can be installed with a left- or right-hand swing. The door opens 108 degrees, making it easy to access your items. Plus, it includes a side mirror kit for surface mounting if you prefer that option.

If you need more storage and have the wall space for it, you can buy two cabinets and install one with the door opening to the left and one with the door opening to the right, creating a larger setup with more space. Just note that each cabinet weighs 25 pounds, so some people may need additional help with installation.

Product Details: Material: Aluminum and tempered glass | Size: 20 x 5 x 26 in. | Number of Shelves: 2 | Mount Type: Recessed

Why You Should Get It

  • Built-in motion sensor lighting adds a smart, modern touch.

Keep in Mind

  • It’s offered in two color options, which is fewer than some other styles.

If you prefer the look of a mirrorless bathroom cabinet, we recommend the HAIOOU Bathroom Wall Cabinet. This mirrorless design blends smart technology with a minimal design that offers great storage. 

The standout feature in this option is the built-in motion sensor that activates a warm LED light for 20 seconds whenever you open the cabinet doors. It’s perfect for those who need a little extra light to help locate items toward the back or for late-night trips to the bathroom. 

Beyond its high-tech lighting, this cabinet also maximizes both style and function. Made from durable engineered wood with soft-close doors, it fits seamlessly into a wide range of bathroom designs, like contemporary and minimalistic. Just note that it’s only offered in two colors, which is fewer than some other options on our list. 

Inside the cabinet, two adjustable shelves provide plenty of space to organize your toiletries, medications, and beauty products. The open bottom shelf offers a stylish spot to store decorative items like folded towels, candles, or a small plant, adding a personal touch to your bathroom decor.

Product Details: Material: Engineered wood | Size: 24 x 8 x 30 in. | Number of Shelves: 4 | Mount Type: Surface

The Bottom Line

Overall, our favorite bathroom cabinet is the Kohler Beveled Medicine Cabinet. In addition to three adjustable shelves, the cabinet features mirrored doors and soft-close hinges.  

What to Know About Medicine Cabinets Before Shopping

Material 

Medicine cabinets come in a variety of materials, each offering a different aesthetic and durability level. Common options include stainless steel, wood, and polished nickel.

Stainless steel is sleek and modern, while wood offers a rustic feel. While shopping, you’ll want to consider both your preferred style as well as how well certain materials will hold up in your bathroom over time. 

“Polished nickel is my favorite bathroom finish,” says Hodge. “It’s a living metal, meaning it will patina, but you can clean it up with silver polish if you care to keep it nice and shiny.”

Size

Medicine cabinets come in a range of sizes to fit both compact and expansive spaces. When choosing a size, think about the height and width of your wall, and make sure the cabinet won’t overwhelm or underwhelm the space. While shopping, you’ll also want to consider how much storage you need. Some options are compact, while others offer more storage space with adjustable shelves. 

Hodge recommends considering placement carefully. “The most common issue is that the medicine cabinet is not set high enough for the door swing to clear the faucet,” she says. “Every faucet has a different height, so make sure to check that prior to framing.”

Number of Shelves 

The number of shelves inside a medicine cabinet can make a big difference in terms of organization. Adjustable shelves allow you to customize the storage space based on the size of your products, from small bottles to larger jars. Fixed shelves can be a good choice for a sleek look, but adjustable options offer more flexibility in the long run.

Our best overall option, the Kohler Beveled Medicine Cabinet, offers adjustable shelves, so you can set them however you see fit. 

Mount Type 

Medicine cabinets come in two main types: recessed and surface-mounted. 

  • Recessed cabinets are installed inside the wall, offering a streamlined, integrated look. They're a great option for those who want to save counter space. However, they require more installation work and may not be an option for renters. 
  • Surface-mounted cabinets are easier to install and can be a great choice for those looking for a simpler solution. This type of medicine cabinet hangs as easily as a picture frame, but can be just as stylish and functional—offering a fast track to a clutter-free counter without a huge commitment.

Your Questions, Answered

Can you install a medicine cabinet yourself?

While it's possible to install a surface-mounted medicine cabinet yourself if you're handy, installing a recessed cabinet is best left to professionals. Recessed installations often require adjustments to framing, drywalling, and sometimes even electrical work—tasks that require a skilled hand. If you're unsure, it's always best to consult a professional to ensure the installation is done safely and effectively.

Who We Are

Belle DuChene is a writer for Better Homes & Gardens and specializes in home and lifestyle product shopping. With expertise in textiles, kitchen appliances, and gift guides, she also appears in Better Homes & Gardens home and garden videos. 

To make this list, she considered each pick’s material, size, number of shelves, and type of mount for 30 of the best medicine cabinets according to reviews online. She also consulted Emily Hodge, a full-service interior designer at Emily Hodge Design.