We live in a small house with a tiny bathroom so I’m thinking a recessed medicine cabinet is the best bet. What do you think?

I think you’re spot on. A recessed medicine cabinet will give you a few extra inches and in a small bath, that can mean a lot. You’ll have lots of choices, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

A recessed medicine cabinet might seem old school decorating, but they sure come in handy when you don’t have one. I found that out after we remodeled the downstairs bathroom. I got all fancy and bought a Pottery Barn wood and glass cabinet for over the toilet and then found an great old mirror for over the new pedestal sink. It looks great, yes, but you can’t put much stuff in the cabinet without it looking messy. Our mothers and grandmothers were on to something when they added recessed medicine cabinets.

Luckily, you can easily find these same type of cabinets because… well, because people know they work. They have room for lots of the personal grooming and medicines you like to keep handy and hidden.  And like my questioner stated, they can save a lot of room in a small bathroom.

Medicine cabinets haven’t changed that much over the years. Yes, you’ll find a few more designs, but the cabinet is essentially the same as it has been since Grandma’s days. It’ can be made of metal or wood and is recessed into the wall, usually between the studs. This is the one important thing you will have to pay attention to when you’re buying a recessed medicine cabinet. Wall studs are on 16-inch centers, which mean they’re 16-inches apart. The width of most single medicines cabinets are usually 14 to 16-inches so they’ll fit between two studs. If you medicine cabinet is wider or the cabinet doesn’t line up correctly, you’ll have to frame in opening to install the cabinet. If this is a DIY project, you should have some background in construction or else hire a handyman or carpenter to install you new recessed medicine cabinet.

I went browsing at Amazon and come up with the top three best sellers for recessed medicine cabinets. Take a look at the reviews and the comparison chart below to see what each has and what actual buyers have to say about it.

Kohler K-CB-CLC1526FS Single Door Recessed Medicine Cabinet

The consensus is in: reviewers love this Kohler recessed medicine cabinet. There are lots of accolades such as “outstanding,” “great,” and “good-looking,” which is fine. But what you really want to know is that it’s “well-made.” And it is. Part of it is because Kohler just makes quality products you can depend on. As one reviewer said, he already used Kohler products for his kitchen and thought they were great and the bathroom products didn’t disappoint him either.

There’s a lot to like about the Kohler K-CB-CLC1526FS Single Door medicine cabinet. First, it’s size: it’s 15-inches wide by 26-inches high, which means it will fit with standard stud framing (that is if you’re studs align with where it needs to go). It’s a frameless design, so the beveled mirror looks sleek and clean. It’s also adjustable so the door can swing from the left or right. It’s also mirror inside with two adjustable glass shelves.

Reviewers say it’s “perfect in every way.” And who am I to disagree.

The KOHLER K-CB-CLC2026FS is a larger version – and just as loved by reviewers – but at 20-inches wide, you’ll need to do some framing to install this guy.

Kohler Recessed Medicine Cabinet 

Broan-Nutone 629X Single Recessed Medicine Cabinet

If you’re looking for a medicine cabinet that doesn’t look like a cabinet at all, then the Broan-Nutone 629X is the one you want. It’s definitely one of the recessed medicine cabinets, but it sits so close to the wall, you’ll think this is actually just a mirror. It utilizes Eurostyle hinges to get that close fit. The manufacturer calls it one of their “Illusion cabinets,” and that’s probably a good description.

Like the Kohler above, reviewers love this recessed cabinet, too, for its “clean design and installation.”  At 15-inches by 36-inches (it’s tall, too), it fits between standard stud openings. It keeps it’s stealthy look with a touch latch, so no knobs or yanking on the edge needed. It’s also a thin mirror, which has its good and bad points. Most of the reviewers are happy with that, but one did have cracking problems during installation and attributed that to the think mirror.

Reviewers give this recessed medicine cabinet high marks, too, calling it a “good product.”

 Broan-Nutone Recessed Medicine Cabinet 

Nutone 850C Framed Soho Collection Single Recessed Bath Cabinet

While the frameless medicines looks sleek and classic, sometimes you need a little a little more style. This Nutone Frame Soho Collection Single recessed Bath Cabinet has style to spare. The cherry finished frame features Traditional-styled fluted details and corner pieces. Reviewers overwhelming agree this is “a hit.” Many were happy to find a cherry finish cabinet to match their existing vanities and bathroom features – a difficult task at many of the local home centers. They rave about its “nice classic look” and craftsmanship of the cabinet and how it’s add to the beauty of their bathroom remodels.

Like the other two recessed medicine cabinets above, the Nutone fits between standard stud openings with its 14-inches by 24-inches dimensions. Along with its rich wood tones, beveled mirror the cabinet includes adjustable glass shelving.

The Nutone Soho medicine cabinet also comes in a maple finish.

Reviewers are call it a “great buy” and are happy with the design, price and delivery.

Nutone Recessed Bath Cabinet 

Compare Recessed Medicine Cabinets

	Kohler	Broan-Nutone	Nutone
Finish	Frameless	Frameless	Wood - Cherry
Size - overall	15" x 26"	15" x 36"	17-3/16" x 27-7/16"
Size - rough in	14-1/4" x 25-1/4"	14" x 34-1/4"	14" x 24"
Reversible Door	Yes	No	No
Shelves	2	3	3
Price	$107.00	$137.00	$176.25

Don’t forget take advantage Amazon’s FREE Super Shipper Savings  (orders over $25 & some restrictions may apply) when you order any of these recessed medicine cabinets.

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