1. Recessed or semi-recessed medicine cabinets boast a very clean
look, but often take a little more planning and time to install. On the
other hand, a surface-mounted medicine cabinet is an easy project if
put on a flat wall. It simply needs to be secured to the wall studs.
2. The first step toward installing recessed or semi-recessed medicine cabinets
is to find your wall studs. Some may have to be removed in order to
make the project work, and a 2 x 4 may have to be put between the studs
to add support. But don't make the space in the wall bigger until
you've located the studs and come up with your next step.
3. You can have a mirror on the outside of the medicine
cabinet door, on the back of the cabinet's interior, or on both the
inside and outside of the cabinet door (so you can see your reflection
when the door is open). Either style of medicine cabinet can offer
different options.
4. Many medicine cabinets offer the option of reversible
mounting. This means the hinges can be mounted on either side, and the
door could open either way - great news for left-handers.
5. A smaller cabinet can always be replaced by a larger one. A recessed medicine cabinet can even be replaced by a surface-mounted model, if you fill the holes with insulation, and replace the drywall and wall studs.
6. You can add more mirror to your cabinet without having to
upgrade the cabinet itself. Double-mirrored doors, triple doors,
swing-out magnifying mirrors and sliding doors can add to your bath's
look. Heated mirrors can give you a "de-frost" effect, offering a clear
reflection even in the post-shower steam. Slim cabinets on either side
of a mirror can give the opposite effect - adding more storage without
having to get more mirror.
7. If you're looking to change or update your medicine cabinet, it's
a great time to update your accessories as well. Soap dishes,
toothbrush holders, even new towel racks, can help bring a bathroom
back to life. New drawer or cabinet handles can match your new vanity
and jump aboard the bandwagon as well.
8. Take a hard look at what's in and around your medicine cabinet,
at the edge of your bathtub, cluttering your countertop, and in your
shower. Do you need all of this? If you're looking at changing your
bathroom, eliminating the clutter puts you on the right road without
spending a dime. If you're going to get a new medicine cabinet, you'll
want to keep it looking great.
9. If you're looking at a new medicine cabinet, what about two?
They're stylish enough to add to the overall look of the bathroom,
while also clearing up the clutter you never see in the style
magazines. An extra mirror adds to the room's appeal, and the
toothbrushes and nail clippers are safely hidden away.
10. Whenever you're in front of your medicine-cabinet mirror, take a
quick swab at it with a dry towel. Mirrors are surprisingly easy to
keep polished if periodically buffed with a hand towel. It's a 2-second
aside that could easily become a habit - and your mirror will shine.
