DIY Medicine Cabinets: 5 Easy Ideas: Small-space, budget-friendly DIY medicine cabinet ideas from a pro designer

I once built a medicine cabinet with mirrored doors that my client requested to open to the left — only to find the towel rail would block the hinge. I learned the hard way that tight bathrooms punish assumptions, but they also spark clever solutions. If you want a compact, smart storage spot, consider a custom recessed cabinet that tucks into the wall and frees up visual space.

1. Floating mirrored cabinet for a modern feel

I like floating mirrored cabinets because they read light and depth into tiny bathrooms. They’re quick to DIY with a shallow box, mirror door, and soft-close hinges; the trade-off is limited shelf depth, so good organization is essential.

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2. Recessed cabinet with adjustable shelves

Recessed units feel built-in and keep counters clutter-free. They require some wall work and checking for plumbing or studs, but once framed they offer deep, hidden storage and a sleek profile — perfect when you want a polished look without bulky furniture.

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3. Open shelving plus small cabinet for staged storage

Pairing a narrow closed medicine cabinet with open shelves gives you the best of both worlds: concealed meds and displayed beauty items. If you’re planning layouts, I often suggest people visualize different layouts first so you can see how shelves, mirrors, and lights interact before cutting drywall.

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4. Slim vertical pull-out cabinet for tiny gaps

One of my favorite tricks is turning a 6" gap into a pull-out stack for meds and first-aid. The pro is insane storage efficiency; the con is hardware cost and precise carpentry. It’s a bit fiddly but pays off if you hate clutter.

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5. Modular DIY cabinet with removable bins

I built a modular cabinet once using plastic bins and labeled dividers — easy to change as needs evolve. This approach is budget-friendly and great for families, and if you want to push the layout further you can test floorplans with AI-generated layouts to explore configurations fast.

Small bathrooms reward creativity: a small design change can make a tiny room feel calm and efficient. I’ve mixed carpentry, off-the-shelf parts, and digital planning to solve dozens of tight layouts — you can too, one shelf at a time.

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FAQ

Q1: What tools do I need to build a recessed medicine cabinet?

Basic tools are a stud finder, drywall saw, level, drill, and screws. You may need a jigsaw or oscillating tool for precise cuts and a helper for lifting the cabinet into place.

Q2: Can I store prescription meds in a bathroom cabinet?

Many meds are sensitive to heat and humidity; if your bathroom lacks ventilation, consider a hallway closet or a cabinet with desiccant packs. Keep medicines out of direct sunlight and away from shower steam.

Q3: How deep should a medicine cabinet be?

Standard depths range 3"–6" for shallow models and 4"–8" for recessed units. Choose depth based on what you store: deeper shelves for bottles, shallower for tubes and small boxes.

Q4: Do mirrored cabinets need special mounting?

Heavier mirrored doors and full-width cabinets often require wall anchors or a cleat system secured to studs. If unsure, use a French cleat for secure, level mounting.

Q5: Are there safety guidelines for storing medications?

Yes — store medicines in a locked or high cabinet away from children when possible, and follow official guidance; for example, the CDC’s medication safety information outlines safe storage recommendations (https://www.cdc.gov/medicationsafety/).

Q6: What finishes work best in humid bathrooms?

Moisture-resistant materials like marine plywood, PVC-laminate, or painted MDF with proper primer work well. Avoid raw wood unless sealed with a waterproof finish.

Q7: Can I install a DIY cabinet over a toilet?

Yes, over-the-toilet cabinets are great space-savers but measure for headroom and door swing. Consider sliding or bi-fold doors where clearance is tight.

Q8: How do I childproof a medicine cabinet?

Use childproof latches or place medicines in a lockable interior box; keep emergency contacts and poison-control info nearby. Simple hardware upgrades often make a big difference in safety.