DIY Recessed Medicine Cabinet: 5 Ideas: Small-space smart builds — five DIY inspirations for a recessed medicine cabinet with tips, costs, and pitfalls

I once cut a hole in a bathroom wall expecting a perfect recessed niche, only to find a surprise plumbing stub and a very loud client. That little disaster taught me to plan ahead — and to embrace the fact that small spaces force smarter choices. If you’re thinking about a DIY recessed medicine cabinet, start by imagining how that shallow wall cavity can become a statement — and if you want quick bathroom layout ideas, sketching helps more than you think.

1. Shallow Flush-Mount Cabinet — the classic space-saver

I use this approach when studs allow a 3"–4" deep niche; it keeps the profile slim and the mirror flush with the tile. It’s tidy and low-cost, but watch for hidden plumbing or ducts — a stud finder and a quick drywall probe save headaches.

Budget: low to mid. Tip: use moisture-resistant backer board and a shallow magnetic latch so doors close neatly without bulky hardware.

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2. Mirrored LED Recessed Cabinet — doubles as vanity mirror

Clients love the clean look of a mirrored door with integrated LED trim. I’ve wired LEDs behind mirrors in past jobs and the result is hotel-level polish. The upside is great lighting and hidden storage; the downside is electrical work — if you don’t feel comfortable handling house wiring, hire an electrician for the hardwiring.

Budget: mid. Practical note: choose LEDs rated for bathroom use and plan switch placement before cutting the wall.

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3. Open Recessed Niche with Pull-Out Trays — easy access, modern look

For frequent-use items I often design an open recessed niche with removable trays or shallow pull-out drawers; it’s fast to build and very functional. It’s also a great candidate to preview with a 3D visualization before you cut — seeing scale reduces surprises.

Pros: inexpensive, easy to customize. Cons: more visible clutter and occasional dust. Pro tip: add a thin PVC bead around the opening to protect edges from moisture.

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4. Pull-Down / Flip-Down Door Cabinet — compact and clever

I once adapted a small pull-down mechanism for a narrow cavity; it’s brilliant for tall medicine items and prescription bottles. The mechanism keeps contents secure but takes precise hinge placement and good hardware, so expect a slightly higher build complexity.

Budget: mid. Try soft-close hinges and test full opening clearance before finishing the bathroom wall.

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5. Modular Insert System — swap bins and stays organized

My favorite for rentals: a recessed shell with interchangeable plastic bins or a wooden box that slides in and out. Tenants can remove the insert for cleaning, and you can upgrade the face later without structural changes. For presentation I sometimes mock this up to get the finish right — clients respond well to realistic 3D renders that show how finishes read under real lighting.

Budget: low to mid. Downsides: less built-in permanence and you’ll want good seals to keep humidity out of the cavity.

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Tips 1:

Measure twice, cut once — seriously. Always locate studs, pipes, and wiring before you commit. Use mold-resistant materials in wet walls and seal edges with silicone where tile meets the cabinet. If you’re unsure about electrical or plumbing, budget for a pro for that portion of the job.

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FAQ

Q1: How deep should a recessed medicine cabinet be?

I usually design for 3"–5" depth for most cosmetics and meds; go deeper (6"–8") only if you need room for bulky items. Always check for pipes or ducts in the wall cavity first.

Q2: Do I need a permit to install a recessed medicine cabinet?

Simple non-structural installs usually don’t require a permit, but if you alter plumbing, electrical, or the structural studs, your local building department may require one. When in doubt, call your local building authority.

Q3: Can I install lighting inside a recessed cabinet?

Yes — LED strips are common for low heat and low draw. For hardwired fixtures, hire a licensed electrician to ensure switches and connections meet code and are GFCI-protected where required.

Q4: Are there electrical code rules for bathroom cabinets?

Yes. According to the National Electrical Code (NEC) 2020, bathroom receptacles and many bathroom electrical installations require GFCI protection (NEC 210.8(A)). Always follow NEC requirements or consult an electrician.

Q5: What materials resist bathroom moisture best?

I recommend cement backer board for the niche back and marine-grade plywood or PVC for internal shelving. Paint trims with a marine or bathroom-grade finish to reduce peeling over time.

Q6: How do I hide repairs if the framing isn’t ideal?

Frame a new recess using blocking between studs and add furring strips so the cabinet sits square. A trim bead or shadow gap turns imperfect edges into intentional design details.

Q7: What tools are essential for a DIY recessed cabinet?

At minimum: stud finder, oscillating multi-tool or drywall saw, level, tape measure, and drill. For any electrical work, a multimeter and GFCI tester are useful — but hire an electrician for wiring.

Q8: Any cost expectations for a DIY build?

Materials for a basic shallow recessed cabinet can be $50–$200. Add $200–$800 for lighting, mirrored doors, or better hardware, and budget extra if you hire pros for electrical or plumbing.

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