A medicine cabinet is one of those little fixtures in your bathroom that can make a big impact. Many homes are stuck with rusting metal boxes with a few inefficient shelves that do little to make the room look better. The large selection of medicine cabinets online and at your local home improvement store make this an easy problem to solve. The other issue that many homeowners have is the dull light fixtures that are often located over the medicine cabinet. Often little more than a strip of bare bulbs, medicine cabinet light bars can be unsightly and detract from the décor of your bathroom. Upgrading to a lighted medicine cabinet is a functional and beautiful way to update your bathroom.
The first thing to consider is the size and location of your current medicine cabinet. If you have a small cabinet that is inset into the wall, you may be able to widen the opening depending on where the medicine cabinet is located. Determine if the cabinet is in a location that is away from plumbing lines and electrical boxes before you begin cutting. You will also need to decide if a larger cabinet will fit with existing elements such as your sink or vanity. If you are doing a whole room remodel, you can choose to change your sink/vanity in order to better accommodate the larger medicine cabinets.
The next thing you need to determine is whether the necessary electrical lines are in place to power your lighted medicine cabinet. If you have a light bar in place over your medicine cabinet, this shouldn’t be a problem. However, if you do not have electrical line already near where your medicine cabinet will be placed, you may need to hire an electrician to properly wire your lighted medicine cabinet. Wiring can be tricky, so don’t attempt it unless you are sure that you know what you are doing.
As you shop for lighted medicine cabinets, keep your storage needs in mind. While some people do use lighted medicine cabinets for storage of medicines, many other people use the cabinet for other items.
Think about what you plan to keep in your medicine cabinet, and look for one that has the appropriate size shelves. If you plan to store large beauty products in your lighted medicine cabinet, look for one that has adjustable or removable shelves that will suit your needs.
A lighted medicine cabinet is a practical and beautiful addition to your bathroom. Lighted medicine cabinets serve an important storage function as well as providing light and a spot to brush your teeth, put on cosmetics, or fix your hair. The many options available for lighted medicine cabinets mean that you can find different styles to match the look of your bathroom, including wood trimmed versions that match existing vanities or cabinets. Installing lighted medicine cabinets in your bathrooms is an inexpensive and useful addition that will improve the look and function of your bathroom.
