Medicine cabinets have been a common feature in American bathrooms for decades.

But as bathroom design has become more minimalist, many homeowners have started replacing traditional medicine cabinets with large flat mirrors, floating vanities, open shelving, or additional drawers.

So are medicine cabinets outdated?

Not necessarily.

In fact, a recent discussion among homeowners about whether medicine cabinets are still worth having shows that many people continue to use them every day. The biggest reason is simple: a medicine cabinet provides storage in a space that would otherwise be used only for a mirror.

For homeowners who want a clean countertop, easy access to everyday products, and better use of limited bathroom space, a modern medicine cabinet can still be a practical choice.

However, that does not mean every bathroom needs one.

The right choice depends on your bathroom layout, storage needs, available wall space, and preferred design style.

Here is what to consider before deciding whether a medicine cabinet is right for your bathroom.

Why Are Medicine Cabinets Still Popular?

The biggest advantage of a medicine cabinet is the combination of two functions:

A mirror and storage in the same space.

A standard wall mirror provides a surface for grooming, but the wall behind it is essentially unused.

A medicine cabinet puts that space to work.

This can be particularly valuable in smaller bathrooms where floor and vanity storage are limited.

Instead of keeping toothbrushes, skincare products, cosmetics, shaving supplies, and other everyday items on the countertop, you can store them directly behind the mirror.

Several homeowners in the discussion described this as one of the main reasons they prefer medicine cabinets. Some said they use them every day, while others said they missed having one after moving into bathrooms without them.

For many people, the question is therefore not whether a medicine cabinet looks traditional.

It is whether the additional storage is useful enough to justify choosing one.

For homeowners who value organization, the answer is often yes.

The Biggest Advantage: Extra Bathroom Storage

Bathroom storage is one of those features that becomes more important once you actually start using the room.

A vanity may provide drawers and cabinets underneath the sink, but that does not necessarily mean everything you use every day will be easy to access.

Products stored under a vanity can require bending down, opening drawers, moving other items, or searching through deeper storage.

A medicine cabinet provides storage at eye level.

That makes it particularly convenient for small items that you use frequently.

For example:

• Toothbrushes

• Toothpaste

• Skincare products

• Cosmetics

• Shaving supplies

• Hair styling products

• Floss

• Cotton swabs

• Personal care products

The goal is not necessarily to store everything in the medicine cabinet.

Instead, it can become the dedicated location for the small items you want to reach quickly.

This also helps prevent the bathroom countertop from becoming a storage area.

A Clear Countertop Can Make a Big Difference

One of the most repeated benefits mentioned by homeowners is a cleaner countertop.

Without a medicine cabinet, everyday products often end up next to the sink because they need to remain easily accessible.

A toothbrush may sit beside the faucet.

Skincare products may line the countertop.

Shaving supplies may stay next to the mirror.

After enough products accumulate, even a clean bathroom can start to look cluttered.

A medicine cabinet provides an alternative.

The products can remain close to the sink without remaining visible.

This creates a simple organizational principle:

Keep everyday products accessible, but keep them out of sight.

For homeowners who prefer a minimalist bathroom, this can be one of the most useful features of a medicine cabinet.

Recessed Medicine Cabinets Create a Cleaner Look

If you like the storage benefits but are concerned about the traditional appearance of medicine cabinets, a recessed model may be worth considering.

A recessed medicine cabinet is installed into the wall cavity rather than simply mounted on top of the wall.

When properly installed, the cabinet can sit much closer to the wall surface and create a cleaner appearance.

Several homeowners in the Reddit discussion specifically preferred recessed medicine cabinets because they can look almost identical to a normal mirror when closed.

This addresses one of the biggest criticisms of older medicine cabinets.

Traditional models can sometimes look bulky or visually dated.

A modern recessed cabinet can have a much more integrated appearance.

From across the bathroom, it may simply look like a mirror.

Then the mirror opens to reveal the storage behind it.

What If You Can't Recess the Cabinet?

Not every bathroom has the wall structure required for a recessed medicine cabinet.

There may be plumbing, electrical wiring, framing, ventilation, or other obstacles inside the wall.

In those situations, a surface-mount medicine cabinet can be an alternative.

A surface-mount cabinet is installed directly onto the wall instead of being inserted into the wall cavity.

The advantage is flexibility.

You do not necessarily need to modify the wall structure to add storage.

One homeowner in the discussion specifically mentioned using a surface-mounted medicine cabinet and having it trimmed to coordinate with the surrounding cabinetry. Others also described modern surface-mount models that provide substantial storage while maintaining an attractive appearance.

This means you do not have to automatically eliminate the idea of a medicine cabinet simply because recessed installation is not possible.

The important thing is choosing the configuration that works with the existing bathroom.

Modern Medicine Cabinets Are Not the Same as Older Models

The phrase “medicine cabinet” can sometimes bring to mind the small metal cabinets found in older bathrooms.

Modern designs can be very different.

Today's medicine cabinets can combine:

• Large mirrored doors

• Multiple storage sections

• Interior mirrors

• Integrated LED lighting

• Electrical outlets

• Adjustable shelves

• Recessed installation

• Surface-mount installation

• Contemporary finishes

This allows the cabinet to function more like a piece of modern bathroom furniture rather than a small traditional storage box.

Some homeowners in the discussion specifically pointed out that newer medicine cabinets can look much more modern and stylish than older versions.

If you are concerned that a medicine cabinet will make a newly renovated bathroom look dated, the design of the cabinet is therefore an important consideration.

The problem is not necessarily the concept of a medicine cabinet.

It may simply be the style of the particular cabinet.

Built-In Lighting Adds Another Layer of Functionality

Lighting can make a medicine cabinet even more useful.

Instead of installing a separate mirror and then adding lighting around it, an LED medicine cabinet can combine the two functions.

Integrated lighting can provide illumination around the mirror while keeping the overall wall design clean.

This can be especially useful for everyday tasks such as:

• Applying skincare

• Shaving

• Applying makeup

• Brushing teeth

• Grooming

Several homeowners in the discussion specifically recommended medicine cabinets with integrated lighting, and some mentioned adjustable or built-in lighting as a feature they use regularly.

For a bathroom renovation, combining storage, mirror space, and lighting into one product can reduce the need for multiple separate fixtures.

Built-In Outlets Can Make Everyday Life Easier

Another modern feature worth considering is integrated electrical power.

Electric toothbrushes, water flossers, shavers, and other grooming devices often need to be charged.

Without a dedicated charging location, these devices can end up taking over the countertop.

A medicine cabinet with an integrated outlet can provide a more organized alternative.

For example, an electric toothbrush can be stored inside the cabinet and charged without remaining permanently visible on the countertop.

Homeowners in the discussion specifically mentioned using internal electrical outlets for toothbrushes and shavers, allowing the devices to remain charged while staying hidden.

This is one of the features that makes a modern medicine cabinet different from the basic medicine cabinets many people remember from older homes.

Instead of simply providing storage, it can become part of the bathroom's organization and charging system.

Electrical installation should always comply with applicable local building and electrical codes.

Interior Mirrors Can Improve Visibility

A medicine cabinet does not necessarily have to contain only storage shelves.

Some models include mirrored interiors as well.

This can provide additional viewing angles when the cabinet doors are opened.

For example, a cabinet with multiple mirrored doors can make it easier to see the sides or back of your head.

This can be useful when:

• Styling your hair

• Coloring your hair

• Checking the back of your hairstyle

• Applying makeup

• Grooming

One homeowner described a multi-door mirrored medicine cabinet that created a three-way mirror effect when the doors were opened.

This is a good example of how a feature that initially seems minor can become useful during everyday routines.

Medicine Cabinets Can Be Especially Useful in Small Bathrooms

Small bathrooms often have limited storage.

There may not be enough room for a large vanity, additional shelving, or tall cabinets.

At the same time, the bathroom still needs to store many of the same everyday products as a larger bathroom.

This is where a medicine cabinet can be particularly valuable.

The wall above the vanity is already being used for a mirror.

Adding storage behind that mirror does not necessarily require additional floor space.

For a small bathroom, this can be a highly efficient use of vertical space.

Instead of asking:

“Where can I add another cabinet?”

you can ask:

“How can I make the space behind the mirror useful?”

That change in perspective can make a noticeable difference when planning a compact bathroom.

When Might a Medicine Cabinet Not Be Necessary?

Despite the strong support for medicine cabinets in the discussion, not everyone believes they are essential.

Some homeowners said they do not miss having one because their bathroom already provides enough storage.

If you have a large vanity with plenty of drawers, additional cabinets, or dedicated storage elsewhere, a traditional wall-mounted storage cabinet may not be necessary.

A large flat mirror can also create a very clean and minimalist appearance.

For some bathrooms, that simplicity may be more important than additional storage.

There is also a practical consideration with recessed installation.

The wall cavity may contain plumbing, wiring, ventilation ducts, or structural framing that makes recessing a cabinet difficult.

In those situations, you may need to choose a surface-mount cabinet or reconsider the location.

Therefore, a medicine cabinet is not automatically the best choice for every bathroom.

Consider Your Bathroom Layout Before Choosing One

Before purchasing a medicine cabinet, look carefully at the wall where you plan to install it.

Check:

• Available wall width

• Available wall height

• Wall depth

• Stud locations

• Plumbing

• Electrical wiring

• Ventilation

• Vanity width

• Faucet position

• Door and cabinet clearance

One homeowner in the discussion pointed out that a vent pipe prevented them from recessing their medicine cabinet, meaning a surface-mounted option was necessary.

Another homeowner mentioned having difficulty finding the correct recessed cabinet size because of the existing wall studs.

These examples show why measuring the installation area is just as important as choosing the appearance.

A cabinet can look perfect online but still be unsuitable for a particular wall.

Should You Choose a Recessed or Surface-Mount Medicine Cabinet?

There is no universal answer.

Recessed Medicine Cabinet

A recessed cabinet may be a good choice if you want:

• A more integrated appearance

• Minimal projection from the wall

• A clean, modern look

• Storage without making the room feel visually crowded

However, installation can be more complicated because the wall cavity needs to accommodate the cabinet.

Surface-Mount Medicine Cabinet

A surface-mount model may be better if you want:

• Easier installation

• Less wall modification

• Flexibility in placement

• Additional storage without opening the wall

The cabinet will project farther from the wall, but modern designs can still look clean and contemporary.

The best option depends on your bathroom structure and the appearance you want.

How to Decide If a Medicine Cabinet Is Worth It

Instead of asking whether medicine cabinets are “in style,” ask a more useful question:

Would the additional storage improve the way I use my bathroom?

If your countertop is constantly covered with everyday products, the answer may be yes.

If you frequently have to bend down to find small items under the vanity, the answer may be yes.

If you have limited storage in a small bathroom, the answer may be yes.

If you already have more storage than you need and strongly prefer the appearance of a simple flat mirror, you may not need one.

The value of a medicine cabinet is therefore primarily functional.

Its appearance matters, but its ability to solve a real storage problem matters more.

What to Look for in a Modern Medicine Cabinet

If you decide that a medicine cabinet is right for your bathroom, consider the following features.

1. Appropriate Size

Choose a cabinet that works with the width of your vanity and the available wall space.

2. Recessed or Surface-Mount Installation

Decide whether your wall structure supports a recessed installation or whether surface mounting is more practical.

3. Adjustable Shelves

Adjustable storage makes it easier to accommodate products of different heights.

4. Integrated LED Lighting

Built-in lighting can combine mirror illumination with the cabinet's storage function.

5. Electrical Outlets

Internal power can be useful for charging electric toothbrushes, shavers, and other grooming devices.

6. Interior Mirrors

Additional mirrors can provide better viewing angles for grooming.

7. Door Configuration

Single, double, or multi-door designs can affect both storage access and visibility.

8. Overall Appearance

Look for a design that complements the vanity, fixtures, wall finishes, and overall bathroom style.

A modern medicine cabinet should feel like part of the bathroom design—not an afterthought.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are medicine cabinets outdated?

Not necessarily. Many homeowners still use them every day because they provide convenient storage while occupying space that would otherwise be used only by a mirror. Modern designs can also look much more contemporary than older medicine cabinets.

Are recessed medicine cabinets better?

Recessed models can provide a more integrated appearance and reduce how far the cabinet projects into the bathroom. However, installation depends on the wall structure and available space.

Can you install a medicine cabinet without recessing it?

Yes. Surface-mount medicine cabinets can be installed directly onto the wall and are useful when recessed installation is not practical.

Are LED medicine cabinets worth it?

If you want to combine storage, mirror space, and lighting into one product, an LED medicine cabinet can be a practical solution.

Can a medicine cabinet have an electrical outlet?

Some modern models include integrated electrical outlets. These can be useful for charging devices such as electric toothbrushes and shavers. Electrical installations should follow local codes.

Are medicine cabinets useful in small bathrooms?

They can be particularly useful in small bathrooms because they add storage without requiring additional floor space.

Do medicine cabinets make a bathroom look cluttered?

A well-designed modern medicine cabinet can actually help reduce visual clutter by keeping everyday products behind the mirror rather than on the countertop.

Final Thoughts

So, are medicine cabinets still worth it?

For many homeowners, the answer is yes.

The basic idea has remained useful because the problem it solves has not disappeared.

Bathrooms still need mirrors.

Bathrooms still need storage.

And people still want their countertops to stay organized.

A modern medicine cabinet simply combines those needs into one space.

The Reddit discussion shows that many homeowners appreciate medicine cabinets specifically because they can store everyday products at eye level, keep countertops clear, and make better use of otherwise unused wall space.

At the same time, a medicine cabinet is not necessary for every bathroom.

If you already have extensive vanity storage or prefer the minimalist appearance of a simple flat mirror, you may decide that additional cabinet space is unnecessary.

The key is to choose based on how you use your bathroom rather than whether medicine cabinets are considered traditional or modern.

If you need more storage, want a cleaner countertop, and like the idea of combining a mirror with practical organization, a modern medicine cabinet can still be one of the most efficient upgrades you can make to a bathroom.

The medicine cabinet may have been around for decades—but the right modern design can still have a place in today's bathroom.