Inside: Plans and tutorials for 15 unique DIY medicine cabinet ideas
Did you know bandages have an expiry date? I didn’t until I started cleaning my old medicine cabinet when updating my bathroom. I thought as they were for external use, only bandages would last forever, but apparently, they become less sterile over time.
After checking and chucking out all the other out-of-date medicine, I kept the bandages for crafting; they are suitable for paper mache and plaster projects!
At the same time, I decided I also needed a new cabinet, as it no longer fit my needs or bathroom style. But I’d run out of budget, so I looked into making my medicine cabinet and found these fabulous ideas.
Things To Consider When Making a Medicine Cabinet
By considering these factors, you can make a DIY medicine cabinet that is functional, safe, and stylish.
- Space: Ensure the cabinet will fit comfortably in the area and leave enough room for other bathroom fixtures and fittings.
- Size: Consider how much storage space you need for your medications and other bathroom essentials. Ensure the cabinet size is proportionate to the available space and fits your storage needs.
- Style: Decide on the type of materials, finishes, and colours that will complement the overall décor of your bathroom.
- Safety: Ensure it is sturdy enough to hold the weight of your medications and other items. If you have young children in the home, consider installing a lock on the cabinet to prevent unauthorized access to your medicines.
- Lighting: Consider adding lighting to the cabinet to make finding the items you need easier. You can install lights inside or outside the cabinet to provide adequate illumination.
- Accessibility: Make sure it is easy to open and close, and the shelves are adjustable to accommodate different-sized items. I like a thin medicine cabinet so that all bottles are on show and don’t get lost at the back of the cupboard.
Some DIY ideas use repurposing recycled materials such as old wooden crates and pallets. Others use mirrors or artwork as cabinet doors to create a hidden cabinet.
To maximize space and keep items organized, consider installing hooks or magnets on the inside of the cabinet doors or the sides of the cabinet. You could hang small bottles or containers or use magnetic strips to hold metal objects like scissors or tweezers.
By incorporating these ideas into your medicine cabinet design, you can create a functional and personalized storage solution that meets your needs and complements your bathroom décor.
DIY Medicine Cabinet Ideas
Sometimes when updating and installing a new bathroom, you can't find the right cabinet to fit in with your decor or run out of budget. Then why not consider making your DIY medicine cabinet? Here are 15 fabulous ideas to get you started.
Make a medicine cabinet with a picture frame instead of the usual mirror door. You can easily change out the artwork when you want something different.
This funky bathroom cabinet is made from a repurposed wine box. Who'd of thought a medicine cabinet could look so vibrant and fun with its vintage medical poster on the inside and bright colours?
Who says medicine cabinets have to be boring? This must be one of the most extraordinary ways to repurpose a vintage suitcase. I love the map decoupage too!
Give a vintage medicine cabinet an exciting look with a fresh coat of paint and a lovely vintage-style transfer.
When you don't want a traditional medicine cabinet with a mirrored front, as you already have enough mirrors in the bathroom, you can make a simple cabinet with a photo frame as the door and get some wall art and bathroom storage, all in one swoop.
Another medicine cabinet is made of an upcycled wine box decorated with a fun musical pun on the door. Perfect for any Beatles fan!
Give a tired old medicine cabinet a fresh makeover with paint, new glass shelves and decoupage.
This rustic bathroom cabinet is just made out of reclaimed wood. It would look great in a country cottage or cabin. Includes easy-to-follow plans.
This cupboard was made for a bathroom in a Mountain Cottage. It has a Pottery Barn inspired pretty, stained, framed mirrored door. A mirror on the door of a medicine cabinet can help save space in the bathroom.
For easy accessibility, consider open storage and no door. This was once an old drawer but now looks excellent as handy bathroom storage.
Colourful laminate fabric is added to an existing medicine cabinet. It gives the cupboard a bright, fresh new look, and the fabric pockets on the inside door provide extra storage.
If you fancy something a bit different and quirky in the bathroom, this apothecary cabinet could be your favourite.
This is a unique idea; the cabinet is recessed into the wall cavity, and with the sliding mirror, it is hidden when closed.
The standard framed medicine cabinets can be rather plain and boring, so updating the mirror can give the cupboard a whole new look.
This is another bathroom cupboard made from repurposed materials. An old window is put into good use as the cabinet door.
Other Ideas
I made a plant shelving unit out of old bed slats that would also look great in a bathroom and would be handy for storage.
The mini chests of drawers in IKEA, called Moppe, are handy for make-up and medicine storage. This upcycled map Moppe would look great with the map suitcase medicine cabinet.
This upcycled curios cupboard would also look great in a bathroom as a towel cupboard.