How High Should You Hang Your Medicine Cabinet?

When it comes to bathroom design, there are many factors to consider, from the layout to the color scheme to the fixtures. One important element that often gets overlooked is the height at which you hang your medicine cabinet.

While it may seem like a minor detail, the height of your medicine cabinet can greatly impact the functionality and aesthetics of your bathroom. In this article, we’ll discuss the factors to consider when determining the height of your medicine cabinet and provide some tips for finding the perfect placement.

Why Is the Height of Your Medicine Cabinet Important?

Before we dive into the specifics of how high to hang your medicine cabinet, let’s first understand why it’s important to consider in the first place.

Accessibility and Convenience

The primary purpose of a medicine cabinet is to provide storage for your bathroom essentials, such as toiletries, medications, and first aid supplies. Therefore, it’s essential to hang your cabinet at a height that is easily accessible and convenient for everyday use.

If your medicine cabinet is too high, you may struggle to reach items on the top shelf, or you may need to use a step stool every time you need something. On the other hand, if it’s too low, you may have to bend down or crouch to access items, which can be uncomfortable and inconvenient.

Aesthetics and Design

The height of your medicine cabinet can also impact the overall look and feel of your bathroom. Hanging it too high or too low can throw off the balance and symmetry of the space, making it feel cluttered or unbalanced.

Additionally, the height of your medicine cabinet can affect the visual flow of the room. If it’s too high, it may draw the eye upward and make the ceiling feel lower. If it’s too low, it may create a sense of imbalance and make the room feel smaller.

Factors to Consider When Determining the Height of Your Medicine Cabinet

Now that we understand the importance of the height of your medicine cabinet, let’s explore the factors to consider when determining the perfect placement.

Vanity Height

The first factor to consider is the height of your bathroom vanity. The standard height for a bathroom vanity is 32 inches, but it can range from 30 to 36 inches. This height is typically determined by the height of the homeowner or the average height of the household.

When determining the height of your medicine cabinet, you want to ensure that it is at a comfortable and convenient height in relation to your vanity. If your vanity is on the taller side, you may want to hang your medicine cabinet slightly higher to maintain a balanced look. If your vanity is on the shorter side, you may want to hang your medicine cabinet slightly lower to make it more accessible.

Adjustable Shelves

Another factor to consider is the presence of adjustable shelves in your medicine cabinet. If your cabinet has adjustable shelves, you have more flexibility in terms of placement. You can adjust the shelves to accommodate your needs and preferences, rather than being limited by a fixed shelf height.

If your medicine cabinet has adjustable shelves, you may want to hang it slightly higher to allow for more storage space on the bottom shelf. This can be especially useful if you have taller items that you want to store in your cabinet.

User Height

The height of the primary user of the medicine cabinet should also be taken into consideration. If the primary user is on the shorter side, you may want to hang the cabinet slightly lower to make it more accessible. If the primary user is taller, you may want to hang the cabinet slightly higher to accommodate their height.

Wall Space

The amount of available wall space can also impact the height of your medicine cabinet. If you have limited wall space, you may need to hang the cabinet higher to make room for other fixtures, such as a mirror or towel rack. On the other hand, if you have ample wall space, you may have more flexibility in terms of placement.

Tips for Finding the Perfect Height for Your Medicine Cabinet

Now that we’ve discussed the factors to consider when determining the height of your medicine cabinet, here are some tips to help you find the perfect placement.

Measure Twice, Hang Once

Before you start drilling holes in your wall, it’s essential to measure carefully and accurately. Use a measuring tape to determine the height of your vanity and the available wall space. Consider the factors we discussed earlier, such as adjustable shelves and user height, when determining the height of your cabinet.

Use a Template

To ensure that your medicine cabinet is hung at the perfect height, consider creating a template. Cut a piece of cardboard or paper to the size of your cabinet and use it as a guide to determine the placement on your wall. This can help you visualize the height and make any necessary adjustments before hanging the actual cabinet.

Consider the Placement of Other Fixtures

When determining the height of your medicine cabinet, it’s essential to consider the placement of other fixtures in your bathroom. For example, if you have a mirror above your vanity, you may want to hang the cabinet slightly lower to maintain a balanced look. If you have a towel rack or other fixtures on the wall, you may need to adjust the height of your cabinet to accommodate them.

Seek Professional Advice

If you’re unsure about the height of your medicine cabinet or want a professional opinion, don’t hesitate to seek advice from a contractor or interior designer. They can provide valuable insights and help you find the perfect placement for your cabinet. For further information and details, you can take a look at how high to hang medicine cabinet above vanity.

Real-World Examples of Medicine Cabinet Heights

To give you a better idea of how high to hang your medicine cabinet, here are some real-world examples from popular home design websites.

Houzz

According to Houzz, the standard height for a medicine cabinet is 72 inches from the floor. However, they recommend adjusting the height based on the height of the primary user. They also suggest leaving at least 18 inches between the top of the vanity and the bottom of the cabinet.

Better Homes & Gardens

Better Homes & Gardens recommends hanging a medicine cabinet 5 to 10 inches above the vanity. They also suggest leaving at least 18 inches between the top of the vanity and the bottom of the cabinet.

Conclusion

The height of your medicine cabinet may seem like a minor detail, but it can greatly impact the functionality and aesthetics of your bathroom. By considering factors such as vanity height, adjustable shelves, and user height, and following our tips for finding the perfect placement, you can ensure that your medicine cabinet is hung at the ideal height for your needs and preferences.