How Wide Should a Medicine Cabinet Be Compared to a Vanity?

Choosing the right width for your medicine cabinet isn’t just about storage — it significantly impacts the overall aesthetics, visual balance, and harmony of your bathroom. A well-sized cabinet can enhance both functionality and style.

This guide covers medicine cabinet size recommendations for vanities of various widths, essential buying considerations, and how to measure your available space to find the ideal cabinet-to-vanity match.

 

Recommended Medicine Cabinet Sizes by Vanity Width

 

For a 24-Inch Vanity

Common in compact bathrooms or powder rooms, a 24-inch vanity requires space-efficient solutions. A sleek, recessed cabinet is ideal for saving space while providing storage.

• Recommended Width: 15–20 inches
  Typically, choosing a cabinet slightly narrower than or equal to the vanity width helps maintain a balanced layout.
• Recommended Height: 24–30 inches
  This height range offers sufficient storage while maintaining visual proportion — a popular and practical option for small spaces.
• Recommended Depth: 4–6 inches
  Ideal for everyday items like medications, skincare, razors, and toothbrushes.

 

For 30- and 36-Inch Vanities

These sizes are common in small to mid-sized bathrooms and offer more flexibility in design and storage.

• Recommended Width: 20–25 inches
• Recommended Height: 24–30 inches
• Recommended Depth: 4–6 inches

 

For 48-Inch and Wider Vanities

Vanities of this width are often used in master or family bathrooms and can support various layout configurations.

For a single-sink vanity:

• Recommended Width: 36–40 inches
• Recommended Height: 24–36 inches
• Recommended Depth: 4–6 inches

For a double-sink vanity:

Consider using two smaller cabinets, centered above each sink for a clean, symmetrical look.

• Recommended Width: 20–24 inches each
• Recommended Height: 24–36 inches
• Recommended Depth: 4–6 inches

 

Key Considerations When Choosing a Medicine Cabinet

 

Beyond dimensions, keep the following factors in mind to ensure the cabinet suits your daily needs and design vision:

• Storage Needs: Assess what you plan to store — quantity, height, and size — and choose cabinet depth and shelving accordingly. Adjustable shelves offer maximum flexibility. For example, taller products like mouthwash bottles or electric toothbrushes may require increased space between shelves, while smaller items like pill containers or makeup jars can be grouped on narrower tiers.
• Mirror Size: Consider your grooming routine and the heights of household members to pick a mirror size that’s both comfortable and functional.
• Lighting Integration: For bathrooms with limited natural light, a cabinet with built-in lighting, such as LED ambient or internal lighting, can be a game-changer.
• Defogging Function: A built-in defogger helps keep the mirror clear and ready to use, especially after a hot, steamy shower.
• Style and Finish: Your medicine cabinet should align with your vanity in terms of material, color, and design language. For example, a white vanity with clean lines pairs beautifully with a frameless, lighted cabinet for a sleek and modern look.
• Installation Type:
  • Recessed: Built into the wall for a clean, streamlined appearance — great for minimalist designs and tight spaces.
  • Surface-mounted: Mounted directly onto the wall; easier to install and suitable for larger bathrooms with more room to spare.

 

How to Measure Available Space for a Medicine Cabinet

 

1. Measure Vanity Width: The cabinet is generally not recommended to exceed the width of the vanity. If you’re considering a wider cabinet, check out our article: Can a Medicine Cabinet Be Wider Than the Vanity?
2. Measure Wall Space: Measure the vertical space from the top of the faucet to any lighting fixture above. Also account for side clearances from items like sconces, windows, or wall art.
3. Check for Clearance: Ensure there’s enough space for the cabinet door to open freely without hitting nearby fixtures. This helps preserve the flow and usability of your space.

 

Final Thoughts

 

The right medicine cabinet brings both style and function into perfect alignment. When proportions, features, and design work in harmony, your daily routine becomes smoother — and your bathroom looks better for it. Whether you’re outfitting a compact space or a spacious primary bath, getting the scale right is key to maximizing utility and aesthetics.

Curious to explore options? Check out our VEWRA Lighted Medicine Cabinet series for more inspiration.