When renovating a bathroom or designing one from scratch, the question often comes up: should the medicine cabinet be the same width as the vanity? While it seems like a minor design detail, the decision can impact both the look and function of your space.
Matching Width: The Classic Approach
Keeping the medicine cabinet the same width as the vanity is the most common and visually balanced choice. It provides a clean, symmetrical look that aligns with mirrors, lighting, and the vanity itself. In tight or minimalist spaces, this visual harmony can help the bathroom feel more organized and intentional.
Here are some general pairings that maintain visual balance:
- An 18–24" vanity typically pairs with a 16–24" cabinet
- A 30–36" vanity suits a 28–36" cabinet
- A 42–48" vanity works well with a 40–48" cabinet
- Double vanities (60–72") often use two cabinets, each centered over a sink and roughly matching the width of each basin section
The closer the widths, the more unified the design will look—especially when the mirror and lighting are integrated.
When It’s Okay to Break the Rule
That said, design isn’t all about rules. If you need more storage, or if your layout requires something different, a slightly wider cabinet can work. The key is making it feel deliberate. You can:
- Center the cabinet over the entire sink area for balance
- Add visual elements (plants, sconces, shelves) to offset any asymmetry
Verdict
There’s no hard “should.” Matching widths is a good guideline, but not a requirement. What matters most is whether the setup feels right and functions well for your daily routine.