8 Medicine Cabinet Options Without The Dated Mirror Look

The mirrored medicine cabinet is a classic bathroom feature that you can probably recall seeing in your grandparents' or parents' home. While it does the job, it typically comes in a generic style, leaning way more into functionality than aesthetics. That's why we've rounded up eight medicine cabinet options without the dated mirror look for you to consider. Any of these unique concepts like fluted glass, sliding doors, vintage doors, and secret doors are sure to elevate your bathroom.

Traditional medicine cabinets have become less common over the years, but they might be making a major comeback in 2024. Having a medicine cabinet in the bathroom makes reaching for everyday items easy and convenient because you can quickly access them while standing instead of bending down into lower cabinets or digging through drawers. Medicine cabinets just need some modernizing, and there are several mirror-less styles that'll fit right into your bathroom design.

The first option is a cabinet with sliding doors. This adds style but is also functional and space-saving because the door won't swing out, which also doubles as accident prevention. Wooden barn doors are a popular form of this so if you have a farmhouse house or want a similar aesthetic in your bathroom, they can add a nice touch. You can have just one door that leaves the other side exposed for a half-open shelf, or two doors if you want complete privacy.

One unique option is the hidden cabinet. The cabinet itself is recessed into the wall, and a photo frame acts as the door, so it looks just like normal wall art when it's closed. This is a great option to consider if you'd like to keep your medicine cabinet concealed from guests or anyone who uses your bathroom. Another thing we like about this is that it can be installed virtually anywhere so if you don't have enough space right above your bathroom sink and need to have the cabinet somewhere else, this is the way to go.

The classic set of double doors is a tried-and-true cabinet option. Still, you can always go beyond the ordinary by getting them with a unique twist. Ditch plain, flat doors for those that have some texture, like doors with gaps or with some detailing on the front. You can also search for unique door pulls or handles to stand out, like antique pieces or mismatching sets. The entire cabinet can also be vintage. Browse through antique stores and you should be able to find something to add some character to the space.

This style gives you the option to have some open shelving as well as some compartments that you can cover up. What we like about this is that it's a concept you can combine with others. You can choose a traditional swinging door or a set of sliding doors and still have the open sections. This type of cabinet is also versatile enough to be used in other parts of the home, so if a need for storage comes up in the kitchen or the laundry room for example, you can move this there and it will fit right in.

If you're trying to move away from the dated mirror look, embrace the modern trend of open shelving by getting rid of doors completely. This look is simple and straightforward, however there's no option for privacy so you'll have to keep your medicine cabinet organized at all times. To make an open-concept cabinet more elegant, make it a recessed wall niche. Just make sure you're okay with the amount of space it will give you because they can be narrow. Another idea is to DIY this genius tile project for a more unique look for your doorless cabinet.

Another classic, a single door can be just what you need to cover your medicine cabinet. The lone, swing-out door will never go out of style and there will always be ways to update and modernize it. You can choose a rustic-style barn door with a chunky cabinet for a farmhouse theme, or a flat, smooth, plain door with a frameless cabinet for a more modern and minimalist style. Since this is such a simple door type, the materials you use are also important. Wood, glass, metal, or a mix of any of these, can add some visual interest.

Another option to consider is the classic clear glass cabinet. You can have glass for the shelves and door, or just for the door. Glass surfaces enhance a room's appearance because they reflect light and make it look brighter and bigger. Glass might not be as reflective as a mirror, but it will still help to maintain an open feel in the space. One cool DIY project is to build the cabinet with an old window. Just take an old window and build the case around it using some lumber and basic woodworking tools, paint it, and add a handle.

Fluted or ribbed glass has a surface made of small vertical columns that curve in and out. Some benefits of using fluted glass for a medicine cabinet are that it enhances the natural light in a space, maintains privacy due to its semi-transparency, and adds texture to the visual scene. A fluted glass cabinet door is a unique feature that will definitely upgrade and elevate the style of your space. Note that this type of glass is more expensive than regular glass and will need a bit more work when cleaning because of the gaps in the texture.