The short answer to recessed vs surface mount medicine cabinet: a recessed cabinet sits inside the wall cavity for a flush, built in look, but it needs a clear stud bay with no pipes, wires or vents in the way. A surface mount cabinet screws onto the face of the wall, installs in an afternoon and works on almost any wall, but it sticks out a few inches. If you are not opening the wall anyway, surface mount is usually the simpler choice. If you are remodeling and the cavity is clear, recessed gives you a cleaner look.
Recessed vs surface mount medicine cabinet: the basics
Recessed (inset) cabinets go into a hole cut in the wall. As Bob Vila’s installation guide describes it, the installer removes drywall, adds blocking and screws the cabinet box to the framing from inside. Signature Hardware adds that the framing must be clear of obstructions, and if wires or plumbing cannot be relocated, you need a surface mount cabinet instead.
Surface mount cabinets hang on the wall, fastened to studs or blocking. Signature Hardware’s surface mount guide says the best anchor is the studs themselves; if they do not line up, 2 x 4 blocking can be added between them. Bob Vila notes that surface mount is sometimes the only viable option when vents or plumbing run inside the wall over the vanity.
Some cabinets are sold for either method. Signature Hardware does not recommend recessing a cabinet designed for surface mount, because outward opening doors may not have room to swing fully once the box is in the wall.
Side by side comparison
| Factor | Recessed | Surface mount |
|---|---|---|
| Wall depth | Cabinet body must fit the cavity; measure both the cabinet and the wall | Wall depth does not matter |
| Stud spacing | Studs are generally 16 in apart on center (Bob Vila); a stud inside the outline must be cut and reframed | Fasten to studs or added blocking; anchors only if rated for the load |
| Pipes, wires, vents | Must be clear or relocated | Not an issue beyond the screw holes |
| Exterior or load bearing walls | Extra planning; Bob Vila says to confirm the wall is not load bearing, and an exterior wall cavity typically holds insulation, so ask your contractor | No cavity work needed |
| Masonry or plaster | Bob Vila calls it more effort than it is usually worth | Drill and anchor as the wall allows |
| Install effort | Cut drywall, frame, patch, paint; often a pro job | Locate studs, level, screw in |
| Protrusion | Near flush with the wall | Sticks out by the cabinet depth (5 to 6 in on the cabinets below) |
| Cost | Cabinet plus framing, drywall repair and possibly labor | Mostly the cabinet itself |
Medicine cabinet size: width, height, depth and mounting height
Width
A simple starting point is a cabinet no wider than the sink area or vanity below it, so the box does not overhang the counter. Over a double vanity, two smaller cabinets side by side or one wide unit both work. Our bathroom vanity sizes guide lists common vanity widths if you are planning both at once.
Height
Measure from the top of the vanity to the bottom of your vanity lights. A Kohler lighted cabinet installation manual calls for at least 3 inches between the cabinet and the faucet or light fixture so the door can clear it. If you are also choosing fixtures, see our bathroom vanity light size guide.
Depth
Signature Hardware puts the average medicine cabinet depth at about 4 inches, with some models at 6 to 8 inches. For a recessed install, the box should sit flush with the wall; if the wall is too shallow, the cabinet will protrude or will not fit correctly. Every cabinet in our table below lists a depth of 5 to 6 inches, so check that number against your wall before you plan a recess.
Mounting height
Bob Vila suggests placing the center of the mirror roughly 64 inches from the floor as a starting point, centered over the sink, then adjusted for the people who use the room. If you are still choosing a counter, see our vanity top materials guide.
Lighted medicine cabinet wiring
A lighted medicine cabinet needs power, which adds a step to either install method. Some units plug into an outlet; others are hardwired into a junction box. Product listings do not always say which, so confirm before you buy.
- GFCI protection. The Kohler installation manual for a lighted, recess or surface mount cabinet says to connect only to a circuit protected by a Class A GFCI, on a 120 V, 15 A service.
- Who does the wiring. The same manual says a qualified electrician must route all electrical wiring, and that wiring may need to be relocated.
- Both mount types need wire access. In that manual, wires pass through the framing for a recessed install and through holes in the finished wall for a surface install.
- Switching and dimming. Some models need a wall dimmer; others have a built in touch sensor. Check the manual for your model.
A licensed electrician and your local code have the final word on circuits, GFCI and box placement.
Medicine cabinets in our catalog
Prices are as listed at the time of writing. Mount type and dimensions are as stated on each product page.
| Cabinet | Mount (as listed) | Size (W x H x D) | Notable specs | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellaterra Mirrored Medicine Cabinet 808908 | Recessed | 16.75 x 26.75 x 5 in | Powder coated steel, 3 adjustable glass shelves, left or right door swing | $160.50 |
| Bellaterra Mirrored Medicine Cabinet 808909 | Surface | 17 x 26.75 x 5 in | Powder coated steel, 3 glass shelves, left or right door swing | $190.50 |
| Bellaterra Mirrored Medicine Cabinet 808903 | Surface | 22.25 x 30.25 x 5 in | Adjustable glass shelves, left or right door swing | $241.50 |
| Bellaterra Double Door Mirrored Medicine Cabinet | Surface | 23.6 x 22 x 5.5 in | Stainless steel, two mirror doors, one interior shelf | $168.00 |
| Vanity Art VAM31 Lighted Cabinet | Surface | 20 x 25 x 6 in | 5500K LED, touch sensor, 15 W max LED power, wood cabinet | $547.33 |
| Vanity Art VA7 Lighted Cabinet | Surface | 25 x 26 x 6 in | 5500K LED, touch sensor, three compartments, two glass shelves | $640.12 |
| Blossom Rigel LED Medicine Cabinet MCL5 | Not listed | 20 x 26 to 60 x 26 in | Left or right hinge on 20 in size | From $645.00 |
| Blossom Vega LED Medicine Cabinet MCL4 | Not listed | 20 x 32 to 48 x 32 in | Left or right hinge on 20 and 24 in sizes | From $800.00 |
The Vanity Art listings also give a recessed opening size even though they are sold as surface mount, and they mention both a touch sensor and a rocker switch. The Blossom listings do not state mount type, depth or power connection. Call us before you order any lighted model so we can confirm those details with the manufacturer. You can browse the full Blossom Kitchen and Bath range for more sizes and finishes.
Frequently asked questions
Can a surface mount medicine cabinet be recessed?
Signature Hardware says it may be possible but is not recommended, since doors designed to swing out from the wall may not open fully once recessed. Buy a cabinet listed for recessed or dual mounting instead.
What medicine cabinet size do I need?
Go no wider than the vanity or sink area, leave at least 3 inches above the faucet, and fit the height between the faucet and your lights. For recessed installs, check the box depth against your wall cavity.
Does a lighted medicine cabinet need an electrician?
For hardwired models, yes. The Kohler manual we reviewed requires a qualified electrician and a Class A GFCI protected circuit. Even plug in models need a properly protected bathroom outlet. Local code governs.
Can I recess a medicine cabinet without studs?
Signature Hardware does not recommend it. Recessed cabinets are heavy and rely on stud framing; toggle bolts are a possible but risky workaround.
Questions about a cabinet’s mount type, depth or wiring? Call us at 866-777-2590, Mon-Fri 9AM to 6PM PST. Orders of $999 or more ship free by freight, and a $200 flat rate applies below that. Please review our return and refund policy before ordering.
