Medicine Cabinet Placement: Is Your Bedroom A Suitable Spot?

Medicine cabinets are typically installed in bathrooms or kitchens. While there are no explicit rules against placing a medicine cabinet in the bedroom, it is not a common practice. Medicine cabinets are usually placed in areas with easy access to water, such as near a sink in the bathroom or kitchen. This is especially important if you need to take medication with water. Additionally, bathrooms often have mirrors, which can be useful when taking medication or checking your health.

Medicine cabinet installation

Medicine cabinets are a great way to free up space and keep your essentials within reach. There are two types of medicine cabinets: surface-mounted and recessed.

Surface-mounted medicine cabinet installation:

First, you need to decide on the placement of your cabinet. A good rule of thumb is to have the top of the cabinet at 72 inches off the floor, but this can be adjusted to fit your needs. Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs and mark their positions with a pencil. Hold the cabinet against the wall, making sure it is level, and trace the top and bottom outlines. Remove the cabinet and mark the installation holes on the wall. Drill pilot holes and then secure the cabinet with screws.

Recessed medicine cabinet installation:

Before buying a recessed cabinet, check inside the wall to ensure there are no obstructions. Electrical wires, studs in non-load-bearing walls, and plumbing supply lines can be rerouted, but a large vent pipe or load-bearing framing cannot. If you encounter these, opt for a surface-mounted cabinet.

Once you've ensured there are no obstructions, lightly mark the wall to show where the cabinet will hang. Use a stud finder to locate and mark any studs within the outline. Cut 4-inch square holes on either side of the studs, being careful to not cut deeper than the drywall. Remove the drywall cutout and check for possible obstructions.

Next, hold the cabinet against the wall, checking that it is level, and trace its outline. Cut along this outline, removing the drywall inside the cut line. Clear the opening of debris and cut through any drywall screws holding the wallboard. Cut the stud off flush with the opening at the top and bottom. Dry fit the cabinet in the opening and use a rasp and utility knife to fix any tight spots.

Now, create a frame for the cabinet. Cut two-by-four boards to fit flush between the cut stud and the next intact studs. Apply construction adhesive to the ends of the boards and place them between the studs, flush with the drywall opening. Secure the boards with screws.

Finally, place the cabinet inside the frame, driving screws through the holes in the cabinet and into the blocking. Caulk around the edges, if needed, to cover any gaps.

Pros and cons of a medicine cabinet in the bedroom

There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to place a medicine cabinet in the bedroom. Here are some pros and cons to help you make an informed decision:

Pros:

• Privacy: Having a medicine cabinet in the bedroom ensures privacy for individuals who want to keep their medications and personal care items discrete. This can be especially important for those dealing with sensitive health issues.
• Accessibility: If you take medications or use specific medical supplies daily, having a medicine cabinet in the bedroom can make them easily accessible, especially if you have limited mobility or prefer to keep your routine private.
• Space and Organisation: A medicine cabinet in the bedroom can provide additional storage space for a range of items, from medications to first aid supplies and personal care products. It helps keep these items organised and within reach.

Cons:

• Inconvenience: If multiple household members use the same medications or supplies, placing the medicine cabinet in a shared space like the bathroom may be more convenient for everyone. Keeping it in the bedroom might make it less accessible for others.
• Safety: If there are young children or curious pets in the home, it is essential to keep medications and certain supplies out of their reach. The bedroom might not be the safest location as it may be challenging to implement child-proof measures.
• Humidity: Bedrooms tend to have higher humidity levels than other areas of the home due to activities like showering, bathing, or sleeping. This could impact the effectiveness and longevity of certain medications and supplies.

Ultimately, the decision to place a medicine cabinet in the bedroom depends on individual needs and preferences. Considering the advantages and disadvantages can help determine the most suitable location for easy access, safety, and maintaining the integrity of the stored items.

Medicine cabinet essentials

Medicine cabinets are a great way to store medications and medical supplies, and they can be placed in the bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen. Here are the essentials for a well-stocked medicine cabinet:

Medications:

• Pain and fever relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin. (Note: Aspirin should not be given to children under 12.)
• Allergy medication, including non-drowsy varieties and allergy eye drops.
• Calamine lotion, an antihistamine cream or spray, or hydrocortisone for itchy skin or allergic reactions.
• Antibiotic cream, hydrocortisone cream, and aloe vera gel for cuts and burns.
• Decongestants and cough drops for cold or flu symptoms.
• Activated charcoal for accidental poisoning.
• Medicine for an upset stomach, such as calcium carbonate for heartburn, antacids for indigestion, or other antidiarrheal medications.
• Phenazopyridine for bladder infection pain relief until you can see a doctor.

Supplies:

• Adhesive bandages in various sizes and gauze bandages.
• Cotton balls and Q-tips.
• Alcohol and hydrogen peroxide as disinfectants.
• A thermometer, preferably a digital or forehead/ear thermometer for quicker results.
• Tweezers for tick or splinter removal.
• Safety pins and scissors.
• Eyeglass repair kit and contact lens cleaner, if applicable.
• Everyday dental care items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, and floss.
• If you have a baby, you may want to add diaper rash medicine, diaper cream, a baby-safe thermometer, bulb suction, and saline drops.

Additionally, keep an inventory of medication expiration dates and store insect repellent and sunscreen near your doors for easy access. Ensure all medicines are in child-proof containers if there are children in the home.

Childproofing your medicine cabinet

Medicine cabinets are a convenient way to store medication, but they can pose a serious risk to children if not properly secured. Here are some detailed steps to ensure your medicine cabinet is childproof:

Step 1: Choose a suitable location

It is important to keep medicines out of reach and out of sight of children. Consider installing your medicine cabinet in a high-up location, such as a kitchen cabinet or a lockbox in a dresser drawer. Avoid storing medicines in the bathroom, as hot steam from the shower or bath can affect the medication.

Step 2: Think like a child

Try to see things from a child's perspective. Identify what is within their reach or what they can easily climb to access. Keep in mind that children will touch and try to mouth anything they can grab, especially items they see their parents using regularly.

Step 3: Store medicines securely

Purchase a locking medicine box or a childproof cabinet lock to ensure medicines are securely stored. If using a medicine box, choose one with internal organisation for various bottles and boxes, and a combination lock to keep children out. If using a cabinet, magnetic locks can hold the door shut tightly and are invisible from the outside.

Step 4: Be aware of the types and dangers of medicines

Keep all pills, vitamins, and other medications in their original packaging so you can easily identify them if a child accidentally ingests them. Research the common side effects and dangers of the medications you have, especially if they are not meant to be taken orally. Have the poison control number readily available, and save it as a priority contact in your phone for quick access.

Step 5: Proper storage

Some medications, such as certain antibiotics, eye drops, and injectables, must be stored in the refrigerator. Purchase a small, lockable container to store these medicines safely within the refrigerator. For other medications, store them in a cool, dry place to prevent damage or reduced effectiveness.

Step 6: Dispose of medicines properly

Be careful when disposing of expired or damaged medications. Use a trash can with a locking lid, and remove the trash from your house as soon as possible.

Interior design tips for medicine cabinets

Medicine cabinets are a great way to store your medications and keep them organised. They can also be used to store other essentials like skincare products, dental care, and first aid supplies. When it comes to interior design, there are a few things to consider when choosing the perfect spot for your medicine cabinet.

Location, Location, Location!

The location of your medicine cabinet is crucial. The most common places to install a medicine cabinet are in the bathroom or kitchen. Bathroom medicine cabinets are convenient as they provide easy access to medications, especially if you require medication daily. They also offer a reminder to take your medication consistently as you start and end your day. Additionally, having your medicine cabinet in the bathroom provides convenient access to water for consuming medication.

However, one disadvantage of bathroom medicine cabinets is the potential for moisture damage due to high humidity. Kitchens, on the other hand, are usually less humid, reducing the risk of moisture-related damage to medications. They can also be a safer option if you have small children or pets, as medications can be kept out of reach and less accessible.

When deciding on a location, it's important to consider the available space. Medicine cabinets come in various sizes, so choose one that is proportional to the surrounding fixtures, such as the sink and vanity. Ensure there is enough clearance for the cabinet door to open without obstruction.

Installation Tips:

Medicine cabinets can be installed in two main ways: recessed mount or surface mount. A recessed mount medicine cabinet is installed inside the wall and tends to look sleeker and more built-in. However, this option requires cutting into the wall, and it's important to avoid electrical or plumbing lines. If your walls are made of concrete, plaster, or brick, a surface mount cabinet may be a better option as it attaches directly to the wall without the need for cutting.

When installing a medicine cabinet, it's crucial to ensure it is level and plumb. Use a level tool to check that the cabinet is straight and vertical. Additionally, consider the height of the cabinet to ensure it is easily accessible. A general rule of thumb is to have the top of the cabinet box (excluding the door trim) at 72 inches off the floor. However, you can adjust it to suit your needs, ensuring you can see your face and upper body in the mirror.

Aesthetic Considerations:

While functionality is essential, you may also want to consider the design and aesthetic of your medicine cabinet. Choose a style that complements the surrounding décor and fixtures. If you're renting, painting the cabinet to match the room's colour scheme may be an option, but always check with your landlord first.

Don't forget to utilise the space inside your medicine cabinet effectively. You can use small containers or baskets to organise your medications and other items, ensuring they are easily accessible when needed.

By following these tips, you can create a functional and aesthetically pleasing space for your medicine cabinet, whether it's in your bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen.

Frequently asked questions