Are bathroom medicine cabinets outdated?

For decades, the humble bathroom medicine cabinet has been a staple fixture in UK homes. Tucked behind mirrored doors were the essentials - plasters, toothpaste, that one bottle of cough syrup no one remembered buying but everyone used. But in the age of minimalist design and wall-hung everything, we’re left wondering… are bathroom medicine cabinets a bit last season?

It’s a fair question. Between floating vanities, smart storage hacks, and open-shelving aesthetics, traditional cabinets have taken a bit of a backseat. But before you rip yours out in a moment of interior design enthusiasm, let’s take a closer look at where medicine cabinets stand in the modern bathroom - and whether they’re truly outdated or just misunderstood.

What actually counts as “outdated”?

Okay, let’s clarify something. When we say outdated, do we mean functionally obsolete? Or just not on the cover of glossy design magazines anymore? Because there’s a difference.

Functionally, medicine cabinets still do exactly what they always did - offer discreet storage and a mirrored surface, often in one tidy package. The real debate is about style, and whether their design still fits the evolving look of the contemporary British bathroom.

Truth is, some of those old-school designs (you know the ones - boxy, chunky, white plastic) do feel like they’ve been teleported straight from 1997. But modern versions? That’s another story entirely.

Modern cabinets: A makeover, not a disappearance

Here’s the thing - medicine cabinets haven’t vanished. They’ve just had a glow-up.

Today’s mirrored cabinets come in sleek, understated finishes, with integrated LED lighting, soft-close doors, and even built-in shaver sockets. They blend in beautifully with contemporary bathrooms, offering function and style (yes, it’s possible).

You’ll find minimalist frameless designs that practically disappear into tiled walls, as well as bolder statement pieces that add visual weight above the sink. So if you’ve written off cabinets because you’re imagining something clunky and uninspiring, it might be time to explore all mirrored cabinet options and see how far the category has come.

So why do people think they’re outdated?

We’ve got a few theories. First, the rise of aesthetic bathrooms - you know, the kind you see on Instagram, all terrazzo and eucalyptus branches - has pushed a lot of “practical” items out of favour. Open shelving looks lighter and more design-forward in a small space, especially when styled with colour-coded towels and the occasional decorative jar.

Second, not everyone needs a medicine cabinet anymore. If you’ve got a roomy vanity with deep drawers, or if you keep your bathroom clutter to a minimum, you might not feel the need for a wall-mounted storage solution. And that’s fair enough.

But let’s not mistake a trend for a rule. For plenty of people, especially in smaller flats or shared houses, the storage space a mirrored cabinet offers is genuinely useful - and still one of the most space-efficient ways to store daily essentials at eye level.

Alternatives to the classic medicine cabinet

If you’re leaning away from the cabinet idea, there are definitely other options worth considering. Wall-mounted shelves give you open access to items and can be styled in a way that adds character. Recessed shelving (if your wall allows it) is another sleek option that keeps things tidy without protruding.

Some opt for large statement mirrors above the sink, with all storage tucked away under the basin instead. And that can work beautifully - provided your under-sink unit has enough room for the things you’d otherwise be storing up top.

It all depends on your space, your routine, and how much stuff you actually need to access while brushing your teeth.

What to consider before ditching the cabinet

Before you go cabinet-free, it’s worth asking a few practical questions:

• Do you need eye-level storage? If you wear contacts, shave regularly, or take daily medication, having things easily within reach might be more important than you think.
  
• Do you have kids? A cabinet mounted out of reach can be a safe spot for items you don’t want little hands getting into.
  
• Do you live in a shared home? A personal mirrored cabinet can double as your own designated storage zone (helpful when your flatmate's skincare collection is out of control).
  

In other words - it’s not about what’s “in” or “out”. It’s about what works for your life.

Our take: Cabinets aren’t outdated - they’ve evolved

We’d argue that bathroom medicine cabinets aren’t outdated at all. The idea of the cabinet is still sound. It’s the execution that’s changed - and thankfully, for the better.

Whether you go for a slimline mirrored model with built-in lighting or a recessed unit that feels almost invisible, modern options give you all the function without the frumpiness. And let’s not forget: mirrors with hidden storage are basically magic in smaller bathrooms.

So don’t write them off just because they’re not all over Pinterest right now. If you’re redoing your bathroom, take a second look - you might be surprised at just how smart and stylish today’s mirrored cabinets can be.

Final thoughts

At the end of the day, your bathroom should work for you. Not for the trends. Not for the influencers. And certainly not for the approval of some imaginary design committee.

If you need storage, and you like the idea of combining that with a mirror, there’s absolutely no reason to avoid a medicine cabinet. Just maybe skip the chunky plastic ones, yeah?

Instead, explore all mirrored cabinet options and find one that fits your space, your style, and your daily routine.

Because when it comes to bathrooms, it’s not about being fashionable. It’s about being functional and feeling good about it.