26 DIY Ideas for an Antique Medicine Cabinet

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An antique medicine cabinet is a hidden gem that can bring vintage charm to your home! In this post, I will share 26 DIY Ideas for an Antique Medicine Cabinet to give it new life!

Whether you’ve picked one up at a thrift store or inherited one from a previous owner, there are countless ideas for an antique medicine cabinet you can transform into something truly special. With a little bit of creativity and elbow grease, you can turn an old medicine cabinet into a great way to add both function and beauty to your space.

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Updated Post from March 25, 2021

Perfect for Our Kitchen

I have loved antiques for many years, just as I do when it comes to an old house, and this antique medicine cabinet, also known as a shaving cabinet, is one of them. I remember buying it, thinking I would hang it in the guest bathroom. Then I thought, I have a great idea; I have the perfect spot for it in the kitchen. It has easy access to pain relievers, band-aids, etc. I love the original wood shelves and the little details they have.

It is also perfect for storing some of my favorite décor pieces on the top shelf, which I inherited from my grandmother. Can you believe I found this in the thrift store for $5 many years ago? Seriously, y’all, FIVE dollars!

Who says the antique medicine cabinet has to hang in the bathroom or powder room? It is a perfect addition to our kitchen. Since I thrifted the cabinet, it has hung in our kitchen for as long as I can remember. 

My family and I find it very useful because our other kitchen cabinets don’t have enough room to store our pain relievers, prescriptions, etc. Not only is it functional, but it is also such a quaint little cabinet that adds warmth and beauty to my kitchen while serving a purpose in my house today!

In my everyday routine, when I come downstairs to start the day, I head straight to the antique cabinet to grab my vitamins and medications—a small but comforting ritual that connects the past with the present.

Another thought I had is that when we add a new bathroom, instead of purchasing a new cabinet, I could add our antique medicine cabinet in there. However, I may look for another antique cabinet. We do love having it in our kitchen! 

Practical Uses for Antique Medicine Cabinet

A vintage medicine cabinet is more than just medicine storage—it’s a versatile and charming way to stay organized in any room! Here are 25 Creative Ways to Repurpose An Antique Medicine Cabinet:

1. Medicine Storage – Organize first aid supplies, pain relievers, and band-aids.
2. Essential Oils Organizer – Store and display your collection of essential oils in a stylish way.
3. Baby & Kids Medications Cabinet – A dedicated space for baby-friendly medicine storage and essentials.
4. First Aid Supplies Station – Stock it with bandages, antiseptics, and pain relievers for quick access.
5. Bathroom Beauty Organizer – Store makeup, skincare, and grooming essentials.
6. Spice Rack in the Kitchen – Turn it into a spice rack for an eye-catching, functional piece.
7. Herbal Remedies Cabinet – Organize herbal teas, tinctures, and natural remedies.
8. Jewelry Storage – Add hooks and velvet lining for an elegant jewelry organizer.
9. Mini Apothecary – Display vintage glass bottles and dried herbs.
10. Tea & Coffee Station – Store tea bags, coffee pods, and accessories for a cozy drink station.

Creative & Decorative Uses

11. Vintage Bar Cabinet – Perfect for mini liquor bottles, cocktail accessories, and glassware.
12. Floating Bookshelf – A charming way to store books or small collectibles.
13. Mini Indoor Greenhouse – Store small potted herbs or succulents with glass doors for protection.
14. Entryway Catch-All – Organize keys, sunglasses, and mail.
15. Craft Supply Storage – Tidy up paint, brushes, and small crafting tools.
16. Candle & Fragrance Display – Store scented candles, incense, and diffusers.
17. Vintage Display Case – Showcase antiques, small trinkets, or collectibles.
18. Towel & Bathroom Essentials Holder – Store hand towels, soap, and toiletries in a guest bath.
19. Pet Medicine & Supplies Storage – Organize pet vitamins, flea treatments, and grooming tools.
20. Seasonal Decor Storage – Use it to store and display seasonal or holiday-themed items.
21. Photo Frame Display – Replace the cabinet door with a photo frame to showcase favorite pictures or artwork while maintaining storage inside.

Functional & Space-Saving Ideas

22. Laundry Room Storage – Keep scrub brushes, dryer sheets, and small cleaning supplies hidden.
23. Garage Tool Organizer – Store small tools, screws, and repair essentials.
24. Sewing & Mending Station – A perfect spot for needles, thread, buttons, and fabric glue.
25. Outdoor Gardening Cabinet – Store seed packets, plant food, and gardening gloves.
26. Home Office Supply Cabinet – Organize pens, notebooks, and office essentials in style.

FAQs

Where can I find an antique medicine cabinet?

Check thrift stores, antique stores, home restoration companies, and online marketplaces. You can also find them online. There are so many to choose from. When I go thrifting, I don’t usually see antique medicine cabinets. However, You can find them online or at antique stores. Be prepared to pay a pretty penny for it.

How do I restore an old medicine cabinet in good shape?

The first step in your medicine cabinet makeover is to give it a good cleaning and update the hardware for a fresh look. To achieve a smooth finish, sand any rough spots before applying stain or a fresh coat of paint if you prefer a painted look—it can make a huge difference! If you’re looking to add a decorative touch, consider installing a backer board inside the cabinet for extra style and support. Note: If the cabinet is already painted, be sure to check for lead paint before sanding.

Where Can I Find Hardware for An Antique Medicine Cabinet? 

You can find hardware for an antique medicine cabinet at several places. Start by checking your local hardware store, where you can find hinges, knobs, and latches that match your cabinet’s style. If you’re looking for vintage or reproduction pieces, visit antique shops, salvage yards, or specialty online retailers. For a more customized touch, explore flea markets or estate sales to find authentic antique hardware that complements your medicine cabinet makeover.

How do I fix a broken cabinet door?

With a few simple repairs, your vintage medicine cabinet can be restored to its original charm! This DIY project can be as simple as using wood filler to repair cracks or, if the door cannot be fixed, replacing it with an open frame for a modern look. For added functionality, consider adding hooks or a small organizer to the inside of the door for extra storage.

Fixing a Broken Medicine Cabinet Door

These repairs allow your bathroom medicine cabinet to remain functional and stylish! The repair process depends on the type of damage. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Check the hinges and ensure the back piece is properly aligned if the door is loose or misaligned. Tighten the screws or replace worn-out hinges for a smooth finish.
• Use wood glue and clamps to hold the pieces together until dry for small cracks. For larger breaks, wood filler or epoxy can reinforce the door.
• If the door no longer closes properly, sanding the edges can improve the fit.
• If your medicine cabinet makeover involves a broken glass insert, carefully remove the old glass and replace it with a new cut-to-size panel secured with clips or adhesive.
• If the entire door has come off, reinstall it using new screws or brackets, ensuring proper alignment so it opens and closes smoothly.

Final thoughts…

An antique medicine cabinet can be so much more than just a place to store toiletries. It’s the perfect place to add both function and character to your home, especially if you’re working with a small space. Whether you’re into vintage charm, creative storage solutions, or unique home decor, repurposing a bathroom medicine cabinet can help you maximize space while adding a stylish touch. 

From organizing essentials in a tiny bathroom to creating a statement piece in another part of your home, these DIY projects will help you transform your old find into something truly special.

If you want to follow along on our home restoration/renovation plans and all of our exciting antique & thrift finds, be sure to check out Linen and Wildflowers on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive updates.