We were thrilled when Erica shared her medicine cabinet makeover. Open shelving remains a favorite trend, and this small niche conversion is crisp, practical, and stylish. Below is Erica’s description of the project.
Inspired by the open shelving we keep seeing, my husband and I decided to replace our builder-grade medicine cabinet with a simple open storage solution. We removed the mirrored cabinet, repaired the wall with drywall, and framed the niche with trim that matches the rest of our home. We reused materials we already had, including the drywall and the glass shelves from the original cabinet. The only purchases were trim and small cove moulding to support each shelf. Now the bathroom has an open storage space that makes it easy to grab essentials—like cotton swabs and cotton balls—each morning. It was a quick update that looks so much better than the old cabinet. – Erica
What makes this makeover so appealing is how simple and effective it is. Converting a recessed medicine cabinet into open shelving can refresh a bathroom without major renovations. Key steps include removing the existing cabinet, patching and finishing the wall, adding a matching trim frame for a polished look, and installing supports for the shelves. Reusing materials such as glass shelves and drywall helped keep costs down while delivering a clean, cohesive result.
This approach improves both function and aesthetics: everyday items are easier to access, and the open display encourages tidy, intentional organization. It’s also versatile—shelves can be adjusted, painted, or accessorized to fit different styles and storage needs.
If you like hands-on updates that deliver a big visual impact with minimal expense, this medicine cabinet-to-open-shelves conversion is a great example. No complicated tools or advanced skills are required—just basic carpentry, a bit of drywall work, and attention to finishing details like trim and supports. The end result is a neat, modern look that makes daily routines a little easier and a lot more attractive.