Over the years, readers have written asking where to find mid century style medicine cabinets of all sorts. I’m updating this story [Nov. 2019] to identify known suppliers of the various styles as we’ve heard from more readers with tips and as some old suppliers exited the scene. – including the type with the vertical light bars to the right and left of the cabinets.
Current places to find mid century style medicine cabinets:
- Ketcham Cabinets has an expansive range of bathroom medicine cabinets. They have a “cosmetic series“. Check out the “sliding door with light on top” — so retro! And reader Jane used a more basic design — but one with lovely metal edging — in her gorgeous-built-from-scratch vintage style bathroom. In fact, it’s thanks to Jane that we first learned about Ketchum.
- Rangeaire makes a variety of medicine cabinets styles including the “cosmetics boxes”.
- Over on Amazon, I see that cosmetic boxes are made by Jensen and ProPlus. << affiliate links, I earn a commission if you click and buy anything after clicking
Medicine cabinets with light bars:
Check out this story about where you can find light bars — and replacement covers for them — that typically went to the left and right, or above, medicine cabinets.
Hunt vintage
You can also hunt vintage. My local ReStore Habitat for Humanity always seems to have a good variety of salvaged medicine cabinets. You can also watch the usual sources like craigslist, Facebook marketplace, local salvage places and vintage stores — even neighbors who are doing remodels. Please be aware, the glass in old mirrors may not be up to current safety standards and there could be lead paint etc. — get with your own pro to assess what you are dealing with so you can make informed decisions. Renovate Safe 🙂
Tip: It can be worthwhile to see a sample of your medicine cabinet “in the flesh” before you buy – in order to assure it meets your quality expectations. There could be differences in quality, from model to model.
Readers, be sure to let us know if you have any more tips on where to find vintage and mid century style medicine cabinets made new today — thank you!
Devin says
Sadly, the Nutone-Broan website says they no longer manufacture or sell medicine cabinets as of January 31, 2014.
They direct folks to http://www.rangairemfg.com for replacement cabinets or parts.
Nick says
Drats….I see this is an old article- there’s no special category, and not much as far as vintage style anymore…
pam kueber says
use the Search bar — some more stories come up. Good luck
BillS says
I have a medicine cabinet very similar to the one pictured above. Does anyone know where I can get new tracks for the mirrors to slide in? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Bill
patti says
I have an old medicine cabinet turquoise color with the vertical lights on it. Wanting to sell it. Also have a metal turquoise shelf from the same bathroom. Wondering where you would post it?
Ross says
I wanted to see if anyone knows anything about a “NATCCO” “Mirr-O-nette” made by the “National Steel Cabinet Co.” of Chicago. Vintage, years, info about the company, replacement parts, anything. So far I know they filled for patents in the 40’s & 50’s, but that’s about it.
I bought it at a thrift store a year ago rewired it & repainted it. It looks similar to the Nutone 455FL & I’d post pictures if I could. Thanks for your help!
pam kueber says
Hi Ross – I don’t know about this but it sounds cool. You can send me a pic at retrorenovation [at] gmail [dot] com. I look forward to it!
Pat says
I saw one with the lights on the right and left at our local ReStore! I wanted it, but have no where to put it. I love these. The store is in Omaha, Nebraska if you’re interested!
Dennis says
Pam, You seem to know alot about these old medicine cabinets so I hope you can help me. I need a replacement Philip Carey recessed with light medicine cabinet from about 1954. It has two sliding glass mirror doors which need re-silvering and the plastic light frame which runs the entire top length has yellowed. I can probably clean it up but wonder if the cost of refinishing would be more than repalcement. Please help and thanks in advance for your time. The outside dimensions of this cabinet are 29 1/2 inches length by 22 1/2 inches wide, not encluding light fixture on top.
pam kueber says
Hi Dennis, sorry, but I do not know much about professional services to refinish these items. My personal experience is that indeed, costs to refinish can be more than buying new. Here’s a post on vintage style medicine cabinets: https://retrorenovation.com/2009/03/04/where-can-i-buy-a-vintage-style-medicine-cabinet/
Good luck.
NorthsideCJ says
Thanks, I appreciate the info/opinion. I am curious as to the roll-out date of that model. That said; don’t go to any trouble. How period correct it is matters to me alone. 99% of people wouldn’t know the difference, or for that matter care. So it is not a big deal. I know that the “commodore” model is indeed 60’s. My family vacation home is a relatively unmolested ’64 with that style medicine cabinet. On a side note the Aussie site is ebay.com.au I have been looking for a vintage Ford Falcon XA on there for a while.