Mirror cabinets are a staple of bathroom design, combining everyday functionality with valuable hidden storage. But when it comes to installation, one key decision can influence both the look and layout of your space: whether to go recessed or surface mounted.

Each option offers its own advantages and limitations. Understanding the pros and cons can help you decide which style best suits your bathroom's dimensions, aesthetic, and build.

What Is a Recessed Mirror Cabinet?

A recessed mirror cabinet is installed into the wall cavity, with the front face sitting flush against the wall. The result is a clean, integrated look that feels streamlined and architectural.

Pros:

• Minimal Visual Bulk: Because the cabinet sits inside the wall, it projects less into the room, making it ideal for smaller bathrooms or those seeking a more minimalist aesthetic.
   
• Built-In Look: Recessed cabinets feel more custom, refined and architectural. They pair well with modern interiors and contribute to a seamless design.
   
• Maximised Floor Space: In narrow bathrooms or tight zones near basins and vanities, keeping wall depth to a minimum helps improve movement and usability. Because the cabinet sits further back, the mirror surface may align more naturally with the vanity or tapware, improving function, and minimising the risk of bumping.

Cons:

• More Complex Installation: Recessed cabinets require cutting into the wall, which may involve framing modifications and professional support — especially if plumbing or wiring is nearby.
   
• Not Always Feasible: Solid walls, masonry construction, or shallow studs may limit your ability to recess a cabinet without significant structural work.

What Is a Surface Mounted Mirror Cabinet?

Surface mounted mirror cabinets are fixed directly to the wall, projecting slightly outward of the surface like a traditional wall cabinet.

Pros:

• Easier Installation: These cabinets can be installed without opening up walls, making them a practical option for retrofit projects or simpler renovations. If your bathroom design evolves over time, surface mounted cabinets are easier to reposition, remove, or upgrade than recessed options.
   
• Works with Any Wall Type: Surface mounted cabinets can be installed on virtually any wall surface, including masonry, concrete, and tiled walls — no wall cavity or framing depth required.
   
• Style Versatility: Surface-mounted units come in a wide range of styles and sizes. Newtech’s Madison Mirror Cabinet, for example, blends classic cabinetry styling with the warmth and character of timber, offering a timeless addition to both traditional and transitional bathroom spaces

Cons:

• More Visually Prominent: Surface mounted cabinets extend into the room, which can appear bulky if not proportioned well or paired thoughtfully with other fittings.
   
• Harder to Integrate: They can interrupt the clean lines of a tiled feature wall or floating vanity unless carefully selected to match surrounding materials.

Newtech Mirror Cabinets: Flexible Options for Every Bathroom

Newtech’s mirror cabinet collection is designed with versatility in mind, offering solutions to suit a wide range of layouts, installation preferences, and design styles. Many models can be installed either surface mounted or recessed, providing flexibility depending on your wall structure and aesthetic goals.

Models like the Avon, Angolo Soft Corner, Kolum, and Harrow Soft Corner are built with recessible bodies, allowing them to sit flush within standard timber-framed walls for a streamlined, built-in appearance. Where recessing isn’t practical due to solid walls or limited cavity depth, these cabinets also install easily as surface-mounted units, without compromising on function or style.

For more compact or angular spaces, the Angolo and Harrow corner cabinet configurations offer an efficient use of otherwise underutilised areas, making them an ideal choice where traditional wall cabinets may not fit.

Across the full range, Newtech mirror cabinets are available in a variety of sizes, hinge positions, colours, and door configurations — giving you the freedom to customise your storage to suit both your layout and your lifestyle.

Finishing Touches for a Thoughtful Bathroom

Both recessed and surface mounted mirror cabinets bring valuable storage and style to the bathroom. The best choice depends on your space, your installation constraints, and how you want your bathroom to feel.

To explore Newtech’s full range of mirror cabinets and find one that suits your installation needs, visit newtech.co.nz/categories/mirrors or contact the team at sales@newtech.co.nz or call 0800 728 662 for personalised advice.