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VANITY FAIR

`Whatever happened to the medicine cabinet,’ asks an article in the trade publication “Baths & More.” The answer lies with the American consumer, who is searching for more storage space in the bathroom, and manufacturers of cabinets and vanities, who are making products that meet consumers’ growing expectations.

That article, by Bernard M. Meyers, president of mirrored cabinet manufacturer Robern Inc., points out that times have changed since the first medicine cabinets were introduced almost 100 years ago with space for just a few bottles and jars and some shaving equipment. Meyers writes that medicine cabinets have evolved from simple wooden boxes to today’s elaborate storage systems for an ever-growing list of contemporary necessities of life.

Vanity designers are responding to these same needs. “People want more and more storage space and they are using pantry-type cabinets in the bathroom,” says Connie Edwards, marketing design manager for American Woodmark. Beyond storing the everyday basics of health and cleanliness, she says that people now want built-in hampers in their bathrooms and space to store clean bath linens as well as other items.

“People are finally getting sensible and they now want space in the bathroom to store clean undergarments so they have them when they step out of the tub rather than having to dance across the bedroom to hunt them down,” she says.

While vanities today are offering a more efficient use of space, styles evolve slowly. John Fairchild, a designer with the Bath Furniture Division of Universal-Rundle who has worked in the industry for 30 years, says, “Oak, which goes back to the mid-’70s, is still dominant because people like its casual, country look, and white is making a comeback.” He agrees with his colleagues that storage space is one of the big issues, but with some limits.

He would like to add such items as cosmetic trays or areas designed especially for such items as curlers, but the public isn’t ready to be that organized. “I sometimes think that the female head of the household resents storage in the bathroom that is too organized,” he says, “so we provide the space and she can fill it in her own ingenious way.”

The prices listed for products featured are suggested retail prices. You can contact the listed manufacturers for help in finding a retailer in your area who carries a specific item.

Oak finish

The Stonefield Collection of furniture for the bath features a honey oak finish and doors with a classic square raised panel. Vanities come in a number of models and sizes with a two-door, four-drawer unit for maximum storage space. Matching specialty cabinets include a linen cabinet, a corner vanity, a three-drawer unit and a number of medicine cabinets. Price: $395 for a 48-inch-wide vanity. Universal-Rundle, 217 N. Mill St., P.O. Box 29, New Castle, Pa. 16103-0029. Phone: 800-955-0316.

Moisture-resistant

American Woodmark has introduced the Fairbanks line of cabinetry. These raised-panel white cabinets, which are designed with either square or soft-arched styling and hidden hinges, have a finish that is resistant to moisture and abrasions. Accessory units include a valet wall cabinet, a medicine cabinet and a vanity hamper kit. Price: $204 per cabinet. American Woodmark, P.O. Box 1980, Winchester, Va. 22604-8090. Phone: 800-292-2935.

Three inches taller

The Right Height Vanities from KraftMaid are about 3 inches taller than conventional vanities to lessen the need for bending over. They are also 21 inches deep compared with the conventional depth of 18 inches. Of particular note in the collection is the Concord series, which features a cathedral arch design and a cherry finish, and the Kingsley, with decorative moldings, which is available in an oak or sandrift finish. Each style comes with matching storage pieces that include linen cabinets and medicine cabinets. Prices: starting at $150 for a vanity. KraftMaid Cabinetry Inc., 16052 Industrial Parkway, P.O. Box 1055, Middlefield, Ohio 44062. Phone: 216-632-5333.

Modular cabinets

Robern has developed a Stacking System of modular mirrored cabinets that can be grouped horizontally or vertically to provide either a full wall of mirrors or a full-length floor-to-ceiling mirror. The cabinets feature a defogging mirror door and interior electrical outlets for such items as electric toothbrushes and hair dryers, which can be stored inside. The doors are available with a plain polished edge or a beveled one. Linear sidelights or theatrical top-lights can be added to the mix and match design. Price: $424 and up for an individual cabinet. Robern Inc. 1648 Winchester Road, Bensalem, Pa. 19020. Phone: 215-245-6550.

Adjustable glass shelves

The especially wide Saturn medicine cabinet from Broan has three storage compartments, each equipped with three adjustable glass shelves that are four inches deep. The unit uses warm-tone fluorescent lights, which are helpful when applying makeup because they reflect true colors. The mirrored doors open to provide three-way viewing. Saturn is available in surface or recessed models that are 36 inches and 48 inches wide. Price: $435 to $520. Broan, 926 W. State St., Hartford, Wis. 53027. Phone: 800-548-0790.