December 13, 2024
Back to basics: What are the different types of cabinets?
Cabinets come in various types—base, wall, tall, specialty, and open shelving—each serving unique purposes. Learn their dimensions, uses, and design tips to create a functional, beautiful kitchen.
Have you ever watched videos or browsedthrough photos of stunning kitchen or bathroom designs and thought, “Wow, Ilove her kitchen—her cabinets look amazing!”? Well, did you know that cabinets havespecific names and purposes? They aren’t just “cabinets.” In this blog, we’rediving into the world of cabinetry, sharing the different types, theirdimensions, and the ideal places to use them. Let’s get started!

 

Base Cabinets

Let’s start with the most common type—basecabinets, also called lower cabinets. These are the cabinets that sit on thefloor and hold up your countertops. Their standard depth is about 24 inches(technically 23 ¾ inches), and they stand 34 ½ inches tall. The specific heightincludes a 30-inch cabinet box and a 4 ½-inch toekick. Keep in mind, thisdimension doesn’t include the countertop. If you’re opting for custom cabinets,you can adjust the measurements, but it’s best not to go deeper than 27 inches.Any deeper, and you risk creating hard-to-reach spaces. For width, the standardis around 36 inches, though it can be customized. Just ensure that the cabinetdoor has at least a 12-inch leaf to swing open smoothly.

 

Wall Cabinets

Next, we have wall cabinets, which aremounted on the wall above your base cabinets. These are perfect for storingdishes, glasses, or pantry items. They’re typically installed 18 to 21 inchesabove the countertop, but the height can vary depending on who’s using thekitchen. Shorter family members? Consider a smaller gap to keep shelvesaccessible. Wall cabinets range from 12 to 24 inches deep, and it’s common togo deeper above the fridge for a cohesive look. Pro tip: Keep everydayessentials within easy reach and reserve the higher shelves for items you don’tneed often, like seasonal dishes.

 

Tall Cabinets

If you’re aiming for maximum storage and asleek, elegant look, tall cabinets are the way to go. These extend from thefloor to the ceiling, ranging in height from 84 to 96 inches and typicallyabout 24 inches deep. Tall cabinets are excellent as pantry units or forstoring larger kitchen appliances that don’t fit elsewhere. For a custom-builtlook, match the cabinets to your ceiling height. Tall cabinets are especiallyuseful in smaller kitchens because they draw the eye upward, creating theillusion of more space.

 

Specialty Cabinets

Specialty cabinets are the problem solversof the cabinet world. They’re designed for tricky spaces where standardcabinets just don’t work. Think corner cabinets, pull-out spice racks, orbuilt-in trash bins. These cabinets maximize every inch of space and bringextra functionality to your kitchen. Since they’re often custom-made, there’sno standard size, but they’re all about convenience and making your kitchenwork for you.

 

Open Shelving

Finally, let’s talk about open shelving,one of the hottest trends in kitchen design. Open shelves are perfect fordisplaying your favorite dishes or adding a decorative element to your kitchen.They give the space an open, airy feel that’s hard to beat. However, openshelves require more upkeep since everything is on display. If you love a tidyand organized look, be prepared to stay on top of cleaning and arranging. It’sa trade-off, but for many, the modern farmhouse vibe is well worth it.

 

Wrapping It Up

And there you have it! These are theprimary cabinet types you’ll encounter, whether you’re planning a kitchenrenovation or simply curious about the world of cabinetry. Each type has itsunique purpose and advantages, helping you design a kitchen that’s bothfunctional and beautiful.
Stay tuned for more blogs like this, wherewe dive into design tips, renovation ideas, and more. See you next time!

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