Your Complete Guide to Kitchen Cabinet Types

Understanding The Different Types of Kitchen Cabinets for Every Home

Are you planning your kitchen remodel? Investing in quality kitchen cabinetry is one of the best things you can do to increase your home’s value.

Understanding these kitchen cabinetry basics will help make your space functional, beautiful.

We know how overwhelming all the choices can be, so we’ll help you navigate your options to design the perfect kitchen!

Think of this guide as your cheat sheet for learning the correct terms to research and help you communicate exactly what you’re looking for in your upcoming kitchen remodel.

Ready to dive into five main types of kitchen cabinets to make your space truly shine?

First, let’s get this out of the way: While ‘cupboard’ may be the term you’ve heard your whole life, today, ‘cabinetry’ is the term homeowners and designers use to describe these sleek, functional storage solutions!

1. Base Cabinets: Your Kitchen’s Foundation

No kitchen is complete without base cabinets— these are the workhorses of your kitchen. They provide essential storage and support for your countertops.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Typically 24 inches deep and 36 inches high
• Feature a combination of drawers and shelves
• Ideal for storing pots, pans, and kitchen appliances
• Consider these for clever storage solutions like pull-out organizers
• Provides the foundation for your kitchen’s overall design

Pro-Tip: When designing your kitchen, consider incorporating different drawer sizes in your base cabinets to accommodate various items, from small utensils to large pots— where everything has its place.

2. Maximize Vertical Space with Wall Cabinets

Wall cabinets, or ‘uppers,’ are for utilizing your kitchen’s vertical space and to keep frequently used items within reach.

Here’s what you’ll need to know:

• Typically 12 to 24 inches deep
• Usually installed 18 inches above the countertop to allow space for a backsplash
• Can be customized with glass doors for display purposes
• These types of kitchen cabinets are accessible for dishes, glassware, and pantry items
• Provide opportunities for decorative elements like crown molding or lighting

Design Idea: Mix and match solid and glass-front wall cabinets to create visual interest and showcase your favorite dishes or decorative items.

3. Tall Cabinets Make Versatile Storage Solutions

You’ve probably heard tall cabinets referred to as ‘pantries.’ These kitchen cabinet types offer ample storage from floor to ceiling.

Key features of these ‘tall cabinets’ are:

• Heights typically range from 84 to 96 inches
• Customized to fit your ceiling length
• Ideal as pantries, broom closets, or pull-out appliance housing
• Perfect for integrating appliances like built-in microwaves and ovens
• Provide plenty of storage for dry goods and less frequently used items
• Can include pull-out shelves and lazy Susans for easy access

Storage Tip: Incorporate adjustable shelving in your tall cabinets to accommodate items of various sizes and adapt to your changing kitchen storage needs

4. Open Shelving: A Modern Kitchen Cabinet

This style of shelving has gained popularity for its ability to use repurposed wood, creating a touch of warmth and open-air feeling in kitchens.

Benefits include:

• Creates a spacious feel, especially in small spaces
• Allows for easy accessibility to your most-used items
• Provides an opportunity to display treasured dishes or colorful decorations
• Can be mixed with traditional cabinetry for a balanced look
• Offers flexibility in design
• Encourages regular organization and maintenance to keep your kitchen clutter-free

Styling Suggestions: Use open shelving to display a curated collection of cookbooks, plants, or a collection you’d like to showcase for a personal touch.

5. Maximize Awkward Space with Speciality Cabinets

Have an underused space you’re not quite sure what to do with? These kitchen cabinetry types are for tricky spaces to create a unique, functional space.

Here are some ideas to consider:

Coffee Bar: Make morning routines more fun and clutter-free when your coffee maker has a dedicated spot in the kitchen.
Appliances Garage: Hide bulky appliances while keeping them accessible.
Wine Racks: Built-in storage for wine bottles and glasses elevates your space.
Spice Drawers:  Designed to help your cooking and baking stay organized and accessible.
Display Center: Show off your favorite dishware, collections, or recipe books to bring warmth to your space.
Innovative Idea: Consider adding a charging station to the most-used room in your home to keep all your electronics organized and powered up!

Tailoring Kitchen Cabinetry Types

There’s no need for a cookie-cutter kitchen when you can create a truly unique space by mixing and matching cabinetry ideas.

Here are some ideas to consider:

• Combine open shelving with wall cabinets for a balanced look
• Use tall cabinets to create a focal point in your kitchen
• Incorporate specialty cabinets to accommodate specific storage or display needs
• Vary cabinet heights to add more visual interest and depth to your kitchen

By choosing the right combinations, you can create a visually appealing space that meets all your storage needs and makes your kitchen more efficient!

Bringing it All Together With Your Partner in Kitchen Cabinetry

You’ve just checked off the first step in planning your dream kitchen— understanding the basic types of kitchen cabinets! Slate Design & Remodel is here to help you navigate the different cabinetry selections to transform your space.

Ready to begin your cabinetry journey? Contact the experts with over 14 years of cabinetry experience at Slate Design & Remodel for your free kitchen cabinetry consultation.