42 Inch Kitchen Wall Cabinets for Small Spaces
Finding storage solutions for a small kitchen can be a challenge, but 42 inch wall cabinets open up valuable vertical real estate. Mounted high on the wall, these cabinets provide easy access without crowding the limited floor area. With some creative configurations and the right style choices, 42 inch cabinets can maximize every inch while maintaining an open, airy aesthetic.
Read on to explore the benefits of 42 inch wall cabinets for small kitchen spaces and get ideas to make the most of your storage options.
Benefits of 42 Inch Kitchen Wall Cabinets in Small Kitchens
Vertical storage along the walls is a smart way to free up precious counters and floor space in a petite kitchen. 42 inch wall cabinets offer these advantages:
- Increase storage capacity for dishes, glassware, appliances, pantry items
- Easy to see and reach contents without a step stool
- Flexible installation locations above sinks, stoves, and prep areas
- Visually expand the kitchen by leading the eye upward
Mounted 18-24 inches above standard 36 inch base cabinets or countertops, 42 inch wall cabinets are perfectly positioned for comfortable access. Their height clears average sight lines to maintain visibility and prevent a closed-in feeling. Strategic placement over appliances or sinks cuts down on steps to put items away or take them out for use.
Careful Measurement Matters
When planning for 42 inch wall cabinets, carefully measure the target wall area to ensure sufficient room. Standard cabinet depths are 12 or 24 inches. Allow space for handles or knobs on doors and drawers so they don't collide when opened. Wall irregularities could affect mounting, so check for plumbing runs or electrical boxes that may interfere.
Lighting Shows Off Contents
Illumination inside the cabinets makes contents clearly visible. LED strip lighting installed on top interior edges is an inexpensive solution. Glass-front cabinet doors also help contents show through. For glass-front upper cabinets especially, lighting below or at mid-height along the wall casts attractive uplighting.
42 Inch Kitchen Cabinet Design Options
Today's cabinetry offers abundant choices to coordinate style with your kitchen decor. Consider these design factors when selecting 42 inch wall cabinets:
Door Styles
Flat panel doors with smooth, sleek profiles blend modern and traditional elements. Shaker-style doors with a clean, crisp square panel effect suit casual comfort. For easy accessibility in a small kitchen, open shelving skips doors entirely.
Colors and Finishes
Painted finishes in lively hues introduce pops of color, while stained wood cabinetry brings natural warmth. Glass-front doors showcase contents while mirror-back panels amplify light. Matte metals like brass and antique bronze add sheen.
Storage Configurations
Base cabinetry often comes in standard three-foot widths. But upper cabinets can be sized to fit precisely. For smaller spaces, trim down to 36, 30 or even 18-inch sizes. Incorporate specialty pull-out shelves for storing trays, pots and pans right where you need them. Drawers replace hard-to-access deep cabinets. Products are also available to retrofit existing cabinets with new storage-optimizing inserts.
Installation Considerations for 42 Inch Wall Cabinets
Proper installation is key to realizing the benefits of 42 inch wall cabinets. Here are top considerations before permanently mounting them:
Pick Mounting Height
Standard installation height centers the wall cabinet bottom at 54 inches above the floor. This enables the average person to easily see and reach into the cabinet interior. Adjust up or down based on your personal height and planned cabinet contents.
Factor in Room for Handles/Knobs
Allow a few extra inches between cabinets to accommodate hardware and enable unobstructed door swing. Handles or knobs extending more than 2 inches could collide with an adjacent cabinet's door. Consider a compact hardware profile or possibly forgo doors entirely.
Account for Obstructions
Scan for pipes, conduit, switches, vents or other protuberances that could block flush cabinet mounting. Patch over or reroute obstructions if possible. Otherwise adjust cabinet size or shift placement to clear obstacles.
Attach Securely
Sturdy wall attachment keeps cabinets safely aloft even when fully loaded. Wall stud mounting offers strongest support. For added security, drive screws through upper and lower cabinet rails into studs. Hollow wall fasteners work where no studs align. Securely tighten all hardware.
Creative Storage Solutions for 42 Inch Wall Cabinets
Open up a world of storage possibilities with 42 inch wall cabinets fitted out with specialized organizational systems. Consider these space-saving solutions:
Tiered Racks
Divide cabinet space vertically to store more plates, cups and saucers using divided racks. Tiered holders keep tableware neatly arranged and separated to prevent scratches.
Pull-Out Shelving
Keep contents visible and in easy reach. Pull-out shelves fully extend allowing you to see everything housed inside. Some feature built-in compartments for small items like spices.
Wine Glass Holders
Stop worrying about broken stemware stored up high. Padded racks securely cradle wine glasses suspended upside down to keep them safely tucked away but conveniently located near serving areas.
Waste and Recycle Bins
Hide unsightly trash bins inside cabinet doors fitted with custom garbage and recycling compartment inserts. Cut down on trips around the kitchen when preparing meals.
Despite their spacious capacity, wall cabinets present certain hazards that call for safety cautions:
- Use team lifting and secure ladders for installation.
- Check for recalls or defects with manufacturers.
- Ensure anti-tip protections are installed per manufacturer guidelines.
- Securely mount cabinets to adequately support weight loads.
- Consider earthquake safety mounting in seismic zones.
42 inch wall cabinets open up a wealth of versatile space for small kitchens with some savvy storage tips and attention to proper installation. Visit your local kitchen design showroom to explore product options and organizational solutions to make these tall cabinets really work for your meal prep and entertaining needs.