How to Choose Narrow Depth Kitchen Cabinets

When designing a kitchen, storage space is a top priority. However, in many homes, especially older homes or small apartments, available space is limited. This is where narrow depth kitchen cabinets can be a lifesaver. Ranging in depth from 12 to 15 inches, compared to the standard 24 inches, narrow cabinets provide a slimmer footprint without sacrificing storage capacity. With some clever planning and organization, they can transform even the tiniest kitchen into a highly functional cooking space. Here's what you need to know about maximizing storage with these space-saving cabinets.

Benefits of Narrow Depth Cabinets

Narrow depth kitchen cabinets offer a few key advantages that make them a popular choice for compact kitchens:

• They fit into tight spaces where regular depth cabinets won't. Whether you're working with a galley kitchen, squeezed between walls, or have limited space between counters and appliances, narrow cabinets can be configured to work.
• They provide copious storage without eating up valuable floorspace. The slimmer footprint leaves more room for islands, tables, or just moving around.
• They open up cramped kitchens visually. The shallow profile showcases more wall space, windows, and light compared to bulky cabinets.
• They're versatile in use. Cabinet companies offer narrow versions of sinks, storage, and pan lid organizers to fully equip the slim spaces.

If you're struggling with a tiny kitchen, installing narrow depth cabinets can help maximize every inch. They create storage up to the ceiling, reduce wasted space, and generally make the most of your footprint.

Key Measurements

When shopping for narrow depth cabinets, you'll encounter two common widths:

• 12-inch depth: The slimmest available, best suited for limited spaces. Provides clearance for opening doors and some interior storage.
• 15-inch depth: Still compact but offers a bit more interior space for shelves and larger items.

For comparison, the standard cabinet depth is 24-inches. So even 15-inch cabinets are nearly half the typical size. Be sure to measure your space carefully to determine which depth will work for your kitchen layout.

Height Considerations

In addition to depth, cabinet height is an important dimension for narrow spaces. You want to take advantage of all vertical real estate. Most companies make narrow cabinets in heights up to the ceiling, typically offering:

• 30-36 inches for base cabinets
• 30-48 inches for wall cabinets

Taller cabinetry, in 36- or 48-inch sizes, helps you maximize storage. Just ensure there is sufficient clearance from countertops or ranges below wall cabinets.

Combining Widths

Another approach is combining standard width and narrow cabinets. For example, you could install deep cabinets only where essential - near appliances or sinks. Then use narrow cabinets everywhere else. This allows you to get the best of both worlds.

Design and Layout

To make the most of narrow kitchen cabinets, careful planning of design and layout is important. Here are some top tips:

• Include a mix of open and closed storage. Glass-front doors on wall cabinets keep the space feeling open while concealing contents.
• Incorporate specialty pull-out cabinets for blind corner access or base cabinet storage.
• Allow proper clearance around appliances for drawer access. Measure oven and refrigerator dimensions to be sure.
• Create work triangles between the sink, fridge, and stove for optimal workflow.

In a galley or straight kitchen layout long rows of upper cabinets can create a tunnel effect. Breaking them into sections helps open the space. Mix in open shelves, glass fronts, or creative shapes like angled cabinets.

Storage Solutions

The key to effectively using narrow kitchen cabinets is organization. Without proper storage solutions, the slim spaces can quickly become cluttered. Some tips include:

• Add pull-out shelves to base cabinets to double storage and access.
• Use shelf risers, stacking bins, or vertical dividers to split shelves.
• Install specialty organizational inserts like knife blocks, spice organizers, or pan lids.
• Use hidden compartments behind drawers to hold small appliances.
• Add racks or pegs inside cabinet doors to store utensils and pans.

Getting everything arranged neatly can take some trial and error. But once you find a system that works, those narrow cabinets can hold a surprising amount of kitchenware.

Pantry Storage

Even narrow pantry cabinets can store bulk goods with a bit of DIY ingenuity. Some ideas include:

• Add extra shelves at varying heights to split vertical space.
• Install slide-out bins and organizers to separate categories.
• Attach a second rod for doubling hanging storage.
• Use hanging bags, racks, or shelves specially sized for canned goods.

Pull-out drawers and roll-out trays in base cabinets also work nicely for pantry storage. They simplify accessing items in the back that might otherwise get buried.

Shopping Recommendations

Ready to shop for your narrow kitchen cabinets? Keep these tips in mind:

• Materials: Maple or oak provide durability at moderate cost. Opt for stainless steel handles and surfaces for easy cleaning.
• Quality: Check for solid wood construction, soft-closing hinges, and secure joining. Quality materials withstand years of use.
• Trusted brands: Shop brands like Ikea, Rev-A-Shelf, Elfa, and Kraftmaid for smartly designed narrow cabinets.
• Measure carefully: Bring exact kitchen dimensions to ensure proper cabinet sizing and placement.

While narrow cabinets come at a premium cost, their space-saving design is worth the investment for small kitchens. Properly planned and organized, they can transform cluttered chaos into a model of efficiency.

To get the most bang for your buck, look for narrow cabinet specials and sales. Manufacturers frequently run promotions on last year's styles or overstock items. This allows upgrading your kitchen while sticking to a budget.

Quality cabinets keep your kitchen functioning for the long haul. So don't sacrifice too much on materials to save on upfront cost. With some deal hunting, you can find great narrow cabinets that meet both space needs and budget.