Ideal Tall Narrow Cabinetry for Small Kitchen Areas

Having a small kitchen can make storage a challenge. Limited floor space means every inch must be used efficiently to keep things organized. This is where tall narrow cabinets can be the perfect solution. Taking your kitchen's layout into account when designing with tall narrow cabinetry can help maximize your storage potential. Read on for tips on measuring your space, customization options, installation, and more to make the most of tall narrow kitchen storage.

With their minimal footprint, tall narrow cabinets are ideal for small kitchens. They provide plenty of vertical storage without dominating floor space. Narrow cabinets can be tucked into unused nooks, mounted on walls, or incorporated into your existing layout. With some clever customizations and organizational systems, these vertical units can become your kitchen's storage powerhouse.

Measure Your Kitchen Layout

Getting accurate measurements is the first step to effectively incorporate tall narrow cabinets. Consider the following steps:

• Measure your overall kitchen footprint as well as individual walls, corners, and unused spaces.
• Evaluate work triangles and traffic flow patterns.
• Identify potential locations where narrow cabinets could maximize storage without disrupting workflow.

Having these measurements and an understanding of how you use your kitchen provides the foundation for strategically adding narrow cabinetry.

Consider Traffic Flow and Work Triangles

When planning your kitchen layout, consider the workflow between key zones like the refrigerator, stove, and sink. The work triangle concept recommends no leg of the triangle exceed 9 feet. Measure potential spots for tall narrow cabinets to ensure they don't obstruct primary traffic lanes.

Identify Potential Locations

Common spots for tall narrow cabinets include tucking them next to or between existing cabinets, anchoring them to walls, using them as room dividers, or repurposing awkward spaces like near windows or appliances.

Design Tips for Tall Narrow Cabinets

Tall narrow cabinets can be customized to make the most of their storage capacity. Keep these design tips in mind:

• Optimize with roll-out shelves, interior drawers and full extension slides.
• Incorporate interior organizing systems like slide out bins.
• Use glass-front cabinet doors to display items while retaining a streamlined look.
• Add lighting inside cabinets so you can easily see contents.

Optimize Storage Space

While narrow cabinets offer vertical storage, some spaces can be tricky to access. Include roll-out shelves, interior drawers and full extension slides. This brings contents right to you instead of getting lost in the back of deep cabinets.

Use Interior Organizing Systems

Inserts like slide out bins, tilt-out racks and spice organizers keep cabinet contents accessible and tidy. Label bins to designate zones for different types of items.

Incorporate Glass-Front Cabinet Doors

While closed storage is essential, glass-front doors on upper cabinets let you display pretty dishware and glassware. Opt for frosted, textured or tinted glass for a soft, blended look.

Add Lighting Inside Cabinets

It can be hard to see what's lurking in those dark recesses of narrow cabinets. Adding strip lighting or puck lights inside illuminates everything.

Customize Tall Narrow Cabinetry

One of the benefits of tall narrow cabinets is you can fully customize them for your space. Consider the following options:

• Work with skilled cabinet makers to build custom narrow cabinets.
• Choose cabinet heights like 30", 36" or 42" to maximize available space.
• Select cabinet depths like 12" or 15" based on contents being stored.
• Consider narrow widths like 9" or 12" to utilize awkward spaces.

Work with Skilled Cabinet Makers

For a fully tailored solution, partner with experienced cabinet makers. They can create narrow cabinets in specific dimensions, wood types, finishes and features to match your kitchen's style.

Choose Cabinet Heights to Fit Your Space

Narrow floor cabinets typically come in standard heights like 30" or 36". Wall cabinets can range from 30" up to 42". Choose heights to make the most of soaring ceilings or awkward dead spaces that are too small for standard sized cabinets.

Select Cabinet Depths Based on Contents

Common narrow cabinet depths include 12", 15" and 18". Shallower 12" depths are great for glassware and dishes. Deeper 15" depths work well for large platters and bulky items. Consider what you'll be storing when choosing depths.

Consider Custom Widths to Maximize Unused Space

Take measurements of awkward, irregular spaces like near windows, corners or around pipes and appliances. Have narrow cabinets custom made in widths like 9", 12" or 15" to utilize these spots.

Installation Considerations for Tall Narrow Cabinets

Properly installing tall narrow cabinets ensures they are safely secured and function properly. Keep these tips in mind:

• Reinforce walls to support cabinet weight.
• Allow room for hinges and hardware when positioning units.
• Level and anchor tall cabinets securely to prevent tipping.
• Test doors and drawers for proper alignment after install.

Reinforce Walls to Support Cabinet Weight

With their narrow footprint, it's important tall cabinets are properly anchored to studs in walls. Consider adding wood blocking between studs or metal reinforcement to provide robust support.

Allow Room for Hinges and Hardware

Factor in space needed for cabinet doors to fully open and avoid collision with surrounding cabinets or walls. Position tall narrow units to accommodate hardware.

Level and Anchor Tall Cabinets Securely

Opening cabinet doors on a tall unit can cause it to tip if not properly secured. Use shims during install to level cabinets, then anchor firmly to studs and reinforcements.

Test Doors and Drawers for Alignment

After installing tall narrow cabinets, open and close doors and test drawers and shelves. Make any needed adjustments for proper alignment to avoid future issues.

Organize and Use Tall Narrow Cabinets

Once your narrow cabinets are installed, keep them organized and functional with these tips:

• Assign contents strategically based on kitchen workflow.
• Use risers, dividers and bins to optimize organization.
• Label shelves and bins so you can easily find things.
• Store less used items on highest shelves.

Assign Contents Strategically

Think about kitchen workflow patterns when deciding what to store. Place every day dishes and glasses near the dishwasher. Keep baking essentials close to the oven. Strategic organization ensures efficiency.

Use Risers, Dividers and Bins

Maximize narrow cabinet space with risers to add extra shelves. Use dividers to section off areas or prevent delicate glassware from sliding. Bins corral like items and make them easy to identify.

Label Shelves and Baskets

Use labels to designate different zones in cabinets for dishes, appliances, pantry items, etc. Identifying contents keeps things organized.

Store Less Used Items on Highest Shelves

Reserve upper shelves in tall cabinets for overflow stock, special occasion dishes and other items you don't regularly need. This leaves prime space for go-to items.

Style Your Tall Narrow Cabinets

While function takes priority, don't forget about style. Use these tips to make your narrow cabinets look great:

• Paint or stain cabinets to coordinate with kitchen decor.
• Display pretty dishware in glass-front cabinets.
• Add decorative items like vases on top of cabinets.
• Install trim molding for an elegant look.

Paint or Stain Cabinets to Match Decor

Choose a neutral, warm, or bold paint or stain that complements your kitchen's color palette. Consistent finishes make narrow cabinets seamlessly blend in.

Display Pretty Dishware

Show off your best chinaware, crystal and decorative glassware in glass-front upper cabinets. Pretty dishes become part of the overall kitchen decor.

Use Decor on Top of Cabinets

Top narrow cabinets with elegant bowls, vases or artwork. This carries visual interest upward and takes advantage of vertical space.

Install Crown Molding or Trim

Frame tall narrow cabinets with crown molding flush to the ceiling or complementary trim along the top and bottom. Molding gives a built-in custom look.

Tall narrow cabinets are a smart storage solution for maximizing limited kitchen space. Taking accurate measurements, planning design details like custom sizing, and safely installing these vertical units ensures they elegantly function in your cooking zone. Strategically organizing contents and adding stylish accents allows narrow cabinets to become an asset for both storage and decor in a small kitchen.

With some creativity and careful planning, you can take advantage of every inch of space with narrow cabinetry. Your kitchen will benefit from increased storage capacity while maintaining an open, uncluttered feel. Once installed, be sure to utilize organizing systems and frequently reevaluate contents to keep your tall narrow cabinets working efficiently for your needs.

The versatility of tall narrow cabinets means they can provide flexible storage solutions in many rooms. Use them in entryways as a slim console, in the bathroom for linens, or in the living room as a media console. Get creative with customizing dimensions to put awkward spaces and unusable nooks to work. With their minimal footprint and extensive storage potential, tall narrow cabinets are one of the most valuable additions for small spaces.

When designing a kitchen with limited space, every inch needs to be optimized. Tall, narrow cabinets can provide abundant vertical storage without dominating the floorplan. Take detailed measurements of the existing layout and traffic patterns to identify the best placement for additional cabinetry. Work with experienced kitchen designers or cabinet makers to customize dimensions, features and finishes to your needs. Optimize organization with rollouts, dividers and other smart inserts tailored to your storage needs. Install cabinets securely to studs, reinforced walls and include amenities like lighting. Use glass fronts, open shelving and decorative accents to add style. With good planning and customization, tall narrow cabinets can be the perfect solution for increasing storage in a small kitchen.