Median Cabinet Sizes For Kitchen Areas

Choosing the right cabinet dimensions for your kitchen can be hard. Proper cabinet sizing is crucial for maximizing storage, functionality, and aesthetics in your kitchen design.

Standard Cabinet Dimensions

Kitchen cabinets come in three main types - base cabinets, wall cabinets, and tall cabinets. Each has general size standards, with custom sizes also available.

Base Kitchen Cabinets

Base cabinets sit on the floor and support countertops. They typically range from 30-36 inches high. Widths commonly span anywhere from 9 inches for filler cabinets to 42 inches for large base units. Standard base cabinet depths are 24 inches deep, including the countertop overhang.

Some of the most common base cabinet dimensions include:

• 36 inches high x 24 inches deep x 36 inches wide - large base cabinet
• 36 inches high x 24 inches deep x 24 inches wide - standard base cabinet
• 36 inches high x 24 inches deep x 12 inches wide - narrow base cabinet
• 34 1/2 inches high x 24 inches deep x 12-42 inches wide - common base sizes

Wall Kitchen Cabinets

Wall cabinets mount on walls above countertops to provide upper storage. Typical heights range from 15-18 inches for wall cabinets above refrigerators to 42 inches for full-height wall cabinets. Widths usually span anywhere from 12 to 36 inches.

Standard wall cabinet depths are generally 12 or 24 inches deep. Some examples of typical dimensions include:

• 30-42 inches high x 12 inches deep x 12-36 inches wide
• 15-18 inches high x 12 inches deep x 30-36 inches wide (above fridge)
• 12 inches high x 12 inches deep x 12-24 inches wide (occasional smaller wall cabinet)

Tall Kitchen Cabinets

Tall cabinets offer storage between base and wall cabinets. They commonly range from 84-96 inches tall. Widths usually match standard 24 or 36 inch base cabinets. Depths are typically around 24 inches.

Typical tall cabinet sizes include:

• 84-96 inches high x 24 inches deep x 24-36 inches wide

While these dimensions represent standard cabinet sizes, many manufacturers can customize cabinets to fit your exact specifications.

Measuring Your Kitchen

Taking accurate measurements is an essential first step in planning new kitchen cabinets. Consider measuring:

• Room dimensions - Measure wall lengths, angles, ceiling height, windows, and doorways.
• Existing cabinets - Note heights, widths, and depths of current cabinets.
• Countertop lengths - Measure along walls and any peninsulas or islands.
• Appliance sizes - Measure refrigerators, ovens, cooktops, and microwaves.
• Plumbing and electrical - Note sink, drain, and outlet placements.

Recording these key measurements precisely will allow you to select cabinet sizes to perfectly fit your kitchen's footprint and components.

Maximizing Your Kitchen Storage

Cabinet dimensions significantly impact your kitchen's storage capacity. Consider these tips for optimal storage when choosing cabinet sizes:

• Opt for full-height wall cabinets to maximize vertical storage space.
• Include a few deeper pantry-style base cabinets for large cookware.
• Incorporate roll-out trays, lazy susans, and pull-out shelves to fully utilize cabinet space.
• Use taller cabinets near cooktops to hold baking sheets and large pots easily.
• Install corner cabinets with turntables to access the entire area.

Also look at factors like your cooking style, types of food/dishes you store, and family needs when deciding on cabinet dimensions.

Design and Layout Considerations

Choosing the right cabinet sizes involves more than just storage capacity. You also need to consider kitchen layout, traffic flow, and ergonomics when selecting cabinet dimensions.

Kitchen Layout Configurations

Typical kitchen layouts include:

• Galley - Cabinets lined up on two parallel walls.
• U-Shaped - Cabinets form a U around sink, stove, and fridge.
• L-Shaped - Cabinets on two adjoining perpendicular walls.
• Island - Cabinets on three walls with island in center.

Layout impacts placement of windows, doors, and appliances which can dictate cabinet dimensions and configurations.

Workflow and Accessibility

Consider kitchen workflow patterns when planning cabinet sizes. Allow open floor space in high traffic zones between countertops, islands, and appliances. Standard clearance recommendations include:

• 42-48 inches between opposite countertops/cabinets
• 36-inch aisles between islands and other cabinets
• 15-inch countertop space on one side of a cooktop or sink
• At least 15 inches of countertop on either side of a refrigerator

For accessibility, include some lower wall cabinets, pull-out base cabinets, and open under-counter kneespace in wheeled circulation routes.

Visibility and Access

Consider these visibility and access tips when positioning cabinets:

• Avoid upper cabinets above prep/cooking areas
• Use glass-front wall cabinets to allow light penetration
• Install cabinets at reachable heights for users
• Include toe-kick space under cabinets for ergonomics

Careful planning of cabinet footprints can prevent blocked sightlines and wasted space in layouts.

Buying the Right Sized Cabinets

When ordering new cabinets, double-check all measurements and allow for custom sizing if needed. Watch for these common cabinet size pitfalls:

• Failing to account for moldings when measuring wall space
• Not considering ceiling soffits and crooked walls
• Assuming appliance openings and plumbing locations won't change
• Buying standard cabinets without confirming room dimensions

Work closely with kitchen designers to specify cabinet sizes that align with your precise space. Reputable manufacturers can customize doors, widths, and heights to your specifications.

Professional kitchen installers can make additional tweaks for a perfect fit. Investing in accurate measurements will ensure your new cabinets maximize your kitchen's storage capacity and functionality.

• Base, wall, and tall cabinets come in standard width, height, and depth dimensions that can be customized.
• Carefully measuring your existing kitchen is essential for selecting properly sized new cabinets.
• Consider storage needs, layout, workflow, and accessibility when planning cabinet configurations.
• Custom sizing can help cabinets perfectly fit your kitchen's footprint and components.

By leveraging the typical cabinet size guidelines and your own measurements, you can choose dimensions to create a kitchen that looks beautiful, functions efficiently, and provides abundant storage. Your kitchen designer can help you optimize cabinet configurations tailored to your lifestyle and space.