When you’re planning your ideal kitchen, the cabinets you choose really make a difference in how everything comes together. There are a lot of options out there, so picking the right cabinets can seem like a big task. This guide will help you learn about the different types of kitchen cabinets, from the basic ones to the special ones, so you can pick the perfect cabinets for your kitchen.

Base Cabinets

Base cabinets are really important in a kitchen. They provide storage space and support the countertops and sinks. These cabinets sit on the floor and help create a strong base for the whole kitchen.

Features of Base Cabinets

Sturdy Construction: Made from durable materials like wood or MDF, base cabinets are built to withstand the weight of countertops and heavy kitchen equipment.
Various Sizes: Available in standard widths and heights to fit any kitchen design.
Adjustable Shelves: Many base cabinets come with adjustable shelves to maximize storage space.

Benefits of Base Cabinets

Enhanced Storage: Provide ample storage for pots, pans, and other kitchen essentials.
Support for Countertops: Essential for supporting heavy countertops and kitchen appliances.
Versatility: Can be customized with drawers, pull-out trays, and other features to suit your needs.

Popular Sizes of Base Cabinets

Widths: Typically available in widths ranging from 9 inches to 48 inches, increasing in 3-inch increments.
Height: Standard height is usually 34.5 inches, with a countertop bringing the total height to approximately 36 inches.
Depth: Standard depth is 24 inches, although some base cabinets can be up to 30 inches deep.

Popular Styles of Base Cabinets

Shaker: Known for their simple, clean lines, Shaker cabinets are a timeless choice.
Flat-Panel: Sleek and modern, flat-panel cabinets offer a minimalist look.
Inset: Featuring a recessed door design, inset cabinets are a classic and elegant option.

Wall Cabinets

Wall cabinets are a great way to create more storage in your kitchen. These cabinets are mounted on the wall above the countertops to save space and keep your kitchen tidy. You can use them to store dishes, glasses, and pantry items, making it easy to reach what you need while also keeping your countertops clear.

Various Configurations of Wall Cabinets

Single Door: Ideal for smaller spaces, single door wall cabinets are compact and efficient.
Double Door: Provide more storage and are suitable for larger kitchens.
Corner Cabinets: Designed to maximize corner spaces, these cabinets often include lazy Susans or other storage solutions.

Uses of Wall Cabinets

Dishware Storage: Perfect for storing plates, bowls, and glasses.
Pantry Organization: Keep dry goods and pantry items organized and within reach.
Display Shelves: Open shelving options allow you to showcase decorative items and frequently used kitchenware.

Popular Sizes of Wall Cabinets

Widths: Common widths range from 9 inches to 48 inches, similar to base cabinets.
Height: Standard heights include 12, 15, 18, 24, 30, 36, and 42 inches, allowing for various stacking options.
Depth: Typically 12 inches deep, but depths can range from 12 to 24 inches for added storage.

Tall Cabinets

Tall cabinets, sometimes called pantry cabinets, go all the way from the floor to the ceiling. They give you tons of storage for big items, appliances, and bulk foods.

Storage Solutions with Tall Cabinets

Pantry Storage: Ideal for storing canned goods, dry foods, and other pantry staples.
Appliance Storage: Tall cabinets can house built-in appliances like ovens and microwaves.
Utility Storage: Provide space for brooms, mops, and other cleaning supplies.

Design Options for Tall Cabinets

Pull-Out Shelves: Make it easy to access items stored in the back of the cabinet.
Adjustable Shelving: Customize the interior to fit your storage needs.
Built-In Lighting: Integrated lighting options enhance visibility and accessibility.

Popular Sizes of Tall Cabinets

Widths: Usually available in widths of 18, 24, and 30 inches.
Height: Common heights include 84, 90, and 96 inches, allowing them to reach the ceiling in most kitchens.
Depth: Standard depth is 24 inches, but depths can vary from 12 to 24 inches depending on design needs.

Specialty Cabinets

Custom cabinets are designed to fit specific storage needs and make the most of different areas in the kitchen. These special cabinets don’t just make your kitchen more practical, they also add a unique touch of style.

Lazy Susans

Rotating Shelves: Lazy Susans feature rotating shelves that make it easy to access items stored in corner cabinets.
Maximized Storage: Utilize otherwise wasted corner space efficiently.

Corner Cabinets

Space Savers: Designed to fit into kitchen corners, these cabinets make use of awkward spaces.
Customizable Options: Available with pull-out trays, rotating shelves, and other features to enhance functionality.

Drawer Storage

Organized Drawers: These cabinets include built-in dividers and organizers for utensils, cutlery, and small kitchen gadgets.
Ease of Access: Drawers provide easy access to items stored within.

Roll-Out Pantries

Convenient Storage: Roll-out pantries feature shelves that slide out, making it easy to see and reach items stored at the back.
Space Optimization: Ideal for narrow spaces where traditional pantry cabinets wouldn’t fit.

Tilt-Out Tray

Hidden Storage: Tilt-out trays are usually located under the sink, providing a hidden spot for sponges, brushes, and other small items.
Accessibility: The tilt-out design allows for easy access without cluttering the countertop.

Base Pull-Out

Slim Storage: These cabinets are narrow and include pull-out trays or racks for storing spices, oils, and other small items.
Maximizing Space: Perfect for utilizing small gaps between appliances and cabinets.

Toe Kick Drawer

Hidden Space: Installed in the toe kick area of base cabinets, these drawers offer additional storage without taking up extra space.
Ideal for Small Items: Great for storing flat items like baking sheets or cutting boards.

Appliance Cabinets

Integrated Design: These cabinets are designed to house specific appliances, keeping them hidden and maintaining a clean kitchen look.
Built-In Options: Commonly used for microwaves, coffee makers, and blenders.

Base Built-In Microwave Cabinet

Dedicated Space: Provides a designated spot for the microwave within the base cabinets, freeing up counter space.
Seamless Integration: Matches the rest of the cabinetry for a cohesive look.

Compact Cabinet Drawer Outlet

Convenient Charging: These drawers have built-in electrical outlets, allowing you to charge devices or use small appliances without cluttering the countertop.
Safety Features: Often include features like cord management systems and safety cut-offs.

Popular Sizes of Specialty Cabinets

Lazy Susans: Typically 36 inches in diameter for corner base cabinets.
Corner Cabinets: Available in various sizes, often with a 33-inch or 36-inch face frame width.
Wine Racks: Can vary widely, but common widths include 6, 12, and 24 inches.
Pull-Out Trash Bins: Standard widths are 12, 15, and 18 inches to fit standard trash bin sizes.
Appliance Garages: Customizable sizes to fit the specific appliances they will house.
Drawer Storage and Roll-Out Pantries: Widths can range from 12 to 24 inches, depending on the available space and design needs.
Tilt-Out Trays and Base Pull-Outs: Typically around 9 to 12 inches wide.
Toe Kick Drawers: Usually around 4 inches in height and can be customized in width to match the base cabinet.
Base Built-In Microwave Cabinets: Usually 24 to 30 inches wide to fit standard microwave sizes.
Compact Cabinet Drawer Outlet: Customizable based on drawer size, typically around 12 to 18 inches wide.

Choosing the Right Kitchen Cabinets

Picking the right kitchen cabinets is really important for creating a kitchen that looks great and works well. There are different types of cabinets, like ones that go on the floor (base), ones that go on the wall, really tall ones, and special ones for specific needs. Whether you’re redoing your whole kitchen or just getting new cabinets, this guide will help you figure out the best options for what you need.

Your Guide to Kitchen Cabinets