When designing a new kitchen or renovating an existing one, one of the most important decisions is determining the depth of the upper cabinets. While it may seem like a simple choice, the depth you select can have a major impact on the kitchen’s storage capacity, functionality, and aesthetic.
We’ll discuss the pros and cons of various sizes, important factors to consider, and how depth impacts your overall kitchen layout and design.
Standard Upper Cabinet Depths
The most common depth for upper kitchen cabinets is 12 inches. This size has been the standard for decades and is still used in most residential kitchens today. There are several good reasons why 12 inches remains the go-to choice:
- Allows full access to contents while door is open. With a 12 inch depth, you can easily see and reach all items stored in the upper cabinets.
- Provides sufficient storage space. While not as roomy as deeper sizes, 12 inches accommodates dishes, glasses, food boxes, and other typical kitchen items.
- Works with standard interior fittings. The 12 inch depth pairs well with common shelf sizes and placement. It also works seamlessly with roll-out trays and other organizational additions.
- Easy to install and accessorize. At 12 inches, upper cabinets are straightforward to mount on walls and pair with molding, trim, and lighting fixtures.
The 12 inch depth balances storage and accessibility in a compact footprint. It’s particularly well-suited for average-height users in kitchens with 7-9 foot ceilings. However, if you need extra interior room for storage, other depths may be preferable.
When 12 Inches Works Best
While 12 inches is versatile enough for many kitchens, it’s especially ideal in certain situations:
- Kitchens with limited wall space. The compact 12 inch size maximizes storage without dominating the room.
- Kitchens with 7-9 foot ceilings. Low to average ceiling heights don’t leave much extra vertical space for deeper cabinets.
- Upper cabinets primarily used for dishes and glasses. These items don’t require as much depth as pots, pans and food boxes.
- Average height users. People of average height will have an easier time reaching into 12 inch deep upper cabinets.
For kitchens like these, 12 inch upper cabinets provide excellent function and access without needing additional space. If that describes your kitchen, 12 inches may be the ideal depth.
Deeper Upper Cabinet Options
While 12 inches is standard, many homeowners opt for deeper upper cabinets to maximize storage. Some popular depths beyond 12 inches include:
15 Inch Depth
Increasing depth to 15 inches provides 25% more interior cabinet space without looking overly bulky or encroaching excessively on the room. This depth works well for kitchens with a bit more wall space and users who want more storage with easy access.
18 Inch Depth
At 18 inches, upper cabinets offer the same depth as base cabinets. This greatly increases storage capacity and accommodates large platters, bulky cookware, and food boxes with ease. The 18 inch depth pairs well with roll-out shelves to optimize the interior space.
The biggest downside is that an 18 inch upper cabinet has a larger footprint and can be difficult for shorter users to reach into. We recommend this size for tall users in kitchens with high ceilings and adequate wall space.
Considerations for Deeper Upper Cabinets
While deeper cabinets add storage space, they also come with some functional and aesthetic drawbacks to consider:
- Difficult to access contents in back of cabinet. Deeper cabinets may require stepping stools for shorter users to comfortably reach items in the back.
- Reduced visibility of contents. Without special organizational systems, much of the interior space may be hidden from view.
- Potential ergonomic issues. Repeatedly reaching deep into upper cabinets can strain muscles over time.
- Less wall cabinet space. The wider footprint means you can install fewer cabinets across a wall.
- Awkward next to short uppers. If combining depths, a big gap may exist between a deep and standard shallow upper cabinet.
- Higher material costs. More materials are required to construct deeper cabinets, which increases budget.
When Deeper Cabinets Are Preferable
Despite the downsides, we recommend deeper upper cabinets in certain situations:
- Kitchens with high ceilings. Extra height accommodates the additional depth without cramping the space.
- Users who are tall. Those over 5’8″ will have an easier time utilizing the full depth.
- Kitchens with bulky storage needs. Deeper cabinets easily fit large platters, pots and pans, and food containers.
- Upper cabinets used for appliances. Things like microwave ovens benefit from the extra space.
Just be sure to incorporate organizational systems, consider ergonomics, and allow adequate landing space for deeper upper cabinets.
Shallow Upper Cabinet Options
While less common in kitchens, shallow upper cabinets with depths under 12 inches can serve useful purposes. Typical shallow depths include:
9 Inch Depth
Upper cabinets with a 9 inch depth are quite narrow but can be helpful in specific situations. Some great uses for 9 inch upper cabinets include:
- Above the refrigerator. Since most refrigerators extend beyond counter depth, a shallow cabinet fits the space better.
- Next to the range hood. Leaving space for a chimney style hood may dictate using a shallow cabinet.
- Corner cabinets. Reduced depth cabinetry maximizes storage in the corners.
- Display cabinets. Open-front cabinets don’t require as much depth for displaying dishes or decorative items.
Just be aware that the limited space makes organizing contents in 9 inch cabinets more challenging.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Depth
When deciding the best upper cabinet depth for your kitchen, keep the following factors in mind:
Cabinet Door and Hinge Style
The door style and hinges impact how far open the cabinet can swing. Review door clearance charts and ensure that your chosen depth works with the desired cabinet style. For example, a cabinet with a 110 degree swing hinge requires more landing space than a 170 degree hinge.
Typical Items You Need To Store
Analyze the heights, widths, and depths of items you expect to store in each upper cabinet area. This will help determine ideal depths to accommodate items like stock pots, cutting boards, appliances, etc. Measure existing items as part of your planning process.
Available Space on Walls
Consider the horizontal space available on your upper walls to fit cabinets. Deeper cabinets mean you can install fewer across each wall. Make sure to map out different depth options to see their impact on overall cabinet numbers.
Aesthetic and Layout
Visually review how different cabinet depths could look in your kitchen. Deeper cabinets may suit a spacious, airy aesthetic while shallower sizes blend into a cozy galley layout. Sketch various options while keeping sight lines, lighting, and flow in mind.
Standard Interior Cabinet Dimensions
In addition to overall cabinet depth, pay attention to interior elements like shelves. Standard options include:
Shelf Spacing
Shelves spaced 15-18 inches apart maximize storage for most items. But adjustable shelves offer greater flexibility long-term. Opt for adjustable shelves if possible.
Depth of Shelves
Matching the shelf depth to the cabinet depth provides full usable space. With fixed shelves, opt for full depth. With adjustable shelves, shelves can be set to partial depths to create vertical storage zones.
Standard Cabinet Widths
While depth is key, cabinet width also impacts kitchen design. Common upper cabinet widths include:
- 12 inches – great for narrow spaces
- 18 inches – provides ample storage
- 24 inches – ideal for large plates and appliances
- 36 inches – maximizes wide spaces
Select cabinet widths based on available space and storage needs in each area.
How Cabinet Depth Impacts Overall Kitchen Design
Beyond storage capacity, upper cabinet depth influences other aspects of your kitchen design. Consider how depth affects:
Relationship to Countertop Depth
Standard countertop depth is 25″ for ample prep space. Upper cabinets as deep or deeper than the countertop look integrated and balanced. Go much shallower, and upper cabinets may seem oddly disproportionate.
Impacts on Traffic Flow, Aisles, and Ergonomics
Deeper upper cabinets increase the footprint protruding into the room. Ensure adequate walkways and clearances for multiple cooks. Also allow proper landing space for cabinet doors and drawers.
Tips for Optimizing Kitchen Layout
A few tips to make the most of your selected upper cabinet depths:
- Add lighting above deeper cabinets to see contents.
- Use deeper cabinets near cooktops for ample landing space.
- Allow proper clearance from ceilings for crown molding on deeper cabinets.
- Minimize overly deep and shallow cabinets right next to each other.
Upper kitchen cabinet depth is a crucial decision that impacts storage, ergonomics, and design. While 12 inches is standard, deeper or shallower sizes can optimize function in certain kitchens. Just be sure to consider all factors from interior fittings to layout when selecting cabinet depths.
Most importantly, match cabinet depths to your unique storage needs, usage patterns, and user heights. With mindful planning of upper cabinet dimensions, you can enjoy a kitchen that looks beautiful and works seamlessly for years to come.
