A Quick Guide to the Basic Types of Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets are undoubtedly the backbone of the modern kitchen, and perhaps the part that demands a great amount of attention from us. Their installation can go both ways — it can be a reasonable affair or a pricey one, depending on the style and materials that you choose or on the types of kitchen cabinets. It is, after all, these cabinets that keep the kitchen neat and tidy, and prevent clutter from being evidently visible. After the basic layout of the kitchen is decided, the next focus area is that of the kitchen cupboards. What’s more? It is the duty of a qualified interior designer to find kitchen cabinet ideas that maximise the utilisation of space and minimise costs.

When choosing kitchen cabinets, remember that they are majorly split into the following three broad categories.

1. Base Kitchen Cabinets

Setting the footprint of your kitchen’s design, base kitchen cabinets are positioned directly on the floor. These support the countertop from below, after it has been laid atop the cabinets. You can also install the sink within the base cabinets, along with other appliances such as dishwashers. Base kitchen cabinets are versatile in nature — think drawers, pull-outs, shelved cabinets, lazy susans, etc. In fact, it is practically impossible to build a kitchen without them — after all, what will the countertop be laid on top of? Therefore, it also defines the layout or floor plan of your kitchen. Base cabinets are, thus, understandably the most expensive type of kitchen cabinets.

Main storage purpose: From cutlery and crockery, to utensils and appliances, a whole gamut of items go into base cabinets. Thus, of all the types of kitchen cabinets, these form the largest part of the kitchen.

Also read: What’s the best material for kitchen cabinets in India?

2. Wall Kitchen Cabinets

As the name suggests, wall kitchen cabinets are mounted on the wall with the help of screws. These can be the most appealing and decorative part of your modern kitchen, if executed well. You can also extend wall kitchen cabinets till the ceiling, to store items that are not used frequently.

Main storage purpose: Use it to store all your food items or kitchen accessories and appliances that are not too bulky.

Pro Tip: Invest relatively less on base cabinets as they don’t come into focus much. Instead, make your wall cabinets look more elaborate by perhaps using glass inserts on the door and lighting inside the cabinet.

3. Tall Kitchen Cabinets

Also called utility or pantry cabinets, tall kitchen cabinets can either extend from the floor to the ceiling, or can be free-standing pieces. Since these have a very functional purpose, you’ll never be short of storage space if you accommodate a tall cabinet. These are also great to organise all your unmanageable items, and to have them on-hand always. In fact, with a little technical help, you can also accommodate ovens and microwaves in these cabinets.

Main storage purpose: From bulk food supplies (cereals, sauces, flour, sugar, pickles and much more!) and cleaning items, to appliances like microwaves and ovens, tall cabinets provide a great amount of storage.

Pro Tip: Want to install appliances like an oven or microwave in your tall kitchen cabinet? You might have to remove the bottom two drawers to make space.

So, these are your three basic categories of kitchen cabinetry. Each serves an important purpose and, together, they make your life in the kitchen an easier one. Let us know in the comments below if you have any questions.

Meanwhile, you can also browse through 5,000 projects curated on Urban Company Homes for inspiration. And imagine Urban Company as your one-stop solution for all things concerned with home design and improvement.