When you have a small kitchen, every inch of space counts. You need to optimize your space with smart cabinet choices to maximize storage and make the most out of what room you do have.

Choosing cabinets that offer a lot of storage and functionality can help you keep your kitchen organized and clutter-free so that you don’t feel cramped while preparing meals or embarrassed when guests come over and see your cluttered counters. Choosing the right color and style for your cabinets can also help your kitchen feel larger than it is. Follow these tips for choosing and arranging cabinets in your small kitchen to create a smart and functional layout.

Why Cabinet Choice Matters in a Small Kitchen

A small kitchen is, well, small. As such, it often lacks the amount of storage space a larger kitchen has. This means you have less room to store your dishware, appliances, and pantry items. This may result in you heaping them onto your countertops, which can make your kitchen look cluttered and feel even smaller than it is.

While having a small kitchen is inconvenient, especially for people who love to cook and entertain, there are ways to work around it. One way you can maximize space in your small kitchen is by choosing the right cabinets. By choosing cabinets that offer the most storage and functionality, you give yourself more room to store your kitchen essentials. This keeps your counters free of clutter and makes cooking and entertaining much easier.

Another way the right set of cabinets can make your kitchen feel bigger is by creating the illusion of space. Lighter-colored cabinets, especially those with glass doors, can make your kitchen look and feel more open. Less ornate doors and cabinet fronts, such as Shaker-style or flat panel cabinets, can also make your kitchen feel more spacious because they have simpler lines and fewer details.

Overall, cabinet choice matters in a small kitchen because it can mean the difference between a cramped, cluttered space and an organized and functional one. For this reason, you should consider your options carefully and choose cabinets that will make the most of your limited kitchen space.

What To Look for When Buying Cabinets for a Small Kitchen

What should you look for when you’re out buying cabinets for your small kitchen,? While the look and style of the cabinets are important, you should also consider their functionality and storage capacity. Some factors to keep in mind when choosing cabinets for a small kitchen include the following elements.

Cabinet Style

As mentioned earlier, the style of your cabinets can affect how spacious and open your kitchen feels. Shaker-style or flat panel cabinets are great options for a small kitchen because they have clean lines and simple designs that don’t visually overwhelm the space.

Cabinet Color

Lighter-colored cabinets, such as white, off-white, or light wood tones, can help make a small kitchen feel brighter and more spacious. Darker colors tend to absorb light and make spaces appear smaller. But if you prefer darker hues, you can still make them work in a small kitchen by incorporating lighter elements or using them on selective cabinet pieces.

Cabinet Configuration

When it comes to cabinet configuration, consider choosing taller cabinets that reach all the way up to the ceiling. This will help you maximize storage space and create a cleaner look in your kitchen without any awkward gaps between the tops of your cabinets and the ceiling.

And while it may seem counterintuitive in a small kitchen, don’t be afraid to use deeper cabinets. This can provide more storage space and make items easier to access.

Cabinet Functionality

In a small kitchen, every cabinet needs to serve a purpose and provide maximum functionality. Look for cabinets with features like pull-out shelving or built-in organizers that can help you maximize storage space and keep your kitchen organized.

To summarize, there are two main questions to ask yourself when buying cabinets for a small kitchen: are they functional, and do they make the space feel larger? The right choice in cabinet style, color, and configuration will vary from home to home because each space is unique. But by keeping these factors in mind, you can make the best decision for your small kitchen.

How To Lay Out Cabinets in the Most Effective Way

Aside from choosing the right cabinets for your small kitchen, how you arrange them is also important. If you don’t plan the layout properly, you may end up with wasted space or an inefficient flow in your kitchen. Below are some tips for laying out cabinets in a small kitchen.

Start with the Basics

Begin by planning where to place your basic components, like the sink, stove, and fridge. These are typically fixed elements in a kitchen, and their placement will determine how much wall space you have left for cabinets.

Use All Available Space

In a small kitchen, you want to use every inch of space available. Consider adding cabinets above the fridge or stove, using corner cabinets with lazy Susans for easier access, and utilizing pull-out shelves for lower cabinets. You can also add shelving above windows or doorways for extra storage.

Think Vertically

To make the most of your kitchen’s vertical space, use taller cabinets that reach all the way up to the ceiling. This gives you more storage room and eliminates the need for dust-collecting items on top of your cabinets. You can also add open shelving above cabinets to create additional storage space without visually closing off the kitchen.

Consider Your Workflow

When arranging your cabinets, consider how you move around in the kitchen and adjust your place accordingly. You may need larger cabinets near your prep and cooking areas, while smaller, more decorative cabinets can go in areas you don’t use as often.

Keep It Simple

In a small kitchen, less is more. Don’t try to cram in too many traditional-style cabinets. You want the most storage possible but you also want to maintain an open and spacious feel. Consider using open shelving or glass-front cabinets to break up the solid walls of cabinetry and create an airier look.

You can optimize your small kitchen by making smart choices with your cabinet selection and layout. By choosing cabinets that offer the most storage and functionality and arranging them in a way that maximizes space, you can create a more organized, clutter-free kitchen that feels bigger than it is.

For people who want a clean, modern look for their small kitchen, consider Legacy Cabinet’s European frameless cabinets. Frameless cabinets are one of the most popular styles for small kitchens because they have a minimalistic look and provide more storage space compared to traditional framed cabinets. We have a wide selection of frameless cabinets in various styles, colors, and finishes; browse our website to see our full collection. And if you find an option you fancy, get in touch with a dealer near you so that you can start putting together a smarter, more efficient kitchen for your home.