Cabinets are likely one of the last things you consider when planning your kitchen layout. They just go above or below the counter, right? While this is technically true, you should really think about the height, depth, and layout of your cabinets if you want to create a functional and efficient kitchen.

How you position your upper and lower cabinets can affect things like the flow of traffic, how much storage space you have, and how easy it is to access your kitchen essentials. If you position your cabinets poorly, it can result in a cluttered, inconvenient, and sometimes even hazardous kitchen. To help you understand the importance of cabinets in creating a functional kitchen layout, let’s take a closer look at their role and how you can make the most out of your cabinet placement.

Why Does Cabinet Placement Matter?

Imagine this: Every time you open your corner drawer, it gets in the way of someone trying to get something out of the refrigerator. Or this: Your upper cabinets are too tall for you to reach comfortably, so you have to use a stool every time you want to grab a plate. These are a couple of the scenarios that can happen if you don’t consider the placement of your cabinets in your kitchen layout.

Cabinets impact traffic flow, storage space, and accessibility. They can either make your life easier or add unnecessary frustration to your daily routine. If you want your cabinets to serve you well, you need to plan their placement carefully.

The Role of Upper Cabinets

You install upper cabinets above your kitchen counter. You can use them to store items you don’t use daily, like special-occasion dinnerware or unique appliances. These cabinets also provide storage for everyday essentials, which include items like mugs, glasses, and plates.

When choosing the placement of your upper cabinets, here are a few things you should consider.

Ceiling Height

The height of your ceiling will help determine the size and placement of your upper cabinets. If you have higher ceilings, you may be able to install taller cabinets or add some extra shelving space. But if you have lower ceilings, you may want to choose shorter cabinets or leave more space between the top of your cabinets and the ceiling.

Heights of Everyone in the Household

How tall are you? How tall are the people in your household? You want to make sure you can easily reach the items you store in your upper cabinets without having to use a step stool or risk straining yourself. Try positioning your upper cabinets at a height that’s comfortable for all or most members of your household.

Accessibility

Do you cook often and need quick access to cooking utensils and ingredients? Or do you mainly use your kitchen for light meals and snacks? Depending on your needs, you may want to position your upper cabinets closer or further away from the stove and sink for easier access.

Kitchen Layout

The layout of your kitchen will also affect the placement of your upper cabinets. For example, if you have a galley kitchen with limited space, you may need to bunch your upper cabinets together to maximize storage space. But if you have an open-concept kitchen with ample room, you can be more flexible with the placement of your upper cabinets.

The Role of Lower Cabinets

Lower cabinets go underneath your kitchen counter. Most people use them to store pots, pans, and other cooking necessities. You can also use these cabinets to store larger appliances that don’t fit in upper cabinets, such as blenders and slow cookers.

The placement of your lower cabinets matters—even more than that of your upper cabinets—because they affect the flow of traffic in your kitchen.

Here are some things to consider when positioning your lower cabinets.

Work Triangle

The work triangle refers to the distance between your stove, sink, and refrigerator—the three main areas you use when cooking. To create an efficient work triangle, you want to make sure your lower cabinets maximize the flow between these areas. For example, if your sink is on one side of the kitchen and your stove is on the other, you may want to place a large island with lower cabinets in between for easier access.

Counter and Household Member Heights

The standard counter height is 36 inches. But depending on your height and the height of other household members, you may want to adjust the placement of your lower cabinets. If everyone in your household is taller than average, you may want to raise your cabinets slightly for easier access. Likewise, if you have shorter individuals in your household, you may want to lower the cabinets a bit.

Cabinet Depth

The standard cabinet depth is 24 inches. But if you have limited space in your kitchen, you may want to consider installing cabinets with a shallower depth. This will ensure your lower cabinets don’t jut out too far into the kitchen and impede movement.

Storage Needs

Think about what items you need to store in your lower cabinets. Do you have a lot of pots and pans? Or do you mainly use small appliances? Adjust the placement and depth of your lower cabinets accordingly to accommodate your storage needs.

Special Features

Lower cabinets can come with special features like pull-out shelves or built-in organizers. Consider these features when deciding where to install your lower cabinets for added convenience and organization.

Traffic Flow

Lower cabinets can also affect the traffic flow in your kitchen. If you have a small kitchen, placing lower cabinets too close to doorways or walkways can create congestion and make it difficult for multiple people to navigate the space at once. Make sure to leave enough room for easy movement around your lower cabinets.

Cabinets play an important role in creating a functional kitchen layout. If you want your kitchen to be as practical, safe, and efficient as possible, use these considerations to determine the best placement for your upper and lower cabinets.

Whether you’re constructing your dream home from the ground up or giving your current kitchen a makeover, check out what Legacy Cabinets has for you. We have American-style framed kitchen cabinets in an array of sizes and designs. Moreover, our cabinets come with customizable options, so you can adjust how they look and fit in your space. Explore our collections online or contact a nearby Legacy Cabinet dealer to discuss what’s available and what will work best for your kitchen layout.