10 Narrow Kitchen Cupboard Ideas That Actually Work: Smart, stylish, and space-saving ideas from my 10+ years as a designerLena Q. MorrisSep 24, 2025Table of Contents1. Slim Pull-Out Pantry2. Open Shelving Above Countertops3. Adjustable Narrow Shelves4. Shallow Wall Cabinets5. Built-In Vertical Drawers6. Fold-Down Counter with Cupboard Storage7. Mirrored Cupboard Fronts8. Corner Cupboard Carousels9. Narrow Cupboard with Built-In Wine Rack10. Multi-Function Drawer UnitsFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEOne time, a client asked me to fit a full coffee bar into a 1.2-meter-wide kitchen wall — and they weren’t joking. I almost laughed, but then the challenge kicked in. Small spaces like that really push me to think beyond the obvious. In fact, narrow kitchen cupboards are some of the most satisfying projects I get to design. Today, I’m sharing 10 ideas you can steal for your own home — tested in real homes, not just in mood boards. And yes, some of these were born from my own “how on earth do we make this work?” moments. Speaking of planning, if you’re mapping out your kitchen changes, using a room planner early can save you from awkward surprises later.1. Slim Pull-Out PantryThese tall, narrow pull-out units can fit into gaps as small as 20 cm wide. I love them because they make use of the weird spaces between appliances and walls. The only caveat: don’t overload them or the mechanism can get cranky over time.save pin2. Open Shelving Above CountertopsIf you don’t have enough depth for closed cupboards, open shelves keep things airy and accessible. Just remember they’ll collect dust faster, so only display items you use often.save pin3. Adjustable Narrow ShelvesThese are ideal for storing spices, oils, or baking ingredients. You can customize the height to fit awkward containers. I once fitted them into a 15 cm gap next to a fridge — still one of my favourite “Tetris moves” in design.save pin4. Shallow Wall CabinetsWall cabinets with reduced depth (around 20–30 cm) stop the kitchen from feeling cramped. They’re best for plates, mugs, and glassware you reach for daily. If you’re planning your measurements, a free floor plan creator helps you test layouts before drilling anything.save pin5. Built-In Vertical DrawersAlso known as ‘spice towers’, they slide out smoothly and let you see everything at once. The bonus? No more forgotten jars hiding in the back. Just make sure the runners are high quality, or you’ll hate the squeak.save pin6. Fold-Down Counter with Cupboard StorageThis is a game changer in tiny kitchens: a narrow cupboard whose door folds out into extra counter space. My only warning — beware of leaning on it too heavily unless it’s reinforced properly.save pin7. Mirrored Cupboard FrontsNot only do they make the kitchen feel bigger, but they also bounce light around beautifully. Keep a microfiber cloth handy though — fingerprints will find you no matter what.save pin8. Corner Cupboard CarouselsPerfect for making the most of those “lost” corners. They’re surprisingly effective for storing pots and pans without the awkward deep reach.save pin9. Narrow Cupboard with Built-In Wine RackIf you’re a wine lover, integrating a slim rack into a vertical cupboard section looks great and saves space. Just keep it away from heat sources like ovens.save pin10. Multi-Function Drawer UnitsI once designed a 25 cm-wide cupboard with drawers for spices, foil, chopping boards, and oven trays — all in one. Before you assume your space is too small, try mocking it up with a kitchen layout planner. You might surprise yourself with how much fits.save pinFAQ1. How narrow can a kitchen cupboard be? – In my projects, we’ve gone as slim as 15 cm for a pull-out spice rack, but the standard narrow size is around 20 cm.2. Are pull-out cupboards worth it? – Yes, especially in small kitchens. They maximize vertical space and make hard-to-reach gaps useful.3. Do open shelves make a kitchen look bigger? – They can, by creating an airy visual break — but you’ll need to keep them tidy for the effect to work.4. What’s the best material for narrow cupboards? – Moisture-resistant MDF or plywood is durable and stable. According to The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association, these materials withstand kitchen humidity better than particleboard.5. Can I DIY a narrow cupboard? – Absolutely. With accurate measuring and the right tools, it’s a manageable weekend project.6. How do I stop narrow cupboards from tipping? – Use sturdy wall anchors and quality hinges. For tall units, secure them to both wall and floor.7. What’s the average cost of installing a narrow cupboard? – It can range from $150 for a DIY version to $800+ for custom cabinetry.8. Can narrow cupboards hold heavy items? – They can, with strong runners and solid shelves. Just avoid overloading to prevent wear on mechanisms.Start for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE