10 Creative Dining Room Cabinet Ideas: How I Turned Dining Room Storage Into a Design FeatureEvelyn HartwoodSep 24, 2025Table of Contents1. Built-In Wall Cabinets2. Tall Glass-Front Display3. Sideboard with Hidden Drawers4. Floating Cabinets5. Corner Cabinet Solutions6. Bench Seating with Storage7. Multi-Use Hutch8. Minimal Frame Sliding Cabinets9. Open Shelving with Lower Cabinets10. Statement Color CabinetryFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEOnce, a client asked me if we could fit a full wine cellar into their tiny dining room. I laughed, thinking it was impossible, but that project ended up teaching me that smart space planning can make room for almost anything. Small spaces have a way of sparking big design creativity, and dining room cabinets are the perfect example. Today, I’m sharing 10 of my favorite ideas from real projects over the years.1. Built-In Wall CabinetsBuilt-ins create a seamless look and can be tailored to fit awkward spaces. I’ve used them to hide everything from crockery to board games. The only catch? Once they’re in, they’re staying put, so plan your layout well.save pin2. Tall Glass-Front DisplayPerfect for showing off pretty dishes while keeping them dust-free. Light it from within for a cozy evening glow, just be ready to keep it organized—clutter will be on display too.save pin3. Sideboard with Hidden DrawersA chic sideboard can double as storage and serving space. I once designed one with a secret compartment for cocktail gear—clients loved it. Good hardware makes all the difference here.save pin4. Floating CabinetsIf your dining room is narrow, floating cabinets free up floor space and keep things airy. Pair with a statement rug to anchor the room, just make sure they’re securely mounted.save pin5. Corner Cabinet SolutionsDon’t let corners collect dust! A well-made corner cabinet can store linens or occasional dishes. I’ve even tucked small wine fridges in there with the help of a precise floor mockup to get the fit right.save pin6. Bench Seating with StorageBuilt-in benches along one wall with lift-up seats are a lifesaver in small dining rooms. They work especially well for families who need extra space for seasonal items.save pin7. Multi-Use HutchA classic hutch can be both display and storage. I’ve modernized them with matte paint and sleek pulls. Just measure your ceiling height carefully before ordering anything tall.save pin8. Minimal Frame Sliding CabinetsSliding doors save space in tight areas where swinging doors would block walkways. I once had to install one after realizing a client’s dining chair blocked a cabinet door—lesson learned!save pin9. Open Shelving with Lower CabinetsThis combo gives you display space on top and practical storage below. It’s budget-friendly compared to full built-ins, but dusting those shelves is part of the deal.save pin10. Statement Color CabinetrySometimes storage can be the focal point. A bold navy or deep emerald cabinet transforms the vibe of the room. For one project, we used a cabinet layout tool to test colors before committing, which saved us from a misstep.save pinFAQQ: How do I choose the right dining room cabinets for a small space?A: Measure carefully, consider multifunctional pieces, and think vertically with tall or wall-mounted units.Q: Should dining room cabinets match the kitchen?A: Not necessarily—cohesion matters, but a slight contrast can make the dining area more defined.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