Shallow Cabinets: 5 Smart Ideas for Small Spaces: Practical shallow cabinet solutions I use to squeeze storage into the tiniest kitchens and studiosUncommon Author NameOct 10, 2025Table of Contents1. Vertical shallow cabinets2. Shallow under-counter drawers3. Open shallow shelving with framed fronts4. Toe-kick drawers and shallow base units5. Shallow corner solutions and floating shallow cabinetsTips 1:FAQTable of Contents1. Vertical shallow cabinets2. Shallow under-counter drawers3. Open shallow shelving with framed fronts4. Toe-kick drawers and shallow base units5. Shallow corner solutions and floating shallow cabinetsTips 1FAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEI once installed shallow cabinets for a client who swore that deep cupboards were a conspiracy against people with short arms — she wanted everything within reach and insisted the doors should never hide her spices. That ridiculous brief taught me that constraints spark creativity, and if you live small, shallow cabinets can transform a cramped room into a clever, calm space. For inspiration and real-life space planning examples I often reference case work that shows how slim storage changes flow: space planning examples.1. Vertical shallow cabinetsI love tall, narrow shallow cabinets for kitchens or hallways because they use vertical real estate without sticking out into the walking path. They’re perfect for baking sheets, trays, and slim pantry items; the trade-off is limited depth for bulky pots, but you gain sightlines and a less cluttered feel.save pin2. Shallow under-counter drawersShallow drawers under counters are my go-to when clients want quick access to utensils and everyday plates — they keep counters cleaner and make small kitchens feel more organized. The challenge is fitting appliances: deep mixers won’t live here, so plan a dedicated spot if you own big gadgets.save pin3. Open shallow shelving with framed frontsOpen shallow shelves with a framed front give you display space and quick reach while keeping items from toppling. I sometimes panel the lower section with doors to hide messy extras; this mix of openness and concealment balances aesthetics and function. When I need to show how a layout works in context I compare it against 3D floor layouts to ensure circulation stays comfortable: 3D floor layouts.save pin4. Toe-kick drawers and shallow base unitsDon’t underestimate the inches under your cabinets — toe-kick drawers and shallow base cabinets are secret storage heroes for baking trays, rarely-used linens, or pet bowls. They’re inexpensive to add during a refit, though retrofitting them afterward can be fiddly; budget extra for joinery if you’re not rebuilding from scratch.save pin5. Shallow corner solutions and floating shallow cabinetsCorners often become dead space; shallow corner units or floating wall cabinets turn corners into purposeful storage without blocking sightlines. I used floating shallow cabinets in a studio renovation to keep the room airy; the downside is you’ll sacrifice some maximum capacity, but visually you gain a lot. For kitchen-specific planning I refer clients to curated kitchen layout ideas that pair well with shallow units: kitchen layout ideas.save pinTips 1:Think in layers: shallow upper storage for daily items, mid-depth drawers for everyday prep, and a few deeper cabinets reserved for bulky items. Label shelves, use dividers, and pick consistent door heights to make shallow banks read as intentional design rather than a compromise.save pinFAQQ1: Are shallow cabinets practical for a kitchen?Yes — for zones like pantry, dishes, and spices they’re extremely practical. You might still need one or two deeper cabinets for pots and appliances.Q2: What standard depths are considered "shallow"?Shallow cabinets typically range from 6" to 12" deep for wall units and 12" to 18" for base units. These depths suit plates, spices, and narrow storage while keeping walkways clear.Q3: Do shallow cabinets cost more?Cost depends on customization: stock shallow units can be cheaper, but custom shallow joinery or unusual dimensions raise price. I advise budgeting a small premium for custom sizing to achieve a polished look.Q4: How do shallow cabinets affect kitchen workflow?They can improve workflow by bringing frequently used items within easy reach and reducing visual clutter. Plan work zones so shallow storage holds items used in that specific zone.Q5: Can I retrofit shallow cabinets into an existing kitchen?Yes, but retrofitting may require adjusting plumbing, toe-kicks, or filler pieces. I usually recommend a site measure to avoid surprises and to calculate joinery costs accurately.Q6: Are there materials better suited for shallow units?Lightweight plywood or MDF with good edge banding performs well; avoid heavy solid wood if you’re maximizing every inch because weight adds strain to narrow draws and wall fixings.Q7: How should I light shallow cabinets?Under-cabinet LED strips and interior puck lights work wonders for shallow units — they enhance visibility without eating depth. Proper lighting makes shallow storage feel more functional and intentional.Q8: Do shallow cabinets impact indoor air quality or ventilation needs?Shallow cabinets themselves don’t change ventilation requirements, but in kitchens good ventilation is essential. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), proper kitchen ventilation helps reduce indoor pollutants and moisture (https://www.epa.gov).save pinStart 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