Kitchen cabinets, types, features, tasks, selection tips

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The furniture in a modern kitchen is significantly different from those used a couple of decades ago. Recently, manufacturing materials have been significantly improved, an ergonomic design has been developed, and kitchen cabinets have been equipped with additional parts and fittings. The products have become more comfortable and functional. Furniture is often made to order. This article will reveal details about kitchen cabinets.

Modern kitchen cabinets are ergonomic and easy to use

U- or U-shaped kitchen layout

This type of arrangement of kitchen furniture can be used for fairly spacious and long, narrow rooms. There are different options here too. For example, a dining area for a small family can be organized by arranging tabletops at different levels.

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Types of kitchen units, their pros and cons

Manufacturers offer us three options:

• buy a ready-made kitchen;
• assemble a kitchen from different modules;
• order a set according to your individual wishes.

In the first case, you immediately know the final cost and dimensions of the headset.

One of the advantages is low prices. We managed to find miniature solutions for 6-10 thousand rubles from the manufacturers Moscow House of Furniture, DominoMebel. Another plus is that the headsets are already in the warehouse and will appear in the house in a couple of days. A good choice for a rented apartment.

The disadvantages include not particularly high quality and the lack of opportunity to change something.

A modular kitchen is assembled from the elements that we choose.

The main advantage is that we decide which cabinets are needed and in what quantity, how to alternate them and what filling to make, as well as which doors to choose. The price range of such headsets is very wide. We managed to find solutions for both twenty and three hundred thousand.

The disadvantages include the fact that non-standard heights of countertops and depths of cabinets are painfully expensive.

Custom-made kitchens are calibrated down to the millimeter and tailored to you. Everything will be at the right height and the right distance.

The only drawback is the high price.

Examples of our ergonomic projects

1. U-shaped kitchen without upper cabinets

The owners of this small apartment do not cook much, so they chose a kitchen set that does not have upper cabinets. However, there is enough storage space here: there are several cabinets with drawers with closers that are convenient to use, a roll-out module for bottles and a hinged cabinet for storing vegetables. The oven and dishwasher are installed under the countertop, with access from both the front and the side. The large worktop area is another advantage of this kitchen.

2. Kitchen with a peninsula

It was important for the customers to provide plenty of storage space and easy access to it. The ergonomics of the kitchen were taken into account in everything: a comfortable distance between the sink and the hob, a wide work surface, the presence of a peninsula, which helped increase the cooking area and the number of storage spaces. The height of the upper cabinets is designed so that it is convenient for the owners to get things and equipment even from the upper shelves. There was a place in the cabinets for all the necessary things; they definitely won’t interfere with the worktop.

3. Compact kitchen with built-in appliances

Kitchens without wall cabinets: photos of interior design examples

Relatively recently, in the interiors of modern kitchens they began to use sets without wall cabinets. This unusual design allows you to create an interesting design, but it is not suitable for all rooms.

A kitchen set without wall cabinets has a number of undeniable advantages:

The interior of a kitchen without wall cabinets looks unusual and spacious

1. This design option helps to visually create additional space in the room. This is especially appropriate for a small kitchen.
2. Possibility of creating different settings. A set without upper modules can be installed even in the window area.
3. Maximum room illumination. The absence of wall cabinets promotes uniform distribution of light emanating from the central chandelier, so there is no need to install additional lighting.
4. No place to collect dust. Classic two-tier headsets are less convenient in terms of cleaning, because dust collects on the upper tier, which is not very convenient to clean.
5. Reach. A set of standard height without a top row will be especially convenient for short residents who will not have to reach the upper cabinets.
6. Budgeting. A set with one bottom row is much cheaper.
7. Safety. Poor quality fastening of the upper cabinets or the heavy weight of the contents can cause the furniture to simply fall.
8. Additional decorative options. Walls free from cabinets will be an excellent place to place paintings, photographs, panels or shelves.

If the room is small, then a kitchen without upper cabinets will be an excellent solution.

How to rationally use kitchen space

The most appropriate option for the kitchen is a spacious wall cabinet with a folding door that opens upward. In this model you can place a dryer, shelves for storing food and dishes.

If the kitchen has interior partitions made of plasterboard, they are unlikely to support the weight of the cabinets. But railings with hooks, mesh shelves, holders for glasses and paper towels are fine.

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Use drawers and baskets that can be equipped with a clever accessory system to neatly store kitchen utensils and small items.

An excellent solution is corner drawers that run diagonally to the far corner of the wall. They hold three times more items than regular boxes due to their unique design.

Your set will last much longer if the table drawers are made using metaboxes (metal sides). Chipboard boxes will quickly deteriorate due to moisture and the heaviness of the dishes.

Install systems with a carousel in the corner cabinet - shelves that rotate around a rigidly fixed vertical rod. This will save usable space and make it much easier to store dishes in hard-to-reach places.

Where and how to place it correctly

Proper placement of furniture in the kitchen area will optimize its space and make working in it comfortable. First you need to draw up a drawing and place all the pieces of furniture on it. This way it will be possible to visually assess the location of each module.

Be sure to measure the area of ​​the room and the height of the walls. On the plan you will need to mark all the places where the windows, the door to the room, and communications are located. And starting from this, draw up a layout plan.

In a spacious kitchen with equal sides, a corner or U-shaped set will fit perfectly.

In any kitchen area layout, you need to take into account the standard rules:

• within two meters of each other it is necessary to place a refrigerator, sink and stove, as these are the main work areas in the kitchen;
• The gas stove should not be located close to the window. This way you can avoid drafts and the risk of fire;
• The hood should be placed exactly above the stove, at a height of 60 to 80 centimeters;
• countertops should be in a place convenient for the hostess and be of a certain height;
• The depth of the tabletop should be no more than 60 centimeters;
• You should choose a deep sink, place the mixer at a height that will allow you to place a large, tall pan under it;
• modular kitchens are more convenient, as they can be transformed to fit any size room;
• the refrigerator must be placed in a place where its open door will not become an obstacle to access to the countertop;
• It is advisable to arrange all modules so that they are within one step.

If you follow the rules of the golden triangle in your arrangement, it will be much easier to place your new kitchen set with maximum convenience.

A modern kitchen should not only be beautiful and stylish, but also functional.

How to Arrange Kitchen Cabinets for Ergonomics

Imagine that you are standing in your ideal kitchen. Do you need to bend down to pick up something or is everything within reach? Is it easy to open the doors of the upper cabinets and what mechanism is most convenient for you? Have you thought or imagined? Make a note to take these notes with you to your meeting with your kitchen designer.

Kitchen cabinets come in standard sizes and individual sizes - the latter, of course, is preferable, as they take into account your individual characteristics.

Height and depth of working surface

The standard height of a kitchen countertop is 85 cm; it is designed for a housewife with a height of 165 cm. Are you a little taller? Raise the lower cabinets by 5 cm. The height of the lower unit of the kitchen set, in addition to the size of the cabinet bodies, can be adjusted using higher legs or a thicker countertop. The convenient and optimal depth of the bottom row is about 60 cm. Our company produces kitchen cabinets with a depth of 505 mm, so that when installed, there is a technical gap behind the cabinet for communications, and the countertop hangs slightly over the cabinets - this way the fronts and handles remain clean longer.

Kitchen apron size

The distance between the lower and upper cabinets varies between 50-60 cm. The easiest way to calculate the required height is by taking into account your height: the bottom of the top drawer should be 5-7 cm below the shoulder.

Height and depth of upper cabinets

More recently, the height of upper cabinets was limited to standard factory cabinet dimensions. Today, all the necessary modules can be made to order and the height of the upper cabinets can be extended to the ceiling to increase the amount of storage space. The optimal depth is 30 cm, so that when cooking or washing dishes you do not rest your head on the façade.

By the way, the hanging headset module can be divided into two parts and the top row made deeper. These cabinets are great for storing things that you rarely use.

Passage width

When planning an ergonomic kitchen set, you need to take into account not only the direct dimensions of the furniture, but also the space that will remain for movement after their installation. Do you like to dance while cooking, like movie characters? Then you need to pay special attention to this point!

For a kitchen with an island or two rows, the optimal passage width is 120 cm. This is due to the fact that the doors also take up space when open. For example, in order for you to feel comfortable using the oven, the distance to it should be at least 110 cm, and to the dishwasher – 100 cm.

The distance between regular storage boxes and the dining table can be reduced to 90 cm, but not less.

Serial and individual production of kitchen cabinets

Equipping a kitchen space is not an easy task, the ideal result of which will be a functional and comfortable room where cooking is easy and enjoyable. Therefore, when purchasing kitchen furniture, it is necessary to take into account both the overall dimensions and the features of individual components of the overall set.

When choosing kitchen furniture, you need to consider its size, design and functionality.

The standard sizes of kitchen modules were developed taking into account the dimensions of a person of average build, as well as in accordance with the typical layout of kitchens in apartment buildings. In any case, it is advisable to take your own measurements of the entire room, calculating the required height, length and depth of the proposed furniture.

A kitchen set is a set of individual modules that can be arranged at your discretion, but after installation, changing the location of a particular cabinet will be problematic. Therefore, care should be taken in advance about the correct placement of furnishings. It should be taken into account that kitchen cabinets, as elements of a set, can be mass-produced or made to order.

Manufacturers of cabinet furniture are guided by generally accepted and their own standards, according to which conveyor production is established. Special machines cut out and cut out the parts of future cabinets, after which they are assembled into specific furniture forms. Their production has been put into production.

Serial cabinets are manufactured in accordance with generally accepted standards

Standard cabinets do not always fit into a specific room. In such a situation, it is worth resorting to the help of manufacturers who make custom-made furniture. Specialists will take individual measurements and create a furniture design in accordance with the kitchen layout, taking into account all the requirements and desires of the customer. You should know that the price of custom-made furniture is significantly higher than the cost of standard cabinets.

Kitchen cabinets to the ceiling: when are they appropriate and when are they not?

The leading aspect is the height of the room . If it is 240 cm or less , you can order standard cabinets up to the ceiling without hesitation.

With a kitchen height of 240 to 300 cm, the cabinets can be made either high (to the ceiling) or low. But we remember that it is better to leave a larger distance from the cabinet to the ceiling (from 30-40 cm).

If the room is higher than 300 cm , you should not raise cabinets to the ceiling. This design will look too bulky and unnatural. And it will be almost impossible to use the cabinets, then what’s the point? No benefit, no aesthetics.

If the ceiling is decorated with beams, coffers or other decorative elements, cabinets resting against it can cause visual confusion and create unnecessary asymmetry. The beautiful ceiling should not be touched; it would be better if the cabinets were lower.

But this does not apply to simple and smooth ceiling tiers. If the ceiling above the work area is slightly lowered, the top of the cabinets can be rested against it.

When developing the design of a new kitchen, it is worth taking into account the individual characteristics of the owners. Including their age. So, if the kitchen is intended for older people, you should not make very tall cabinets. The need to climb benches and ladders at an advanced age can cause injury.

How to choose kitchen furniture

Furniture in the kitchen carries not only a direct functional load, but also creates a certain mood with its appearance and colors. The optimal organization of the kitchen directly depends on what kitchen cabinets and drawers are provided in a particular set. Therefore, it is better to select a kitchen set according to the following parameters:

• sizes of cabinets and cabinets;
• the form of the entire ensemble;
• the number and location of all available built-in elements;
• quality of manufacturing materials;
• style and design.

In order to correctly calculate the size of the purchased kitchen, you need to know exactly the footage of the room, as well as the height and width of the walls along which the set is supposed to be placed.

White, brown, beige, pastel shades visually increase the space. Dilute them with contrasts to show the character of the kitchen.

The standard dimensions of kitchen furniture are as follows:

• lower modules are 60 centimeters in depth, 85 to 90 centimeters in height;
• upper modules with a depth of 30 to 35 centimeters, a height of 72 to 75 centimeters.

However, these parameters are standard, and nowadays the range of manufactured kitchen furniture is very rich. Therefore, headsets are produced with both larger and smaller parameters. If you want to purchase furniture with non-standard parameters, you need to know for sure that it will fit in the kitchen.

In terms of shape, kitchen sets are divided into three types - straight, L-shaped and U-shaped. The first type can be chosen if the furniture is purchased for a large kitchen, or for an office or guest room. The other two options fit into ordinary standard apartments without any problems.

The photo shows a beautiful kitchen interior with a set in turquoise tones.

Optimal organization of the kitchen set is possible with a work and washing table, retractable drawers, cabinets with hinged doors, and a module in which a dish dryer is installed. It is easier to determine the quantity of each module in the set, based on personal preferences, needs, as well as the parameters of the headset itself.

Features of the kitchen layout

L-shaped kitchen

The L-shaped layout is convenient for the functional division of the kitchen space, maintaining the possibility of free movement and simultaneous placement of two cooks in the working triangle (storage area, washing area, cooking area).

This is a classic option for rooms whose shape is close to a square. You can make optimal use of hard-to-reach areas in corner cabinets using pull-out multi-level systems.

U-shaped kitchen

Suitable for rooms of sufficient size, square or rectangular, where it is necessary to place a large number of storage systems and kitchen appliances.

For comfortable operation, the optimal length of parallel kitchen lines should be at least one and a half and no more than two meters, and the connecting area between them should exceed 2.5 meters.

Linear kitchen

Ideal for narrow spaces less than two meters wide and a total area of ​​6-12 square meters. To effectively use the space under the kitchen countertop, you can place built-in appliances, install pull-out systems for dishes, and upper cabinets for food.

For dogs or cats, order a special feeder that extends from the lower base of the headset.

It is best to arrange objects in this order: refrigerator, work table, sink, second work table and stove. In small kitchens, a folding dining table is mounted on the opposite wall, thereby freeing up useful space.

Island and peninsular cuisines

This layout can be considered for rooms with an area of ​​at least 20 square meters. In traditional island kitchens, a table with a sink or stove is placed in the middle, and in peninsular kitchens there is a bar counter in the center. But, of course, each owner decides for himself what functions to give to his island or peninsula.

The optimal size of a free-standing work area is a square with a side of 120 cm. The standard length of a peninsula is 120–180 cm. Usually these are two or three kitchen modules with a width of 60 cm.

Double row kitchen

This is the only way to use an elongated room as efficiently as possible. Suitable for kitchens with an area of ​​at least 9 square meters and a width of at least 2.5 meters. After installing the kitchen unit, the width of the passage should not be less than 120 cm.

If you're tired of handles, choose the Push to open system. The doors will respond to light touches and open silently and smoothly.

A convenient option is to place the stove and sink on one side of the kitchen, and the refrigerator on the opposite side. Or, for example, you can install a refrigerator with a sink on the left wall, and a stove with a cutting table on the right wall.

The only drawback of the two-row layout is the lack of a clearly defined dining area.

Kitchen cabinet: ergonomics and comfort in a small room

A special category of kitchen modules is the monoblock kitchen, which occupies a couple of square meters of space, but at the same time performs many functional tasks. A kitchen in a closet is purchased for installation in an office, in a country house or in a small apartment. The main advantage of such furniture is the thoughtfulness of the structure and convenient placement of equipment. Many kitchen furniture manufacturers specialize in the production of kitchen monoblocks.

Helpful advice! You need to choose the location of the kitchen cabinet depending on the model itself. A cabinet-type monoblock is usually installed near the wall, and a built-in version is placed in a niche. In the first case, the kitchen looks like a regular office or wardrobe with doors, and in the second it looks like a built-in closet, reminiscent of a refrigerator.

There are different types of kitchenettes. Miniature options include only the essentials: a small sink with faucet, a two-burner cooktop, a mini-fridge and a work surface. Such models occupy only one square meter. Two-meter options are more popular, as they are technically more complete. In addition to the listed equipment, there is a dish dryer, a drawer for small items and a microwave.

It is advisable to buy a kitchen cabinet for a very small apartment or country house

There are models that are closed with one screen or roller shutters. Such options are perfect for arranging student life or a bachelor’s home. The materials most often used for manufacturing are MDF boards with a laminated or varnished coating in combination with a metal or stone countertop. Cheaper models are made from chipboard. The color range of the facades is quite wide, which allows you to fit the kitchen cabinet into almost any interior.

Filling cabinets

Any of the kitchen cabinets carries a certain functional load and it depends on how correct the internal space in each of them is. Storage systems can be retractable or roll-out.

To optimize the internal space of modules, modern furniture production offers a large selection of elements that allow maximum use of the internal space of furniture.

By ordering drawers separately, you can save money and get ergonomic kitchen contents.

These include:

• Mesh baskets. These are metal meshes made in the shape of the letter P. They can be mounted both on the inside of the facade and on the side walls. Very convenient to use empty space in the cabinet under the sink;
• The carousel is rotating. There is an axis installed inside the cabinet, on which there are semicircular shelves with the possibility of rotation;
• Folding element. The set includes narrow drawers or rectangular shelves. They are fixed on rotating mechanisms. The front row is fixed on the inside of the façade. When the cabinet door opens, the entire structure unfolds in sequence;
• Bottle holders. They are characterized by high sides and a rather narrow width.

An important role when choosing a kitchen set is also played by what door opening systems it is equipped with. The systems are swing, lifting and retractable.

To install doors from cabinets and drawers in the upper position, reliable lifting mechanisms are installed.

The cabinets in the upper and lower rows use hinged doors. The mechanism in them is hinges, which can allow the door to be opened at a certain angle or completely. Some hinge models have built-in motion closers.

Lifting mechanisms are often used in wall cabinets. They are equipped with latches that allow the door to remain horizontal, as well as movement closers. The system is set to apply a slight pressure, after which the door lifts completely.

Hinged models with locks just need to be lifted, and the device will prevent the door from slamming.

Retractable opening systems use roller or ball guides. Opening can be either complete or partial.

Features of the functional purpose of a wall cabinet for the kitchen

It is logical that wall cabinets are located in the upper part of the wall unit. Since they are fixed on special fastenings, they should have light weight and more compact dimensions. You should not store heavy and large dishes, equipment and other items here.

Wall kitchen cabinets are lightweight and compact in size

Helpful advice! It is possible to adjust the depth of wall cabinets depending on a person’s height. In tall people it can reach 60 cm.

Kitchen wall cabinets include components such as frames, shelves and fronts. Taking into account the structural features, these structures are divided into types:

• closed;
• open;
• combined.

Closed cabinets are a standard model with one or two doors and shelves. Open structures do not have facades. Such cabinets usually serve as a place to place decorative items or jars of spices. Combined options combine elements of closed and open types.

Wall cabinets can be open, closed or combined

A cabinet with a drying rack is usually installed above the sink. This is a special rack in the form of a grid with compartments for dishes and a water tray on which plates, cups and glasses are dried. A separate category of wall cabinets consists of designs with a built-in hood, as well as quite popular and spacious corner models.

How to raise old standard height cabinets to the ceiling?

And for such cases, methods have long been found.

1. Hang the cabinets from the ceiling, decorate the joint with a cornice. Place open shelves under the cabinets to balance the composition.

2. Mount a decorative (front) panel on top of the cabinets up to the ceiling, covering the joint with a cornice. Ideally, the panel should be the same color as the facades.

3. Build an upper level in the form of mezzanines, cubic cabinets or open shelving.

Extended and painted

Extended and painted

If you're planning a kitchen remodel without changing furniture, take these ideas to heart. Simple techniques will allow you to give a new look to your boring headset.

Deciding on a style

Most manufacturers do not divide their kitchens into styles and distinguish only two directions: modern and classic.

Some manufacturers offer an interesting solution for fans of minimalism: completely hidden kitchens. There are two options: sliding panels and a kitchen disguised as a cabinet. They can be found from Italian manufacturers Arclinea and Luigi Rosselli Architects, as well as from Australian studio Minosa Design.

What to put in tall cabinets

Tall kitchen cabinets, especially in small spaces, should be easy to open. Therefore, you should carefully consider the choice of opening system, which may be as follows:

• Swing. The usual traditional option. Convenient for small wall cabinets, but requires free space for opening, which is not always practical.
• Lifting. Convenient when the compartment is large or there is a lack of space. For opening, in which the sash either entirely or folded rises to the top, elevator lifts, gas shock absorbers and other special mechanisms are used.
• Sliding. In this case, the door leaves, moving using roller guides, do not occupy any kitchen space. However, access to the internal contents of the compartments is limited.
• No handles. The facade of such a cabinet does not have handles, and the doors open with the touch of a hand. There are mechanical and electrically driven models.

About details

The more thoughtful the little things like filling or the way of opening cabinets, the more comfortable it is for us to work in the kitchen.

Cabinet storage systems

It is better to place drawers under the tabletop. They are easy to open and see all the contents at a glance. Retractable nets can also be installed in swinging cabinets. This will significantly increase the number of things stored and make them easier to find.

It is also better to make the drawer for the trash can retractable. Thanks to this design, space is used to the maximum and there are no “dark corners” left.

Another useful kitchen cabinet filler is plate dividers. They can be adjusted to any diameter and store your grandmother’s favorite set without fear of breaking.

A convenient solution for corner and hard-to-reach cabinets is a rotating carousel. It is movable, so it is very convenient to store large dishes in such a cabinet.

Hidden storage

The latest trend at kitchen exhibitions is the desire to hide all the little things like spices, oil bottles and small appliances behind panels and in unusually shaped drawers.

Cabinet handles

Very often, a good economy class set is spoiled by cheap cabinet handles. They can be replaced by purchasing inexpensive and interesting options at your nearest store.

In addition, the “original” handles of the set can be painted to match the color of the cabinets themselves, creating invisible handles.

Or you can do without the usual handles altogether by installing a façade with recessed handles. They are well suited to a laconic minimalist style set. It’s somehow impossible to even imagine the usual selecting pens in this photo.

Another replacement for handles is the push-open mechanism. When pressed gently, the cabinet will smoothly open to a certain level. The downside is that handprints remain on the surface. In addition, such a smooth system can irritate impulsive people who are accustomed to abruptly opening cabinets.

Table top material

The cheapest and most popular countertop options are chipboard and MDF.

But chipboard has a special type - postforming. This is the same pressed shavings, but covered with layered plastic. Manufacturers report that this material is moisture resistant and lasts up to 40 years.

A tabletop made of acrylic stone will cost a little more.

The next option is agglomerate and granite.

Another option is a solid wood countertop.

An alternative to wood is chipboard covered with varnished veneer. Natural veneer is thin sections of oak, walnut, ash and other types of wood glued together.

There is also stone veneer, a thin layer of natural stone on a fiberglass backing.

A good option for a kitchen in a modern style is a steel surface.

Designers also suggest paying attention to super thin options up to 15 mm in height. They make the set visually lighter and more elegant.

At the 2022 interior exhibitions, Japanese manufacturer Cosentino presented ultra-thin Dekton ceramics. This tabletop is not afraid of temperature changes and mechanical stress, and is only 12 mm in height.

An economical option for a thin tabletop is stainless steel. The minimum thickness of the sheet and chipboard base is 11 mm.