Kitchen cabinets that don't hit you in the head

10 years ago

I'm planning my kitchen now, and I'm pretty happy with the design I've come up together with the designer, except that I'm concerned about the size of the upper cabinet doors. I'm frustrated with cabinets that you hit your head on, or that you have to move out of the way in order to open. He's got a number of 40-45cm door cabinets in there (15.5-18") and since that will protrude past the edge of the counter top, that is larger than I'm comfortable with. But because of the small size of the kitchen and working around the appliances being where I want them and the windows, we do end up with cabinets that are give or take twice that size (2 doors).

Is there a recommended size door so that you don't hit your head or feel it get in the way? I had heard 30cm (12"), but the designer seemed to think that was very small. He also said that if we have to cut the doors down to that size, it will mean more cabinet units that are smaller and can hold less, not to mention additional space lost because of more sides of the cabinet units (I think 2-3cm per unit), which does make sense. I'm not sure if this is more of an issue because I am short (5"), but I would love a good solution!

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Comments (4)

PRO
MLB Design Group
10 years ago
You're right that cabinet doors can get in your way. Have you thought about "uplift" cabinet doors? You'll need sufficient clearance above the cabinet for this to work well, but it's a wonderful solution, especially for tall people (like me!) I've also equipped these doors with Blum's Servo-Drive system for push-button functionality in kitchens I've designed for more petite cooks. Enjoy!
PRO
Closet Factory
10 years ago
What about a combination of cabinets and open space, like in this remodel we did. Visit our website for more info and ideas, or to schedule a FREE consultation with one of our designers, who can walk you through the entire process and create a cabinet solution that works for you functionally, stylistically, and financially!
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PRO
Hal Braswell Consulting
10 years ago
A typical countertop will protrude about 1" past the base cabinet for a total of 25". A 12.5" deep upper (counting door thickness) with a 12 or 12.5" door (such as a 24" wide cabinet with butt doors) will open more or less flush with the 25" counter.

My personal preference is doors in multiples of 15", such as 15" or 30" wide uppers with butt doors. To me that is a sweet spot for cost, efficiency and aesthetics.
jhmarie
10 years ago
Your question got me curious so I measured my upper doors. All are 13 inches except the corner glass one which is 14 inches. However, my doors are 1/2 overlay doors, so they cover less of the cabinet frame and do not meet in the middle. Full overlay doors are much more high end and cover most of the frame, so they will be bigger. Inset cabinets do show the frame as they are set into it and perhaps these doors would be able to be narrower. I guess my cabinets are not high end, but at least they do not get in my way:) Maybe an inset type door would work for you.

Full overlay:

Jackson Street · More Info

Inset:

Floor to ceiling white inset cabinetry · More Info

1/2 overlay. I could not even find a pic of these on Houzz - so not a Houzz type kitchen I guess:) Each door would have to be 2 inches wider to cover the frame.