buffet cabinet depth? To reduce or not?

9 years ago

Hi. Per designer drawing the buffet cabinets ( between the two 24 inch deep pantries ) were drawn as 19 inches reduced depth. The contractor thinks it is a waste of labor & cost for me to modify cabinets, as well as negative by losing usable space & might look odd if all the other bases are 24 inch deep. The dining table (66x36) will be placed perpendicular to the buffet area. My concern is that countertop will run over the depth of the pantries & stick out making the space appear smaller. Also since there will be no uppers (only open shelving or art work) that the 24 depth will appear to deep. Any input Please!

picture #1 & 2 of our design
#3 houzz pinned picture

Featured Answer

simstress

9 years ago

I'd use the 24" deep buffet. Specify a slightly reduced overhang for that countertop.

If you're tight on dining space, I am not seeing how a shallow buffet alone helps. For more generous dining space, I'd reduce all the cabinets to 19" (pantries and buffet) in that area. 19" deep pantries still hold a lot. I think you have some good options. Good luck!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (13)

PRO
Lampert Dias Architects, Inc.
9 years ago
I would make the cabinets all 24" deep........
Kicksychick
9 years ago
I would make the front of the cabinets line up with the rest of your kitchen (24") but inside the cabinet, the depth can be less so you don't lose things back there. This would work for any open shelves too.
Related Professionals
Corpus Christi Interior Designers & Decorators · Eugene Interior Designers & Decorators · Honolulu Interior Designers & Decorators · Columbia Architects & Building Designers · Leominster Architects & Building Designers · Augusta Architects & Building Designers · Plattsburgh Architects & Building Designers · Paducah Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Charlotte Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Corpus Christi Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Fort Wayne Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Concord Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Temecula Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Montrose Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Sanford Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
PRO
PPF.
9 years ago
I prefer the reduces depth.

Doesn't your cabinet supplier offer an 18" deep base cabinet?
acm
9 years ago
If you plan to use it as an actual buffet, i.e., for serving a meal to guests, then you'll appreciate the extra depth. But make sure you can spare the six inches in terms of the comfortable space around the dining table.
joannong27
Original Author
9 years ago
no. unfortunately the cabinet line is pretty basic & the reason for their affordability that works for our budget. the space isn't big enough for a large dining table ant bigger than 66 long since it would encroach on the hallway path and opposite stairwell. just afraid countertop would stick out
PRO
Uhrich Design
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Having worked in the industry for so long, I understand comments and reasoning of both your designer and contractor. Your designer wants some definition and not a flat wall of cabinets, this will provide more design interest. Your contractor is absolutely correct, modifying any existing cabinet is NOT cost effective. I suggest either leaving the existing cabinets and perhaps adding some complimentary molding and distinct hardware, or taking that portion of cabinetry out completely and make a new cabinet 16" depth. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what type of statement you want to make with the area and how much money you want to spend. Whatever your decision, I hope you soon will enjoy the end product!
PRO
SewCreative
9 years ago
You could have the wall built out the make the space more narrow above the base cabinets if you think it seems too dark or add lighting. A mirror will help lighten things up too.

According to your plans, it appears you will have the space you need around the table for adequate traffic flow.

I would choose adding lighting and/or a mirror. Keep the full depth cabinets and install pull out shelves to best access items in the back. I think you will appreciate having the counter space on the buffet also.

Check these out.
Kathryn P
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I completely follow you about the countertop sticking out. I actually had my fridge cabinet and pantry cabinet mounted away from the wall by about 2.5 inches so the adjacent counters would deaden into the sides of them, rather than in front of them. Is that an option, to pull the outer cabinets forward a bit? Alternately, can you take off drywall and frame out the studs so those inside cabinets can recess into the wall a couple inches? Kind of similar to what a lot of people do to accommodate full depth fridges? Your contractor would need to get measurements for that spot on, but seems to me that it could be done.
joannong27 thanked Kathryn P
joannong27
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks houzz experts! All the signs point to keeping the 24 inch depth. I like the idea of reducing the overhang & adding a mirror to augment the space.

Will keep the cabinet as a top drawer & 2 doors but add rollouts!
joannong27
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks Kathryn P. Since tight on space don't want to pull out pantry & refrigerator out any deeper (our french door refrigerator is already a beast). I will ask my contractor about recessing the cabinets into the drywall but I have a feeling he will freak out about that. Lol!
simstress
9 years ago
If drywall is on already, recessing anything will likely incur a change order. Let us know what you decide...
PRO
Lampert Lumber - St. Croix Falls
9 years ago
Does the cabinet line offer an adult height vanity cabinet at 18" or 21" depth to which you can add rollout trays? That's a solution I use frequently if the line charges extra for a depth modification. Then you just need to work with your designer to determine the most attractive way to work with the toespace trim.