Got a tiny kitchen that feels more like a closet than a cooking space?
You are not alone. The average American kitchen size is 161 square feet. Smaller homes usually have kitchens around 70-100 sq ft. Which doesn’t leave much space for a coffee mug.
The great news is that even the smallest kitchen can feel roomy, tidy and workable with the correct cabinet configuration.
This guide will show you exactly how to make every inch count…
In this guide:
- Why Cabinet Choices Make or Break a Small Kitchen
- Why Dovetail Drawer Construction Matters
- Smart Cabinet Ideas for Tiny Kitchens
- Storage Hacks Every Small Kitchen Needs
Why Cabinet Choices Make or Break a Small Kitchen
In a tiny kitchen, cabinets aren’t just storage…
They dictate how your kitchen looks, feels and functions. Do this wrong and you’ll feel cramped every time you step foot in there. Do this right and you’ll think you’ve doubled your kitchen size.
Storage tops the list of kitchen remodel priorities. According to 57% of design experts, homeowners focus on storage in their kitchen remodels more than any other feature. That number skyrockets when you’re working with limited square footage.
Why do cabinets matter so much?
- They make up the largest visual surface in the room
- They control how much you can store
- They affect natural light flow
- They influence how big (or small) the space feels
That last point is huge. The wrong style can make your kitchen look 50% smaller. The right style can open it right up.
Why Dovetail Drawer Construction Matters
Here’s something most homeowners overlook…
Drawer considerations. When you have a small kitchen, your drawers will be working overtime. You will reach in and out of them countless times each day. Pots and pans, utensils, food – you will cram it all in drawers because you won’t have any floor cabinets with shelves.
That’s why these kitchen cabinets with dovetail drawer construction are worth the extra investment.
What is dovetail drawer construction?
Drawer Lock Joint is a woodworking technique. The corners of the drawer fit together similar to puzzle pieces. It gets its name due to the profile looking like a dove tail. Woodworkers have been making this joint for hundreds of years due to its strength and durability.
Why dovetail drawer construction matters for tiny kitchens:
- Dovetail joints are way stronger than stapled or glued corners
- They hold up to heavy items like cast iron pans and stand mixers
- They last for decades without falling apart
- They allow for deeper, wider drawer designs
With just 4-6 drawers in a small kitchen, every drawer needs to function properly. Flimsy drawer construction (staples, dowels or hot glue) will give out after a few years. You’ll be left with broken cabinets and no storage.
Dovetail drawers are superior for a reason. Spend a few dollars more now and avoid the hassle (& replacement expense) later.
Smart Cabinet Ideas for Tiny Kitchens
Now to the fun stuff…
Here are small kitchen cabinet ideas that work. Print this out and use it as a checklist. You won’t be able to use every idea on this list – but choose 2 or 3 that apply, and it will make a world of difference.
Go Vertical, Not Wide
Most small kitchens waste vertical space. Stop doing that.
Extend your cabinets to the ceiling. Don’t waste that 12-18 inches of space between your cabinets and ceiling. Use it for seasonal decorations, cookbooks, or rarely used platters.
Bonus: Floor to ceiling cabinets pull the eye upward, making your kitchen feel taller.
Pick Light Colours
Dark cabinetry is bad news for small kitchens. They soak up light and make the space look smaller.
Instead, opt for:
- White
- Soft cream
- Light grey
- Pale sage or blue
These tones reflect light in the room and make it feel larger. If you love wood, choose a lighter version like maple instead of dark woods like espresso.
Glass Front Cabinet Doors
Glass fronts are a game changer for tiny kitchens.
Why? Depth. Solid doors stop your eye. Glass fronts allow your eye to continue through the space. It feels more spacious.
The secret? Only show things that look good on display. Group together similar dishes, stemware or attractive bowls on shelves inside cabinets. Hide the random containers and mismatched mugs.
Open Shelving (In Moderation)
Open shelving is trendy for a reason… It opens up the room.
Just watch it. Too many open shelves and your kitchen will look cluttered. Try mixing open shelves with just one section of closed cabinets. You get the airy feel without sacrificing storage.
Storage Hacks Every Small Kitchen Needs
You’ve picked your cabinet style. Now let’s maximise what goes inside.
A Houzz study found 94% of homeowners include specialty storage features with their upgraded cabinetry. Forget about skipping it – specialty storage is mandatory.
Here are the storage upgrades your small kitchen needs:
Pull-Out Pantry Cabinets
A pull-out pantry cabinet slides into a slim space (even 6-inches wide). Pull it out and there are several shelves for spices, oils, cans and snacks. This is one of the easiest organizational upgrades for a small kitchen.
Corner Cabinets With Lazy Susans
Corner cabinets are notorious dead zones. You can never reach the back.
Enter the lazy susan (also known as magic corner pull-out). This creates instant access. The shelves spin or pull out allowing you to use every square inch of the corner.
Deep Drawer Organisers
Deep drawers are great… Until everything inside becomes a jumbled mess.
Drop in drawer organisers for utensils, knives, cooking pots and pans. Use adjustable dividers to organise however you like.
Toe-Kick Drawers
Toe-kick is that gap you see beneath your cabinets. Kitchens typically leave this bare. Resist the urge. Toe kick drawers allow you to sneak in hidden storage for baking sheets, pet food or anything flat.
Bringing It All Together
Small kitchens don’t have to feel small…
Good cabinets will make a small space feel spacious, tidy and functional.
To quickly recap:
- Go vertical with floor to ceiling cabinets
- Choose light colours to open up the space
- Mix glass fronts and open shelves for visual depth
- Invest in dovetail drawer construction for long term durability
- Add specialty storage like pull-outs, lazy susans, and toe-kick drawers
Storage is quickly becoming #1 reason for kitchen remodels – and for obvious reasons. A small kitchen with good design will beat a large kitchen with poor design any day.
Design your cabinets well. Choose solid construction. Make the most of your space. You’ll thank yourself later.
