Small Space? Discover Where to Cleverly Fit Narrow Cabinets

Searching for storage solutions when you're limited on space? Narrow depth accent cabinets, ranging from just 12-15 inches deep, provide a versatile way to organize without consuming your valuable square footage. Compared to standard 24-30 inch depth cabinets, these slimmed-down versions take up less area while still offering enclosed storage via doors and drawers.

Keep reading to discover clever tips on incorporating narrow cabinets into small homes. We'll cover ideal placement spots, style inspiration to match your decor, organizing must-haves to maximize the interior storage, and top retailers to shop quality pieces that perfectly fit your niche.

What Are Narrow Depth Accent Cabinets?

Narrow cabinets provide enclosed storage while only extending out from the wall 12-15 inches. Many feature delicate detailing reminiscent of vintage jelly cupboards and French farmhouse style. Birch wood construction and painted finishes add to the light and airy cottage charm. Their slim shape makes them perfect for slotting unobtrusively into awkward small spaces that can't accommodate bulky built-ins.

Benefits for Small Spaces

While most kitchen and bathroom cabinets range from 20-30 inches deep, narrow accent cabinets offer more versatility for modest rooms. Benefits include:

• Small footprint won't overwhelm a compact room
• Fits in narrow wall gaps and odd recesses
• Stylish storage solution for homes lacking closet space
• Craftsman details act as a decorative focal point

Standard vs. Narrow Cabinet Depths

To understand just how spatially saving narrow cabinets are, here is a depth comparison:

• Standard kitchen cabinet depth: 24-30 inches
• Standard bathroom vanity depth: 21-24 inches
• Narrow cabinet depth : 12-15 inches

The 12-15 inch narrow cabinet size frees up 9 to 18 inches of floor space versus conventional cabinetry depths. In tight rooms, this footprint difference is game changing.

Sizing and Placement Considerations

Ready to shop for a narrow cabinet? First, whip out your tape measure to double check the niche you want to fill. This ensures your new furniture piece slides right into place. Next, play around with different spots in your home, keeping our top placement ideas in mind.

How to Measure Your Space

When evaluating empty wall gaps and crannies, you'll want to carefully measure the following dimensions:

• Height - note both the floor-to-ceiling height as well as width between decorative ledges or windowsills
• Width - check the narrowest and widest points of your space
• Depth - record how far out furniture can extend from the wall

Use a yardstick, measuring tape, and laser distance measurer to capture accurate room dimensions. Accounting for baseboards and moldings is also key.

Prime Narrow Cabinet Placement Areas

Narrow depth cabinets are tailor-made for awkward gaps that are impractical for standard-depth furniture. Common placement areas include:

• Entryways
• Kitchen corners and walls
• Bathrooms between the vanity and tub
• Beside living room fireplaces
• Dining room buffet niche
• Bedrooms filling unused wall recess
• Into closets for stackable storage

In all cases, limiting cabinet depth to 12-15 inches prevents a bulky, obstructing build-out into the living area. The compact footprint tucks gracefully out of the way.

Planning For Doors and Drawers

Doors and drawers extending out from the cabinet face can further impact space requirements. When planning placements, consider:

• Doors may require up to 4 extra inches clearance for a full 90-180 degree swing
• Add 2-3 inches for drawer pull clearance so they open easily
• Tight spaces like closets can forgo doors, but leave room for drawer pulls

Measure carefully and select hardware scaled appropriately to your cabinet size. This ensures ample room to access contents without collisions.

Style Ideas and Inspiration

Narrow cabinets blend beautifully into cottage, farmhouse, French provincial and other vintage decor themes. But the compact storage piece also suits contemporary spaces wanting to mix modern and traditional elements. Style your narrow cabinet to complement its destined room with these motifs:

Rustic Farmhouse Look

Give your narrow cabinet farmhouse flair with weathered painted wood finishes, visible grains, and galvanized metal accents. Opt for:

• Whitewashed colors: white, light gray, chippy beige
• Wire baskets or cloth liner in drawers
• Unfinished, distressed wood with multi-tonal stain
• Black metal hardware with antique appeal

The resulting cottage-chic style emits cozy, lived-in charm.

French Country Charm

For French provincial flair, narrow cabinet details might include:

• Softly curved or scalloped cabinet tops
• Ornately turned bun feet and leg details
• Carved trim framing glass door fronts
• Light colors like ivory, blush, or seafoam green

The overall effect feels graciously elegant yet unfussy. A delicate style accenting shabby chic or romantic rooms.

Modern Minimalism

While most narrow cabinets boast vintage appeal, they also suit sleek modern spaces wanting concealed storage. Complement contemporary homes with details like:

• Glossy lacquered finishes in dark hues
• Metallic accents: brass pulls, silver legs
• Multi-toned wood blocking for depth and contrast
• Mixed media: glass doors, marble tops, woven baskets

Crisp, clean lines keep the modern aesthetic while adding function.

Storage and Organization Tips

It's time to put your narrow cabinet to work! Maximize every inch of storage real estate with these ideas for organizing inside cabinets of all sizes:

Shelving Ideas

• Glassware, serving dishes and decorative china
• Folded linens like tablecloths, napkins and towels
• Books, vinyl records, small collections
• Extra toiletries and medicine
• Media like DVDs, video game cases, albums

Place everyday dishware within easy reach on upper shelves. Reserve bottom drawers for oversized platters or baby/pet items to limit heavy lifting.

Keeping Drawers Neat

Unlike wide cabinets, narrow built-ins lack expansive drawer space. But mini drawers keep tiny items tidy with savvy solutions like:

• Thin dividers for sorting jewelry, office supplies
• Small trays and bins for containment
• Felt or rubber drawer liners to prevent sliding

Group like-items in cleverly segmented compartments so you can quickly find what you need. This prevents frustrating searches in cluttered tiny drawers!

Sold on the merits of narrow depth accent cabinets? Find available sizes and styles from these retailers:

• Big box stores: Target, IKEA, Walmart
• Online specialty shops: Wayfair, Overstock, Joss & Main
• Carefully check depth dimensions
• Inspect materials and construction quality

Remember to break out your measuring tape before purchasing to confirm the cabinet allows ample storage while fitting your precise intended niche. With an accurately sized narrow cabinet in place, small awkward spaces become highly prized storage real estate!