How Many Cabinets Should a Kitchen Have? Find Out Now!

Ever found yourself cramming pots and pans into whatever space you can find, only to have them come crashing down later? I’ve been there. The right number of kitchen cabinets can make all the difference in keeping your space organized and stress-free. But how many cabinets should a kitchen have? That depends on kitchen size, storage needs, and cooking habits. In this guide, I’ll break it all down so you can figure out exactly how much cabinet space you need—without overstuffing or under-planning.

Understanding Kitchen Cabinet Space Needs

Why Kitchen Storage Matters

Your anxiety during cooking will increase when your kitchen remains disorganized. The search for a spatula takes so much time that you end up locating it hidden under kitchen lids. Kitchen cabinets maintain order, which results in faster item retrieval.

Storage enables more than just organizing since it immediately impacts your kitchen’s visual appearance. The appropriate arrangement of cabinets creates an open and stylish environment that enables easy use. Excellent storage solutions can create a space that combines ready design elements with functional kitchen organization.

How Much Cabinet Space Do I Need?

Your cabinet needs depend on your kitchen size and lifestyle. In general, small kitchens (under 150 sq. ft.) need 10-12 cabinets, medium kitchens (150-350 sq. ft.) need 15-20, and large kitchens (350+ sq. ft.) may need 25 or more.

But numbers aren’t everything. If you cook a lot and own many pots and pans, you may need more cabinets or extra deep drawers. If you eat out often and have little cookware, fewer cabinets may work just fine.

Factors That Determine How Many Cabinets You Need

Figuring out how many cabinets your kitchen needs isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your space, how you use your kitchen, and what kind of storage works best for you. Let’s break it down.

Kitchen Size and Layout

Your kitchen’s size is the biggest factor in how many cabinets you’ll need. A small apartment kitchen might have just a few essentials, while a spacious home kitchen can handle an entire wall of storage.

• Small kitchens (under 150 sq. ft.) – Fewer cabinets, often with smart storage solutions like pull-out shelves.
• Medium kitchens (150-350 sq. ft.) – A mix of upper and lower cabinets, plus a pantry or island storage.
• Large kitchens (350+ sq. ft.) – More cabinets, deep drawers, and specialty storage for appliances.

Household Size and Cooking Habits

Who’s using the kitchen, and how often? If you live alone and eat out a lot, you won’t need much cabinet space. But if you have a big family or love to cook, you’ll want extra room for cookware, pantry items, and dinnerware.

• Frequent home cooks need space for spices, pots, and specialty tools.
• Larger families need more storage for food, dishes, and kitchen essentials.
• Minimalists or occasional cooks can get by with fewer cabinets and open shelving.

Types of Kitchen Cabinets

Not all cabinets are the same. The mix of upper, lower, and specialty cabinets will impact how much storage you actually have.

• Upper cabinets – These are Great for plates, glasses, and pantry items.
• Lower cabinets – Hold heavier pots, pans, and appliances.
• Pantry cabinets – Perfect for dry goods, snacks, and bulk storage.
• Corner cabinets – Help maximize tricky spaces with lazy Susans or pull-out trays.

Appliances and Built-in Storage

Your kitchen layout and built-in appliances also affect how much cabinet space you’ll need. If you have a large pantry or an island with drawers, you might need fewer upper cabinets. On the other hand, a kitchen packed with big appliances might require extra storage to keep everything organized.

• Built-in ovens and dishwashers take up lower cabinet space.
• Kitchen islands add storage but may reduce wall cabinet space.
• Standalone pantries can replace some cabinets for food storage.

How Many Drawers Should a Kitchen Have?

Drawers might not seem like a big deal—until you’re wrestling with a stuck utensil tray or digging through a deep cabinet for that one missing measuring spoon. The right number of drawers can make your kitchen feel effortlessly organized, saving you time and frustration.

Why Drawers Matter in a Kitchen

Unlike cabinets, which are great for storing larger items, drawers are perfect for utensils, cutlery, spices, and all the little things that can easily get lost. A well-planned kitchen includes a mix of drawers and cabinets to keep everything within reach. If you’ve ever struggled to find a spatula buried under a pile of mismatched lids, you know exactly why good drawer space is a must.

How Many Drawers Do You Need?

The ideal number of drawers depends on your kitchen size and cooking habits. Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Small kitchens (under 150 sq. ft.) – At least 3-4 drawers for utensils, cutlery, and essentials.
• Medium kitchens (150-350 sq. ft.) – 6-8 drawers, including deep drawers for pots and shallow ones for tools.
• Large kitchens (350+ sq. ft.) – 8-12 drawers, with extra space for specialty items like baking tools and spice organizers.

But numbers alone don’t tell the full story. If you love to cook, extra deep drawers for pots and pans can be a game-changer. If you mostly reheat takeout, a few small drawers might be all you need. Think about what you store and how often you use it to decide what works best for you.

Drawer Placement Tips for Maximum Convenience

It’s not just about how many drawers you have—it’s where you put them. Here are some smart placement ideas:

• Near the stove – Keep cooking utensils and spices in the top drawers for quick access.
• Under the countertop – Deep drawers for pots, pans, and mixing bowls make cooking easier.
• By the dishwasher – Store cutlery and dish towels nearby for easy unloading.

A well-thought-out drawer layout saves time and keeps your kitchen running smoothly. Because let’s be honest—no one enjoys rummaging through a cluttered drawer when they’re in the middle of cooking!

Would you add more drawers to your kitchen, or do you prefer cabinets? Let me know in the comments!

Common Kitchen Cabinet Configurations

Ever walked into a kitchen that just felt right? Everything had its place, the cabinets weren’t overcrowded, and finding a pot didn’t mean digging through an avalanche of lids. That’s no accident—it’s smart cabinet planning. Whether you’re designing a new kitchen or just wondering if yours could be better, let’s break down some common cabinet layouts based on different kitchen types.

1. Small Apartment Kitchens (Minimalist & Efficient)

If you’re working with a small kitchen (under 150 sq. ft.), every inch counts. You need cabinets that make the most of vertical space while keeping everything accessible. Here’s what a typical small kitchen setup looks like:

• Upper Cabinets: 2-3 standard cabinets (for plates, cups, and pantry items)
• Lower Cabinets: 2-4 base cabinets (for pots, pans, and cleaning supplies)
• Drawers: 3-4 (for utensils, cutlery, and cooking tools)
• Pantry Space: A single tall cabinet or an over-the-fridge storage unit

2. Medium-Sized Home Kitchens (Balanced & Functional)

A medium kitchen (150-350 sq. ft.) allows for more flexibility. You can incorporate both upper and lower cabinets while keeping a good workflow. Here’s a common layout:

• Upper Cabinets: 4-6 cabinets (for dishes, glassware, and spices)
• Lower Cabinets: 5-7 base cabinets (for pots, pans, and bulkier items)
• Drawers: 6-8 (for cutlery, gadgets, and baking tools)
• Pantry: A dedicated pantry cabinet or a walk-in pantry (if space allows)
• Island Storage (optional): Additional cabinets/drawers for prep tools or appliances

3. Luxury Kitchens (Spacious & Specialized)

Got a big kitchen (350+ sq. ft.)? Lucky you! Large kitchens allow for customized storage solutions, built-in organizers, and specialized cabinets. A high-end kitchen layout may include:

• Upper Cabinets: 6-10 cabinets (for glassware, display pieces, and fine china)
• Lower Cabinets: 8-12 base cabinets (for cookware, large appliances, and dish storage)
• Drawers: 8-12 (for specialty tools, cutlery, and small appliances)
• Pantry: Walk-in or full-height pantry cabinets
• Island Storage: Extra cabinets and drawers built into a central island
• Specialty Cabinets: Custom storage for wine, baking supplies, or built-in trash bins

Finding the Right Cabinet Layout for Your Kitchen

So, how many cabinets should your kitchen have? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s a quick way to determine what works best:

✅ If your kitchen feels cluttered, add storage solutions like pull-out shelves or a pantry cabinet.
✅ If you have too many cabinets but still can’t find what you need, you might need better organization—not more space.
✅ If your kitchen is brand new, plan based on your cooking habits. More cooking = more storage needs.

A well-planned kitchen isn’t just about having more cabinets—it’s about having the right cabinets in the right places. Whether you’re working with a compact apartment kitchen or a chef’s dream setup, thoughtful cabinet placement can make all the difference.

How’s your kitchen layout working for you? Would you change anything about your cabinet setup? Let me know in the comments!

Maximizing Kitchen Cabinet Space Efficiently

Ever opened a cabinet only to have a stack of mismatched Tupperware come tumbling down? Yeah, me too. The truth is, it’s not just about how many cabinets you have—it’s about how you use them. Whether you’re working with a small kitchen or just want to make the most of your space, here are some game-changing ways to optimize your kitchen storage.

Decluttering Tips: Less Is More (and Less Frustrating!)

Before you even think about adding more storage, take a good, hard look at what’s in your cabinets. Do you need six frying pans or that pasta maker you used once three years ago? Probably not. Decluttering is the first step to a more organized kitchen.

✅ The One-Year Rule – If you haven’t used it in the past year, it’s time to donate, sell, or toss it.
✅ Ditch the Duplicates – Keep only the essentials. One good chef’s knife beats five dull ones.
✅ Organize by Frequency – Everyday items should be within reach; holiday bakeware can go on the top shelf.

Smart Storage Solutions: Work Smarter, Not Harder

Even the smallest kitchen can feel spacious with the right storage hacks. The trick is to use every inch of space efficiently.

🔹 Pull-Out Shelves – No more digging in the back of deep cabinets. Slide-out shelves let you see everything at a glance.
🔹 Vertical Storage – Stackable shelves, hanging racks, and pegboards can double your storage capacity.
🔹 Multipurpose Cabinets – Built-in spice racks, pull-out trash bins, and hidden drawer dividers keep things neat and within reach.

Custom vs. Pre-Built Cabinets: Which One’s Right for You?

If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, you might be wondering: Should I go for custom cabinets or stick with pre-built ones? Here’s the lowdown:

🛠 Custom Cabinets – Perfect fit, high quality, and designed for your exact needs—but they come with a hefty price tag.
📦 Pre-Built Cabinets – These are More affordable and ready to install, but they may not maximize space as well as custom options.

FAQs: Answering Common Questions

How many kitchen cabinets do I need for a 10×10 kitchen?

Ah, the classic 10×10 kitchen—a common benchmark for cabinet planning. In most cases, a kitchen of this size has 12 to 15 cabinets in a standard setup. This includes a mix of upper and lower cabinets plus a few drawers for utensils and cookware.

But here’s the thing: it’s not just about the number—it’s about how well you use the space. If you have an island with built-in storage or a pantry, you might need fewer cabinets. On the flip side, if you’re a gadget collector (looking at you, air fryer and slow cooker fans), you may want extra storage to keep things from piling up.

What’s the average number of cabinets in a modern kitchen?

Most modern kitchens have 20 to 30 cabinets, depending on size and layout. Small kitchens typically have around 10-15 cabinets, medium kitchens 15-25, and large kitchens 25+.

That said, today’s kitchen design is shifting towards smarter storage rather than just more cabinets. Deep drawers, pull-out shelves, and custom organizers often replace traditional upper cabinets. So, if your kitchen feels cluttered, even with a ton of cabinets, it might be time to rethink how you’re using them rather than adding more.

How do I determine if I have enough cabinet space?

Great question! The easiest way to tell if you have enough storage is to do this quick test:
✅ Open your cabinets—do items fall out when you reach for something? You probably need more space or better organization.
✅ Do you have empty cabinets or shelves you never use? You might have more storage than you need.
✅ Do you constantly shuffle things around to find what you need? Your kitchen may be lacking functional storage, even if you have enough cabinets.

A well-designed kitchen should feel easy to use—you should be able to grab what you need without digging through piles of clutter. If your space feels frustrating, the solution could be decluttering, smarter organization, or adding better storage solutions like deep drawers and vertical racks.

What’s better: more cabinets or open shelving?

It depends on your style and how you use your kitchen! Here’s a quick breakdown:

👉 More Cabinets = Great for people who love a clean, clutter-free look. Everything stays hidden and protected from dust and grease. But too many cabinets can make a kitchen feel heavy or cramped.

👉 Open Shelving = Ideal if you like easy access to everyday items and a more open, airy feel. Plus, it lets you display stylish dishware. The downside? You need to keep it tidy (or risk it looking like a chaotic mess).

A hybrid approach is often the best—cabinets for bulkier items and a few open shelves for frequently used dishes or décor. If you’re a minimalist or don’t have a ton of stuff, open shelving might be all you need!

Conclusion

So, how many kitchen cabinets should your space have? Well, it depends on your kitchen size, how often you cook, and what type of kitchen setup you’re after. Whether you’re working with a small apartment kitchen, a medium-sized family kitchen, or a luxurious culinary haven, the key is to find a balance. Too many cabinets can overwhelm the space, while too few can leave you scrambling for storage. Take the time to think about how you use your kitchen daily, how much cooking you do, and the items you need to store. From there, you can start planning a kitchen that fits both your storage needs and your lifestyle.

Remember, it’s not just about the number of cabinets—it’s about making your space work for you. So, go ahead and assess your kitchen: Are there unused corners that could house a pantry cabinet? Do you have more clutter than you need? With a little thought and smart planning, you can turn your kitchen into a space that’s both functional and beautiful.