Customize Your Kitchen With A Chic Tall Cabinet

If your kitchen is tight on space but you still need storage solutions, a tall skinny cabinet can be the perfect addition. These specialized cabinets stand taller than standard models, yet maintain a narrow width under two feet. With creative interior organizational features, they transform wasted space into a custom pantry or specialty storage unit. Read on to learn how a chic tall cabinet can maximize your kitchen's potential.

In small or awkward kitchen layouts, it can be challenging fitting cabinets between existing appliances and architecture. Long, slim blind corners and vacant stretches of wall space often get neglected. But now sustainable, stylish tall cabinets are swooping in to save the day.

Cabinet Dimensions And Measurements

When planning your kitchen layout, first assess the footprint available for new cabinetry based on measurements. While widths under 24 inches qualify as "tall and skinny," common depths are around 25 inches. Interior height ranges from floor to ceiling, typically 84 inches or more.

Consider contents when selecting shelving material. With just wood, weight limits fall between 50-75 pounds per shelf. Sturdier builds with metal braces can handle upwards of 100 pounds if storing heavier small appliances or canned goods. Customization here is key - design shelves around your unique storage needs.

Height

Achieving full-height requires installing cabinets directly against wall studs for secure attachment. Brackets, anchors, or cleats add reinforcement to keep tall units steady under loaded weight.

Width

Narrower cabinet widths under 24" are considered "tall skinny. Optimal widths range between 12 to 18 inches wide. Scaled-down dimensions deliver specialized storage for tight kitchen spaces.

Depth

Standard kitchen cabinet depths range from 20 to 25 inches. Match existing cabinetry for a streamlined, custom feel. Work around pipes or utilities by adjusting interior shelving depth.

Weight Capacity

Consider the storage purpose when selecting materials to handle weight loads. For heavy canned goods, opt for sturdier cabinet builds and reinforced shelving able to handle 100+ pounds.

Customization

Take advantage of custom sizing adjustments to scale tall cabinets to fit your exact kitchen footprint. Optimize every inch by designing a specialized storage tower catered to your needs.

Cabinet Materials And Construction

Tall skinny cabinets utilize quality wood builds with sturdy yet stylish finishes built to last. Techniques like reinforced door hinges and dovetail joinery ensure reliable performance under daily wear-and-tear.

Woods

Durable hardwoods like oak, maple, and hickory bring natural beauty while resisting scrapes and scratches. Opt for sustainably-sourced lumber approved by the Forest Stewardship Council.

Plywood And Veneers

Moisture-resistant plywood cores prevent warping. Pair with wood or faux veneers for affordable durability with your choice of finish. Consider granite or metal laminates for pendant tasks.

Construction Methods

Cabinet builds feature dovetail joinery, durable finishes, and soft-close door hinges. Internal mounting brackets anchor to wall studs, keeping tall cabinets secure when fully stocked.

Storage And Interior Features

Creative storage and organization features tailored to your kitchen function not only optimize space but also simplify cooking tasks. Keep go-to ingredients and tools efficiently stored but conveniently accessed.

Shelving

Adjustable shelves allow flexible reconfiguration as needs change. Opt for deep shelves to accommodate small appliances. Consider roll-out trays for ergonomic access without straining your back.

Drawers

Customize drawer sizes and compartmentalize using built-in silverware organizers, spice racks, or knife blocks. Full-extension ball bearing slides facilitate access to contents pushed towards the back.

Storage Accessories

To contain messy items, incorporate pull-out waste bins or deep utensil crocks. Label customizable storage bins clearly so everyone knows what goes where. Mounted stemware racks free up shelf space.

Design And Style Elements

Beyond functional performance, don't forget about aesthetics! Coordinate your tall unit's finish, color, hardware and door fronts to tie-in with existing decor for a polished, bespoke look.

Doors

Framed cabinet fronts with decorative inset or raised panels add architectural detail. Three-panel doors boost structural integrity on extra wide fronts. For easy accessibility, consider glass fronts.

Finishes And Colors

Select durable low-VOC stains, paints, glazes and wraps coordinated to your color scheme. Match existing cabinetry or make your specialty pantry pop as a bold accent piece.

Hardware

Update plain doors and drawers with decorative antique bronze, matte black or brushed nickel handles and pulls for visual interest.

Installation And Assembly

Proper tall cabinet installation ensures plumb alignment and uninterrupted performance for years to come. While specialized tools help, homeowners can tackle assembly and mounting DIY-style with enough patience and precision.

Tools

Gather essentials like a drill, level, framing square, spackle and safety gear before getting started. Specialized amplification mirrors make it easier to see inside the narrow cabinet bay while attaching brackets to wall studs.

Installation Steps

Measure space, mark plumb lines, and attach mounting rails with tamper-proof screws before sliding your assembled cabinet into place. Double check alignments are light-tight before sealing trims with color-matched caulk.

Maintenance And Care

Protect your investment with proper care and maintenance. From daily cleaning to troubleshooting repairs, learn how to keep tall skinny cabinets looking like new.

Cleaning

Use mild dish soap and water to wipe down exterior surfaces, then dry immediately to prevent streaks. Clean interiors annually using a hand vacuum and all-natural cleaner safe for wood cabinets.

Preventative Maintenance

Inspect hinge plates and drawer glides, tightening screws as needed to maintain alignment and full functionality. Lubricate tracks annually using white lithium grease.

Troubleshooting

Fix minor scratches using touch-up markers concealed in discreet cabinet corners. For warping or sagging doors, adjust hinge plates or add reinforcement brackets. Replace damaged components like drawer slides as soon as issues arise.

Environmental Impact

Today's eco-conscious custom cabinets utilize sustainable materials, non-toxic finishes, and manufacturing processes designed to minimize environmental footprints from production to installation.

Sustainable Materials

Opt for FSC-certified lumber harvested responsibly from replenished forests. Eco-friendly medium density fiberboard contains recycled wood fiber content.

Eco-Friendly Production

Green production practices reduce waste through precision cutouts and recycled sawdust materials. Limiting VOC off-gassing improves indoor air quality.

End-Of-Life Recycling

Repurpose salvaged tall cabinet materials using them as-is or remanufacturing into new goods. Reclaimed wood holds unique charm and history.

Costs And Pricing Factors

Expect specialty storage solutions like tall skinny cabinets to come at a premium price due to small production runs and challenging installations. However, the long-term functionality and space savings offset initial investments.

Budgeting

Plan around $1,500-2,500 for a custom tall cabinet including durable shelving and storage accessories. Lighting, power strips and other electrical can add $200-500.

Cost Influences

Unique sizes, high-end materials like solid maple or glass fronts, and custom colors increase pricing. Consider trades like carpentry and electrical during kitchen remodeling projects.

Comparison To Other Tall Cabinets

While wide pantry units boast expansive storage space, their larger footprints don't squeeze into tight niches like narrow tall cabinets. Mini fridges keep ingredients chilled but lack insider organization and specialty accessories.

Benefits

Tall skinny cabinets maximize every inch possible, delivering customized storage in a compact footprint other models can't squeeze into. Rethink awkward gaps!

Limitations

Dollar for dollar, wider pantry units store more cubic footage. Cooling capabilities prove limited compared to full-size refrigerators. Triple-check dimensions during planning.

Before resigning unused space as wasted, consider transforming it with a tailored tall cabinet instead. The slim footprint slips right in yet still makes room for specialized storage that simplifies cooking. With some clever planning and customization, it becomes possible to maximize both aesthetics and functionality even in the tightest kitchen footprint. Use every inch available to make your work triangle flow more efficiently.