Improve Kitchen Cabinet Function with Adjustable Shelves
Is your kitchen cabinet storage driving you crazy? Adjustable shelves can transform disorganized cabinets into highly functional storage spaces. You'll learn how to incorporate adjustable components into existing or new cabinets to maximize your storage capacity.
Adjustable shelves give you the flexibility to customize your cabinets' interior layout. With some simple upgrades, you can optimize your kitchen's storage potential.
How Adjustable Shelves Work
Adjustable shelves are shelves that allow you to manually change their height within a cabinet. Special hardware connects the shelves to the cabinet walls and enables you to move them up or down or remove them altogether.
There are several types of adjustable shelf hardware including:
- Slide brackets - Shelves rest on movable brackets that slide up and down grooved cabinet tracks.
- Pin brackets - Perforated shelves fit over bracket pins stuck into cabinet walls at various heights.
- Shelf pins - Pins inserted into pre-drilled holes support removable shelves.
Adjustable shelves are commonly made from materials like wood, glass, or metal. The benefit over fixed shelves is they provide ultimate flexibility and customization.
Why Adjustable Shelving is Better Than Fixed
Adjustable shelves have clear advantages over fixed shelving:
- They can accommodate items of various heights. Pots and pans may fit on one shelf while another holds cereal boxes.
- You can optimize the storage capacity by adjusting shelf placements. Fill every nook and cranny.
- As your storage needs change over time you can reconfigure the shelves.
- You can create a custom layout with adjustable shelving that fits your kitchen's dimensions and organizational style.
Adding Adjustable Components to Existing Cabinets
It is possible to add adjustable shelves to your existing kitchen cabinets. The first step is carefully measuring inside each cabinet to plan your new shelf layout.
Some homeowners opt to install the hardware themselves, especially if they have DIY experience. Others hire a carpenter to ensure it's done correctly. When purchasing adjustable shelf tracks or pins, choose durable materials like steel that will last a long time.
With some careful measurements and strategic hardware placement, your revamped cabinets will become the envy of all who enter your kitchen!
Incorporating Adjustable Shelves in New Cabinets
If you're installing brand new custom cabinetry, be sure to ask your designer about integrating adjustable components from the start. Built-in tracks can be incorporated into cabinet sides and partition walls during construction. Some cabinet makers also use common standards like the 32mm system which allows you to easily install adjustable hardware down the road.
Opt for high-quality woods like maple or oak for durability. Glass or metal shelves can add a modern touch. Mix fixed and adjustable shelves in wall, base and corner cabinets to maximize storage.
Adjustable Shelf Ideas for Every Cabinet
Here are some adjustable shelf ideas for different cabinet types:
- Base cabinets - Use adjustable shelves to store large pots and pans or small appliances you don't use daily.
- Wall cabinets - Ideal for spices, plates and other items you access frequently.
- Corner cabinets - Excellent for optimizing hard-to-reach back areas.
- Pantry - Adjustable shelves accommodate both tall and short ingredient packages.
- Open shelving - Flexible for oversized items like pitchers and baking sheets.
Maximizing Cabinet Space
Proper measurements and planning are key to maximizing your cabinet space with adjustable shelves. Here are some tips:
- Take detailed interior measurements of each cabinet before installing shelves.
- Experiment with different height configurations before deciding.
- Use specialized organizers to hold smaller items so shelving can be spaced further apart.
- Install a second row of pins higher up to utilize vertical storage space.
- Maintain at least 10-12 inches of clearance between shelves for ergonomic access.
Adjustable shelves provide the ultimate in kitchen cabinet customization for optimal storage. As your needs change over time, you can reposition shelves to accommodate new items. Careful planning and quality hardware are needed to add adjustable components to existing or new cabinets. But the benefits of a fully customized and highly functional kitchen are well worth the effort and expense!