Standard Kitchen Drawer Sizes - A Handy Guide
When designing or remodeling a kitchen, understanding standard drawer dimensions is crucial for maximizing storage and creating a functional layout.
Whether you are a homeowner, contractor, or designer, having the right measurements for drawers will ensure your kitchen storage operates smoothly and makes the best use of available space.
Standard Base Cabinet Drawer Sizes
Base cabinets with drawers are a popular kitchen storage solution. Here are the standard measurements to keep in mind.
Common Base Cabinet Dimensions
Standard base cabinets are typically 34-1/2 inches high interior, and 24 inches deep. Common widths include:
- 12 inches
- 18 inches
- 24 inches
- 30 inches
- 36 inches
- 48 inches
Knowing the overall cabinet dimensions is key for planning drawer sizes.
Typical Drawer Height
The standard height for a base cabinet drawer is 5-1/4 inches. This matches the interior height of the cabinet for a customized fit.
Standard Drawer Widths
Drawer width depends on the width of the cabinet. For example, a 24 inch wide cabinet would have a 24 inch wide drawer. Wider drawers may require specialty drawer slides for smooth operation when fully extended.
Standard Drawer Depth
The standard depth of a base cabinet drawer is 22 inches. This depth provides ample storage space for items while still allowing the drawer to open fully.
Standard Wall Cabinet Drawer Sizes
Wall cabinets with drawers are also popular for kitchen storage. Here are the typical drawer dimensions.
Wall Cabinet Dimensions
Standard heights for wall cabinets are:
- 12 inches
- 15 inches
- 18 inches
- 24 inches
- 30 inches
- 36 inches
The standard depth is 12 inches.
Drawer Height and Depth
Wall cabinet drawers are typically the same sizes as base cabinets for height and depth:
- 5-1/4 inches high
- 22 inches deep
Drawer Width
Common widths for wall cabinet drawers include:
- 12 inches
- 18 inches
- 24 inches
Match the width to the cabinet for a full extension drawer if possible.
Tips for Maximizing Drawer Storage
Using the standard sizes is a good starting point, but there are also some tweaks you can make to really optimize your kitchen drawers for storage and organization:
- Full extension drawer slides allow you to access the entire depth of the drawer.
- Drawer dividers, trays, and other organizational accessories help separate and arrange items.
- Custom built drawer inserts or compartments can efficiently organize cooking utensils, cutlery, bakeware, and more.
Choosing Non-Standard Drawer Sizes
While standard drawer sizes work for most kitchens, there are some instances where you may want to use a custom size:
- Extra wide or deep drawers for storing large pots and pans.
- Adjusted heights for accessibility needs.
- Unique sizes to match non-standard cabinet dimensions.
- Oversized drawers for maximizing storage in specific spaces.
The standard drawer sizes provide a great starting point, but don't be afraid to think outside the box if needed!
Understanding the standard kitchen drawer sizes for base and wall cabinets is an important first step in designing storage for your kitchen. While common widths are 12 to 36 inches, standard heights are around 5 inches, and standard depths approximately 22 inches.
Using these standard sizes as a guideline provides a good jumping off point. But also consider the needs of your particular space and do not hesitate to customize drawer dimensions where helpful. With the right drawer sizes, your kitchen storage can be optimized both functionally and aesthetically.