How Deep Are Upper Kitchen Cabinets - Best Expert Tips 2025

While designing a kitchen, there are particular factors that you should look at and one of them is the depth of your cabinets. Upper kitchen cabinets are of great importance in their functionality and appearance, if properly chosen and installed. They serve as storage space for other utensils such as plates, glasses, and other items that may be stored in the pantry cabinets and they also give the room a particular theme.
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In this guide, we will discover all you need to know about upper kitchen cabinets; their standard depth, how to customize them, how they differ from lower cabinets, and some of the practical design considerations to take into account. From a small kitchen nook to a large modern kitchen design, standard kitchen cabinet dimensions can help you make a perfect choice.

Ready to dive in? It is time to reveal the information, beginning with how deep are upper kitchen cabinets.

Table of Contents

Standard Depth of Upper Kitchen Cabinets

How Many Inches Should Upper Cabinets Be?

99% of upper kitchen cabinets have a depth of 12 inches. This size is most common throughout many households as it offers adequate storage capacity for utensils such as plates, cups, and other small items in the kitchen.

Can Upper Cabinets Be More Extensive?

Indeed, upper cabinets can be deeper if necessary, though they are usually shallower than lower ones. It is possible to get deeper cabinets of 15-inch or 24-inch deep to accommodate larger items in the home. Custom-built, deeper cabinets are a good idea for larger kitchens or for those needing additional storage capacity.

Why is Depth Important?

The depth of upper kitchen cabinets is crucial because it determines the floor space you have on your countertops. If cabinets are too deep, they will just make the kitchen look crowded or uncomfortable to navigate through. That is why 12 inches is a standard – it is for storage space and a comfortable working area.

How to Choose the Right Depth?

When picking the depth of your upper cabinets, think about:

Your kitchen layout: Small kitchens may require low-height cabinets.
What you’ll store: Bigger utensils might require deeper drawers for instance deeper cabinets may be required for larger cookers.
Your style: Deep cabinets can add more impact and can be a great idea but they can sometimes disrupt the design.

It is always important to consider the depth of your upper cabinets for effective planning of the kitchen to be both stylish and functional.

Customization and Semi-Custom Options

What Are Semi-Custom Cabinets?

Semi-custom cabinets are a little different as some standard dimensions can be altered and the design changed to fit the kitchen better. One benefit of semi-custom cabinets over stock cabinets is that the dimensions such as depth, height, and width can be adjusted according to the users’ desire. For instance, you may opt to extend the depth of your upper cabinets from the regular 12 inches up to 15 inches or even more.

Why Choose Custom or Deeper Cabinets?

Cabinets with depths greater than shallow ones are 24 inches deep, thus providing more storage as compared to other kitchens. They are ideal for holding bigger things like large bags of popcorn or pasta, trays used in serving or even small gadgets like mixers. Custom cabinets also give you the opportunity to choose a kitchen layout that will be coordinated with other rooms in the house.

Benefits of Customizing Upper Cabinet Depth

Maximized Storage: Shallow cabinets are available for those who do not have enough space on their walls or ceilings for deeper ones that will accommodate greater items.
Improved Functionality: It is, therefore, important to be able to customize the depth of the cabinet for easier access and organization.
Enhanced Aesthetics: Semi-custom and custom cabinets enable you to accomplish an upscale, fully tailored kitchen.

When to Consider Semi-Custom Options

If you have a peculiar kitchen design, with irregular kitchen cabinet sizes and shape of the floor area.
When it is time to get a deeper pantry or garage storage or to get more storage space in general.
If you wish to optimize the space of a kitchen with high ceiling height.

Semi-custom or custom cabinets will allow you to have a kitchen that meets your needs but is also uniquely yours.

Upper and Lower Cabinet Depth Comparison

Difference Between Upper and Lower Cabinets

Upper cabinets are normally 12 inches deep while lower cabinets also known as base cabinets, have 24 inches depth. The only big difference lies in their purpose and position in the kitchen area. Upper cabinets are intended for smaller things that do not require much height, lower cabinets are intended for storing pots, pans, and appliances, and other large things.

Can Upper and Lower Cabinets Have the Same Depth?

In most cases, upper cabinets and lower cabinets are not the same depth: However, some homeowners decide to make them have the same depth, which is common in modern or minimalist designs. Another factor that can cause upper cabinets to appear different from lower cabinets is if the depth of the upper ones is equal to the depth of the lower ones and this results in a sleek appearance. Remember, however, that deeper upper cabinets limit the countertop area and make a kitchen seem even more confined in a small kitchen.

Advantages of Matching Cabinet Depth

Uniform Design: Extensive upper and lower cabinet alignment is aesthetic, and gives the interior a more contemporary appeal.
Additional Storage: Deeper upper cabinets offer additional storage for bulky items.
Bold Aesthetic: Some like the look of having low upper cabinets which gives a dramatic look, especially in kitchens with high ceilings.

Disadvantages of Matching Cabinet Depth

Reduced Workspace: Deeper upper cabinets could give a cramped appearance to the kitchen if there isn’t enough counter space.
Increased Cost: Additional customization of both upper and lower cabinets may cost more than if one uses standard measurements.

Even if you can have upper and lower cabinets with equal depth, it is crucial to pay attention to the size and organization of the kitchen. Matching depths are appropriate when the kitchen is large enough to afford space for numerous and large appliances but may not be so appropriate where every inch of counter space is needed in a small kitchen.

Specialized Upper Cabinets

Tall Cabinets

Tall cabinets are usually applied when you have something that requires space above the counter, for example, brooms, mops, or food. These cabinets can be deep or have additional height to go all the way to the ceiling. Tall kitchen cabinets are different from regular upper cabinets in that they offer more height, which makes them useful for very large kitchens, or homes with a high ceiling. If you are in search of an area to accommodate some of the larger utensils and equipment commonly used in the kitchen, then tall cabinets may be the answer.

Filler Cabinets

Transition cabinets are slim cabinets that help you fill in the gaps in the layout of your kitchen space. They can be created between standard cabinets and walls or appliances or any other object that is installed in the room. They are not normally very deep, but they can be to your own specifications if required. You can use them to bring extra shelves for storing items such as spices and other items that might be stored in a small closet. Gross interior partitions are an interesting idea for those who want to use every inch of the kitchen to the maximum.

Corner Cabinets

Sometimes it is challenging to create the design for the corners, however, corner cabinets are designed to make the most of the corner space. They are available in different designs including; L-shaped cabinets or rotating types which make them suitable to be placed in corners where space is normally unused. Upper corner cabinets may be made deeper than your base cabinets or can be made shallower to accommodate easier reach.

Over the Range Microwaves

One other niche design for upper cabinets is the addition of an over-the-range microwave. These are normally deeper than the normal upper cabinets to create space for the microwave and for air circulation. The depth of these cabinets can be different depending on the model, but they are within the range of 15 inches – 24 inches deep.

Pantry Cabinets

Pantry cabinets are special kinds of food storage as they are usually deeper and taller compared to the standard upper cabinets. These can be intended for storing everything from canned foods to dried foods and some come with additional features such as pull-out shelves. A full-height pantry cabinet is more advantageous in terms of space, therefore, it is perfect for storing several items in the kitchen.

Benefits of Specialized Upper Cabinets

Increased Storage: These cabinets are useful for storing such items as tall appliances or cleaning equipment, for instance.
Customization: It enables you to optimize areas that may be hard to use such as corners or small spaces between furniture.
Improved Functionality: Specialized upper cabinets can add organization to your kitchen if designed appropriately.

Adding specialized upper cabinets makes your kitchen to be more functional as well as aesthetically appealing and they are able to meet your storage requirements.

Deciding on the proper depth of the kitchen.

Consider Your Kitchen Layout

An important factor in determining the depth of your upper kitchen cabinets is the design of your kitchen. For example, if you have a small kitchen, then you can keep the depth normal at 12 inches so as not to overfill the area. However, if you have a large kitchen or, especially, one with greater ceiling height, it is better to use deeper cabinets (for example, 15 or 24 inches deep) to achieve better proportions and provide additional storage space for big things.

Functionality vs. Aesthetics

What do you do in the kitchen? For those who require sufficient space for pots, pans or even canned goods, deeper upper cabinets could be ideal. Nonetheless, if you prefer to have your kitchen free from that closed, claustrophobic feeling, shallow cabinets may be the way to go. As with any type of countertop, the depth you choose will affect how practical and visually appealing your kitchen will be.

Maximize Storage Space

To get the most out of the available space, if your main goal is to save on storage space, opt for deeper upper kitchen cabinets than the 12 inches in width. Deeper cabinets are useful for storing larger utensils, big plates or mugs, or bags of rice, beans, and pasta. In cases where space in the kitchen is a problem, low-height base cabinets and wall cabinets are more advisable to give the room a more spacious and free-flowing feel.

Ceiling Height Matters

Ceilings are another aspect that can influence your decision; especially their height. If you have high ceilings, then you may think of getting tall cabinets which go all the way to the ceiling and provide you with more storage space and style. Cupboards that go to the ceiling give the kitchen a built-in appearance and allow to use the wall space more effectively.

Test for Accessibility

It does not matter how deep your upper kitchen cabinets are, they have to be easily accessible. Make sure that the cabinets are not too deep to allow easy access especially for persons with some degree of physical disability in an attempt to reach towering shelves. Use pull-down or pull-out for the deeper cabinets in order to get maximum use of the space without making it difficult to access.

Design Style and Personal Preference

Lastly, choose the depth that would fit your kitchen design style. In the case of a more traditional or a more classic style, shallow upper cabinets could be the best solution. If you want a more modern or even daring look, deeper cabinets can give that illusion.

Paying attention to your kitchen layout, storage requirements, and design, you can choose the optimal upper cabinet depth that combines functionality and aesthetics.

Other Considerations to Bear in Mind

There are two primary factors when designing the layout of a kitchen remodel: the height of the upper cabinets and the width of standard cabinets.

Upper Cabinet Height

The height of your upper cabinets determines the efficiency and the general appearance of your kitchen space. Upper cabinets range in height from 30 inches to 42 inches. However, the proper height of your kitchen will vary depending on the height of your ceiling and how close you want your countertop edge to be to the bottom of your cabinets.

If your ceiling height is normal, which is about 8 ft, you will normally have 18 inches from the surface of your countertop to the lower part of the tall cabinets. In the case of high ceilings you can opt for taller cabinets or go up to the ceiling to get more storage, besides giving a smooth look it also increases the kitchen storage space.

Standard Cabinet Widths

Standard cabinet widths for upper cabinets usually range between 12” and 36”. Select the cabinet widths at the time of planning your kitchen layout. This will ensure that each cabinet is symmetrical to the other kitchen cabinets.

For example, if you want to install corner cabinets or pantry cabinets, you should measure the space first for these cabinets to be placed. It will give you an idea of how they will fit. The vision is to have a balance where no kitchen wall is overcluttered and movement is not limited.

Cabinet Dimensions and Measurements

To eliminate layout problems, however, it is advisable to pay much attention to standard kitchen cabinet dimensions. Be sure to measure the width of the space on your walls accurately, meaning distances between the window, door and other structures. This will allow you to select standard wall cabinets that fit perfectly into the rest of the kitchen.

To achieve upper cabinet heights and standard cabinet widths make sure you design your kitchen in a way that would make use of the area provided in the best way possible.

Frequently Asked Questions: How Deep Are Upper Kitchen Cabinets

Are all upper cabinets 12 inches deep?

No, upper cabinets do not always measure 12 inches deep. Usually measuring 12 inches, the standard depth of top kitchen cabinets can be increased to 15 inches or 24 inches depending on design and storage space demand.

How deep are overhead kitchen cabinets?

About 12 inches, the depth of overhead kitchen cabinets is likewise the conventional deep upper cabinets. Still, depending on the kind of design and application, they can be deeper and average 12 to 24 inches.

Can upper and lower cabinets have the same depth?

Indeed, top and lower cabinets can have the same depth; this is not a common observation though.

What is the depth of the upper garage cabinets?

The garage plan and needed storage capacity determine the height of the upper garage cabinets. Usually, with a conventional depth between 12 and 15 inches, garage upper cabinets are one inch or two deeper than kitchen upper cabinets

Conclusion

Knowing how deep are upper kitchen cabinets can help you maximize storage and design during your kitchen remodeling. Though you can choose deeper cabinets, say 15 inches or 24 inches, if necessary, upper cabinets typically have a conventional depth of 12 inches. Actually, the full kitchen cabinets and cabinet doors help to define the practical and aesthetic appeal of the kitchen.

The correct depth and arrangement of your cabinets allow enough room for all of your kitchen utensils without overwhelming the space or the area.

Regarding kitchen renovating services, at Dr. Cabinet, we offer exceptional services. Our staff is ready to share our knowledge and provide outstanding custom cabinets for your house should you require more space, a certain design, or a complete makeover. Call us right now to begin building the kitchen as your ideal space.

How Deep Are Upper Kitchen Cabinets? A Complete Guide to Dimensions and Design