Small Kitchen Cabinets: Freestanding Cabinets and Pantries for Small Kitchens
Short answer: We do not sell fitted kitchen cabinets, the base and wall units built in along kitchen walls. For a small kitchen we sell freestanding kitchen cupboards and furniture instead: pantries, a glass-front vitrine, a buffet and a drop-leaf island. The pantries and vitrine below are 15.75 inches deep, while standard base cabinets are rarely more than 21 to 24 inches deep, so they leave more floor space for the walkway.
What to check in a small kitchen
Standard sizes. One cabinet guide gives the standard base cabinet height as around 34.5 inches and says bases are rarely more than 21 or 24 inches deep. Wall cabinets are usually around 12 inches deep and can be as narrow as 9 inches.
Walkway. The National Kitchen & Bath Association recommends a work aisle at least 42 inches wide for one cook and at least 48 inches for multiple cooks, measured between counter frontage, tall cabinets and appliances. In a small kitchen, a shallower freestanding cabinet helps you keep that width.
Small kitchen cabinets at a glance
| Cabinet | Size (in) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NovaSolo Halifax 2 Level Pantry (CA609) | 35.43 W x 15.75 D x 51.18 H | Page calls it suited to smaller kitchens; bevelled glass, antique brass hardware |
| NovaSolo Halifax 3 Level Pantry (CA610) | 35.43 W x 15.75 D x 74.8 H | Glazed cupboard fronts |
| NovaSolo Halifax Single Vitrine (CA602) | 27.56 x 15.75 x 74.8 | Fixed shelves behind a glass-paneled door |
| NovaSolo Halifax Kitchen Buffet (B131) | 49.21 W x 19.69 D x 33.46 H | Ships fully assembled; two rattan baskets included |
| Sunset Trading drop-leaf kitchen island | 42 W x 22 D x 36 H (32 D with the 10 inch leaf up) | Two drawers, one cabinet with an adjustable shelf |
The vitrine page lists its size without axis labels; we read the numbers as width, depth and height.
1. NovaSolo Halifax 2 Level Pantry
The compact pick. The page describes it as suited to smaller kitchens or a dining area, and suggests using the top for additional storage. It is made from mahogany and MDF with bevelled glass.
2. NovaSolo Halifax 3 Level Pantry
The same 35.43 inch width and 15.75 inch depth, at 74.8 inches tall, so it adds storage without taking more floor space. The page suggests using it as a crockery closet or a larder.
3. NovaSolo Halifax Single Vitrine
A narrower tall cabinet, 27.56 inches wide, with fixed shelving behind a glass-paneled door. It suits a slim wall, but the shelves cannot be moved to suit tall items.
4. NovaSolo Halifax Kitchen Buffet
A low cabinet, 33.46 inches high, with glass-fronted drawers for flatware and utensils, fixed shelving behind shaker-style doors and two handwoven Kubu rattan baskets included. The page confirms the shelves are not adjustable and that it arrives assembled.
5. Sunset Trading drop-leaf kitchen island
A freestanding island 42 inches wide and 22 inches deep, with two drawers and a cabinet. The 10 inch drop leaf adds work surface when you need it, and the page says it seats two stools when open.
Small cabinet ideas: which one should you choose?
- Little floor space, need pantry storage: the 2 Level Pantry, or the 3 Level Pantry if you have ceiling height.
- Narrow wall: the Single Vitrine.
- Work surface plus storage: the drop-leaf island.
- Flatware and linens in a low unit: the Kitchen Buffet.
More options are in our cabinets and storage collection.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best kitchen cabinets for a small kitchen?
We do not sell fitted cabinets. For extra storage, a freestanding pantry that is 15.75 inches deep, like the ones above, adds space with a smaller footprint than a standard base cabinet.
Do you sell small kitchen cabinets?
We sell freestanding pantries, a vitrine, a buffet and a drop-leaf island, not fitted base or wall cabinets.
How deep are standard kitchen cabinets?
Base cabinets are rarely more than 21 or 24 inches deep, and wall cabinets are usually around 12 inches deep.
How much walkway does a small kitchen need?
The NKBA recommends at least 42 inches for one cook and at least 48 inches for multiple cooks.
Questions? Call or text (916) 262-7257 or email support@archicfurniture.com.
