Furniture in which all kinds of utensils are stored is found in every home. Housewives can place festive, expensive sets, crystal or quite ordinary, everyday utensils in it. Most suitable for these purposes is a special cabinet for dishes, which can be both a decorative and functional piece of furniture. Modern manufacturers offer such furniture in a variety of designs, styles, configurations, colors - choosing a model to suit every taste and budget is not difficult.
Features and purpose
If you need to place a cupboard in your apartment, you should first consider the following:
- future location of furniture;
- the functionality included in it;
- design features of the product.
The most commonly used rooms for installing a cabinet for storing dishes are the living room and kitchen. Cutlery is standardly placed inside the furniture. The cabinet that stands in the hall will serve as a storage unit for dishes for special occasions, and will also act as a decorative element of the interior. For the kitchen, you can choose simpler furniture that can be used actively every day. The requirements for the product in this case:
- moisture resistance;
- strength;
- tolerance to temperature changes;
- environmental friendliness.
Kitchen cabinets can store dishes for daily use and sets that are placed on the table only on holidays.
Standard and non-standard sizes of kitchen cabinets for dishes
Wall cabinets for storing dishes have the following standard parameters:
- depth – 30 cm;
- width – 30-120 cm;
- the height depends on the kitchen ceiling, the height of the hostess and can be 36, 72 or 92 cm.
In order to organize the kitchen space as efficiently as possible, a wall cabinet for storing dishes is equipped with shelves that divide it into specific storage areas. It should be noted that the parameters of the product also depend on its function and the overall dimensions of the kitchen modules. Most often, drawers and shelves are made individually for specific cabinet models.
You can purchase ready-made sets of kitchen furniture, or have cabinets made to order according to individual sizes.
Helpful advice! The height of the top cabinet will be ideal if the first shelf is at eye level of the hostess. This is where essential items should be stored. In a china cabinet these are usually plates. Also, the level of the cabinet must be calculated based on the height of the product itself and the total number of shelves.
When choosing furniture, special attention should be paid to the depth of both the floor and wall modules. A cabinet with a standard depth of 30 cm allows you to place plates of regular sizes. If this parameter is violated, then the operation of the cabinet will be inconvenient, since it is impossible to place an ordinary portion plate in it. As for the lower cabinets, where the standard countertop has a depth of 60-90 cm, their dimensions will be several centimeters smaller. The dimensions of the drawers depend on the size of the cabinets themselves, although their depth can be adjusted individually.
At what height from the work surface should you hang kitchen cabinets?
The standard height for placing an upper cabinet above the countertop is 50-56 cm, although this is not the main condition. First of all, the level of fastening of hanging cabinets is regulated not by mandatory standards, but by individual characteristics. In particular, the average height of family members is taken into account, and most importantly, the height of the housewife herself. An equally important parameter is the dimensions of floor-mounted kitchen cabinets and cabinets. The rule here is: the deeper the lower module, the shorter the distance should be from the countertop to the upper cabinet, since the housewife will need to reach for the doors.
The height of kitchen cabinets above the countertop, equal to 50 cm, was determined based on the average dimensions of kitchen appliances. For example, this arrangement will protect the upper cabinet from the harmful effects of steam produced by a multicooker or electric kettle.
The optimal distance between the upper and lower kitchen cabinets is 50 cm
It is also necessary to take into account the fact that the housewife must freely get items from the upper shelves. There are exceptions when the height of wall kitchen cabinets is much higher than the standards. Typically, such cabinets are installed in rooms with high ceilings. It is also very important that furniture does not block smoke ventilation ducts, and that gas and ventilation pipes are located above the cabinets and not inside them.
In addition to the above, you should also take into account the aesthetic side of kitchen design. The installation of cabinets should not spoil the interior of the room. Surprisingly, every 10-15 cm is important in arranging a kitchen. It is necessary not only to conveniently place the upper modules, but also to choose the correct height of the kitchen cabinets from the floor.
Types of designs
The usual sideboards and buffets have been replaced by more modern, functional types of furniture:
- wall cabinets;
- floor cabinets;
- pencil cases;
- dishware displays.
Wall modules are small kitchen cabinets that are hung on the wall. Designed for arranging and storing cups, plates, glasses and other containers used daily. Such furniture is very rare in living rooms.
Dish cabinets look like shelving units with a closed front. A base cabinet is basically part of a large kitchen unit. Inside there is a decent amount of all kinds of utensils, ranging from frying pans, pots and ending with bowls and stewpans.
Dish cabinets are compact, narrow and tall cabinets. More often they act as a fragment of a kitchen set, but can be an independent piece of furniture. They successfully combine ergonomic shapes, functionality, and high capacity. Inside multi-sectional modules there can be space for a built-in dishwasher, coffee machine, microwave, refrigerator, and other kitchen appliances. According to the configuration, cabinets for dishes can be angular or rectilinear.
A cupboard is a floor-standing piece of furniture covered with panels on the bottom and glass doors on top. Between these zones there is a large open niche. A special feature of the furniture is a small ledge in the form of a counter. A buffet cabinet looks good in a living room or dining room. The specific design makes it possible to use it both as furniture for storing things and for interior decoration. In the lower closed part, various items are stored - dishes, food products, kitchen textiles and other things needed in every household. In the department, behind transparent doors, decorative items are usually placed - souvenirs, expensive crystal, beautiful sets.
The sideboard is similar in design to a sideboard and is installed both in living rooms and in the kitchen. The top of the china cabinet can serve as a showcase if you put beautiful plates, crystal glasses, porcelain cups and tureens there. Below you can store bed linen, cutlery, kitchen items, and oversized household appliances.
Functional features of fittings for kitchen furniture
A display cabinet is a type of pencil case; the walls and shelves are made of glass. The furniture is intended solely for decorative purposes, since the contents of the cabinet are visible from all sides. This design is often used in trade.
A separate type of furniture is cabinets for laboratory glassware. They are made either from a steel frame with a polymer coating, or from chipboard with lamination. Such features are due to the narrow-profile purpose.
Cabinets for storing laboratory glassware, starting materials, reagents and other chemical elements are used in enterprises and factories; they are not intended for home use.
Wall cabinet
Floor stand
Pencil case
Kitchenware display
Buffet
Sideboard
For laboratory glassware
Door opening systems
Models with a closed facade differ not only in the number of door leaves, but also in the opening systems. There are the following types of door opening mechanisms:
- swinging - the working principle is based on the use of hinges for furniture;
- sliding - door leaves do not open, but move to the side along guides;
- retractable - an important component of the mechanism are ball-bearing guides equipped with pneumatic dampers and closers.
As a rule, almost all types of cupboards are equipped with swinging opening systems. Sliding door mechanisms are used in floor and hanging modules and pencil cases. Furniture items with drawers are equipped with retractable opening systems.
Internal filling
The main conditions for choosing the right furniture are practical internal contents and the appropriate use of hanging systems. The following equipment can be equipped for the kitchen:
- Dish drying rack - a grate is built into the cabinet, under which there is a stand for collecting water. The pallet is included.
- Trays are metal, wooden or plastic structures used for storing forks, spoons, and small items. Divided into several sections of arbitrary or the same size.
- Mesh baskets are metal systems, most often installed in kitchen floor cabinets under the sink, in cabinets with sliding doors. Allows efficient use of empty space. In baskets installed in tiers you can store any dishes, kitchen utensils, detergents, sponges, washcloths.
- Rotating carousel - semicircular shelves assembled into a single system. They rotate around their axis, thus providing access to all contents. The design fits optimally into a floor- or wall-mounted corner cabinet.
- Magic corner is a version of a rotating carousel with greater functionality and spaciousness. This metal mechanism, built into corner cabinets, consists of mesh containers. Suitable for household appliances, dishes.
- Lifting mechanisms - installed on kitchen units for convenience and saving space. With their help, the facades open upward and are fixed in this position.
- Pull-out columns - consist of mesh drawers installed in a vertical order. Several baskets are placed in one design. They slide out along guides, revealing the entire contents of the column. The baskets can withstand significant loads - up to 20 kg. Thanks to the telescopic frames, the dimensions can be easily adjusted.
- Bottle holders - they are often placed against the wall of the stove. This design is ideal for storing oil, containers for bulk products, vinegar, spices and more.
Warming cabinet - a special module for dishes, is a device with adjustable temperature, used to warm up plates and cups before serving dishes.
Drainer
Cutlery tray
Mesh baskets
Rotary carousel
Magic corner
Lifting mechanism
Retractable column
Bottlemaker
Heating cabinet
Types of storage systems in cupboards
Cupboards for dishes are mainly equipped with shelves. The lower area of the buffet and sideboard may contain retractable cupboards. Some models of storage furniture are additionally equipped with trays for cutlery (forks, spoons, knives), dryers and rails.
For corner models of floor cabinets, pencil cases and wall cabinets, improved systems for internal equipment are provided:
- rotating shelves - a series of semicircular mesh shelves mounted on a stationary vertical stand. The design of the carousel shelf ensures rotation of the shelves around a stationary axis. Depending on the design features of the cabinet, the radius of rotation can reach 2700;
- magic corner - a device that ensures sequential extension of mesh shelves when the cabinet doors are opened. One part of the mesh baskets is attached to the inside of the facade, the other is installed inside the cabinet. The shelves in the middle of the module can support up to 20 kg of weight each and can be used to store pots, pans and other heavy household items. You can store mugs, plates and other small items in sections fixed to the doors. The permissible load per section is about 7 kg;
- hinged devices - a storage system consisting of two sections in the shape of a figure eight and equipped with a hinge mechanism that ensures synchronous extension of the shelves.
Manufacturing materials
Cupboards are made from different materials: wood, its derivatives, durable plastic, glass, metal. But wood is the most popular raw material for the production of kitchen furniture.
Each type of wood raw material has its own characteristics, strengths and weaknesses:
- Chipboard is dried wood shavings pressed into slabs. Synthetic resins are used to bind sawdust. The panels are very durable, with an extended service life. Cupboards made of chipboard look neat and elegant. The downside is that if damaged, they can release toxic substances. For the kitchen, laminated chipboard can be used - an option in which the boards are covered with a special polymer film.
- MDF is a more expensive material made from ground wood dust. The boards are flexible and resistant to external influences. The surface of MDF furniture can be glossy, matte, or laminated.
- Multiplex is a multilayer material with increased moisture resistance. Made from thick veneer. Multiplex is often treated with polyurethane varnish, which makes it resistant to mechanical damage. The production facility has the ability to produce curved sheets for radius facades.
- Solid wood is the most expensive wood material from which china cabinets are made. He is very capricious in his work, but furniture made of natural wood looks elegant and aristocratic. The finished product must be coated with stain or varnish, which perfectly emphasizes the natural grain of the wood.
Stages of assembling kitchen furniture, nuances of placement of the set
A wooden cupboard can be complemented with designs made from other types of raw materials. For example, plastic hooks, metal baskets, dryers, doors with stained glass, transparent, reinforced, corrugated or organic glass.
Chipboard
MDF
Multiplex
Array
What needs to be provided
When choosing furniture, it is recommended to pay attention not only to the model or shape, but also to the material from which it is made. The price and durability of the purchased new item depends on it. The following materials can be used:
- wood is the most popular natural material; it perfectly complements various interior styles and has a pleasant color and smell. For production they use mainly oak, walnut, pine, larch;
- Chipboard - modern models look great, have an inexpensive price, but their quality leaves much to be desired. Under the influence of negative factors it can swell and become deformed;
- plastic - harmonizes with ultra-modern interior styles, pieces of furniture look elegant, caring for them is quite simple, but not strong enough and durable;
- MDF is practically no different in appearance from solid wood. The furniture looks impeccable, and its price is quite affordable;
- glass - clear or colored glass is very often used for the production of cabinets.
For families with small children or pets, it is better to abandon glass attributes or choose those that use unbreakable analogues.
To maintain the attractive appearance of furniture, you need to pay attention to proper care. Periodically, it needs to be treated with special means, especially if it is laboratory furniture, avoiding severe contamination of the surfaces. Only in this case will it last a long time!
Product dimensions
The dimensions of the kitchen furniture should be comparable to the area of the kitchen, living room or dining room. For a large room, a set of impressive sizes is suitable. In a small room it is better to put compact but roomy furniture.
A hanging module with reasonable filling will save space and allow you to place a lot of dishes. Basic dimensions range from 30–90 cm in height. The depth should reach the middle of the tabletop, which is about 30 centimeters. The dimensions proposed by manufacturers may not be suitable for a particular kitchen; in this case, it is better to make custom-made furniture.
When installing a cabinet under a dishwasher, remember that the depth of the countertop should be slightly greater. Standard dishwasher sizes are 45 or 60 cm.
When choosing the shape and size of the cupboard, you should consider the following:
- the impressive depth of the wall module requires strong, reliable fastening;
- tall furniture may be impractical for short people;
- The drying depth for dishes installed in a wall cabinet should be equal to the diameter of the largest plate.
When equipping a dryer, you should remember that high humidity will lead to such a phenomenon as mold in the closet. Ventilation is required inside. If the fungus has already appeared, you need to take immediate action. You can read how to get rid of mold on thematic resources - the simplest way is to thoroughly wash all surfaces, wipe dry, and treat with an antiseptic.
The hanging module will allow you to place a lot of dishes
The depth of the countertop of the cabinet for the dishwasher should be slightly larger than the built-in appliances
Rules for the harmonious combination of lower and upper kitchen cabinets
The most popular way to furnish a kitchen is to purchase ready-made modules and solid units. This option is relevant in a kitchen of standard sizes, however, in small rooms, a useful and effective method would be to select kitchen cabinets and cabinets element by element. For this purpose, you need to decide in advance on the necessary components of the headset. To do this, you should make sketches and sketches yourself, highlighting priorities, and only after that turn to the services of a designer.
Helpful advice! If household appliances are already installed in the kitchen, then the pieces of furniture must be placed in such a way that the operation of each appliance is convenient.
A kitchen with an island cabinet is very convenient to use.
In order to decide on a specific set of furnishings, you need to know their main types. The cabinet table serves both as a work surface and as a place to store dishes and other kitchen utensils. A kitchen table-cabinet (cabinet) can have the following design:
- single-door;
- two-door;
- equipped with drawers (from one to three);
- having doors and drawers.
Wall-mounted kitchen modules may have:
- from one to three open shelves without doors;
- kitchen cupboard with glass;
- dish drying cabinet;
- cabinet for building in a hood.
Closed lower cabinets go well with upper open cabinets and shelves
Proper selection of elements of modular cabinets will make the kitchen functional, while using the kitchen space with maximum efficiency.
Additional functionality
For deep wall-mounted modules, it is worth choosing additional lighting, since most of the working surface will be darkened. Spotlights that are installed on the bottom of the cabinet are suitable for this purpose. They can also be attached inside the dish unit.
For retractable systems and swing doors, closers should be installed. They will allow you to softly close doors and slide drawers without creating loud slamming sounds. Cutlery trays are designed to organize the contents of drawers and keep all items in their place.
In cabinets with transparent doors where glasses are stored, special holders can be attached to the top of the shelf. Glasses are hung on them with their stems up, which significantly saves space inside. To store and simultaneously dry dishes, special drying racks with a bottom tray for draining water are installed. For towels, ladles, skimmers, spatulas and other large kitchen utensils, it will be convenient to have special hooks for hanging.
How to make your own kitchen from furniture panels, instructions
Spotlights
Closers
Glass holder Drying rack with tray
Kitchen utensil hooks
Arranging a china cabinet
Railing systems
First of all, it is worth noting that roof rails make it possible to make any kitchen more stylish, comfortable and multifunctional. They are a peculiar part that has the shape of a pipe and its diameter is about two centimeters.
With railing system
Moreover, it can be presented in the form of a simple bar. Using special holders, the system is installed on a vertical surface. As for cabinets intended for storing dishes, the device is mounted directly in the inner area of its door.
You can find out about pull-out trash cans for the kitchen here.
Dryers
A dryer is an integral part of every kitchen, as it allows cups, plates and other kitchen utensils to dry well. It is important that thanks to the wide range of their variety, every housewife will be able to dry the required amount of dishes. It is for this reason that you need to be very responsible when choosing this element.
With functional drying
First of all, it is necessary to measure the distance of the cabinet walls, as well as its depth and height at which it will be installed in the future. Today, dryers are available in standard sizes, namely: 400 mm, 500 mm, 600 mm, 700 mm and 800 mm.
Moreover, the measurement of the distance between the drying place for cups and plates cannot be ignored, since it should not be less than 300 mm. As for the lower area, it should be located at a distance of at least 60-70 mm from the pan itself, which is designed to directly collect water.
Accessories
Nowadays, there are special nets that are installed in the cabinet area and are designed to store kitchen utensils. Hooks are also installed that can be used for a variety of purposes. You also can’t ignore drawer trays designed for direct storage of various cutlery.
With mesh for kitchen utensils
They are made from metal mesh and also from plastic. Their location in most cases is the drawer of the lower table. Moreover, they may have different quantitative coefficients.
You can find out which oven is better, gas or electric, in this article.
Decor, colors and style
For the Baroque style, it is necessary to have solid wood with decorations and figured legs. Buffets and sideboards are most often found in this design. Art Deco style china cabinet is a combination of elegance and luxury. Furniture made from expensive natural materials is painted in white, black, rich lilac or violet shades. Silver, gold, and mother-of-pearl are used as external decor. Sometimes overhead forged elements are added.
The loft style is distinguished by the presence of bright colors. Also sometimes a combination of incompatible materials is used: wood with plastic or stainless steel. Cabinets with open fronts are preferable. The high-tech direction is characterized by natural geometric shapes and a minimum of decorative elements. Cupboards for dishes are made of steel and glass, special attention is paid to fittings - holders, fasteners, etc. The modest design combined with high-tech equipment harmonizes well with the configuration of the display cabinets.
Eclecticism is a combination of elements of different styles and eras. To decorate dish cabinets, choose bold tandems of colors and textures. A classic buffet or sideboard made of wood, decorated with bright colors, is the perfect example of eclectic style.
Baroque
Art Deco Loft
High-tech Eclectic
Practical storage furniture
Inside buffets, sideboards and other types of modern display cases, not only dishes are often stored.
Vintage living room with low cabinet with glass doors
Behind the glass cabinet doors you can also display beautiful figurines, awards, trinkets, bottles of elite alcohol, fragile interior items made of glass, crystal, etc. Cutlery and textiles (towels, napkins) are usually stored in closed compartments.
Such furniture can also become part of the furnishings of a home minibar.
Today, the offer of manufacturers is so huge that you can find on sale from the narrowest, low, miniature display cases for dishes to wide, three- and four-door ones.
White showcase in an eclectic living room design
For a small room or a room with a minimalist design, models in basic colors - white, gray, black, brown, up to 50 cm wide - are suitable.
Showcase in a modern style with a discreet, laconic design Display cabinet for dishes in a classic style
You want to place beautiful souvenirs, cups, and sets in a visible place, but at the same time you need to ensure their safety. If you have pets in your home, you can't think of a better place for storage. Dust accumulates behind glass more slowly, and your favorite things are always pleasing to the eye.
Buffet
This is a traditional model, which has quite large dimensions, so it would be appropriate in a spacious living room. The lower part of the furniture has a hinged closed cabinet, and the upper part has shelves behind closed doors.
An additional open shelf or drawer can also be located between the upper and lower parts.
Buffet in the living room in shabby chic style
Sideboard
This is a smaller version of a sideboard, which often does not have an upper compartment, more like a cabinet up to 90 cm high. It can be equipped with shelves on top.
Corner showcase
There are both wide and narrow, single-door wardrobes for a small living room. Their advantages are practicality: they optimally use corner space without visually cluttering the room.
Narrow corner showcase in the living room Showcase in the style of modern classics
Glass showcase
Fully glazed, of different heights and widths, of various shapes - such models can fit into a room in any style.
This design will never overload the space of a small living room and will be appropriate in any style - hi-tech, Scandinavian, classic, etc.
Glass display cabinet in blue in an eclectic living room
On sale you can even find miniature models like Fabrikor (Ikea), glazed on all sides. Price – 14,999 rubles.
Small showcase Fabrikor (Ikea) made of tempered glass
If children live in the house, then you need to take care of their safety: choose furniture with tempered glass, which is especially durable and cannot cause harm to health if mechanically damaged.
Equipped with lighting, glazed, transparent display cases for dishes look very attractive.
Hanging
Compact hanging display cases save space, which means they are recommended for rooms with a small area.
They are often well mounted above a sofa or above a coffee table. They are not very roomy, but they will not be accessible to small children who may suddenly harm themselves when playing with glass.
Gorki
This is a structure combining several modules of different sizes, arranged from large to small. Hence the name of this design – “slide”. In Soviet times, such walls with a combination of closed, blind and glazed cabinets were very bulky. In their modern form, they have a somewhat lightweight design.
Combined: open and glazed
Non-glazed parts of furniture with open shelves have the main disadvantage that they allow dust to quickly accumulate on displayed items, which not only spoils the overall appearance, but can also harm the health of allergy sufferers.
If you need a lot of storage space, instead of one large cabinet, you can purchase several small but different models - display cabinets for dishes like a buffet, with non-glazed shelves, a glazed pencil case, a sideboard and others.
Built-in
This can be made at the renovation stage, for example, from drywall. The showcase is located in a recess in the wall - a niche.
Illumination will add attractiveness to such a structure.
Built-in structures can frame the entrance. A convenient option if the exit to the living room comes from the kitchen.
For more ideas, watch the video:
Tips for selection and placement
The style and atmosphere of the room, as well as its functionality and convenience, will depend on how well the choice of furniture is made. When considering options for a china cabinet, you should pay attention to the following nuances:
- Interior image. A successful combination of a cabinet with other interior items can be achieved, taking into account the overall style of the kitchen or living room. For classics, cabinets made of expensive wood with carved elements are suitable. For a more modern direction, simple shapes and strict lines are more appropriate.
- Room parameters. In small rooms, small hanging and corner modules should be installed. For a large room, you can choose a buffet, sideboard or china cabinet. Open glass shelves will add lightness to the interior.
- Capacity. An impressive amount of dishes requires an appropriate cabinet model that will accommodate all the contents.
- Colors. Bright colors are suitable for small, dimly lit rooms. Dark and rich colors will look good in spacious rooms with bright light.
- Fittings, glass elements. They should not be cheap, otherwise the quality of the door opening and closing mechanisms will be poor and their service life will be short.
The china cabinet has a very long and interesting history. Over the course of many centuries, this type of furniture has changed, transformed, and evolved. Today, dish cabinets can solve the most difficult organizational issues in terms of placing kitchen utensils. They are installed not only for storing dishes, decorative items and textiles, but also for a dishwasher, washing equipment, microwave, and other kitchen gadgets, which with the help of such cabinets can be organically hidden without disturbing the overall style of the interior.
In a classic interior, cabinets made of expensive wood with carved elements would be appropriate.
Furniture with simple shapes and strict lines looks good in a modern interior. For small rooms, it is better to choose compact wall structures
In a large room you can place a crockery cabinet, a buffet or a sideboard. An impressive amount of dishes requires an appropriate cabinet size
Bright colors are suitable for small, dimly lit rooms
Furniture in dark shades will look good in spacious rooms with bright light. High-quality fittings significantly increase the life of furniture
Floor standing kitchen cabinets
Floor cabinets, as a rule, serve to store the largest items and utensils. Their upper part is usually a tabletop, serving as the main work area.
You should choose cabinets equipped with adjustable legs. They will allow you to quickly and easily align cabinets as level as possible, as well as adjust individual sections to a single level.
Thanks to these legs, the furniture will not stand directly on the floor, which will eliminate damage due to water ingress.
The countertops of cabinets usually contain seats for sinks, hobs, etc. Appliances can be built into such furniture - an oven, a dishwasher, etc.
The dimensions of kitchen cabinets should be selected based on the dimensions of the room. They should be as spacious as possible, but not cluttering up the entire space.
When determining dimensions, also take into account communications - water supply, gas and sewerage pipes.
