Types of 36-Inch High Kitchen Cabinets
36-inch high kitchen cabinets are a common choice for homeowners, offering ample storage space and a versatile design. These cabinets are available in various types, each with its unique features and benefits. Understanding the different types of 36-inch high kitchen cabinets can help you make informed decisions when planning your kitchen layout.
Base Cabinets
Base cabinets are the foundation of most kitchen layouts, providing essential storage and work surfaces. They are typically installed along the walls and can be customized to fit your specific needs.
- Standard Base Cabinets: These are the most common type of base cabinet, offering a wide range of storage options, including drawers, shelves, and doors. They can be used for storing dishes, cookware, appliances, and other kitchen essentials. Standard base cabinets are available in various widths, from 12 inches to 36 inches, allowing you to create a customized layout that fits your kitchen space.
- Tall Base Cabinets: These cabinets are taller than standard base cabinets, offering increased storage capacity. They are often used for storing large items like pots, pans, and appliances. Tall base cabinets can be used to create a pantry or a built-in refrigerator space.
- Sink Base Cabinets: These cabinets are designed to accommodate a kitchen sink. They often feature a pre-cut opening for the sink and plumbing connections. Sink base cabinets can also include storage space for cleaning supplies and other items.
- Corner Base Cabinets: Corner base cabinets are specifically designed to fit in the corners of a kitchen. They offer storage solutions for difficult-to-reach areas. Corner base cabinets can be either lazy Susan or blind corner styles, each offering its own advantages.
Wall Cabinets
Wall cabinets are mounted above countertops, providing additional storage space. They are available in various sizes and styles to complement the overall kitchen design.
- Standard Wall Cabinets: These cabinets are the most common type of wall cabinet, offering ample storage space for dishes, glasses, and other kitchen items. They are typically 30 inches deep and come in various widths, allowing for customization based on your kitchen layout.
- Tall Wall Cabinets: Tall wall cabinets are designed to reach the ceiling, offering maximum storage capacity. They are often used for storing items that are not frequently used, such as seasonal dishes or extra cookware.
- Glass-Front Wall Cabinets: These cabinets feature glass doors, showcasing your collection of fine china or decorative items. They can add a touch of elegance to your kitchen while providing functional storage.
- Open Shelving: Open shelving is an alternative to wall cabinets, offering a more contemporary and minimalist look. It allows for easy access to items and can be used to display decorative pieces. Open shelving requires careful consideration of organization and cleaning.
Specialty Cabinets
Specialty cabinets are designed for specific purposes and can enhance the functionality of your kitchen. They offer unique storage solutions and can be customized to meet your specific needs.
- Pantry Cabinets: Pantry cabinets are large, freestanding cabinets that offer extensive storage space for groceries, snacks, and other kitchen items. They can be used to create a dedicated pantry area or integrated into your kitchen layout.
- Wine Cabinets: Wine cabinets are designed specifically for storing wine bottles. They can be either freestanding or integrated into your kitchen layout. Wine cabinets often feature temperature control and humidity control to ensure optimal storage conditions.
- Spice Cabinets: Spice cabinets are small, dedicated cabinets for storing spices. They often feature pull-out drawers or shelves for easy access. Spice cabinets can be integrated into your kitchen layout or purchased as a standalone unit.
- Lazy Susan Cabinets: Lazy Susan cabinets are a type of corner cabinet that features a rotating platform, allowing easy access to all corners of the cabinet. They are ideal for storing items that are difficult to reach in standard corner cabinets.
Features and Benefits of 36-Inch High Kitchen Cabinets
36-inch high kitchen cabinets offer a unique blend of functionality and aesthetics, catering to specific needs and preferences. These cabinets, often referred to as tall cabinets or upper cabinets, stand out from standard-height cabinets, providing a distinct set of features and benefits that can significantly enhance kitchen design and functionality.
Storage Capacity
36-inch high cabinets offer a substantial increase in storage capacity compared to standard cabinets. The additional height allows for a greater vertical space, enabling you to store more items and maximize the use of your kitchen’s vertical space. This increased capacity can be particularly beneficial for storing bulky items like pots, pans, appliances, and seasonal dishes.
- Increased Vertical Space: The extra height allows for greater vertical space, enabling you to store more items and maximize the use of your kitchen’s vertical space.
- Bulk Item Storage: 36-inch high cabinets are ideal for storing bulky items like pots, pans, appliances, and seasonal dishes, which can be difficult to accommodate in standard cabinets.
- Organization and Accessibility: The increased space allows for better organization and easier access to stored items, making it easier to find what you need quickly.
Accessibility
The increased height of 36-inch high cabinets presents a challenge for accessing items stored at the top. However, this can be addressed through various design features and solutions, ensuring ease of access for all users.
- Pull-Down Shelves: These shelves can be lowered to ground level, providing easy access to items stored at the top of the cabinet.
- Step Stools and Ladders: Using step stools or ladders can provide temporary access to the upper shelves, although they require extra effort and space.
- Adjustable Shelves: Adjustable shelves allow you to customize the height of the storage space, making it easier to reach items and maximizing the use of the vertical space.
Aesthetic Appeal
36-inch high cabinets can contribute to a more cohesive and visually appealing kitchen design. The taller cabinets create a sense of verticality and grandeur, adding a touch of elegance to the kitchen space.
- Visual Impact: The tall cabinets create a sense of verticality and grandeur, adding a touch of elegance to the kitchen space.
- Uniformity and Cohesion: Using tall cabinets throughout the kitchen can create a more uniform and cohesive look, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.
- Customizable Design: 36-inch high cabinets offer a wide range of design options, allowing you to personalize the look of your kitchen to match your style and preferences.
Benefits of 36-Inch High Cabinets
The unique features of 36-inch high cabinets translate into a range of benefits that can significantly enhance kitchen functionality and aesthetics.
- Increased Storage Space: 36-inch high cabinets provide significantly more storage space compared to standard cabinets, allowing you to store more items and keep your kitchen organized.
- Improved Ergonomics: The taller cabinets can reduce the need to bend or reach excessively, improving ergonomics and reducing strain on your back and shoulders.
- Enhanced Kitchen Design: The taller cabinets create a sense of verticality and grandeur, adding a touch of elegance to the kitchen space and creating a more cohesive and visually appealing design.
Comparison of 36-Inch High Cabinets with Standard Cabinets
| Feature | 36-Inch High Cabinets | Standard Cabinets | Height | 36 inches | 30 inches | Storage Capacity | Higher | Lower | Accessibility | Can be challenging for upper shelves | Generally easier to access | Aesthetic Appeal | Adds verticality and grandeur | More traditional and standard | Ergonomics | Can improve ergonomics by reducing bending and reaching | May require more bending and reaching | Cost | Generally more expensive | Generally less expensive |
|---|
Considerations for Using 36-Inch High Kitchen Cabinets: 36 Inch High Kitchen Cabinet
While 36-inch high cabinets offer numerous benefits, there are certain considerations to keep in mind before incorporating them into your kitchen design. These cabinets, due to their height, can pose challenges for shorter individuals and might impact the overall layout of your kitchen.
Accessibility for Shorter Individuals, 36 inch high kitchen cabinet
The height of 36-inch cabinets can make accessing upper shelves difficult for shorter individuals. To mitigate this challenge, consider the following:
- Install pull-down shelves: These shelves can be lowered to a more accessible height, making it easier to reach items stored in the upper cabinets.
- Utilize step stools or ladders: Provide a safe and convenient way for shorter individuals to access items stored in the upper cabinets.
- Optimize storage: Store frequently used items on lower shelves or in drawers, while less frequently used items can be placed on higher shelves.
Impact on Kitchen Layout
The height of 36-inch cabinets can significantly influence the overall layout of your kitchen. Consider the following aspects:
- Ceiling height: Ensure sufficient clearance between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling. A minimum clearance of 18 inches is recommended for adequate ventilation and lighting.
- Countertop height: Adjust the countertop height to accommodate the taller cabinets. A standard countertop height of 36 inches may be too low, and a higher countertop, around 39-42 inches, might be more suitable.
- Overall kitchen flow: Ensure that the taller cabinets do not obstruct walkways or create a cramped feeling in the kitchen.
Cabinet Placement and Kitchen Flow
Strategic placement of 36-inch cabinets is crucial to maintain a functional and aesthetically pleasing kitchen.
- Wall cabinets: Position wall cabinets in areas where they will not obstruct walkways or create a sense of claustrophobia. Consider placing them above areas that are less frequently used, such as the refrigerator or sink.
- Island cabinets: Utilize 36-inch cabinets for an island to create ample storage space while maintaining a spacious feel. Ensure that the island is not too large or placed in a way that hinders movement in the kitchen.
- Consider a mix of cabinet heights: Incorporate a mix of 30-inch and 36-inch cabinets to create a visually balanced and functional kitchen design. This can help to create a sense of flow and prevent the kitchen from feeling too cramped.
Selecting the Right 36-Inch Cabinets
Choosing the right 36-inch cabinets for your kitchen depends on your specific needs and preferences.
- Material: Consider factors like durability, aesthetics, and budget. Common materials include wood, laminate, and metal.
- Style: Choose a style that complements the overall design of your kitchen. Popular styles include traditional, modern, and contemporary.
- Features: Select cabinets with features that meet your specific storage needs, such as soft-close drawers, adjustable shelves, and integrated lighting.
A 36 inch high kitchen cabinet offers a comfortable reach for everyday items, but sometimes you need a little extra storage space. The bold 3.0 series 2 door base cabinet provides a sleek and functional solution, adding valuable storage beneath your countertop while maintaining a cohesive design aesthetic.
A 36 inch high kitchen cabinet, paired with this base cabinet, can create a harmonious balance between accessibility and storage capacity.
A 36-inch high kitchen cabinet is a perfect size for storing everyday essentials, but only if the doors operate smoothly. If you’re facing issues with your cabinet doors slamming shut, you might need to learn how to adjust soft close cabinet door hinges.
A simple adjustment can make a world of difference in the functionality and longevity of your 36-inch high kitchen cabinet.
