When you’re furnishing a small space, finding cabinets that are just the right size can be a challenge.
There’s no shortage of expansive credenzas or towering chests of drawers, but smaller-scale cabinets that can be squeezed into an tiny entry hall, placed between a pair of twin beds or positioned on either side of a fireplace can be harder to find.
“There aren’t that many options on the market,” said Beata Heuman, an interior designer based in London, who designed her own pint-size, 35-inch-wide Lyre cabinet after failing to find suitable pieces for her living room. “That was something I made for my house because I really couldn’t find what I wanted.”
Small cabinets can be used to store lamps, speakers, and other decorative items that would otherwise be on a table. They also have the added benefit of extra storage.
“It works as both a table and a place to store things,” Ms. Heuman said. “And that is quite useful when space is at a premium.”
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How high should a small cabinet stand? “Around 32 inches — and not taller than 36,” Ms. Heuman said. “It always feels a bit more elegant to have it slightly lower than a workbench would be.”
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Should it have drawers or doors, or both? “It depends on what you want to store,” Ms. Heuman said, but a cabinet with doors and shelves is often better in a living or dining room, and drawers are well suited to a bedroom.
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Is adjustability important? It’s not uncommon for your needs to change over time, so cabinets with adjustable shelves and cutouts for cords are often a good idea.
Finnley Hall Chest
Cabinet with wood-slat door and marble top
Arhaus: 866-427-44287 or arhaus.com
By Lassen Frame Sideboard
Modular sideboard by Mogens Lassen
From $239 at Menu Design Shop: store.menudesignshop.com
Muuto Enfold Tall sideboard
Cabinet with oak top and front ridged-steel.
$2,495 at Knoll – 888-3430009 or Knoll.com
Outline Entryway Cabinet
Acacia and oak cabinet with faceted door
$899 at Crate&Barrel: 800-967-66696, crateandbarrel.com
Campaign Chest by Nickey Kehoe
Three-drawer chest for low prices
Nickey Kehoe: Call 323-954-9300 or visit nickeykehoe.com for $3,500
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