How to size cabinets for your space
Measure clearance, not just the room
Cabinet sizing depends on use. Base cabinets: 34.5″ tall × 24″ deep, widths in 3″ increments. Wall cabinets: 12″ deep, 30/36/42″ tall, hung 18″ above the counter. Tall pantry: 84″ or 96″ tall × 24″ deep. Allow door-swing clearance and verify ceiling height for tall units.
Walkways and door swing
Plan at least 30″ for primary walking paths and 24″ behind seating that backs up to a wall (e.g., dining chairs that need to slide out). Closet, oven, and refrigerator doors all need full swing clearance — a piece that fits the floor space but blocks a door is the wrong piece.
Delivery path before you order
Measure the narrowest point in the delivery path: front door, hallway turn, stairwell, elevator. A sofa that fits the room can still be impossible to deliver. The diagonal of a doorway is what matters, not the doorway width — tilting helps but not always enough.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a piece that fills the room dimensions exactly — rooms need negative space to feel comfortable.
- Ignoring the height of nearby fixtures (windowsills, light switches, baseboards) that limit where the piece can sit flush.
- Forgetting that rugs reduce usable clearance by 1–2″ on each side.