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 are helpful for holding lamps, speakers and decorative objects that might otherwise sit on a table. But they come with an added benefit: 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 be? “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 doors or drawers? “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 doors and marble top
About $1,500 at Arhaus: 866-427-4287 or arhaus.com
Muuto Enfold Tall Sideboard
Cabinet with ridged-steel front and oak top
$2,495 at Knoll: 888-343-0009 or knoll.com
Outline Entryway Cabinet
Acacia-and-oak cabinet with faceted doors
$899 at Crate & Barrel: 800-967-6696 or crateandbarrel.com
Nickey Kehoe Campaign Chest
Low three-drawer chest
From $3,500 at Nickey Kehoe: 323-954-9300 or nickeykehoe.com
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