- By Pro Brothers
- In Cabinets
Choosing the Right Cabinet Features for Your Home: Sliding Drawers, Open Cabinets, Shelves, and More
When designing or renovating a kitchen, bathroom, or any other space that requires cabinetry, the types of cabinet features you choose can dramatically impact both the functionality and aesthetic of the room. Whether you’re a homeowner embarking on a renovation or a contractor advising clients, understanding the different options—such as sliding drawers, open cabinets, and shelves—will help you make informed decisions. Plus, it’s important to consider how these features will fit within your budget. So, let’s explore the various cabinet features you can choose from and discuss the costs associated with each.
1. Sliding Drawers: Convenience and Accessibility
Sliding drawers are a popular and highly practical feature, especially for kitchens and bathrooms. They provide easy access to items in the back of cabinets, making it simpler to organize and retrieve everything from pots and pans to cleaning supplies. They’re especially useful for lower cabinets, where bending down to access items can be a hassle. Sliding drawers can be customized with dividers or organizers to make the most of available space, allowing for everything from utensil storage to full pull-out pantry shelving.
Pros of Sliding Drawers:
- Increased accessibility – No more reaching or digging around in deep cabinets.
- Better organization – Ideal for storing small items like spices, utensils, or cleaning products.
- Maximized space – Allows you to store more efficiently by using the depth of cabinets.
Cons of Sliding Drawers:
- Cost – Sliding drawers are more expensive than traditional shelves or doors due to the mechanisms involved and the materials needed.
Cost: Sliding drawers can range from $100 to $500 per drawer depending on the materials and the level of customization. The price will increase if you’re opting for high-end materials or specialized features such as soft-close mechanisms.
2. Open Cabinets Features: A Trendy, Accessible Option
Open cabinets have gained popularity in modern home designs for their minimalist, airy feel. This style of cabinetry does not have doors or fronts, providing direct visibility and easy access to your items. Open shelves or cabinets are often used to display decorative items, cookware, or dishware in kitchens, while in bathrooms, they can hold towels or toiletries.
Pros of Open Cabinets:
- Visual appeal – Open shelves allow for showcasing beautiful dishware, plants, or other decorative items.
- Easy access – No need to open a door or pull out a drawer; items are instantly visible and accessible.
- Spacious feel – Open cabinets make a room feel less cluttered and more open, which is particularly useful in smaller spaces.
Cons of Open Cabinets:
- Dust and dirt accumulation – Items on open shelves or in open cabinets are exposed to dust, grease, and moisture.
- Clutter can accumulate – Without doors to conceal items, open shelving can easily become cluttered if not regularly organized.
Cost: Open cabinets are generally less expensive to install than traditional closed cabinets, as they don’t require doors or complex mechanisms. Prices will vary depending on the material and whether you’re opting for custom-built open shelving. Typically, expect to pay $50 to $300 per shelf, with high-end finishes pushing the cost higher.
3. Shelves: Versatile and Practical
Shelves are one of the most versatile cabinetry features you can incorporate into your design. They can be installed in any room, offering functional storage for everything from books and plants to pantry items and bathroom essentials. Shelves can be either open or enclosed within cabinets, and their placement can vary based on your storage needs and design preferences.
Pros of Shelves:
- Flexible storage – Shelves can hold a variety of items, from pantry goods to decorative objects.
- Customizable – You can adjust the number of shelves or their height to accommodate your specific needs.
- Affordable – Shelves are often one of the most cost-effective cabinet features available.
Cons of Shelves:
- Open shelves require regular maintenance – Like open cabinets, shelves are prone to dust and can become cluttered quickly if not kept organized.
Cost: The cost of shelves varies significantly depending on whether they are custom-built or pre-made, as well as the material used. Basic shelves can cost as little as $20 to $100 per unit for a simple, wooden shelf, while custom shelves or shelves made from premium materials (like glass or metal) can range from $150 to $500 per unit.
4. How Much of Each Cabinet Feature Do You Need?
The amount of sliding drawers, open cabinets, and shelves you incorporate into your design will depend on both your storage needs and your budget. Here are a few guidelines to help you balance functionality and cost:
- Sliding Drawers: If you cook often and need easy access to items like spices, utensils, or pots, consider adding sliding drawers to your kitchen design. For bathrooms, sliding drawers can be perfect for toiletries or cleaning supplies. However, because they are more expensive, you may want to prioritize these features in cabinets that will be used the most.
- Open Cabinets: Open shelving works well in spaces where you want to showcase items and create an airy, minimalist look. In kitchens, open cabinets can work well for frequently used items like plates and cups. However, if you don’t want the added maintenance of keeping your items dust-free, you may want to limit the amount of open shelving.
- Shelves: Shelves are highly versatile and can be used in almost any area. They’re an affordable option for adding storage in both kitchens and bathrooms. If your budget is limited, shelves are a great way to maximize space without breaking the bank.
5. Which Cabinet Features Are More Expensive?
As mentioned, sliding drawers tend to be the most expensive feature due to the additional materials and labor required for installation. Open cabinets, on the other hand, are typically the most budget-friendly option, as they don’t require doors or complex mechanisms. Shelves fall somewhere in between, depending on their customization.
Cost Breakdown:
- Sliding Drawers: $100 to $500 per drawer
- Open Cabinets: $50 to $300 per shelf
- Shelves: $20 to $500 per unit (depending on customization and material)
If you’re working with a limited budget, you can achieve a high-end look by incorporating a combination of open cabinets and shelves while reserving sliding drawers for key areas like the kitchen base cabinets or bathroom vanity.
Final Thoughts: Balancing Function and Cost
Choosing the right combination of cabinet features for your space requires balancing your needs for functionality, aesthetics, and budget. Sliding drawers offer exceptional accessibility but can be costly, while open cabinets and shelves are more affordable options that can still provide great storage and design flexibility. By carefully considering the space, purpose, and your budget, you can create a functional, stylish, and cost-effective cabinetry layout that suits your home. No matter what features you choose, remember that investing in quality cabinetry will pay off in the long run, improving both the look and efficiency of your space.
