When it comes to kitchen cabinetry, depth is an important consideration, especially for base cabinets. Base cabinets with a depth of 15 inches provide ample storage space while fitting well in most standard kitchen layouts.
What is a 15 Inch Deep Base Cabinet?
A 15 inch deep base cabinet refers to a base cabinet that is 15 inches from front to back. The standard depth for base cabinets is 24 inches, so a 15 inch deep cabinet is shallower than average.
Base cabinets are installed along the floor and used for storage of larger kitchen items like pots, pans, and appliances. They provide essential storage space in a kitchen. The depth of the cabinet impacts how much can be stored inside.
Key Features of 15 Inch Deep Base Cabinets
- Depth of 15 inches from front to back
- Shorter depth than standard 24 inch deep cabinets
- Can be used along with deeper cabinets in kitchen design
- Provide more limited storage space due to shallower depth
- Allow for better ergonomics and ease of access to contents
- Can be used in compact kitchen layouts and galley kitchens
Are 15 Inch Deep Base Cabinets Commonly Available?
Yes, 15 inch deep base cabinets are a standard cabinet depth produced by many manufacturers. While not as widely available as 24 inch deep cabinets, there are still plenty of options on the market.
Many cabinet brands like KraftMaid, Aristokraft, Decora, and Wellborn Forest offer 15 inch deep base cabinet configurations. They can typically be ordered through kitchen designers, home improvement stores, and online retailers.
The major cabinet styles like shaker, recessed panel, and thermofoil often come in 15 inch depth options. There are choices for framed and frameless cabinet constructions as well. Custom cabinet makers can also construct base cabinets at 15 inch depth.
So while not as ubiquitous as standard 24 inch depth cabinets, many kitchen brands do commonly produce 15 inch deep base cabinets as part of their cabinetry lines. They can be purchased new or potentially reused from another kitchen.
Availability of 15 Inch Deep Base Cabinets by Brand
- KraftMaid: Offers 15 inch depth in various door styles
- Wellborn Forest: 15 inch depth available in their selection
- Aristokraft: Cabinet lines include 15 inch deep options
- Decora: Base cabinets come in 15 inch depth configuration
- IKEA: Many base unit options at 15 inch depth
- Custom shops: Can build cabinets at any depth
Reasons to Use 15 Inch Deep Base Cabinets
There are a few key reasons why 15 inch deep base cabinets are used in kitchen designs:
Space Savings
The shallow depth of 15 inch base cabinets allows them to fit into tight kitchen spaces. They can maximize storage in galley kitchens, apartment kitchens, or any small footprint that cannot accommodate standard depth cabinets. The shallow size provides good storage without dominating the kitchen.
Ergonomic Access
A 15 inch deep cabinet provides easier access than deeper cabinets. Contents stored in the back are within easier reach. The shallow depth reduces having to bend and reach deep into cabinets for items. This improves ergonomics.
Matching Wall Cabinets
Standard wall cabinets are usually between 12-15 inches deep. Using 15 inch deep base cabinets allows for a flush alignment against the wall cabinets for a streamlined appearance. Matching depths ties the kitchen cabinets together.
Cost Savings
In some cases, 15 inch deep base cabinets may have a lower material cost compared to deeper cabinets due to using less materials. This can translate into cost savings on the overall kitchen.
How Much Storage Do 15 Inch Deep Cabinets Provide?
The 15 inch depth limits the storage capacity compared to standard 24 inch deep cabinets. However, 15 inch deep cabinets can still offer ample storage for many kitchen items.
Here is an overview of the storage capabilities:
- Pots and pans can fit, but larger stock pots may not.
- Can accommodate dinner plates and other dishware.
- Appliances like mixers and food processors can fit.
- Standard size boxes and containers of food can be stored.
- Large platters or baking sheets may need to go in a deeper cabinet.
- Double the depth from a 15 inch cabinet to visualize capacity.
While storage is more limited than in a deep cabinet, there is still decent capacity for essential kitchen items when well-organized. The contents are also more accessible in a 15 inch deep cabinet.
Are There Any Downsides to 15 Inch Deep Cabinets?
There are a couple potential downsides to weigh when considering 15 inch deep base cabinets:
Limited Storage – As covered earlier, there is notably less storage space than deeper cabinets. Large pots or appliances may not fit. Good organization helps maximize the capacity.
Limited Options – Since most manufacturers focus on standard 24 inch depth cabinets, there are less options and styles available for 15 inch cabinets. Color choices and cabinet lines can be more limited.
Need to Mix Depths – Using all 15 inch deep cabinets may not provide enough storage. In most kitchens, a mix of depths is needed to get enough capacity. This requires more planning.
Less Structural Strength – Shorter cabinets have less structural integrity and strength than deeper cabinets. They may be more prone to racking or damage. Beefing up faceframe and construction helps.
Standard Sizes for 15 Inch Deep Base Cabinets
Although the depth is set at 15 inches, 15 inch deep base cabinets come in all the usual width sizes:
- 9 inches wide
- 12 inches wide
- 15 inches wide
- 18 inches wide
- 21 inches wide
- 24 inches wide
- 27 inches wide
- 30 inches wide
- 33 inches wide
- 36 inches wide
The range covers standard cabinet sizes that can be combined to fit any kitchen layout. The heights are also typical:
- 34 1/2 inches tall for standard base cabinets
- 84 inches or higher for full height pantries
- Other custom heights possible
When planning, make sure to account for the front and back cabinet depth along with the width and height.
How to Incorporate 15 Inch Deep Cabinets into Your Kitchen
Here are some tips on effectively using 15 inch deep base cabinets in kitchen designs:
- Use primarily for cabinets that hold plates, food containers, pots and pans. This takes advantage of accessibility.
- Flank the refrigerator with 15 inch deep cabinets for storing refrigerated foods and small appliances.
- Place near the cooktop for storing cooking equipment that gets frequent access.
- Use a full-height 15 inch deep pantry cabinet for brooms, breakfast cereal and other dry goods.
- Mix depths by using 15 inch cabinets on bottom with deeper wall cabinets above to maximize space.
- For kitchen islands, use one depth to avoid a disjointed look.
- Fill out the ends of cabinet runs with 15 inch deep cabinets and use deeper in the middle.
What are Some Design Options for 15 Inch Deep Cabinets?
The major kitchen cabinet styles are all available for 15 inch deep cabinets, providing many choices:
Door Styles
- Shaker – Classic and clean with a versatile look. Works across multiple aesthetics.
- Slab – Minimalist and modern. Provides uninterrupted lines.
- Recessed Panel – Traditional style with dimension from recessed panels.
- Raised Panel – Classic and timeless with decorative raised center panels.
- Thermofoil – Durable and affordable. Many color choices. Seamless door looks.
Finish Options
- Wood stains like oak, hickory and maple provide a natural look that highlights wood grain.
- Painted finishes allow any color in the rainbow to liven up your kitchen.
- Thermofoil finishes offer hundreds of laminate colors and patterns from solid tones to faux-woodgrain.
- Distressed finishes give vintage charm with rub-through effects.
What Cabinet Hardware Works with 15 Inch Deep Cabinets?
Choosing the right hardware ensures your 15 inch deep cabinets look cohesive and finished. Focus on scaled-down hardware choices like:
- Small knobs – 1 to 1 1/2 inch knobs fit the scale. Larger knobs may look overwhelming.
- Slim bar pulls – Thin horizontal pulls help accentuate the narrow profile.
- Low profile handles – Compact metal wire or bail pulls integrate nicely.
- Medium hinges – 3 to 3 1/2 inch hinges are appropriately sized.
- Small brackets – Brackets with shorter projection suit shallower cabinets.
For a streamlined look, matching hardware across the entire kitchen creates visual harmony. Selecting hardware finish, color, and style complements the cabinets.
How to Add Storage to 15 Inch Deep Cabinets
Since 15 inch deep cabinets provide less storage than standard cabinets, you can use organizational products to maximize space:
- Stackable racks allow you to store dishes upright. Rolls out for easy access.
- Pull-out shelves make it easy to see and reach everything in back.
- Lazy susans create easy access to items that otherwise get buried.
- Expandable shelves adjust to hold small or large items.
- Swing-out racks hold spices, pan lids and other small items.
- Utensil trays keep cooking tools organized in drawers.
Optimizing the storage space helps compensate for the smaller cabinet capacity. Just make sure organizers fit the 15 inch cabinet depth.
Do’s and Don’ts of Using 15 Inch Deep Cabinets
To use 15 inch deep cabinets effectively, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind:
Do:
- Do mix depths by combining 15 inch cabinets with deeper cabinets.
- Do use near appliances, sinks and work areas for convenient access.
- Do maximize storage with rack, pull-out and other organizers.
- Do choose smaller scale hardware that fits the cabinet depth.
- Do use them for frequently accessed items like dishes, food and cooking tools.
Don’t:
- Don’t use all 15 inch deep cabinets if you need maximum storage.
- Don’t put large or bulky items like bakeware or mixers in them.
- Don’t overload the cabinets which will make contents hard to access.
- Don’t choose hardware that looks overly large for scale.
- Don’t hesitate to combine different finish colors and styles.
FAQs About 15 Inch Deep Base Cabinets
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about 15 inch deep base cabinets:
Are there any standard sizes for 15 inch deep base cabinets?
Yes, 15 inch deep base cabinets come in all the standard width sizes – 9 to 36 inches wide. Standard heights are 34 1/2 inches for base cabinets and 84+ inches for full height pantries.
Can you use all 15 inch deep cabinets or do you need to mix depths?
It is best to mix depths and use 15 inch cabinets in conjunction with some standard 24 inch deep cabinets for enough storage capacity in most kitchens. Using all 15 inch cabinets may limit storage space.
How much can you fit in a 15 inch deep cabinet?
A 15 inch deep cabinet fits dishes, pots and pans, food containers, small appliances, and frequently used items well. Larger stock pots or big platters may need a deeper cabinet.
Do 15 inch cabinets support countertops properly?
Yes, with some construction considerations. Beefing up the faceframe strength helps. Additional brackets or supports may be added as well. Proper installation is also important.
Can you put 15 inch upper cabinets with 15 inch base cabinets?
Yes, matching 15 inch uppers with 15 inch base cabinets creates a streamlined, flush fit. 12-15 inches is standard depth for uppers.
Final Thoughts
While 15 inch deep base cabinets are not as widely used as standard 24 inch depth cabinets, they are a stock size readily available from most cabinet manufacturers. The shallower 15 inch depth works well in tight kitchen spaces by providing accessible storage that fits the space without dominating.
15 inch deep cabinets can be creatively incorporated into kitchen designs through thoughtful placement and selecting the right storage organizing products. Combining depths and cabinet styles creates a custom kitchen with ergonomic function. There are also endless hardware and finish options to customize the look. With some smart planning, 15 inch deep base cabinets can provide just the right amount of storage space your kitchen needs.