What Are Shallow Base Cabinets and When Do You Need Them?
Shallow base cabinets are 12" deep instead of the standard 24" depth found in most kitchens. This reduced depth makes them perfect for spaces where standard cabinets create problems: narrow galley kitchens, areas with door swing clearance issues, the back side of islands or peninsulas, laundry rooms, and pantries.
If you've ever struggled with a kitchen layout where full-depth cabinets block walkways or make doors hard to open, shallow depth base cabinets solve that problem. They're also called narrow base cabinets or reduced depth cabinets, and they provide real storage without eating up floor space.
How shallow can a base cabinet be? Our shallow base cabinet options start at 9" wide for single-door units and go up to 48" for double-door configurations. The 12" depth gives you enough storage for dishes, pantry items, cleaning supplies, or laundry essentials while keeping pathways clear.
Contractors use these for retrofit projects where plumbing or structural elements limit depth. Homeowners appreciate them for creating better traffic flow in compact layouts. Either way, shallow lower cabinets deliver functional storage where standard options won't fit.
Drawer and Door Configuration Options
Our shallow base cabinets with drawers give you flexible storage configurations. Choose from all-drawer base units (great for utensils, tools, and small items), door and drawer combinations that mix storage types, or traditional double-door cabinets in the wider sizes from 27" to 48".
The frameless construction means your drawers get full access to the interior width. There's no center stile blocking space like you'd find in face-frame cabinets. This matters more in shallow depth cabinets where every inch counts.
Need a specific layout? Custom configurations are available. We can build drawer banks, add pull-out trays, or create door and drawer combos sized for your project. Contractors can specify exact layouts for client needs instead of forcing a design around limited stock options.
All drawer boxes include soft-close glides and doors use soft-close hinges as standard, not upgrades.
Comparing Shallow Depth Options: Custom vs Off-the-Shelf
Does IKEA make shallow base cabinets? Yes, but with limitations. IKEA's shallow options typically come in 15" depths with fixed sizing, usually limited to a few standard widths. That works fine if your space matches their measurements.
Our shallow depth base cabinets offer more flexibility. True 12" depth, widths from 9" to 48", and custom sizing for layouts that don't fit standard measurements. This matters for renovation projects where walls aren't perfectly square or you need to fill an odd-sized gap.
Standard 24" deep cabinets create different problems. In a narrow galley kitchen, they turn walkways into obstacle courses. Behind a basement bar or laundry area, that extra depth wastes space you can't access anyway. Shallow base kitchen cabinets give you storage that fits the actual space.
For contractors working on tight remodels or homeowners dealing with small kitchens, the ability to order custom widths means fewer compromises and better finished results. Browse our IKEA cabinet alternatives for more comparisons on sizing and construction.
Finishes That Match Your Design
Every cabinet in our shallow base collection uses frameless European construction. Clean lines, full-access interiors, modern look. Choose from HPL woodgrain textures, natural wood veneer, solid colors, or specialty finishes depending on your design direction.
Soft-close hinges come standard on all doors. Most configurations include adjustable shelving so you can customize interior heights for what you're actually storing. The same finish materials we use for cabinet doors are available for wall panels if you're planning a full kitchen or bath renovation.
These aren't builder-grade boxes. The construction quality and finish options work for both high-end residential projects and commercial installations where durability matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
How shallow can a base cabinet be?
Base cabinets can go as shallow as 9" in width for single-door units. Our shallow depth base cabinets measure 12" deep (compared to standard 24" depth), making them ideal for tight spaces while still providing useful storage capacity.
Do they make 12 inch deep base cabinets?
Yes. Our complete shallow base collection is built at 12" depth and comes in widths from 9" to 48". Available in both single-door and double-door configurations, with custom sizing available for non-standard layouts or specific project requirements.
Does IKEA make shallow base cabinets?
IKEA offers shallow cabinet options, typically around 15" deep in limited fixed sizes. Our cabinets provide true 12" depth with a wider range of widths (9" to 48") and custom sizing options. Check our IKEA alternatives page for detailed comparisons on construction and sizing flexibility.
Can I get shallow base cabinets with drawers?
Yes. We offer multiple drawer configurations including all-drawer base units and combination door-drawer models. Custom drawer layouts are available for specific storage needs. Contact us to discuss drawer arrangements for your project.
Order Custom-Sized Shallow Base Cabinets
Need exact measurements for your space? Our shallow depth cabinets ship ready-to-assemble with all hardware and instructions included. Request a quote for custom widths or specific drawer configurations. Have questions about which finish works best for your project or need help with measurements? Contact our team for project-specific guidance.
