When furnishing a home, you may come across the terms “cupboard” and “cabinet.” Though often used interchangeably, they are not exactly the same.
Both are storage units in kitchens and other parts of the house but have subtle distinctions in design, function, and placement.
Wondering which storage unit, between cupboard vs. cabinet, is best for your home? This article will explore the key differences between cupboards and cabinets and more.
What Is a Kitchen Cabinet?
A cabinet is one of the most common, versatile pieces of storage furniture in a home, especially in the kitchen. It usually has one or more doors, and inside, you’ll find shelves, drawers, or compartments for organizing dishes, pots, pans, and other kitchen essentials.
While wood is the most common material for cabinets, you can also find options made from metal or plastic. Cabinets are often found in kitchens and bathrooms, but they can be useful in any room. The right kitchen cabinet—based on size, style, and function—can greatly improve the storage space in your home.
Although there are many, the most popular types of kitchen cabinets that homeowners should consider include:
- Custom Cabinets: Custom cabinets are built according to your taste and space requirements. They can be made in any shape or size, allowing you to make the most of every corner or nook in your kitchen. These cabinets are often on the higher end and provide ample storage. While custom cabinets are a great option if you want something unique, they can be expensive due to the cost of labor, personalized design, and materials.
- Semi-Custom Cabinets: Semi-custom cabinets allow customization, such as adjusting specific dimensions or adding custom features. While they offer less flexibility than custom cabinets, they are more affordable. This option is great if you just want cabinet refacing, which involves updating cabinet doors while keeping the existing structure.
- Stock Cabinets: Stock cabinets are pre-made and available in standard sizes. They are the most affordable option but are less durable, often made from particle board. Stock cabinets may need to be replaced sooner than custom or semi-custom options, especially in areas with moisture or humidity. They are a good choice for budget-conscious homeowners or spaces where you don’t plan to stay long.
What Are the Main Components of Kitchen Cabinets?
Kitchen cabinets may seem like simple boxes, but they’re made up of several key components.
Understanding these components can help you choose the right option for your space and storage needs.
Here’s a quick overview:
Base Cabinets
Every kitchen has base cabinets. These cabinets sit directly on the floor and are typically 36 inches tall, providing storage space below and countertop workspace above.
They are typically 24 inches deep and are often used to store pots, pans, and other small kitchen appliances.
Base cabinets come in various designs to serve different purposes. For example, a sink base cabinet is wide enough to fit a double-basin sink, while a corner base cabinet is L-shaped to fit neatly into kitchen corners.
Wall Cabinets
Wall cabinets – also known as upper cabinets – are common in most kitchens. They are 12 to 17 inches deep and mounted on the wall, about 18 inches above the countertop.
Wall cabinets are perfect for storing plates, glassware, and everyday food items within easy reach.
Tall Cabinets
Often called pantry cabinets, tall cabinets are narrow but extend from the floor to the ceiling or close to it. They provide ample storage for bulk food items such as flour, rice, or small kitchen appliances.
Doors & Drawers
Doors and drawers are the external features of cabinets that allow access to the storage spaces.
Kitchen cabinets have doors to hide items and drawers for easy access to smaller utensils. Depending on the style, you can opt for different finishes, handles, and mechanisms, such as soft-close doors.
What Are the Most Common Materials?
The material of your kitchen cabinets is crucial because it affects both durability and style. Choosing the right material ensures your cabinets will last for years while also complementing the design of your kitchen.
Here are the most popular materials:
- Plywood: The best kitchen cabinets are made from multi-layer, cabinet-grade plywood. Plywood is strong, lightweight, and easier to install than MDF or particleboard. While it’s more expensive, plywood is a great choice if you plan to reside in the same home for a long time.
- MDF: Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is made from the byproducts of wood milling, making it relatively eco-friendly. MDF cabinets are usually covered with laminate or thermofoil because the material doesn’t hold paint well.
- Particle Board: This is the lowest-quality material for kitchen cabinets. Particle board is prone to cracking and expands or contracts with environmental changes. However, it’s affordable, making it a good option for short-term homes, cabins, or rental properties.
Now that we have covered kitchen cabinets let’s talk about cupboards.
What Is a Cupboard?
Like a cabinet, a cupboard is a versatile storage unit found in various parts of the home, including the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom.
Unlike kitchen cabinets, cupboards are often standalone units and are not always built into a home’s structure. They can also be used for a wider variety of purposes, including storing clothes, linens, or household items.
Cupboards may come in different forms, each meant to cater to specific storage needs. Here are the three most popular types of cupboards:
- Airing Cupboard: An airing cupboard is typically located near a water heater or boiler and stores towels, sheets, and other linens, keeping them warm and dry.
- Built-In Cupboard: Built-in cupboards are permanently installed storage units often recessed into a wall. They are found in various rooms of the house, including kitchens and bedrooms.
- Linen Cupboard: A linen cupboard is a specific type of cupboard used to store towels, bed linens, and other fabric-based items. It is often located in or near bathrooms and bedrooms.
What Are the Most Common Materials?
Like cabinets, the materials used in cupboards can vary, depending on their purpose and location in the home. Here are a few choices:
- Solid Wood: Solid wood cupboards are known for their durability and aesthetic appeal. They can be stained or painted and are typically used in more traditional designs.
- Particleboard: Particleboard is an affordable material made from wood chips and resin. It is less durable than solid wood but is commonly used in budget-friendly cupboards.
- Metal: Some modern or industrial-style cupboards are made from metal. Metal cupboards are durable, easy to clean, and often used in garages, workshops, or utility rooms.
Now that you know what cupboards and cabinets are, let’s find out the difference between cabinet and cupboard.
Cupboard vs Cabinet: The Main Differences
While kitchen cabinets and cupboards may seem similar, several differences set them apart. Without further ado, let’s break down the difference between cabinet and cupboard.
Purpose
Based on the place in your home, cupboards are designed to store items out of sight. Whether it’s extra towels in the bathroom or spare sheets in the guest bedroom, cupboards give you additional storage space for items you don’t use every day.
In contrast, cabinets are meant to keep everyday essentials easily accessible. Whether you need to store drinking glasses in the kitchen or toothpaste in the bathroom, cabinets ensure everything is within arm’s reach and often have doors to hide what’s inside.
Shape or Design
Another difference between a cabinet and a cupboard is their shape. Cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms are usually square or rectangular, though some may have arches to match certain design styles.
Conversely, cupboards are typically taller and more rectangular, especially when used as freestanding furniture. They can also be shorter and wider when placed in entryways or media rooms.
Materials
While both cupboards and cabinets can be made from wood and engineered wood, cupboards are more likely to incorporate metal in certain cases.
Cabinets, especially in kitchens, often require materials that are durable enough to handle frequent use and exposure to moisture.
Shelf
Cabinets often feature one or more doors, shelves, or drawers to store a wide range of kitchen items.
Cupboards may have fewer shelves or none, depending on their purpose. For example, an airing cupboard may have just one or two shelves.
Size/Dimension
Cabinets tend to be designed to fit specific dimensions within a kitchen layout. They can be as tall as ceiling height or as short as base units. Cupboards come in various sizes but are generally smaller and less uniform in height and width.
Which One Is Right for You?
So, which one should you choose: cabinet vs cupboard? Deciding between a kitchen cabinet and a cupboard depends on your needs, space, and style.
Here are a few factors to consider:
- Location: Think about where you need storage. If it’s in the kitchen, cabinets are probably the best option. For bedrooms or bathrooms, a cupboard might be more practical.
- Purpose: What are you planning to store? Cabinets with shelves and drawers will be perfect for dishes and cookware. A cupboard with ample space will better suit linens or clothing.
- Design Preferences: Consider your home’s design. Cabinets often blend into the kitchen’s layout, while cupboards can be more of a standalone feature in rooms like bedrooms or hallways.
- Budget: Custom cabinets can be pricey, but they offer a high level of personalization. Cupboards such as built-in types may offer a more affordable solution, especially if they are included in the home’s design.
Conclusion
Both cupboards and cabinets are excellent storage options. Ultimately, it all comes down to your specific needs and where you plan to use them in the house.
With this guide, you will better understand the key differences between cabinets vs. cupboards and make the best choice for your home.
