How to Determine Your Standard Base Cabinet Height

Standard base cabinet height should be the minimum required to avoid potential damage to your interior. In addition, if you own a loft or upper level of your home, make sure you provide an appropriate height for the furniture you have in your loft space.

This is especially important because the loft could be built with other structures that are taller than the home's structure. For example, if you have a family room that is higher than the structure, you'll need to provide a higher level to your floor-standing furniture. That is the same for your family or play room as well.

Higher levels are generally used by adults as well as children. If you are in the habit of playing on the playroom floor, you'll want a level that is as high as you want it to be for your furniture. Some people prefer to have their kitchen and pantry in a loft.

To determine the standard base cabinet height for any given area, check your local building codes for specific height requirements. In some areas, the minimum depth and width of cabinets in kitchens are 17 inches. However, there is generally no minimum depth or width requirement in terms of home furniture, so you can set your cabinets lower if you wish.

However, for more expensive wood units, you'll want to make sure the depth is appropriate for the space you are trying to fill. The height should be sufficient for anything, the unit will be used for. Furniture, especially floor-standing models, will generally be taller than most homes with lower levels and larger living spaces.

You'll want to ensure that your standard base cabinet height is appropriate for your furniture. This is particularly true for low-hanging furnishings, such as a TV table or corner cabinet. Using these types of tables in high areas of your home can create unsightly visual issues.

They can also be dangerous because they have an overly wide base, which can be dangerous if you lean on them from a sitting position. In addition, if you are placing an area rug or upholstered chair in a loft or upper level, you'll want to avoid the need for too high a cabinet height. Remember, the furniture is usually taller than the structure of the home.

Once you've determined the appropriate height for the furniture you own, it is time to consider the overall appearance of your space. Using this information, you can adjust the depth and width of your cabinets, if needed. This is particularly important if you are using furniture for more than one purpose.

For example, if you have a number of countertop units that are mounted directly onto the wall and you plan to use these for use other than as a breakfast bar, the depth of the cabinet may be adequate. However, if you are planning to put a large console table or dining room table into your loft space, you'll want to provide an appropriate depth for each piece. The depth should be at least equal to the depth of the most prominent piece in the room.

The same idea goes for a family room or play room. If you have a dining table, a coffee table or two, a sideboard, and perhaps some chairs, you will want to provide a minimum depth for each. Again, the depth should be at least equal to the height of the piece of furniture that will be in the area.

Another aspect of standard base cabinet height is aesthetics. If you want a certain look in your space, you'll need to ensure your cabinets are designed to match the theme. Avoid unusual shapes or an angled, truncated or elongated cabinet.

A general rule of thumb is, the longer the piece of furniture is, the more of a formal or contemporary appearance you want. Less formal pieces can be slightly larger in depth but in a more relaxed or natural appearance.