Getting The Number Of Cabinets Right Is So Important In A Small Kitchen

While filling every possible inch of wall space with cabinets probably sounds practicas might sound practical when space is limited, it's actually one of the easiest ways to make a small kitchen feel even more claustrophobic. Of course, storage is great, but there's a big difference between smart storage and over-storage. It turns out, using negative space is a clever way of visually enlarging a small room. Think of it like breathing room — you need to give your kitchen a bit of air. 

Having some open wall space between the counter and the ceiling will actually give your eyes a break and make the whole kitchen feel taller, versus if you shove more cabinets in to try and make use of it. This is because contrast and light play a big role in how our eyes perceive depth and distance, and so leaving open areas can make the whole room feel more spacious. Even a simple shelf could do more for the feel of a room than another bulky cabinet.

There are smarter ways to add storage to your kitchen. Drawers in your lower units or clever pull-out racks may be better options if you're looking for ways to make your small kitchen seem bigger. Leaving a little blank space goes a long way toward creating a kitchen that feels calm and airy instead of cramped and overwhelming.

This isn't about minimalism for its own sake — it's about balance. A kitchen should feel both functional and relaxing, and lining every wall with cabinets often screams chaos, not efficiency. Light and space are actually so important in home design that an open layout is the best choice for a smaller kitchen – it naturally limits how many cabinets you can fit while keeping the area open and connected.

So instead of looking to add more storage, amplify what you already have. Use deeper drawers for pots, add lazy Susans into the corners of cupboards to get more out of them, or consider installing floor-to-ceiling pantry cabinets that can store everything you need in one sleek column. Color also plays a role; cabinets with dark finishes may look elegant, but dark colors tend to absorb light. Lighter shades do the opposite by reflecting light and actually give the illusion of "receding," which makes the kitchen feel more expansive — one reason creamy white cabinets are expected to trend in 2026.