One Or Two Doors? How To Choose The Right Amount For Your Cabinet Size

When choosing cabinets, whether you are replacing your kitchen cabinets on a budget or committing to an expensive, large renovation, there is much to consider. What material do you want? Which colors match best? They may seem like aesthetic questions, but there is a functional element to both of these as well. While easily overlooked, the question of how many doors a cabinet should have is surprisingly important for both the style and function of your space, too. Luckily, there are some easy general rules that can help you decide based on the width of your cabinet, whether you are learning how to build your own cabinet doors or buying some.

As a simple guideline, cabinet openings that are less than 24 inches wide typically have just one door. When the cabinet opening is wider than 24 inches, it is time to start considering adding a second door. At this width, a second door can help make the cabinets look more balanced, and it can make accessing the cabinet easier. On the other hand, double doors can be more expensive, and they may not always be necessary depending on how you use the cabinet. After about 27 inches, doors start getting large and, depending on the material, heavy enough to warp over time. You will likely want two doors for cabinets wider than 27 inches. For the in-between range, though, it is best to consider your kitchen space, how you use the cabinet, and the style of your kitchen. 

The use of two doors is important for making good use of your space, both outside the cabinet and inside. Large cabinet doors require a lot of clearance, and a single door that is 24 inches wide requires a lot of space. If anything obstructs the area, such as other cabinets or walls, you will need to use two smaller doors instead. If the door would bump other things during use, such as hitting the dishwasher or refrigerator doors when they are both open, two doors may still be better. Not only do you risk dinging the expensive appliances, but being unable to use multiple parts of your kitchen at once makes the space feel very cramped. You may even need to step back to avoid bumping yourself with the door.

Also, consider your storage needs. Swinging open a large door can be less practical than opening one of two smaller doors for frequent use, but if you are storing large items, then opening one larger door may feel more convenient. For wall-mounted cabinets, you may even want to consider double doors at 18 inches to keep the unit lighter.

No matter how many doors you choose, your kitchen will probably benefit from some smart ways to create cabinet door storage and stay organized. Overall, adhering to the 24-inch rule is a good way to make a cabinet feel balanced, but it is worth considering what exactly you will store inside and what your other cabinet doors look like to choose what's best for your kitchen.