When starting work on the design of a beautiful new solid oak kitchen, you may wonder about the ideal combination of base, wall and full-height cabinet units.

From pull-out larder units to oak corner cabinets, we have a breadth of kitchen cupboards that would be perfect for providing all the storage you require. However, poorly-matched cabinetry can create a disharmonious aesthetic – and as such we recommend taking a few of our handy hints into account before finalising your new kitchen plan.

Placement of Full-Height Units

Full-height kitchen cabinets can prove infinitely useful as a method of maximising storage potential. Instead of simply combining a base and wall unit, opting for a full-height cupboard utilises all the space inbetween. Our comprehensive range of options also allows you to incorporate a pull and swing pantry or full-height larder unit from our wirework collection, or a full-height appliance housing unit for a microwave or oven. Whilst providing you with necessary storage, these units will reduce worktop space (something you will need to consider carefully).

We advise placing full-height units at the end of a run of cabinetry. This prevents an interruption of your wooden worktop, which can prove inconvenient when progressing from one stage of food preparation to the next. In many solid oak kitchens, it is best – and easiest – to place full-height cabinets alongside a wall, as this stops the cabinet from appearing to intrude.

Alternatively, you may have the ideal recess in your kitchen in which to add a couple of full-height units, optimising your use of space, and creating the illusion of a room with a more regular shape.

Smaller Kitchens

In smaller kitchens the temptation may be to utilise a number of wall units to maximise storage; however this strategy can make the room feel crowded. In this scenario, we recommend combining wall and base units: this will allow for the maximum amount of wall space whilst providing a gap between upper and lower cabinetry (which in turn will create the illusion of space).

If wall and base units aren’t necessary throughout smaller kitchens, it is advisable to restrict wall units to corners of the room, opening up the kitchen in a way that will let more light in.

Image courtesy of Don Harris Architects

Larger Kitchens

If you are lucky enough to have a big kitchen, you are able to be a little more flexible with the placement of your solid oak cabinets. For a seamless composition that is easy on the eye, allocate one wall for full-height cabinets, and one wall for base and wall units with a swathe of worktop in the middle. Similarly, you could install wall and base units on one side of your kitchen, and install only base units against the perpendicular wall. This ‘cabinet grouping’ technique creates a stylish look that is undemanding – ideal for a relaxed kitchen environment.

Convenient Wall Cabinets

It is possible to pair practicality with a beautiful aesthetic: and if this sounds good to you, we have a great recommendation to share. Think carefully about the types of items you will be storing in your cabinetry. In many kitchens, it is common for items such as glasses, mugs and plates to be kept in wall units (access is easier due to the items being at eye-level). If this is your intention, it is sensible to locate wall cabinets near to your sink or dishwasher, so that clean items can be put away with maximum efficiency. Similarly, to remove the effort of carrying large pans or heavy dishes around your kitchen, it is wise to situate base units with deep pan drawers close to the area in which these items will be washed.

Specialist Sink Units

A number of sink units are available from Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets. We offer Belfast sink cabinets for supporting these traditional sinks, as well as sinking housing cabinets for overmounted and undermounted sinks. The tradition of placing sink units beneath your kitchen window is worth considering: this allows you to take in the view and enjoy daylight whilst performing necessary daily tasks. This often provides a focal point for your kitchen, too; so – if you have a number of windows to choose from – it’s sensible to place a sink in the middle of a run of cabinet units.

Find out more about the ideal kitchen layout in our ‘Kitchen Work Triangle’ and ‘How to Create Zones for Oak Kitchens’ information guides.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your order in more details, please feel free to email us at or give us a call on 0345 22 22 990. Our team would be happy to assist with any queries that you may have.