Kitchen wall units: dimensions and everything you need to know
In the kitchen, every element plays a specific role and contributes to the rhythm of daily life. Wall units are suspended storage modules that serve a dual purpose: on one hand, they provide additional space for storing objects and ingredients by using vertical surfaces; on the other, they represent one of the most important design choices, as they define both the character and efficiency of the entire room.
In this article, we explore the dimensions, accessories, and solutions that will help you design functional wall units, tailored to the size of your kitchen and your personal style.
Table of contents
Wall unit dimensions
Designing wall units requires careful attention to measurements and proportions. The standard installation height above the worktop is typically 50 to 60 cm. This measurement ensures optimal visibility of the work surface, prevents accidental bumps, and allows easy and natural access to the unit's contents.
Standard depth for wall units is approximately 35 cm, proportioned to the typical kitchen worktop depth of 60 cm. This 25 cm difference allows comfortable working space and keeps your head at a safe distance when leaning over. It's advisable to maintain this gap even with narrower or wider worktops.
Height and width, however, are much more customizable. Heights range from compact 24, 36, or 48 cm modules—perfect for horizontal configurations or small spaces—to more spacious options at 60, 72, 96, 132, and 138 cm that fully utilize wall height. Similarly, widths (15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 120 cm) offer excellent compositional flexibility, enabling custom arrangements that meet both storage and aesthetic needs.
Customizing the wall unit
Personalizing wall units involves various design decisions that define the look and function of the doors, such as materials, finishes, frame shapes, and handles. Materials are the first tactile and visual element: wood is natural and traditional, while steel brings a more technical, professional vibe. Glass interacts with light, softening the design and adding an elegant touch.
Aesthetics are completed with finishes. Lacquered, matte, or glossy surfaces interact differently with light, while textured finishes add a tactile and contemporary dimension. Finally, the handle defines the unit's style: a bridge handle can add either a classic or modern touch, depending on its line, while an integrated groove emphasizes clean, minimalist surfaces.
Useful accessories
Accessories transform wall units from simple containers into intelligent, organized systems. Specialized modules like dish racks or range hoods can be fully integrated inside a unit, keeping them hidden to maintain a seamless aesthetic.
Lighting plays both a functional and emotional role. LED under-cabinet bars evenly illuminate the worktop, ensuring visibility during meal prep and creating a cozy ambiance. Internal lighting adds an elegant detail and makes it easier to find stored items.
Space-saving and pull-out solutions reflect conscious design, optimized for usability: assisted opening mechanisms or pull-out systems make even hard-to-reach corners accessible. These accessories are not mere details but the core of a design centered on comfort and well-being in daily kitchen life.
Wall units for corner kitchens
Corners are often perceived as challenging areas in kitchen design, but with the right approach, they can become valuable storage assets. The most effective corner wall unit solutions include folding or retractable doors that fully open to reveal the entire internal volume.
Another option is pull-out or rotating mechanisms that bring the contents outward. Shaped baskets that rotate or glide on rails allow nearly 100% of the space to be utilized with minimal effort. These configurations eliminate both visual and physical obstacles, simplifying access to deeper-stored items.
Open shelves: a bold alternative
Choosing to furnish the wall above base cabinets with one or more open shelves creates a lighter, more open look where displayed items become part of the decor and tell a personal story. It's an ideal solution for highlighting architectural features like a textured wall or a refined backsplash.
Shelves offer creative freedom that closed volumes may not always allow. They can be installed individually for a minimalist touch or in series to create dynamic and original compositions. The absence of doors and bulky structures enhances the feeling of spaciousness, making it a particularly suitable choice for compact spaces or open-plan layouts.
Conclusion
Whether you opt for the capacity of closed modules, the airiness of shelves, or the appeal of open-faced units, selecting kitchen wall units is a design decision that goes far beyond mere storage: from measurements that define comfort to the aesthetic choices that express your identity, every detail contributes to crafting an authentic, tailor-made space.
At Berloni, we believe that every design choice should be a step toward fulfilling your ambitions and aspirations. That’s why our approach is based on constant dialogue and attentive listening, guided by decades of experience. To bring your kitchen vision to life and fully meet your expectations, book an appointment with our designers.
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