Efficiently planned kitchen wall cabinets should be easy to reach and offer flexible storage. They are most useful for light kitchen equipment and tableware but provide an ideal spot to keep seasonings, oils, and other staples above the food preparation area.

Wall cabinets provide an essential storage area for different types of kitchen equipment and the non- perishable food you keep in stock. The internal fittings need to be arranged differently from those in base cabinets to prevent shelves from being over-stacked, which could result in items tumbling out as the door is opened. They are less practical the farther they extend beyond head height, since goods cannot be reached easily.

Narrow solutions
Kitchen Wall cabinets are usually half the depth of base cabinets to allow the countertop below to be used comfortably without restricting headroom. The top of wall cabinets can often end up becoming just a surface for collecting dust. To keep surfaces clear, and clutter out of sight, consider installing full-height wall cabinets that fit flush to the ceiling. If you do decide on this option, it would be practical to include storage for a stepladder in your plans so that the highest shelves can be reached safely and easily.

Unless the kitchen has more than one source of natural daylight, do not be tempted to fit wall cabinets right up to edge of the window recess. Solid cabinets close to windows will prevent the light from entering the kitchen, casting much of the room in deep shadow. Where lack of space dictates that cabinets have to be close to windows, choose a style of cabinet where the sides and doors have opaque glass to allow the light to filter through.

Undercabinet lights are ideal for illuminating countertops. Whether you choose fluorescent strips or low-voltage halogen lights, make sure that they are shielded to prevent glare.

The distance between the countertop and bottom of the wall cabinets should be decided by your height and reach. Ideally, items stored on the top shelf of a cabinet should be visible, but cabinets situated too low on the wall will restrict headroom and countertop access.

Wall mounted plate racks are useful for storage, and the plates are less likely to chip than those stacked in piles. The disadvantage of open plate racks is that unless the plates are used regularly, they will soon collect dust.

Kitchen Base Cabinets
From the surface of the countertop to the toe space at floor level, kitchen base cabinets are regularly subjected to knocks, splashes, and kitchen chemicals. But it is the frame that takes the weight of the countertop, doors, and equipment, so choose the best you can afford. There is a choice of cabinets. Stock cabinets are factory-produced and come in a range of standard sizes that can be put together in any combination. Custom-built cabinets will be tailored to exactly the dimensions of a wall or recess, which is particularly useful for uneven walls and floors.

Material Matters
The frame is simply a box with height-adjustable feet or wall- mounting brackets and shelves. Plywood, particleboard, medium- density fiberboard (MDF), or a combination, is widely used in the construction. They are not necessarily cheaper than solid wood, but will not twist, shrink, or split with changes in heat and humidity and are easy to wipe clean. Hardwoods are often chosen for the framework and joints to add strength and rigidity.

Cabinets with one top drawer and door are more expensive than full- height doors because of the work and fittings involved in production. Drawer cabinets are good for storing small equipment, utensils, and supplies. Storage racks, carousels, and slide out, open-weave fruit and vegetable baskets are just some of the useful internal fittings available that keep items tidy and allow the contents to be seen clearly at a glance.