Cupboard vs cabinet: Which is better for your kitchen?

Cupboards and cabinets are often used interchangeably, as they are both good for kitchenware. While they similarly contribute to maximising storage capacity, it’s essential to recognise their distinctions.

In this cupboard vs cabinet guide, discover the unique characteristics of the two so you can easily decide which furniture you should use for your cooking and dining space. 

What is a cupboard?

A cupboard is an enclosed storage space with one or more doors, shelves, and drawers for plates, mugs, and other kitchen tools. It comes in various styles, with most vintage cupboards being freestanding and having glass panel doors to showcase exquisite dinnerware and fine china. Basically, the tall, narrow design of many cupboards is similar to bedroom tallboys since both maximise vertical storage in tight spaces

Meanwhile, modern cupboards sit flush against walls and have minimalist wooden doors to hide clutter in the kitchen. Note that cupboards are not limited to kitchens since they come in many types.

Airing cupboard

An airing cupboard is a small room that stores a boiler or central heating unit. This type usually has slatted shelves inside for homeowners to hang their wet clothes and towels and let them dry thoroughly during winter.

Linen cupboard

A linen cupboard can either be standalone or built-in furniture with shelves. It is used to store towels, blankets, and tablecloths, which is why many homeowners place their linen cupboards in kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms. 

What is a cabinet?

Like cupboards, cabinets have doors but are typically built into a wall. Moreover, some modern kitchen cabinets have embellished exteriors with space-saving pull-out shelves for added convenience. 

There are two kinds of built-in cabinets in kitchens and dining spaces. The first is a wall or upper cabinet for plates, cups, and other dinnerware. Some also use it to store spices and small kitchen appliances. The next is a base or bottom cabinet for bulky cookware, heavy cooking appliances, and other kitchen essentials.

Cabinet vs cupboard: Which is better for your needs?

Get to know whether a cabinet or cupboard is the ideal kitchen storage solution for you as we break down their contrasting characteristics into each factor. 

In terms of cost

The cost of installing kitchen cupboards and cabinets depends on the quality, style, and materials used. But between the two, cupboards are more affordable due to their simple design. Not to mention, bespoke kitchen cabinets are expensive, as the prices can range from $600 to $15,000.

Although pre-assembled stock cabinets cost less, they are usually sold as a set. You also have to hire cabinet installers to ensure they properly fit into the kitchen walls, thus adding to the overall cost. 

In terms of aesthetics

Kitchen cabinets definitely look more polished than cupboards. They come with fancy door designs like classic shaker styles, beadboard panels, or sleek frameless slabs that give your kitchen that high-end feel. Plus, modern cabinets now go beyond wood with materials like stainless steel and laminate, giving you that super sleek look.

On the contrary, most freestanding kitchen cupboards have a traditional look and feel due to their decorative coverings or end panels, ornamental mouldings, and glass-pane doors. This is why many kitchen designers recommend cupboards for homeowners who want to add vintage touches to their cooking spaces. 

In terms of construction/fitting complexity

Regarding kitchen installations and fittings, cupboards gain the upper hand. Most have a freestanding, pre-assembled design, so you only have to ensure your kitchen floors are even to use a cupboard. Moreover, some larder cupboards are modular, allowing you to integrate them into modern kitchen spaces easily. 

On the other hand, fitting kitchen cabinets is more complex due to their built-in design. Although some wall-mounted cabinets are also modular, installing them requires extra work. Your kitchen walls should be even, and the cabinets should have a service gap or a small space in between to hide electrical wiring and pipes and guarantee proper alignment.

To ensure proper cabinet installation and fitting, consider contacting kitchen installation experts before attempting to DIY. 

In terms of storage capacity

Because of their tall frame, cupboards offer more storage space for food and kitchen items. Not to mention, some larder cupboards have ventilated doors with shelves made of slate or marble slats. This creates a cool and dry place for storing onions, potatoes, and other dried food items. 

Meanwhile, although built-in kitchen cabinets are smaller, they usually come in a set of storage units, providing a versatile storage space in the kitchen. You can divide your kitchen and cooking essentials by placing your fancy dining ware in glass-paned wall cabinets while keeping pots, pans, mixing bowls, and cleaning supplies in base cabinets. Many homeowners also throw in buffet sideboards for extra storage and serving space, especially if they entertain a lot.

If you need help arranging your food and cooking essentials in kitchen cabinets and cupboards, seek help from professional organisers. They can give you expert insights on various kitchen storage ideas and solutions. 

In terms of versatility

A kitchen cupboard is more versatile in usage and function because, as mentioned earlier, it comes in many types. It can be an airing cupboard for housing combi boilers and wet clothes or a linen cupboard for storing sheets and tablecloths. Also, it is common to have airing or linen cupboards in kitchens, particularly in houses with limited space. 

However, kitchen cabinets gain the upper hand when it comes to versatility in style. Cabinet makers create custom pieces that give homeowners more freedom in choosing the material, colour, finish, and design. 

Kitchen cabinets are also a good option if you plan to upgrade the look of your cooking space eventually. You don’t have to undergo a complete kitchen renovation since you may do a cabinet refacing. This means changing only the cabinet doors and handles to incorporate a new kitchen style. 

In terms of durability

Since cupboards and cabinets are made from almost the same materials and require refinishing and painting for maintenance, determining which lasts longer can be difficult. However, you can figure out the durability of each kitchen storage piece by learning how they are placed differently in the kitchen. 

You will find that most cupboards are placed where there is less sunlight to keep a cool and dry temperature for the food stored inside. Because there is no direct sun exposure, cupboards are less susceptible to structural damage. 

Whereas in kitchen cabinets, their location varies. Some built-in cabinets are placed above the worktop and sink. Since they are hanging on the wall, gravity may put extra pressure on the cabinets, causing them to fall eventually. 

Base cabinets are less durable because they are exposed to moisture, especially those near the sink and stove. If you have wooden cabinets, moisture can cause them to warp and the paint to chip off. 

In terms of eco-friendliness

Cupboards are great for building a sustainable kitchen space. You can find some antique hutches that can be repurposed as kitchen cupboards. Purchasing vintage and secondhand furniture pieces such as these is kinder to the planet. 

As for kitchen cabinets, they are eco-friendly because you can reface them, as mentioned earlier. As such, you don’t have to throw away all your old cabinets, helping reduce landfill waste. 

Achieve a spacious and organised kitchen with Airtasker

Since these furniture pieces take up much of your kitchen, understanding the difference between a cabinet and a cupboard is essential during renovations. With Airtasker, you can hire experts in kitchen design and installation. Taskers can help you pick and install the best storage solution for your cooking space.