Small cabinet shopping – The New York Times

When you’re furnishing a small space, finding the right sized cabinets can be a challenge.

There’s no shortage of roomy cabinets or towering chests of drawers, but smaller-scale cabinets that can fit in a small hallway, sit between a pair of double beds, or flank a fireplace can harder to find.

“There are not many options on the market,” says Beata Heumana London-based interior designer who custom designed the pint size, which is 35 inches wide cabinet lyre after not finding the right piece for her living room. “It’s something I did for my house because I couldn’t really find what I wanted.”

Small cabinets are useful for storing lights, speakers and decorative items that can be on the table. But they come with an added benefit: extra storage.

“It is both a desk and a storage space,” said Mrs. Heuman. “And that’s quite useful when space is at a premium.”

• How tall should the small cabinet be? “About 32 inches – and no taller than 36,” Ms. Heuman said. “It always feels a little more elegant when placed a little lower than the desk.”

• Should it have doors or drawers? “It depends on what you want to store, but cabinets with doors and shelves are usually better in a living or dining room, and drawers are great for bedrooms,” says Ms. Heuman.

• Is adjustability important? It’s not uncommon for your needs to change over time, so cabinets with adjustable shelves and cutouts for cords are often a good idea.

Finnley Hall Chest

Cabinet with wooden door and marble top

Around $1,500 at Arhaus: 866-427-4287 or arhaus.com

Muuto Enfold Tall Sideboard

Cabinet with grained steel front and oak top

$2,495 at Knoll: 888-343-0009 or knoll.com

Entrance Cabinet Sketch

Acacia and oak cabinets with doors

$899 at Crate & Barrel: 800-967-6696 or crateandbarrel.com

Nickey Kehoe Campaign Chest

Low three-compartment chest

From $3,500 at Nickey Kehoe: 323-954-9300 or nickykehoe.com

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