How Deep Should a Highboard Be? Dimensions Guide

A classic highboard is generally between 35 cm and 45 cm deep. The exact choice depends on the available space in the room and the planned storage requirements. A unit that is too deep blocks walkways, whilst one that is too shallow does not provide enough space for larger items such as ring binders or wide dinner plates.

A highboard bridges the gap between a low sideboard and a floor-to-ceiling wardrobe. With a typical height of 100 cm to 130 cm, it appears less imposing whilst still offering plenty of volume. The depth is the crucial measurement for everyday usability.

Standard Dimensions: The Right Depth for Every Room

Planning furniture depth is like packing a car boot – the volume must be precisely matched to the contents, otherwise you waste space or cannot close the doors. Depending on the size of the room, certain depths have become standard:

• 30 cm to 35 cm depth: These dimensions are suitable for narrow hallways, small home offices, or dining areas with limited clearance from the table. A chest of drawers depth 30 cm or a chest of drawers depth 35 cm takes up very little floor space. Paperbacks, glasses, coffee mugs, or small decorative items can easily be stored here.
• 40 cm to 45 cm depth: This is the standard dimension for highboards in living and dining rooms. A chest of drawers depth 40 cm or a chest of drawers depth 45 cm offers sufficient internal depth for large dinner plates, serving bowls, vases, or board games. A visually dominant black highboard also benefits from these proportions, as it looks sturdier and more solid.

Storage Planning: What Fits into Which Depth?

Before assembly begins, it must be clear what will be stored inside the unit. The external dimension does not equal the usable internal space. The back panel and front doors together often take up 2 cm to 3 cm.

• Ring binders: A standard lever arch file is 28.5 cm deep. The furniture must measure at least 32 cm to 35 cm on the outside so that the doors close flush.
• Clothing: Folded jumpers or trousers require more room. Here, a typical highboard reaches its limits. For textiles, a wardrobe 40 cm deep or a wardrobe 45 cm deep is the better choice. If jackets need to hang on hangers, a wardrobe 50 cm deep is strictly necessary to prevent sleeves rubbing against the door.
• Shoes: In a standard highboard, shoes can only be stored with limited efficiency. For the entrance area, a dedicated shoe cabinet 30 cm deep or, where space is tight, a shoe cabinet depth 30 cm with drop-front compartments is recommended.

Assembly, Stability, and Wall Mounting

When assembling furniture made of chipboard or MDF, depth plays a critical role in safety. The shallower and taller a piece of furniture is, the less favourable its centre of gravity becomes.

A highboard with a depth of only 35 cm and a height of 120 cm tends to tip forward when doors are opened or drawers are extended. An anti-tip safety bracket is strictly required here. The unit must be anchored to the wall using suitable wall plugs and screws.

For assembly, you will need the following tools:

1. Cordless screwdriver with appropriate bits for the chipboard screws.
2. Spirit level for precise alignment of the carcase.
3. Impact drill and masonry drill bit for wall fixings.
4. Hammer for wooden dowels and back panel nails.

During assembly, ensure that the melamine resin coated edges do not get scratched on hard floors. Place the cardboard packaging underneath as a protective layer.

Extremely Narrow Alternatives for Hallways and Bathrooms

In extremely tight spaces, even a 30 cm deep piece of furniture is often too much. Here, specialised compact units are preferred over classic drawer units and highboards.

In the bathroom, where often only small alcoves next to the washbasin or toilet are available, a bathroom cabinet depth 20 cm or an even shallower bathroom cupboard depth 15 cm is used. These easily hold cosmetics, shaving foam, or stacked towels.

The situation is similar in the hallway: if the room door hits the furniture when opened, a shoe cabinet slim 20 cm deep or a shoe cabinet 20 cm deep solves the problem with vertical drop-down compartments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How deep must a highboard be for crockery?

For large dinner plates (often with a diameter of 28 cm to 30 cm), the highboard should have an external depth of at least 40 cm. This leaves enough clearance to the back panel and the door hinges.

Can a highboard also be 50 cm deep?

Technically that is possible, but unusual. From a depth of 50 cm onwards, units are generally classified as cupboards or wardrobes, as this depth makes reaching inside more difficult and items in the second row hard to access.

Why does a shallow highboard need to be screwed to the wall?

The smaller the depth in relation to height, the faster the centre of gravity shifts forward when doors are opened. A solid fixing to the wall prevents tipping over and protects against accidents.