How Wide Should a Highboard Be? Dimensions Guide

A highboard combines the height of a cupboard with the accessibility of a chest of drawers, classically measuring between 80 cm and 120 cm in width, depending on the available space and required storage capacity.

Choosing the correct width for a piece of furniture significantly influences the spatial effect and everyday functionality. A highboard is usually between 100 cm and 130 cm high. This proportion requires precise matching of the width to ensure the unit stands stably and does not appear bulky.

Dimensions and Suitability: Standard Widths at a Glance

The width of a highboard defines how many cabinet compartments or drawers can fit side by side. The carcass is typically made from chipboard or MDF finished with a hard-wearing decor surface. The configuration of the front panels changes according to width:

• Compact models (up to 80 cm): These narrow units suit alcoves or serve as supplementary storage. Dimensions matching an 80 cm wide chest of drawers generally provide room for two narrow doors or a single vertical column of drawers.
• Standard sizes (100 cm to 120 cm): This is the classic size for dining rooms and living rooms. A width equivalent to a 100 cm wide chest of drawers or a 120 cm wide chest of drawers allows for asymmetrical layouts, such as a combination of a wide door, open shelving compartments, and drawers.
• Large formats (from 140 cm): From this width onwards, units dominate the wall area. They provide maximum storage space for tableware or files and require appropriately sized floor space.

Criteria for Selecting Highboard Dimensions

When planning cabinet widths, simply measuring the bare wall is not enough. The mechanics of the fitted hardware require clearance space. A highboard in a room functions much like a car in a garage – without sufficient clearance to open the doors, the pure volume is unusable.

Consider the following technical aspects:

1. Door opening angle: Doors fitted with standard concealed cup hinges generally open at an angle of 95° or 110°. On a 120 cm wide highboard with two 60 cm wide doors, the doors project 60 cm forward into the room when fully opened.
2. Drawer extension depth: Check which drawer runners are installed. A full-extension runner pulls out by 100%, meaning that with a carcass depth of 40 cm, you will need at least a further 45 cm of clearance in front of the unit to access items comfortably.
3. Clearance from walls and radiators: Always allow 3 cm to 5 cm of space to the left and right. This facilitates skirting board installation and prevents doors with a full overlay from scraping against the wall when opening.

Room-Specific Solutions and Examples

The function of the room dictates the dimensions of the highboard.

In narrow hallways or awkward bathrooms, space is often strictly limited. Here, very compact storage solutions are used. Units with dimensions matching a 50 cm wide chest of drawers or a 70 cm wide chest of drawers serve ideally as telephone tables or shoe storage without obstructing walkways.

Living rooms offer more floor space. Highboards are frequently used here as a central focal point, for example to furnish a wall next to the dining table. When structuring a long, blank wall, very wide units matching a 150 cm wide chest of drawers are often chosen.

The colour scheme also affects visual weight. A black highboard looks more solid than a model in light oak decor or white at the exact same width. Darker furniture should therefore have slightly more clearance at the sides.

Self-Assembly: Construction and Required Tools

Assembling a highboard is usually carried out flat on the floor. Carcass panels are typically joined using cam lock fittings and wooden dowels. Due to the height and weight of the components, final positioning and assembly should be completed by two people.

Required tools for assembly:

• Cordless screwdriver with bit set (PZ2 is essential for standard chipboard screws)
• Spirit level for aligning the carcass
• Rubber mallet for knocking in wooden dowels
• Tape measure or folding rule
• Hammer drill and masonry drill bit (8 mm) for wall mounting

Important: A highboard must always be secured to the wall with anti-tip brackets. With a height of over 100 cm and the combined weight of open doors or extended drawers, the centre of gravity shifts significantly forward. Always use appropriate wall plugs suited to your wall type (concrete, brick, or plasterboard).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does a highboard differ from a sideboard? The main difference is height. A sideboard is usually between 70 cm and 90 cm high, whereas a highboard reaches heights of 100 cm to 130 cm. The widths of both furniture types can be identical.

How do I adjust highboard doors after assembly? Doors are adjusted using the adjustment screws on the concealed hinge. The front screw on the mounting plate adjusts the reveal (side-to-side alignment), whilst the rear screw adjusts depth (distance from the carcass). Height is adjusted via the mounting plate fixing screws.

Can I push a highboard flush against the wall? Yes, provided skirting boards do not obstruct it. Many units feature cut-outs at the rear of the side panels to clear skirting boards. If these are absent, a gap will remain between the back panel and the room wall.

Related Categories for Interior Planning

If you are planning additional storage or work surfaces in the same room alongside a highboard, use matching modular widths to achieve a balanced look. For bedrooms or large hallways, a 120 cm wide wardrobe works well. In home office corners, a compact 80 cm wide desk can be integrated neatly beside a narrow highboard.