Kitchen Sideboard and Chest of Drawers — Dimensions, Solutions, Ideas

January 27, 2026

A kitchen sideboard or chest of drawers is a freestanding storage unit that utilises narrow alcoves with typical depths of 30 cm to 40 cm, flexibly expanding the worktop area or storage space of a fitted kitchen.

Solving Space Shortages in the Kitchen Cleverly

Standard kitchen runs usually operate with a carcase depth of 60 cm. In narrow layouts, period properties, or rooms with awkwardly placed radiators, there is often no space for such standard dimensions. Here, a standalone sideboard or chest of drawers is ideal. It functions as a logistical hub between the cooking area and dining table, storing crockery and creating additional surface space without visually overwhelming the room.

Assembling such a unit can easily be done by yourself using basic tools. Exact planning of dimensions and internal fittings is essential beforehand to ensure the furniture withstands the specific demands of daily kitchen use.

Dimensions, Materials, and Room Suitability

Choosing the right dimensions depends on the available space and intended purpose.

Depth: For narrow walkways, models that are 30 cm or 35 cm deep are suitable. They do not protrude far into the room, yet offer enough depth for storage jars, plates, or cutlery trays.
Width: A slim version starts at around 70 cm or 75 cm. If an entire wall is to be used, wider variants of 100 cm or even up to 200 cm are available. The latter often consist of several carcases placed side by side.
Material: Kitchen furniture is exposed to moisture and steam. A carcase made of chipboard with a melamine resin coating (decorative laminate) is low-maintenance and wipeable. Lacquered MDF offers a smooth surface, while solid wood (oiled or lacquered) positively influences the indoor climate, but requires regular maintenance. Coloured finishes in white, black, or anthracite can easily be matched to existing kitchen fronts.

Choosing the Right Internal Fittings and Hardware

A sideboard or chest of drawers only becomes truly efficient through its internal components. Models with up to eight drawers are outstanding for organising small items. If the unit comes equipped from the factory with only simple shelves, DIYers can purposefully upgrade its functionality.

Order is essential for storing cutlery and cooking utensils. A suitable kitchen drawer organiser prevents knives and ladles from sliding around when opening and closing. If heavy provisions or pots are to be stored, installing drawers with full-extension runners is advisable. These extend out 100%, ensuring items right at the back remain easily accessible. For retrospective conversions, DIYers can fit ready-made kitchen cupboard pull-outs directly into the existing carcase.

Waste management can also be integrated into a sufficiently deep sideboard. With kitchen recycling bin systems, waste containers disappear discreetly behind a hinged door or a pull-out front. For narrow carcases from 40 cm wide, a pull-out kitchen waste bin 40cm screwed to the base panel is an excellent solution.

Practical Ideas for Kitchen Use

A kitchen chest of drawers or sideboard can be customised for various purposes:

The Coffee Station: The top surface serves as space for the espresso machine and grinder. Cups, beans, and accessories are stored in the drawers below. To route appliance power cables neatly behind the unit, a hole saw can be used to fit a desk cable grommet into the top panel or back panel.
Washing-Up Support: If the unit stands close to the sink, it can serve for drying and storing crockery. In addition to storage within the sideboard, a wall cupboard dish drying rack directly above the sink helps optimise kitchen workflows.
Visual Upgrades: Standard units are often supplied with simple plastic handles. By replacing them with solid metal kitchen furniture handles (hole centres usually 96 mm, 128 mm, or 160 mm), the piece gains a significantly sturdier and higher-quality feel.

Assembly and Installation: DIY Tips

Accuracy and the correct tools are decisive when assembling your furniture. You will generally need a cordless screwdriver, suitable bits (PZ or TX for wood screws), a hammer for wooden dowels, and a spirit level.

Assembling the carcase: Ensure connecting fittings (typically cam and dowel fasteners) tighten securely. The back panel gives the unit its structural rigidity and must be nailed or screwed in place at exact right angles.
Levelling: Kitchen floors are rarely completely flat. If the unit features height-adjustable plinth feet, align it perfectly level using a spirit level. This prevents drawers from sliding open on their own or doors from sticking.
Adjusting doors: Concealed cup hinges can be adjusted via three screws on the mounting plate. Depending on the construction of the sideboard, it will feature either a full overlay (door completely covers the side panel edge) or an inset arrangement (door sits flush between the side panels). Adjust the gaps so that they are uniform all the way round (typically 1.5 mm to 2 mm).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What depth is ideal for a kitchen sideboard or chest of drawers? That depends on the available space. For pure walkway areas, 30 cm to 35 cm is optimal. If large plates or integrated waste bins are to be incorporated, depths from 40 cm upwards are recommended.

Can I retrofit drawers into a sideboard with doors? Yes, this is possible. If the carcase has standard dimensions, internal drawers can be mounted on telescopic runners attached to the side panels. For a 60 cm wide carcase, a ready-made 60 cm kitchen cupboard pull-out is ideal.

How do I protect the surface of the unit in the kitchen? If the top surface is used as a workspace, it should be robust. On models made of lacquered wood or basic foil laminate, always use a chopping board when preparing food, or upgrade the top surface with a made-to-measure glass or solid wood panel.

What can be done if drawers start to sag? When drawers carry heavy loads, the thin HDF base can bow downwards. In this case, dedicated drawer bottom support brackets (small plastic wedges with screws) help by being fixed from underneath into the back panel and the base.