MIKEL Cabinet Systems & Chests of Drawers: Variations, Dimensions and Configuration Options

March 5, 2026

The MIKEL cabinet system is a modular carcase and front series based on the standardised System 32, enabling millimetre-precise configuration of fittings, drawer runners, and hinges.

When planning and assembling modular furniture, success relies on exact tolerances, selecting the right connecting fittings, and using the appropriate kinematic hardware. This guide is aimed at fitters, joiners, and skilled DIY enthusiasts looking to plan, construct, and equip MIKEL carcases with the correct fitting technology. Planning such a system functions like clockwork – every drill hole, drawer runner, and hinge must align precisely so that fronts close flush with consistent gap dimensions.

Key Technical Planning Criteria

A functional furniture system requires the coordination of carcase dimensions, material thicknesses, and matching fitting hardware.

Carcase Dimensions and Material

The foundation of the MIKEL series is generally chipboard or MDF with a durable melamine coating. Material thickness is critical for structural stability, typically ranging between 16 mm and 19 mm in these systems. Carcase dimensions determine the intended application:

Depth: For hallways and narrow spaces, carcases with a depth of 300 mm or 350 mm are often chosen. A classic wardrobe, by contrast, requires a depth of at least 500 mm to 600 mm so that clothes hangers can hang at a 90° angle to the back panel.
Width: Standard grid widths are 400 mm, 600 mm, 800 mm, and 1000 mm. From a carcase width of 800 mm upwards, shelf deflection under load must be considered.
Height: Chests of drawers typically range from 700 mm to 1100 mm, whilst tall cabinets generally measure 1800 mm to 2200 mm.

Fitting Technology: Hinges

When fitting hinged doors to MIKEL carcases, concealed cup hinges are used. The standard cup hole diameter drilled into the door measures 35 mm. The choice of hinge depends on the door mounting position on the carcase:

Full overlay: The door fully covers the carcase side panel edge.
Half overlay: Two doors share a single central carcase divider panel.
Inset: The door sits flush inside the carcase opening.

The opening angle for standard doors is usually 95° or 110°. For internal drawers, wide-angle hinges with a 155° or 165° opening angle are mandatory to prevent the door from obstructing the drawer runner path.

Fitting Technology: Drawers and Runners

The choice of runner track determines both operational smoothness and drawer load capacity.

A full extension runner allows the drawer to extend 100% out of the carcase, which is particularly vital for deeper units (from 500 mm upwards).
A partial extension runner reveals only about 75% of the drawer box.
Runner mechanisms include roller runners (simple plastic rollers, lower load capacity), ball bearing runners (telescopic steel ball tracks, often side-mounted), and undermount runners (concealed beneath the drawer base for a seamless aesthetic).

Runner load capacity is specified in kilograms, typically ranging from 25 kg to 45 kg for standard domestic furniture.

Overview of Types and Configuration Options

The MIKEL system adapts to virtually any room by combining various drawer and door modules.

Chest of Drawers Configurations

Chests of drawers are the most versatile elements of the system. The number of drawers varies depending on height and grid width. A standard 4-drawer chest serves as an excellent base module for living rooms or home offices. If more vertical storage is required without increasing floor footprint, a 6-drawer chest in white or a 6-drawer chest in black offers a practical upward extension.

For wide walls or sideboard arrangements, configurations with twin side-by-side drawer runs can be implemented. A wood-effect finish, such as an 8-drawer chest in Sonoma oak, blends well into natural interior schemes. For maximum capacity in workshops, hobby rooms, or large bedrooms, a 10-drawer chest delivers substantial organised volume. Next to the bed, compact bedside cabinets featuring two to three small drawers are typically selected.

Wardrobe and Cupboard Configurations

Beyond drawer units, the system includes conventional cabinet carcases. Slim and shallow units (300 mm depth) are frequently configured as hallway shoe cabinets. Tall carcases (1800 mm height, 500 mm depth) serve as wardrobes or utility storage.

Which Module for Which Application? (Decision Guide)

Room dimensions and functional requirements should dictate the right MIKEL configuration:

For narrow hallways: Choose carcases with a depth of 300 mm or 350 mm. These work well for footwear (using angled shelves) or as entryway drop zones.
For storing heavy items: For wide drawer units (e.g. 1000 mm width), select ball bearing runners rated for at least 30 kg. Drawer bases should be reinforced, as thin HDF bases can sag under heavy loads.
When space in front of the cabinet is restricted: Instead of hinged doors with a 110° opening angle, consider custom sliding wardrobe door hardware, eliminating the need for door swing clearance in the room.
For a handleless appearance: Omit surface-mounted handles and install push-to-open catches instead. Note: standard mechanical push-to-open mechanisms are generally incompatible with soft-close damping.

Assembly and Installation Advice

Correct assembly determines the long-term durability of the furniture. The system uses the industry-standard System 32, where side-panel hole rows are spaced 32 mm apart. The front edge setback to the first line of drill holes is standard at 37 mm.

Required Tools

Cordless drill/driver with torque limiter
Driver bits: PZ (Pozidriv) for most furniture connectors, TX (Torx) for modern wood screws
Spirit level
Tape measure and try square

Carcase Assembly Steps

Insert connecting hardware: Insert the wooden dowels and fit the cam and pin connectors (often called Minifix). Screw the cam stud into the side panel and press the cam housing into the fixed shelf or base.
Square the carcase: Before nailing or screwing the back panel, ensure the carcase is at a precise 90° angle. Measure across the diagonals – if both measurements are identical (e.g. 1450 mm), the carcase is square.
Secure the back panel: The back panel provides structural rigidity, preventing lateral racking forces.
Mount the hardware fittings: Fasten hinge mounting plates or drawer runner tracks into the pre-drilled 5 mm holes in the System 32 hole line.
Align the fronts: Use 3D hinge adjustment (height, side, and depth) to achieve uniform reveal gaps of approximately 2 mm to 3 mm between fronts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which hinges are required for MIKEL cabinet doors? Standard hinged doors require a concealed cup hinge with a 35 mm cup diameter. For standard external doors, select a full overlay hinge.

How deep must a wardrobe be for coat hangers? A functional wardrobe requires a carcase depth of at least 500 mm, ideally 550 mm to 600 mm, to ensure standard hangers do not foul the back panel or door.

Are there slim configurations available for hallways? Yes, shallow carcases with depths of 300 mm or 350 mm are ideal for compact hallways, serving as shoe cupboards or slim drawer units.

Which runners are recommended for wide chests of drawers (e.g. 1000 mm)? Wide drawers exert high leverage forces. Always use full extension ball bearing runners or undermount runners with a load rating of at least 30 kg.

Which screws should be used for mounting hardware? Use Euro screws for securing runner tracks and mounting plates into pre-drilled 5 mm holes. For direct fixing into chipboard, use countersunk wood screws with a diameter of 3.5 mm or 4.0 mm.