Sink cabinet with drawers: more storage space and functionality
Dec 2022How existing storage space can be better utilised
The difference between a wide and narrow cabinet explained
Why having your hands full is no longer a problem
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Two doors, one storage compartment – countless disadvantages
In older kitchens in particular, the sink cabinet is fitted with one or two doors, depending on the width. Behind them lies a single large storage space, which is usually used to store kitchen towels, cleaning products and waste bins. In many countries, a water filter is also housed under the sink.
Observations of end users in their kitchens conducted by Blum requirements research around the world quickly brought one clear fact to light: if a waste separation system is installed in the cabinet under the sink, the cabinet will be opened around 30 times a day – often with hands that are full of kitchen waste or wet from washing up.
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This is less than ideal as a great deal of storage space is lost with this solution.
The disadvantages of this layout are clear:
waste, cleaning products, sponges and cloths – all this is stored in one space.
If the kitchen user is looking for something in the sink cabinet, they have to bend down or kneel on the floor; something that people with restricted mobility sometimes find particularly difficult.
To reach items that are further back in the cabinet, users often have to move everything out of the way.
It is especially difficult to keep things tidy, because inner dividing systems can't be used –
storage space is wasted, especially towards the top of the cabinet.
The more elegant solution: a sink cabinet with drawers
The ergonomics experts at Blum recommend fitting cabinets under the sink with drawers as a simple solution for eliminating these disadvantages. This makes it possible to use the available storage space on several levels and can be implemented for both wide and narrow sink cabinets.
Planning for pros
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The U-shaped drawer makes use of the space around the sink.
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Cleaning utensils are hygienically stored in a well-organised way in the narrow sink cabinet with high-sided pull-out and an inner drawer behind it.
A much better solution can be created using standard components from the , and box systems.
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From cleaning products to waste bins: when stored in drawers, everything can be seen at a glance and accessed with ease. Especially when an internal organisation system like AMBIA-LINE or ORGA-LINE separates the interior into individual areas.
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Drawers utilise the entire height of the storage space inside the sink cabinet. Instead of just placing everything on the bottom of the cabinet, it's now possible to store things on several, ergonomically more accessible, levels.
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Those who prefer a clean look in the kitchen will also find space for large items here: waste bins can be accessed easily, but remain hidden behind the high front.
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A U-shaped pull-out makes the void around the sink available as a whole new storage area. This is wasted space in a sink cabinet with doors – hidden behind a blind front, for example.
How it works in reality
The two examples below illustrate the advantages of a sink cabinet with drawers – in both the wide and narrow versions.
1Wide sink cabinet with handy U-shaped drawer
If the width of the cabinet is between 80 cm and 120 cm, this concept is recommended. The U-shaped pull-out makes optimum use of the available space – everything is within easy reach, meaning there's no need to bend down. This solution is possible with every box and runner system from Blum.
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2Narrow sink cabinet with hidden storage space
Small kitchens are often designed with narrow cabinets in widths of 45 cm to 75 cm, while others have wide cabinets, and also very wide sinks. The combination of a floor-level pull-out with a high front and an inner drawer behind it makes it possible to maximise use of the storage space here too:
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That certain extra
The combination with other Blum solutions gives the (wide or narrow) sink cabinet the finishing touch and unbeatable functionality:
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Kitchen users often stand at the sink cabinet with their hands full or wet. With SERVO-DRIVE or TIP-ON BLUMOTION from Blum, briefly touching the front is all it takes – be it with the hip, knee or foot – and the drawer opens.
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Inner dividing systems such as AMBIA-LINE and ORGA-LINE deliver even more organisation and clarity, so that every bottle and sponge has its place and nothing shifts when the drawer is opened.
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Sink cabinets with drawers at a glance
A sink cabinet with drawer system offers numerous advantages – the storage space is fully utilised. Everything stored inside can be found quickly and accessed with ease.
A pull-out with a high front and an additional inner drawer maximise the storage space in wide and narrow sink cabinets.
In wide sink cabinets (cabinet width between 80 cm and 120 cm), an additional U-shaped pull-out around the sink opens up new storage space.
When combined with an opening support system from Blum, a simple touch opens the drawers.
Installing an inner dividing system in the drawers provides additional organisation.