Space is precious in Perth and WA homes. A well-designed shallow cabinet can unlock dead space in a galley kitchen, scullery, laundry, hallway or wardrobe without crowding the room. Here’s how Joyce Kitchens designs shallow wall cabinets, open shelf cabinets and kitchen hutch solutions that look beautiful and work hard.
What is a shallow cabinet?
A shallow cabinet is a storage unit designed with reduced depth — typically 200–300 mm for wall units and 300–400 mm for base or hutch units — to minimise intrusion into walkways while keeping everyday items within easy reach. Compared to standard kitchen base cabinets at ~560 mm deep, shallow cabinets are perfect for tight corridors, behind doors, or as feature hutches.
Where shallow cabinets work best
- Galley kitchens: Add a shallow wall cabinet above the splashback for spices and glassware without narrowing the aisle.
- Kitchen hutch: Create a feature hutch with pocket or bi-fold doors to hide a coffee station or toaster.
- Scullery or pantry ends: A 250 mm-deep pantry cabinet at the end of a run keeps oils, jars and cookbooks neat.
- Laundries: Over-bench shallow wall cabinets store detergents away from kids while keeping the bench clear.
- Bathrooms: Slim mirrored shaving cabinets add storage without crowding the vanity bowl.
- Wardrobes and hallways: Shallow shoe storage and entry consoles with charging shelves.
We design around Australian appliance sizes (e.g., 600 mm ovens, 900 mm cooktops). Shallow cabinets aren’t for deep appliances but are ideal for glassware, mugs, tins, spices, linens and small appliances with proper ventilation.
Key options: wall, hutch, open shelves and METOD compatibility
Shallow wall cabinet
A shallow wall cabinet (200–300 mm deep) gives you enclosed storage above a benchtop or along a splashback run. Add soft-close hinges, adjustable shelves, and integrated LED strip lighting for a clean, practical finish.
Open shelf cabinet
An open shelf cabinet provides a lighter, more decorative feel. Use 19–25 mm shelves for longer spans, and consider a shadowline or rail for a modern look. In a Shaker kitchen, open shelves pair well with profiled doors and a tiled splashback.
Kitchen hutch (shallow base or benchtop hutch)
A kitchen hutch blends storage and display. Choose pocket doors, sliding doors or bi-folds to keep benchtops clear. Glazed doors and internal lighting elevate a Hamptons-style or coastal scheme while hiding everyday clutter.
METOD cabinet compatibility and custom alternatives
Have an IKEA METOD cabinet plan? We can design custom shallow cabinets to align with METOD heights and widths, supply matching doors or infills, or create a bespoke joinery solution that integrates seamlessly. Custom cabinetry in WA lets us fine-tune depths, fillers and scribing for a built-in look that flat-pack can’t always achieve.
Our Perth renovation and cabinetry process
- Consultation & measure: We discuss goals, storage pain points and style, then measure your space.
- Design & 3D visuals: See your shallow wall cabinets, hutches and open shelves in a clear 3D layout.
- Selections: Doors (melamine, vinyl wrap, two-pack polyurethane), handles or push-to-open, benchtops and splashbacks.
- Local manufacture: Perth-made, using moisture-resistant board that meets AS/NZS cabinetry standards.
- Installation: Experienced installers coordinate any licensed trades required. Gas and electrical works follow WA regulations and clearances.
- Aftercare: Advice on cleaning, hinge adjustments and warranty support.
We follow good practice guidance from reputable bodies like the Housing Industry Association (HIA) and Master Builders WA. For cooktop and rangehood clearances, your installer will adhere to relevant AS/NZS requirements.
Materials and finishes (with comparison table)
Cabinet carcasses
- Moisture-resistant (HMR) particleboard or MDF: Durable and stable for kitchens, laundries and bathrooms.
- Plywood (select areas): Used where specific detailing or fixing strength is needed.
Doors and drawer fronts
- Melamine: Hard-wearing, budget-friendly, huge colour range.
- Vinyl wrap: Curved profiles possible, classic look for a Shaker kitchen.
- Two-pack polyurethane: Premium painted finish with custom colours and profiles.
Benchtops and splashbacks
For hutches and shallow base cabinets, consider laminate, solid timber, or porcelain/sintered slabs. If you have an existing engineered stone benchtop, we can design shallow cabinetry to complement it.
Important note (Australia): The manufacture and supply of engineered stone containing crystalline silica has been banned for new work nationally from 1 July 2024. Existing engineered stone benchtops (legacy installs) can remain, but new projects typically use laminate, timber, porcelain or sintered stone. Always confirm current requirements locally.
Benchtop comparison: Engineered stone (legacy) vs laminate for hutches
| Feature | Engineered stone benchtop (legacy installs) | Laminate benchtop |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Stone-like patterns; existing kitchens may already feature it | Huge range of stone-look, timber-look and solid colours |
| Heat resistance | Good, but use trivets | Moderate; avoid direct hot pots |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance; non-porous | Very low maintenance; easy to clean |
| Typical Perth cost (guide) | N/A for new installs due to national ban on silica-based engineered stone | $200–$450 per m² supplied (finish dependent) |
| Notes | Existing only; consult current Australian regulations | Versatile, cost-effective for kitchen hutch and shallow runs |
Alternatives popular in WA projects: porcelain/sintered stone for a slim, heat-resistant profile, and solid timber for warmth in coastal or heritage homes. For compliance and product safety, refer to State guidance such as WA Consumer Protection. Gas/electrical clearances follow relevant AS/NZS standards and local codes.
Layouts and styles that suit shallow cabinetry
Galley and U-shaped kitchens
Use shallow wall cabinets above a long splashback for crockery and cups, keeping a comfortable walkway. In a galley kitchen, consider open shelf cabinets near the cooktop for oils and spices (observe clearance requirements).
Shaker, Hamptons and coastal
A Shaker kitchen with a painted hutch, framed glass doors and feature handles brings classic charm. Add V-groove panelling, a tiled splashback and a porcelain benchtop for durability.
Contemporary minimalist
Flat-panel doors, push-to-open, and a thin-profile porcelain benchtop create a streamlined feel. Integrated LED strips under shallow wall cabinets add task lighting without visible hardware.
Costs and timelines in Perth/WA
- Custom shallow wall cabinet (200–300 mm deep, melamine door): from approx. $650–$1,200 per lineal metre supplied and installed.
- Kitchen hutch (1.2–1.8 m wide with doors, internal power, lighting): typically $2,800–$6,500 depending on finish and hardware.
- Full kitchen renovations Perth: commonly $20,000–$60,000+ depending on size, finishes and appliances.
- Timelines: design 1–2 weeks; manufacture 3–6 weeks; installation 2–5 days for typical projects.
Every home is unique. We’ll confirm details at measure, note services, and ensure compliance (e.g., wall fixing for shallow units, ventilation, splashback clearances). For safety, gas work follows AS/NZS gas installations and WA licensing requirements.
Two quick WA case examples
Mt Lawley cottage: A narrow galley needed more storage without losing circulation. We added 240 mm-deep open shelf cabinets above the tiled splashback and a 350 mm-deep hutch for a coffee nook. The result: extra capacity with a lighter feel and proper task lighting.
Scarborough apartment: A compact kitchen–laundry zone gained a 300 mm shallow wall cabinet run with soft-close hinges and two-pack doors to match an existing colour. A slim porcelain benchtop in the hutch kept a modern, coastal style while fitting tight clearances.
Shallow Cabinet Planning Checklist
- Confirm depths: 200–300 mm (wall), 300–400 mm (hutch/base) for your space.
- Choose door type: open shelves, hinged, sliding or pocket doors for hutches.
- Hardware: specify soft-close hinges and quality runners (e.g., Blum) for narrow widths.
- Electrics: plan GPOs and LED lighting inside hutches; ensure ventilation for appliances.
- Finishes: melamine/vinyl/two-pack doors; laminate/porcelain/timber benchtops.
- Style match: Shaker, Hamptons/coastal or contemporary minimal.
- Compliance: fixings to studs/masonry; clearances to cooktops and sinks.
- Integration: aligning with METOD cabinet sizes or opting for bespoke joinery.
FAQ
What depth is best for a shallow cabinet?
For wall units, 200–300 mm suits glasses, mugs and tins. For hutches or base cabinets, 300–400 mm gives useful storage without crowding the walkway. We’ll confirm depths on site to suit your layout and Australian appliance clearances.
Are shallow wall cabinets strong enough for heavy items?
Yes—when designed and fixed correctly. We use moisture-resistant carcasses and proper wall fixings into studs or masonry. For heavy plates and appliances, we recommend shelf support upgrades and confirming wall structure at measure.
Can you integrate shallow cabinets with an IKEA METOD cabinet plan?
Absolutely. We can align with METOD heights and modules, supply matching doors or custom fillers, or create a bespoke joinery solution for a built-in, seamless look.
What finishes suit a Shaker kitchen with shallow cabinets?
Two-pack polyurethane or vinyl wrap Shaker doors, classic handles, and a tiled splashback work beautifully. Pair with a porcelain or laminate benchtop for durability and a timeless look.
How much do shallow cabinets cost in Perth?
As a guide, custom shallow wall cabinets start around $650–$1,200 per lineal metre installed, while feature hutches range from $2,800–$6,500 depending on size, hardware and finish.
Useful authorities: HIA | Master Builders WA | WA Consumer Protection