Kitchen drawers vs cupboards is a contentious issue among designers and homeowners alike. While some people continue to favour the more traditional cupboard-heavy kitchen layout, others have long since moved on, instead embracing a drawer-only design.
While the most important factor when it comes to designing a kitchen is to plan it around your own individual needs and lifestyle, it doesn't hurt to keep an eye out for what is going on in the world of trends either – and drawers are definitely winning in the style stakes right now.
Trends aside, we wanted to know which is actually better both in terms of storage as well as aesthetics – drawers or cupboards? Here's what the experts had to say.
Are kitchen drawers or cupboards more popular?
While the choice between drawers and cupboards should be a personal one, it is often useful to look to latest kitchen trends to garner a little inspiration.
"We’re seeing a strong rise in demand for efficient drawer-based storage, particularly deep drawers designed to hold small appliances, large pots, pans, and everyday kitchenware," reveals Selena Quick, founder and director of PAD Kitchens. "These drawers can be included within the main cabinet run or in the island and are incredibly practical, offering easy access to items that would traditionally be stored in tall cabinets or lower cupboards."
While you're looking into what's currently en vogue, consider picking a drawer design featuring one of 2026's top trends.
"Fluting remains a major influence, but its story is evolving," reveals Richard Davonport of Davonport. "Where once fine linear ribbing dominated, the next generation is more sculptural and is working its way into high-end, bespoke kitchens. Concaved and curved fluting introduces depth and softness, lending islands and cabinetry a more fluid, furniture-like quality."
Selena Quick is the founder and director of PAD. Celebrating 10 years in 2026, PAD is a family-owned design practice that specialises in bespoke kitchens and joinery.
PAD clients are both direct homeowners and design professionals. Purposely not on the high street, their approach offers homeowners a curated range of finishes from their core collection. Each PAD kitchen is designed in-house, built in their UK factory using FSC-approved wood and installed by their expert team of fitters.
Richard Davonport is a luxury cabinetmaker, designer and the founder and Managing Director of kitchen specialists, Davonport. The company designs and makes bespoke kitchens from its workshop in the heart of East Anglia. He has a vast wealth of experience in kitchen design, layout and creating beautiful kitchens for all type of homes.
Are kitchen drawers better than cupboards?
Personally I have come to love the look of kitchen layouts dominated by deep drawer units and find that the drawers I do have work better for storage than the cupboards. But what did the experts have to say?
"Drawers do offer several advantages over traditional cupboards, as drawers extend fully so you can see everything inside at a glance," points out Selena Quick. "This eliminates the frustration of items getting lost at the back of a deep cupboard, especially if organisers aren’t in place."
"The benefits of drawers include the ability to fully extend out meaning their contents are easier to find and reach, rather than getting lost at the back which can happen with cupboards – saving time and effort," agrees Alex Main, director at The Main Company. "Drawers are also better at storing smaller kitchen items and utensils as they can be organised with compartments and are also better for heavy duty items such as pots and pans."
Established by his father back in 1978, The Main Company’s kitchen designs bring authentic character and charm to today’s homes with unique textures and finishes. Combining organic design and meticulous craftsmanship, The Main Company pride themselves on using the very best in new, salvaged and reclaimed materials to create custom-made products which abound with individuality.
When are cupboards better than drawers?
There are cases where kitchen units work better than drawers, so don't discount them entirely.
“It comes down to personal preference and how you use your kitchen when choosing cupboards or drawers," picks up Alex Main. "If you own multiple small kitchen appliances such as mixers, air fryers or blenders, these are not best suited for drawers as they often don’t offer the depth or height – so you’re better off choosing cupboards for this.
"In addition, if your kitchen is on the smaller side and you have corner units, there might not be the space for drawers so you’d need to opt for a cupboard with a pull-out internal fitting. It is often the case that kitchens benefit from a mixture of drawers and cupboards to make the most of the space.”
How do you make the most of kitchen drawers?
Planning a kitchen is all about thinking of how you'll use it, the kind of cook and shopper you are and working with the available space.
"The starting point is understanding what each drawer needs to store," explains Natalie Fry, creative director and founder of Grid Thirteen Design Studio. "Different depths and widths serve different purposes, and, when used deliberately, they create a kitchen that feels balanced, efficient, and beautifully resolved."
"If your kitchen includes an island, it often makes sense to incorporate as many drawers as possible alongside other cabinetry solutions, depending on how you use the space," says Selena Quick. "For clients who cook on their island, for example, we design layouts with a variety of drawer depths – perfect for storing pans, utensils, spices and small appliances exactly where they’re needed."
Natalie Fry is founder and Creative Director of Grid Thirteen, is a multi-award-winning luxury interior design studio based in North Leeds, founded in 2013. With over 25 years of experience working with some of the UK’s leading architects and interior innovators, Natalie leads her all-female design team to create beautiful and functional kitchen, bedroom and living spaces for clients across the UK that are true reflections of clients’ personalities and lifestyles.
Shop kitchen drawer dividers
Keep your cutlery and utensils neat and tidy with this handy adjustable divider which expands from five to seven slots as needed.
Perfect for keeping your pots and pans in place within your drawers. The rack is adjustable and has non-slip feet.
This peg board comes with 32 pegs allowing you to move them around to organise all kinds of bowls, pots and pans to stop them sliding around.
FAQs
Are kitchen drawers more expensive than cupboards?
When planning your new kitchen costs, bear in mind that opting for a design based around drawers could result in much higher quotes.
Simon Flory, senior designer at The Wood Works, explains why.
"There is much more work involved in making drawers and the mechanisms they run on than there is with cabinets," explains Simon. "Many people don't factor in the cost of internal mechanisms – pull-outs and dividers, for example. The cabinet is not too expensive – it's what is going on at the front and inside that adds to costs."
Simon is a senior designer specialising in bespoke kitchens, with a rich background in both joinery and stone design and manufacture. Driven by a passion for good design, he combines technical know-how with creative insight to bring ideas to life. Known for his collaborative approach and ability to turn client concepts into beautifully executed realities, Simon brings both exquisite craftsmanship and imagination to every project.
What are the alternatives to cupboards and drawers?
It is important to be aware that kitchen storage isn't just made up of cupboards and drawers – there are a few other options to consider incorporating too – some of which can really help those after small kitchen ideas.
"If you have lots of linens, then slim, wide shelves behind glass is a good idea," elaborates Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL Kitchens. "If you have a lot of pots of pans, then think about a ceiling pot rack, as this makes life so much easier than stacking them in cupboards. If you have a collection of vintage or craft crockery, you may wish to use this every day, so again, open racking or shelving is by far the easiest and most attractive option.
"Planning your storage helps you to decide what cupboards you should have, so rather than thinking I need loads of storage, think about the types of storage you need and the design will start to come to life."
Helen Parker, Creative Director at deVOL Kitchens, is the visionary behind the brand's timeless aesthetic, award-winning designs, and iconic pieces like the Sebastian Cox Kitchen and the Curiosity Cupboard
The best kitchen ideas are a combination of great storage, practical surfaces and features that make everything run a little smoother, such as good lighting and high-quality appliances.
