ᐅ How do I build IKEA Metod kitchen cabinets with plenty of storage space?

Thank you very much for the detailed tips; I especially find the notes about the corner cabinets and internal drawers very helpful. I have another question because I’m unsure: What about the plinths? In many Metod kitchens, the plinths appear quite narrow. Are there versions where I can also use the space at the bottom, for example by having raised plinths or drawers in the plinth area? Or is that rather problematic? And how does it affect the stability of the cabinets?

Anlo3 schrieb:
What about the plinths? Many Metod kitchens have rather narrow plinths. Are there options that allow me to use the space at the bottom for storage, for example, by having raised plinths or pull-outs in the plinth area?

Yes, Anlo3, that is indeed possible! Ikea offers so-called plinth drawers that are installed at the very bottom and create a separate, very shallow storage space along the floor of the kitchen. These are great for flat items like baking sheets, cutting boards, or storage bottles that would otherwise get lost in the cabinet.

These plinth drawers are sturdy, but the weight capacity should not be overestimated. They are designed to pull out smoothly and slide in and out easily, but they are not meant to replace main storage space.

Raised plinths are also possible, for example by choosing taller legs. However, with Metod, the adjustability is somewhat limited and it can sometimes affect the countertop height. Important: Stability generally is not compromised by a raised plinth as long as the cabinets are properly assembled and fixed to the wall.

The tip about base cabinet pull-outs is great – I hadn’t considered it at first, but especially in a small kitchen, they provide a significant amount of extra space. However, be careful during planning: when raising kitchen cabinets or using toe kicks, you should take the countertop depth and thus the ergonomic height into account, otherwise you might end up getting in your own way while working later on.

Toe-kick drawers are great for items you rarely use. Use tall base cabinets plus the toe-kick area instead of buying deeper cabinets. The depth is standard.

One more tip: The Metod fronts can be combined with practical interior pull-outs that significantly improve accessibility. For tall pots and pans, be sure to plan for large pull-outs; good organization inside the cabinet makes a big difference.

If I may add: To maximize storage space, it’s worth considering the so-called "pantry drawers" in tall cabinets—these narrow, very tall drawers are ideal for spices, oil bottles, baking ingredients, and so on.

Also, combining a baseboard (kickboard) drawer with a raised base cabinet (for example, an 80cm (31.5 inches) cabinet plus a 10–15cm (4–6 inches) baseboard drawer) can significantly increase storage capacity.

Make sure to pay close attention to the weight capacity of the drawer slides during planning. A maximum of 20 kg (44 lbs) is common for some components, so it’s best to choose the more robust options deliberately.

One more tip: Ikea now offers many internal organizers that are specifically designed for the Metod system, which can make your planning much easier.