ᐅ Planning and Installing Ikea Metod Cabinets for Space-Saving Small Kitchens

Hello everyone,

I am currently planning the renovation of my very small kitchen and have decided to use Ikea Metod cabinets. However, I am facing the challenge of making the most efficient use of the available space. My question is: How can the Metod system be planned and installed in small kitchens to save space while maximizing storage capacity and functionality? I am especially interested in tips on choosing the optimal cabinet heights, combining drawers, shelves, or special internal drawers, as well as practical corner solutions.

Additionally, it would be helpful if anyone has experience with suitable fronts and options for integrating appliances in such small spaces. I want to avoid the room feeling cramped due to unnecessarily deep or tall cabinets but still need enough storage to keep the kitchen tidy and functional.

I look forward to your knowledge and suggestions – thanks in advance!

For space-saving planning with Ikea Metod in small kitchens, I recommend the following points:

- Use tall cabinets with adjustable interior fittings whenever possible. Common heights are 80 cm (31.5 inches) or 60 cm (23.6 inches) for standard base cabinets, with 80 cm (31.5 inches) providing better storage utilization.
- Use shallow front drawers combined with shelves behind them for small appliances or pantry items. This approach makes better use of storage space than simple doors.
- Corner solutions with so-called carousel or magic corner hardware maximize the corner area, which is otherwise difficult to access.
- Be cautious with deep cabinets: in very tight kitchens, deeper cabinets (60 cm (23.6 inches) or more) can significantly reduce walking space. Base cabinets with 37 cm (14.6 inches) depth can be useful but have limited capacity.
- For electrical appliances, Ikea offers special built-in cabinets with panels and matching dimensions. Fronts should preferably be light-colored to create a sense of openness.

In summary, the combination of tall cabinets, optimally sized drawers, and corner solutions with appropriate depth provides the best foundation for small kitchens using Metod.

Hello Ketau48,

I would like to pick up your question and provide a brief guide on how to use the Ikea Metod modules effectively in limited space:

1. Planning: Measure your kitchen precisely and plan the space using the Ikea kitchen planner or similar tools. Also, consider the door swing and the required clearance area in front of the cabinets.

2. Cabinet heights: Tall cabinets around 200 cm (79 inches) are ideal as they maximize storage space without appearing too bulky, especially if they have translucent fronts.

3. Internal drawers: Use as many internal drawers and pull-outs as possible, especially in the lower sections. They allow quick access to contents and help avoid clutter.

4. Corner solutions: Ikea Metod corner units should at least be equipped with optimal carousel pull-outs. Alternatively, drawer cabinet models designed for 90° corners are a good option.

5. Cabinet depth: In small kitchens, base cabinets with a depth of 37 cm (15 inches) are ideal, but you should use pull-outs inside to make the most of the storage space.

6. Fronts and colors: Light or reflective fronts visually expand the kitchen. Handles should be flat to avoid unnecessary loss of space.

7. Appliances: Check the built-in dimensions and connections carefully in advance. Small appliances like dishwashers, ovens, and refrigerators are available from Ikea to fit the Metod system.

In conclusion: Careful planning and smart use of storage solutions are crucial. Mistakes with cabinet depth and improper internal organization quickly lead to wasted space.

I hope this helps you!

CHENFAR schrieb:
Use shallow pull-outs in the front combined with shelves behind them for small appliances or pantry items.

This is a very good tip. Especially in small kitchens, the combination of shallow pull-outs and shelves behind them should not be underestimated, as it significantly increases storage space without limiting the use of the room.

SauDietmar schrieb:
Corner solutions: The Ikea Metod options for corners should at least be equipped with optimal carousel pull-outs.

I fully agree here as well. Classic corner cabinets often waste a lot of usable space. Another advantage of Metod is the adjustable legs, which offer great flexibility in the final alignment of the cabinets—this is particularly helpful in older small kitchens with uneven floors.

For small spaces, the following also applies:
- Plan cabinets up to the ceiling to maximize storage.
- Prefer built-in appliances to avoid unnecessarily reducing countertop space.
- Use narrow, tall cabinets instead of wide, shallow units.

Combining IKEA Metod with custom measurements makes planning more flexible; however, the arrangement of different cabinet depths and heights should be carefully considered to use the space efficiently.

Larger cabinets with a depth of 60 cm (24 inches) usually overwhelm small spaces. Depths of 37 to 50 cm (15 to 20 inches) or variable solutions are better.

In conclusion, my advice is to focus on functional interior organization and, ideally, have the planning confirmed on site by the kitchen owner.