What's The Real Difference Between A Cupboard And A Cabinet? Designers Explain

Two designers sound off.

Text by Kelsey Mulvey

Never underestimate the power of excellent storage. If you're looking to place your belongings somewhere that's smart, strategic, and stylish, you simply can't go wrong with a few cabinets. Or, wait a second, are they called cupboards? Honestly, the two phrases are often used interchangeably so it can be difficult to understand the difference between the two—if there even is one.

• Cyndy Cantley is the founder of an eponymous cabinet and design firm in Birmingham, Alabama.

• Ashka Karia is a designer at Dallas-based firm called Karia Design Studio.

But while cabinets and cupboards might seem synonymous with each other, designers agree that there are some small nuances that make each piece stand out. According to Cyndy Cantley, founder of her eponymous cabinet and design firm in Birmingham, the biggest difference is how they are integrated into a space. "Cabinets are made in certain sizes to fit a space, often going to the ceiling with moldings for a built-in look," she says, noting that cabinets are often found in functional spaces like kitchens and bathrooms. "Cupboards are free-standing furniture [pieces], and often have glass doors to display china."

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