To add a bit more to think about. The 24 inch cabinet to the right of the sink will butt up to a blind corner section of another cabinet as this is a corner. The cabinet at 90 degrees to the 24 inch one will be 38 inches wide with two 17 inch doors. Don't know if this helps you picture the situation.

Thanks, Beth

I think they'd look fine either way. 10" wide offers enough panel space to look OK. So it's more a matter of function - which would be easier for you?

- D

I'd prefer the ease of opening 2 small doors than the swing on one wide door. Sort of depends on the height of the cabinet, too. Can you post a pic or a diagram?

I'm the opposite. I would rather have the big door. I have many small doors now and don't like them.

Have you drawn it out on paper to visualize it? I find it's so much easier to decide when you see it. I have 2 21" cupboards next to my sink, and I find the doors aren't too big. So, the size wouldn't bother me, and as the carpenter says, the door will approximate the size of the other doors.
But, on the other hand, the other two cupboards each have '2' doors versus '1' door, so it's up to you, I don't think either way would look out of place.

I just imagine having to swing my head back and duck if I was at the sink and needed something out of that cabinet if I had two doors. I would opt for a right hinged single door so I could have access while at the sink.

Thanks for the responses. Seems like it will be okay either way based on the feedback.

I can add that the cabinets are about 39 inches tall and have crown molding at the top to meet the 8 foot ceilings.

Also, before the remodel I had a cabinet to the right of the sink that was about the same size and had two smaller doors that opened from the center and I am used to it. And in other sections of the new kitchen I will have 10-11 inch doors. Some of them will be glass fronts so they will not look as busy I suppose.

I was wondering if the swing of the 21 inch door would mean I needed to move back in order for it to open. I never had to move at all to open the small door.

I am still torn about the decision. Why does every decision seem so major?

Beth

The funny thing for me about your post is that in my current kitchen I have small doors and don't like them. I was adamant to get larger doors in the remodel. I even had a friend who recently remodeled and the one thing she says she would do differently is not have the small doors.

But after reading this thread, I am even doubting myself. The decision stuff is tough!

After reading this, I had to go measure my cabinet door next to my sink. Mine is 20.25 inches, and it has never seemed too wide to me at all. I think it would look odd with smaller doors in my kitchen. Unfortunately, the only pic I have of this area is from during installation, but it will at least give you an idea.

I think the larger door would look slightly better, but speaking as one who is guilty of occasionally leaving cabinets doors open for people to whack their heads on the corner, the smaller doors might be safer. If you have the option, I would recommend getting hinges that open 170 degrees as opposed to 110 - that could make this less of an issue. All the little decisions are maddening aren't they?

How about this for an idea to help you decide. Why not do a mockup using tagboard. You could cut to size and even design to see if the look is too busy for you with a narrower door. You could even leave it a couple inches wider to allow for a fold that you could then tape teh mock-up to the wall and give you a feeling for how a wider door would impinge on your space when you swing it open. Hope explained that right!

Thanks again for the responses. Right now I am having trouble deciding.
I will try the mock up tonight and see if that will help. Good idea.
I have done drawings on graph paper and when I look at them I think that I slightly favor the look of the two doors bacause of the symetry.

Holligator - Your door does not look big but I am worried that mine will actually be close to 22 inches because the cabinet is 24 inches wide. Love your cabinets by the way.

Looking at literature I have from kraftmaid, shuller and diamond it seems that fewer companies make one door cabinets larger than 21 inches. Mine will be 24.

Does anyone have a 24 inch cabinet with one door that they would be willing to post a picture of? Or a picture of a 24 inch cabinet with two doors? Just a thought.

Thanks, Beth

What about leaving your cookbook cabinet as open shelves with no door?

I had not thought about leaving it open. It is a great option. That would work except that I have so many books that are not very attractive and are odd shaped.

Beth

I have a 22 1/4 inch upper with two 9 3/4 inch doors, on 36" tall cabinets. I think one 19+" door would have looked odd because the cabinet to the left of the range is narrower. I have knife hinges (some don't like the looks of these) that open 180 degrees. I'll attempt to insert a pic:

That picture really helps. I am going with the two doors and hopefully hinges that open to 170.

Thanks for the advice.

Beth

My doors are 24" and I hate that. I have to back up or bump my head on them. After 3 years, I still bump my head!

I was afraid that would be the case with the 22 inch door as well. I hope that the two small doors work out. I was out at the cabinet makers house again tonight. I think he likes me visiting him. I saw the final design and have several areas where I have 11 inch wide doors so overall I think having the two thin doors next to the sink will fit in fine.

Beth

21 inches is too big. My kitchen person did that and I have to back up away from the cabinet to open it and then if you turn your head to close it you get the edge of the door hitting your cheek. It also extends way past the counter when it is open