You have three cabinets going in a three and a half foot wide space? And you want to pull one forward? Is that the dilemma? So the side cabinets will have a wall on one side and a few inches of wall of the center cabinet on the other? I hope you're just putting glasses in them. What else fits in a 9" cabinet? It's going to be hard getting two hands in together with something heavy, won't it? Or am I misunderstanding?

You could probably get the general look by just staggering them an inch, which would leave a little angle room for elbows.

I, personally, would go for something simpler in that small a space. Can you set them up on a table or something and see how they look IRL? That would be the best way to see how it looks to you. Remember to mock up the side walls as well.

yeah i think if you set them up, that would help. im having trouble envisioning 9" cabinets. without seeing them, I don't think I'd try staggering in such a small space

Sorry, I wasn't very clear. Plllog, you're correct. Basically, this space was built for the drawer bases that I wanted. The uppers are a nice bonus in the space, but all I really needed was the center for wine glasses. I don't have anything planned for the 9" cabinets yet, but I'm sure I'll find something to put in them that maybe gets used twice a year.

Here are a few mockups. I think I actually like just the raised stagger alone.

3" forward

3.5" up

Up and forward

Up and forward with doors open

I think the space is too small to stagger up. The stagger forward looks the best to me, and would have the advantage of making items in the most used space more reachable.

Thanks for the pictures. This is one of those occasions where it really will be fine, whatever you do. You have a very complex and detailed door style, however, and you're going to add to that with glass in the center. This might be a good occasion to decide that more is enough, and more-is-more is too much.

I, personally, would even rethink the glass. It might be nice for brightening up the area, especially if you're going to light the cabinet, but the repetition of forms in your picture with them all at the same level is pleasing to the eye. I think that repetition gets lost in the ones that are raised, and will be even more lost with the glass.

BTW, with the ones raised and brought forward, do you have trim to fill the space on the sides, behind the center cabinet? If not, that's a no-go.

I agree with plllog. Raised and forward seems to look the best.
Just wondering though, since you do not have any specific use in mind for the 9 inchers, have you thought about just doing shelves instead of the 9 inch cabinets?
Also, my own personal choice for glass would be frosted. Gives the cabinet more character. Don't know if yours is or not. Just throwing things out there.

For a butler's pantry I think the more cabinets the better, I think you'll get a lot of use out of those 9" cabinets. I also think the glass will be cool and make it look more hutch like.

I also vote for the raised and pulled forward -- not sure if you're doing crown molding on the cabinets, but if you are then having the center cab pulled forward will give the crown on the smaller cabinets a place to terminate. Plus it will look good.

Great space. I wish I had a little alcove like that -- I can think of a million +1 uses for it -- I'm sure it will be a well used feature in your home.

Well, then raised and pulled forward it is! I do have all the trim pieces and skins to cover everything. There will be crown and light rail.

I like frosted glass, although that seems more contemporary for some reason. Regardless, these will just be clear and they are already purchased. I am just waiting for them to be delivered to me.

Can't do open shelves. I live in the desert, LOL! And, as you can see, that little alcove is Lucky's hangout. His mess is worse than anything!

I can keep things like my good butter dishes, gravy boats, etc. that we use for holidays in those small cabinets. I am most excited about the drawer bases for my good silverware and linens!

Thanks a bunch! I'll post finished photos soon.

Part of the 9" cabinets might be a good place to store platters, vertically.

Oh, that's an excellent idea!

I would do the up and forward too but keep in mind to bring the center forward enough to accommodate the crown on the nine inch cabs leaving at least a quarter inch reveal.

Ian

Thank you for that reminder Ian. I appreciate it!