How to Plan the Right Kitchen Cabinets for Bangladeshi Homes
Everyday curries. Weekend biryani. The occasional lasagna. A Bangladeshi kitchen now does it all. That mix of local and foreign cooking styles needs one thing: an organized setup. And for that, kitchen cabinets matter more than ever.
Choose Cabinet Design Based on Kitchen Size
Cabinets aren’t one-size-fits-all anymore. Good interior designers now begin with the kitchen’s layout and dimensions before deciding anything else. A small kitchen needs vertical solutions—tall narrow units, upper wall-mounted shelves. Larger kitchens can afford more horizontal drawers and deep pullouts.
You don’t need to buy readymade cabinets if your kitchen doesn’t fit them right. Many furniture brands now offer modular cabinet planning services. They’ll visit your home, take measurements, then suggest materials and placement.
Materials: Choose Water-Resistant Boards Over Regular Wood
Traditional wood looks great but swells or gets damaged in Bangladesh’s humid weather. That’s why most modern cabinets are built using either:
- Plywood (marine grade if possible)
- Particleboard with waterproof lamination
- MDF with moisture protection coating
Solid wood is strong but expensive and not moisture-resistant unless treated. Unless your kitchen is very dry and ventilated, avoid it.
Pick boards that are specifically designed to resist steam, heat, and water—because once moisture enters, cabinet interiors start warping and edges peel off.
Smart Partitioning: Organize by Use, Not Just Looks
Don’t think of the cabinet as just storage space. Think of it as cooking support. What you cook—and how often—should dictate what goes where.
Break it down like this:
| Type | Store Where? |
|---|---|
| Daily spices & oils | Waist-high drawer near stove |
| Dry goods (lentils, rice) | Deep pull-out drawer with labels |
| Rare-use appliances | Overhead cabinets |
| Baking tools | A separate drawer near work surface |
| Cleaning items | Under-sink waterproof storage |
Label your drawers. If not with stickers, then use chalk markers or color-coded handles. That way, even someone unfamiliar with your setup can find things easily.
Consider Adding Drawers Instead of Only Doors
Hinged cabinet doors are common, but drawers are more functional—especially for lower sections. They let you pull out contents instead of crouching and reaching.
You can also install corner drawers or L-shaped units that spin open—these are good for storing bulk ingredients or utensils you don’t use daily.
If your kitchen has an unused upper corner, install triangular wall shelves for items like recipe books or decorative jars.
Use a Kitchen Hood—It’s Not a Luxury
Many people in Dhaka or Chattogram avoid kitchen hoods thinking they’re only needed in big homes. That’s a mistake.
Without proper ventilation, steam rises and sticks to your cabinets. This leads to sticky residue buildup—especially on upper units above the stove. Within a year, it becomes hard to clean. Eventually, the laminate loses its finish.
Install a basic kitchen hood with an exhaust pipe. Even if you don’t deep-fry daily, it helps circulate air and keeps cabinets dry.
Daily Maintenance: Just a Wipe Makes a Difference
Cabinets don’t need daily scrubbing. But after cooking, wiping surfaces with a clean, dry cloth helps prevent grime buildup. If the kitchen feels stuffy, leave cabinet doors open for 10–15 minutes after cooking to let trapped steam escape.
Every two months, remove all items from drawers and shelves. Wipe inside with diluted vinegar or a mild disinfectant. Dry fully before restocking.
Customize Based on Cuisine
Deshi meals use a wider range of spices, oils, and utensils than Western cooking. If you also cook continental or bakery-style dishes, keep separate sections:
- One drawer only for baking (whisks, measuring cups, piping bags)
- One shelf just for foreign sauces, vinegars, and pasta
- One corner basket for spice refills or bulk items
This separation helps reduce mess during cooking.
What Most People Overlook
- Overhead cabinets need better hinges. Cheap hinges become loose within a year, especially in humid kitchens. Invest in branded soft-close hinges.
- Don’t ignore the back of the door. You can attach spice racks or towel hangers inside cabinet doors to maximize space.
- Corners can be functional. Lazy Susan-style rotating trays or corner carousels help store often-missed items.
Final Tips for a Functional Bangladeshi Kitchen Cabinet Setup
| Task | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Material selection | Moisture-proof plywood or laminate board |
| Cabinet type | Combination of drawers, doors, open shelves |
| Frequent items | Keep at hand-level; use pull-outs |
| Rare-use items | Store overhead; label clearly |
| Steam control | Install a kitchen hood or use strong ventilation |
| Cleaning | Dry wipe daily, deep clean monthly |
| Custom zones | Separate baking, local spices, imported goods |
| Budget tip | Go modular, not custom-built if on tight budget |
Cabinets aren’t just about storage—they shape how you cook, clean, and feel in your kitchen. Well-planned ones reduce chaos. Bad ones waste time and energy. Start with the size, choose the right materials, and plan zones like your cooking depends on it—because it does.
