Whether you're running out of storage space in your apartment or want to invest in a show-stopping centerpiece for your dining space, investing in a kitchen hutch is an excellent option.
This classy unit has many uses, from storing your wine bottles to displaying your finest china. However, you should consider several key factors when choosing the right kitchen hutch for your home.
Here, you'll learn more about the various benefits of a kitchen hutch. You'll also find some of the essential things to consider before investing in this versatile piece of furniture.
Classic wooden kitchen hutch
What is a Kitchen Hutch, and Why Should You Get One?
A kitchen hutch is a piece of furniture that combines a credenza-style base with an open or glass-fronted cabinet top. If you're looking for a kitchen storage solution that mixes style with practicality, you'll love a high-quality hutch.
Modern-style hutch dressers come in a vast array of styles, from blond wood-paneled designs to 60's-style mottled veneer options. You can also find these furniture pieces in a wide range of shapes and sizes, from compact corner cabinets to broad, floor-to-ceiling models.
Here are just a few of the reasons you should invest in a kitchen hutch for your home:
● They're chic alternatives to pantries
Dark wood kitchen pantry
The bottom credenza offers ample space for storing dry foods, sealed cans, and unripened fruit and vegetables if you don't have a built-in pantry.
● You can use them to make a statement
Corner wooden kitchen hutch
These striking, decorative furniture pieces come with open or clear-view cabinets. You can display your prize wine bottles or family heirlooms on these shelves, adding a touch of personalized class to your kitchen.
● They're a great way to make use of limited kitchen space
Modern minimalistic kitchen pantry
If you've got a small kitchen, you'll appreciate the storage capacity of these cabinets. They feature multiple storage options, from shelves to drawers to cabinets to stemware racks. You can use hutches for many different items, including food, glasses, recipe books, dining room linens, and small kitchen appliances.
Key Considerations When Buying a Kitchen Hutch
Kitchen hutches come in various sizes, and the unit your select should reflect the dimensions and layout of your home. If you live in a small apartment, you probably won't want a buffet-style utility cabinet covering the width of your kitchen. Instead, opt for a smaller cabinet unit that slots neatly into the corner of your room, out of your way as you prepare meals.
People with more space will love a wide design, with broad storage cabinets and a built-in wine rack.
Small modern kitchen hutch
You should also think about the space between the top shelves of your hutch and the ceiling. You'll need to make sure these shelves are deep enough to store the items you've designated for that space.
The shape of the model can also impact how it fits in your kitchen. Most hutches are tall, with some stretching up to nearly 6 ft. in height, but you can find other, simpler models that are more compact.
If you like the idea of a kitchen storage unit, but can't commit to a large, heavy-duty design, then opt for a buffet hutch. This is a short cabinet with a flat countertop that takes up little room in your house.
● Style and Design
There are many designs of kitchen hutch, from farmhouse and rustic to transitional and mid-century modern. It's best to choose the style that coordinates with your kitchen aesthetic. Though you might be captivated with a decadent, cherry-wood model, it won't fit in with your sleek modern kitchen. Try a smooth, clean-cut white option instead.
Farmhouse style kitchen pantry
If you're looking for a design that complements a traditional-style kitchen, opt for a mahogany or cottage oak hutch with ornamental, textured finishes. Those looking for something more contemporary will enjoy an understated, simple Mission-style hutch with clean-lines and subtle dimensionality.
Fans of industrial-type design will love a sparse, unfinished model. Look for a hutch that combines metal and wood. You could also try a model with no backboard, allowing a clear view of the exposed plaster or brick wall behind.
● Think About the Finish
The finish of your kitchen hutch directly influences how it blends with your current decor. Do you want a hardwood, metallic, or MDF design? Light or dark wood? Black or white paint? Are you looking for an environmentally-friendly waterborne finish or an elegant glazed look?
If you're going for a Scandi-style vibe in your kitchen, get a hutch cabinet with a light, hardwood finish. This will complement the room's natural and understated design.
Narrow modern kitchen hutch
People wanting to adopt a rustic-style interior will love cabinets with a distressed paint finish, while fans of transitional and Hollywood glam styles will appreciate glossy, varnished hutches.
You should also consider the practical implications of each finish. Distressed paint looks characterful, and chips are less noticeable when they occur. However, top-quality glazed cabinets, while more expensive, show chips and scratches more easily.
● Longevity and Robustness
You'll need to consider the durability of your kitchen hutch. Hardwoods like maple, hickory, and oak are strong, stain-resistant materials. Cabinets made with these woods cost more but also last far longer than cheaper MDF options.
Dark wood freestanding kitchen pantry
Veneered cabinets are inexpensive and lightweight but also tend to be less durable than hardwood designs. Galvanized aluminum and stainless steel options are long-lasting and corrosion-resistant but scratch easily.
In terms of finish, waterborne and glazed cabinets are more stain-resistant than painted options.
● Measure Your Space
Before making any purchase, it is vital to measure your space to determine the maximum size of the kitchen hutch and find the right location for the unit that won't disrupt the flow of the kitchen.
For a wide kitchen hutch, you'll need a full wall to accommodate the unit. Measure the height and width of the wall, as well as the distance between the wall and the nearest piece of furniture or cabinets. To find the hutch's counter's ideal depth, ensure you allow for at least 2' of clearance space between the edge of the hutch and the furniture.
Freestanding white kitchen hutch
If you opt for a compact corner unit, in addition to measuring the height and width, you also need to consider how opening the hutch's cabinet doors will impact doorways and windows on either side of the unit. You may need to choose a narrower unit to prevent damaging door or window frames.
The Takeaway
A high-quality hutch cabinet is an excellent addition to any kitchen, acting as an ergonomic storage unit and a stylistic focal point.
When choosing the right hutch for your home, it's essential to consider the model's size, style, and finish. By doing this, you make sure you're investing in a cabinet that complements your kitchen's style and lasts a long time.
