A chest of drawers in the hallway must fit into a narrow floor plan without blocking the passage. At the same time, drawers should be fully extendable so that you can access their contents. The question is: How deep can the furniture be so that there is still enough space to pass in front of the open drawer? And what dimensions does the hallway need in total so that the chest of drawers is not in the way? This article provides you with concrete guidelines for furniture depth, drawer extension, and minimum passage width.
Standard Depth of Hallway Chests of Drawers
Chests of drawers for the hallway are usually built shallower than bedroom chests of drawers. The common depth is between 35 and 45 cm, measured from the wall to the front edge. Models with a depth of 40 cm offer sufficient storage space for keys, mail, gloves, and smaller bags, without protruding far into the room. Very narrow consoles start at 30 cm, but then only offer space for flat items. Deeper versions of 50 cm or more are more suitable for wide hallways or entrance areas where the passage is generously dimensioned.
Drawer Extension and Required Clearance
When you fully open a drawer, it extends about as far as the chest of drawers is deep. For a depth of 40 cm, you therefore need at least 40 cm of free space in front of the furniture so that the drawer does not hit the opposite wall. In addition, there is the space you need yourself to stand in front of the open drawer and reach into it. Allow another 60 cm for this. In total, this results in a minimum distance of 100 cm between the chest of drawers and the opposite wall if you want to use the drawer comfortably.
With full extension slides, which run on telescopic rails, the drawer can also extend a little further than the carcass depth. Therefore, check the manufacturer's specifications to see if the extension is 100 percent of the depth or more. In very narrow hallways, you can opt for chests of drawers with doors instead of drawers or choose models whose drawers are only two-thirds extendable.
Minimum Hallway Width
For a comfortable passage, the hallway should be at least 120 cm wide if a chest of drawers is placed on one side. This width is composed of the furniture depth of 40 cm and a passage of 80 cm. A passage of 80 cm is the absolute minimum to pass the chest of drawers sideways without turning. 90 to 100 cm is better so that you can comfortably pass even with shopping bags or a suitcase.
In hallways under 120 cm wide, a shallower chest of drawers with a maximum depth of 35 cm or a narrow console with 30 cm is recommended. This leaves a passage of 85 to 90 cm, which is sufficient for everyday use. Also consider that doors can swing into the hallway and take up additional space.
Height and Proportions
The height of a hallway chest of drawers is usually between 75 and 90 cm. These dimensions correspond to a comfortable working height at which you can put down keys or sort mail. Lower models of 70 cm appear more discreet and make the hallway look optically wider. Taller chests of drawers of 100 cm or more offer more storage space, but can appear bulky in narrow hallways. Make sure that the chest of drawers is not higher than a mirror or picture hanging above it, so that the proportions remain harmonious.
Placement and Distances to Doors
Place the chest of drawers so that doors can open freely. Measure the swing area of the door and maintain a distance of at least 10 cm from the furniture edge. If the door swings into the hallway, it may be advisable to place the chest of drawers further back in the hallway or choose a shorter version. For doors that open outwards, this problem does not arise. Also check the distance to radiators: at least 30 cm should remain free so that heat can circulate and the wood does not dry out.
Guidelines for Depth, Passage, and Hallway Width
| Hallway Width | Recommended Chest of Drawers Depth | Remaining Passage |
|---|---|---|
| 100 to 110 cm | 30 cm | 70 to 80 cm |
| 110 to 130 cm | 35 to 40 cm | 80 to 90 cm |
| 130 to 150 cm | 40 to 45 cm | 90 to 100 cm |
| over 150 cm | 45 to 50 cm | 100 cm and more |
Material and Care
Chests of drawers made of solid wood or veneer are robust and durable. Make sure that the surface is sealed so that moisture from shoes or wet jackets does not cause damage. High-gloss lacquered fronts look elegant, but show fingerprints more clearly than matte surfaces. Metal or marble as an accent on the top plate protects against scratches from keys or coins. Clean the chest of drawers regularly with a slightly damp cloth and avoid aggressive cleaning agents that can damage the surface.
Checklist for Selection
- Measure the hallway width at its narrowest point and subtract 80 cm for the passage.
- Check if drawers are fully extendable and calculate the extension plus 60 cm for your standing space.
- Maintain at least 10 cm distance from door swing areas and 30 cm from radiators.
- Choose a height between 75 and 90 cm that matches the room height and other furniture.
- Ensure a sealed surface that is protected against moisture and scratches.
You can find suitable pieces under Chests of Drawers and Wall Mirrors. How the pieces are built, what dimensions are available, and what the delivery time means can be found on Eichholtz Chests of Drawers and Sideboards and Eichholtz Wall Mirrors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum depth a chest of drawers should have in a hallway?
In a hallway 120 cm wide, the chest of drawers should be a maximum of 40 cm deep, leaving a passage of 80 cm. For wider hallways from 130 cm, you can also choose models with a depth of 45 to 50 cm. The crucial factor is that after the drawer is fully extended, there should still be at least 60 cm of space to stand.
What distance is needed when the drawer is open?
Calculate the depth of the chest of drawers plus 60 cm for your standing space. For a 40 cm deep chest of drawers, you therefore need at least 100 cm distance to the opposite wall. If the hallway is narrower, choose a shallower chest of drawers or a model with doors instead of drawers.
Can I place a chest of drawers directly next to a door?
Yes, provided the door does not hit the chest of drawers when opening. Measure the swing area of the door and maintain at least 10 cm distance from the furniture edge. If the door swings into the hallway, place the chest of drawers further back or choose a shorter version.
What is the ideal height for a hallway chest of drawers?
A height between 75 and 90 cm is practical because you can comfortably place items on it. Lower models of 70 cm make the hallway appear optically wider, while taller chests of drawers of 100 cm offer more storage space. Make sure that the height matches a mirror or picture hanging above it.