Cabinet vs. Closet — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 4, 2024
A cabinet is typically a storage unit with doors and shelves, used for storing various items, while a closet is a larger, enclosed space often built into a room for storing clothes and other goods.
Difference Between Cabinet and Closet
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Cabinets are versatile storage units found in kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas, commonly used to store dishes, food items, or small appliances. On the other hand, closets are built-in storage spaces that are part of the structure of a building.
Cabinets are often made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, or laminate, allowing for a wide range of designs and finishes to match interior decor. They can be customized with different knobs, pulls, and organizational accessories to enhance functionality and aesthetic appeal. Closets, being a more integral part of a home's architecture, are usually designed to match the overall style and layout of the space they are in.
In terms of installation and modification, cabinets offer more flexibility. They can be easily added, removed, or replaced without significant alterations to the structure of a home. This makes cabinets a popular choice for those looking to add storage without a major renovation. Closets, due to their fixed nature, require more planning and construction work to modify or add to a space.
Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Storage of dishes, food, appliances
Storage of clothes, shoes
Location
Kitchens, bathrooms, living areas
Bedrooms, hallways
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Size
Ranging from small to large, but generally smaller than closets
Usually larger, can be walk-in size
Material
Wood, metal, laminate
Matches home's construction, often wood
Flexibility
Easy to add or move
Fixed, harder to modify
Compare with Definitions
Cabinet
A body of high-ranking state officials, typically representing the executive branch of government.
The president meets with his cabinet weekly to discuss policy issues.
Closet
A tall cupboard or wardrobe with a door, used for storage.
She hung her coats in the hallway closet.
Cabinet
A piece of furniture with doors and shelves or drawers for storing or displaying items.
The kitchen cabinet was filled with plates and glasses.
Closet
A small room or compartment serving as a storage area.
The vacuum cleaner was kept in the cleaning closet.
Cabinet
An enclosed storage space with a door, used in various rooms of a home.
She stored her collection of spices in a small cabinet above the stove.
Closet
An office or function room in a professional setting.
The documents were stored in the supply closet on the third floor.
Cabinet
A storage unit used in workshops or garages for tools.
The mechanic organized his tools in a large metal cabinet.
Closet
An enclosed space in a room used for storage, especially of clothes.
His walk-in closet was meticulously organized.
Cabinet
A case or cupboard with shelves or drawers for storing or displaying items.
He built a wooden cabinet for his collection of rare coins.
Closet
A private room or compartment.
She retreated to her closet to meditate and seek solitude.
Cabinet
An upright, cupboardlike repository with shelves, drawers, or compartments for the safekeeping or display of objects.
Closet
A closet (especially in North American usage) is an enclosed space, with a door, used for storage, particularly that of clothes. Fitted closets are built into the walls of the house so that they take up no apparent space in the room.
Cabinet
(Computers) The box that houses the main components of a computer, such as the central processing unit, disk drives, and expansion slots.
Closet
A tall cupboard or wardrobe with a door, used for storage
He has a closet full of designer suits
Cabinet
Often Cabinet A body of persons appointed by a head of state or a prime minister to head the executive departments of the government and to act as official advisers.
Closet
Secret; covert
A closet smoker
Cabinet
(Archaic) A small or private room set aside for a specific activity.
Closet
Shut (someone) away, especially in private conference or study
He returned home and closeted himself in his room
He was closeted with the king
Cabinet
Rhode Island & Southeastern Massachusetts See milkshake.
Closet
A cabinet or enclosed recess for linens, household supplies, or clothing.
Cabinet
Suitable for storage or display in a cabinet, as because of size or decorative quality.
Closet
A small private chamber, as for study or prayer.
Cabinet
Of, relating to, or being a member of a governmental cabinet
Cabinet matters.
A cabinet minister.
Closet
A water closet; a toilet.
Cabinet
Used in the making of cabinets
Teak and other heavy cabinet wood.
Closet
A state of secrecy or cautious privacy
Two days before the election, the candidate suddenly came out of the closet and denounced the proposed law.
Cabinet
A storage closet either separate from, or built into, a wall.
Closet
To enclose or shut up in a private room, as for discussion
Closeted themselves with their attorneys.
Cabinet
A cupboard.
Closet
Private; confidential
Closet information.
Cabinet
The upright assembly that houses a coin-operated arcade game, a cab.
Closet
Being so or engaging only in private; secret
A closet proponent of a tax increase.
A closet alcoholic.
Cabinet
(historical) A size of photograph, specifically one measuring 3⅞" by 5½".
Closet
Based on theory and speculation rather than practice.
Cabinet
A group of advisors to a government or business entity.
Closet
A small room within a house used to store clothing, food, or other household supplies.
Cabinet
In parliamentary and some other systems of government, the group of ministers responsible for creating government policy and for overseeing the departments comprising the executive branch.
Closet
(obsolete) Any private space, particularly bowers in the open air.
Cabinet
(Kentucky) A cabinet-level agency in the executive branch; that is, an agency headed by a member of the governor's cabinet.
Closet
Any private or inner room, particularly:
Cabinet
(archaic) A small chamber or private room.
Closet
(obsolete) A private room used by women to groom and dress themselves.
Cabinet
(often capitalized) A collection of art or ethnographic objects.
Closet
(archaic) A private room used for prayer or other devotions.
Cabinet
Milkshake.
Closet
A place of fanciful contemplation and theorizing.
Cabinet
(obsolete) A hut; a cottage; a small house.
Closet
(archaic) The private residence or private council chamber of a monarch.
Cabinet
An enclosure for mechanical or electrical equipment.
Closet
(obsolete) A pew or side-chapel reserved for a monarch or other feudal lord.
Cabinet
A hut; a cottage; a small house.
Hearken a while from thy green cabinet,The rural song of careful Colinet.
Closet
A private cabinet, particularly:
Cabinet
A small room, or retired apartment; a closet.
Closet
(obsolete) One used to store valuables.
Cabinet
A private room in which consultations are held.
Philip passed some hours every day in his father's cabinet.
Closet
(archaic) One used to store curiosities.
Cabinet
The advisory council of the chief executive officer of a nation; a cabinet council.
Closet
(figuratively) A secret or hiding place, particularly the hiding place in English idioms such as in the closet and skeleton in the closet.
The closet can be a scary place for a gay teenager.
Cabinet
A set of drawers or a cupboard intended to contain articles of value. Hence:
Closet
(slang, uncommon) closet case.
Cabinet
Any building or room set apart for the safe keeping and exhibition of works of art, etc.; also, the collection itself.
Closet
Any small room or side-room, particularly:
Cabinet
Suitable for a cabinet; small.
He [Varnhagen von Ense] is a walking cabinet edition of Goethe.
Closet
One intended for storing clothes or bedclothes.
Cabinet
To inclose
Closet
(obsolete) nodot=a, water closet: a room containing a toilet.
Cabinet
A cupboard-like repository or piece of furniture with doors and shelves and drawers; for storage or display
Closet
(heraldry) An ordinary similar to a bar but half as broad.
Cabinet
Persons appointed by a head of state to head executive departments of government and act as official advisers
Closet
A sewer.
Cabinet
A storage compartment for clothes and valuables; usually it has a lock
Closet
A state or condition of secrecy, privacy, or obscurity.
Cabinet
Housing for electronic instruments, as radio or television
Closet
(obsolete) private
Closet
Closeted, secret (especially with reference to gay people who are in the closet)
He's a closet case.
Closet
Denoting anything kept a secret or private.
Closet
(transitive) To shut away for private discussion.
The ambassador has been closeted with the prime minister all afternoon. We're all worried what will be announced when they exit.
Closet
(transitive) To put into a private place for a secret interview or interrogation.
Closet
(transitive) To shut up in, or as in, a closet for concealment or confinement.
Closet
A small room or apartment for retirement; a room for privacy.
A chair-lumbered closet, just twelve feet by nine.
When thou prayest, enter into thy closet.
Closet
A small apartment, or recess in the side of a room, for household utensils, clothing, etc.
Closet
To shut up in, or as in, a closet; to conceal.
Bedlam's closeted and handcuffed charge.
Closet
To make into a closet for a secret interview.
He was to call a new legislature, to closet its members.
He had been closeted with De Quadra.
Closet
A small room (or recess) or cabinet used for storage space
Closet
A toilet in England
Closet
A tall piece of furniture that provides storage space for clothes; has a door and rails or hooks for hanging clothes
Closet
A small private room for study or prayer
Closet
Confine to a small space, as for intensive work
Closet
(of information) given in confidence or in secret;
Closet information
This arrangement must be kept confidential
Their secret communications
Closet
Indulging only covertly;
A closet alcoholic
Closet liberals
Common Curiosities
Can cabinets be built into a wall like closets?
Yes, cabinets can be built into a wall, though they are more commonly freestanding or mounted to a wall, unlike closets, which are typically part of the room's structure.
Are walk-in closets common in all types of homes?
Walk-in closets are more common in larger homes or luxury apartments due to the significant space they require.
Can a closet be used for storing items other than clothes?
Yes, closets can be used to store various items, including linens, cleaning supplies, and personal items, depending on their size and organization.
Can either cabinets or closets be used as a focal point in room design?
Yes, both can be designed to serve as a focal point, especially if they feature unique materials, colors, or designs.
Do cabinets and closets come in standard sizes?
Cabinets come in a variety of standard sizes, especially for kitchens and bathrooms. Closets, however, can vary greatly in size and are often customized to fit the space.
Are there specific materials that are better for closets compared to cabinets?
Material choice often depends on the intended use and personal preference, though durability and aesthetics play significant roles for both.
What are some common organizational features for cabinets?
Shelves, drawers, and racks are common in cabinets to help organize and store items neatly.
How can I choose between adding a cabinet or a closet to my home?
Consider your storage needs, space availability, and whether you prefer a permanent solution or one that can be easily changed or moved.
How do lighting options differ for cabinets and closets?
Cabinets might use under-cabinet or interior lighting for functionality and aesthetics, while closets may incorporate overhead lighting or smaller, focused lights for visibility.
Can either cabinets or closets affect the resale value of a home?
Yes, both can positively impact a home's resale value, particularly if they are well-designed and offer ample storage space.
Is it possible to convert a cabinet into a closet or vice versa?
Due to structural and design differences, converting a cabinet into a closet or vice versa would be challenging and likely require extensive remodeling.
What is the main difference between a cabinet and a closet?
The main difference is their size and purpose; cabinets are smaller and used for storing items like dishes and food, while closets are larger, built-in spaces designed primarily for clothing storage.
What maintenance is required for cabinets and closets?
Maintenance generally involves regular cleaning and, depending on the material, occasional refinishing or repair to handles and doors.
How do the costs of installing a new cabinet compare to installing a new closet?
Cabinets are generally less expensive to install than closets, especially if the closet is a large, walk-in type that requires extensive construction.
What are some organizational features unique to closets?
Closets may include hanging rods, built-in drawers, shoe racks, and sometimes custom shelving units tailored to specific storage needs.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
