Kaappi

Kaappi is Finnish for a cabinet or cupboard. It refers to a piece of furniture or a built-in storage unit that provides enclosed space, typically created by doors and sometimes including drawers or shelves. Kaapit are used in a variety of settings, from kitchens and bathrooms to living rooms and offices, to organize and conceal items.

Common types include kitchen cabinets (keittiön kaapit), which are usually arranged as upper and lower units to form a functional work area; vaatekaapit, which store clothing; and muut säilytyskaapit such as pantry or storage cabinets. In practice, many households use a combination of freestanding cabinets and built-in units, often referred to as kappisto or keittiökaappi when installed as part of the room’s structure.

Materials and construction vary widely. Typical finishes include wood, laminates, and veneer, with common core materials such as solid wood, MDF, or particleboard. Doors may be panelled or flat, and hardware like hinges, handles, and drawers contribute to both function and aesthetics. Modern kaapit often feature adjustable shelves, soft-close hinges, and integrated lighting to enhance usability and durability.

In design and culture, kaappi denotes both practical storage and a key element of interior style. The term also extends to related concepts such as built-in wall cabinets (seinäkappi) and cabinetry systems (kappisto). The concept is central to Finnish and Nordic design philosophies that emphasize simplicity, functionality, and enduring materials.