skab

Skab is the Danish word for a cabinet or cupboard, a piece of furniture used for storage. In homes it is common in kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, and offices, serving to organize dishes, food, toiletries, clothing, books, or supplies. A skab typically consists of a carcass or frame, doors, and often shelves or drawers. It can be freestanding or built into walls and furniture, and its configuration can include base cabinets (underskab), wall cabinets (overskab), tall cabinets, or corner cabinets. Doors may be hinged, sliding, or lift-up, and drawers run on slides with various handle or push-to-open mechanisms.

Materials and construction commonly include solid wood, plywood, or medium-density fibreboard (MDF) with veneer, laminate, or painted finishes. Modern skab components may use particleboard with protective coatings, metal hardware, tempered glass doors, and integrated lighting. Finishes are chosen for durability and ease of maintenance, with moisture resistance being important for cabinets used in kitchens and bathrooms.

Design and usage vary with space and style. Skabs are selected to maximize storage efficiency while contributing to the room’s appearance. In many interiors, especially in Nordic and Scandinavian design, skabs feature clean lines, minimal hardware, and integrated handles to achieve a simple, functional look. Built-in configurations are common in kitchens and wardrobes, enabling standardized heights, depths, and alignments for cohesive spaces.

Maintenance involves regular cleaning and protection from excessive moisture. Hinges, slides, and runners may require occasional lubrication or adjustment to maintain smooth operation.