skap

Skap is a term used in Norwegian Bokmål and Nynorsk to refer to a cabinet or cupboard—furniture used for storage. It can denote a freestanding unit or a built-in storage element with doors, shelves, and sometimes drawers. In everyday use, skap appears in compound forms such as kjøkkenskap (kitchen cabinet) and klesskap (wardrobe). The Swedish cognate is skåp, illustrating shared Germanic roots.

Skap are typically made of wood, but may also incorporate metal or glass. They may have hinged doors or sliding panels and often include shelves, drawers, or pull-out racks. Sizes range from compact wall cabinets to tall wardrobes, and finishes can vary from rustic to modern.

Regional variations and usage are broad: skap serve functional roles in kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, and offices. Some are freestanding pieces of furniture; others are built into walls as part of the room’s architecture. In Scandinavian design, skap often emphasize simplicity, durability, and the use of natural materials.

Etymology and related terms: The word skap is cognate with Danish skab and Swedish skåp, reflecting a common Germanic heritage. The terms share a focus on storage furniture across the Scandinavian languages.

See also: Cabinet, Furniture, Wardrobe.