A kick space, also known as a toe kick or toe space, is recessed space at the base of most floor-mounted

kitchen cabinet Kitchen cabinets are the built-in furniture installed in many kitchens for storage of food, cooking equipment, and often Silver (household), silverware and Dishware, dishes for table service. Home appliance, Appliances such as refrigerators, dish ...

Description

Traditionally, a kick space is allowed for in modern

cabinet Cabinet or The Cabinet may refer to: Furniture * Cabinetry, a box-shaped piece of furniture with doors and/or drawers * Display cabinet, a piece of furniture with one or more transparent glass sheets or transparent polycarbonate sheets * Filing ...

designs by creating a separate, recessed platform upon which one's cabinetry may rest. The kick space is intended to prevent potential toe injuries and allow for closer proximity to a countertop (the toes being the furthest-extending ground-level human body parts). Typical dimensions are roughly high by deep. Cabinetmaking-kick space base

Many homes take advantage of this space by installing heating or ventilation ducts here. It also provides the additional advantage of serving as a "bumper against over-zealous mopping and vacuuming".

History

The kick space became more common in the 20th century. With a burgeoning middle class and advancements in industry and domesticity,

countertops A countertop, also counter top, counter, benchtop, worktop (British English) or kitchen bench (Australian or New Zealand English), bunker (Scottish English) is a raised, firm, flat, and horizontal surface. They are built for work in kitchens or ...

became a more prominent work surface. Whereas previously most standing crafts were done at tables, there developed a need for a work counter to which one could comfortably stand directly adjacent. As the name would suggest, the kick space provides a space in which one's toes can rest.

References

{{reflist Toes Cabinets (furniture)