Cupboards
Cupboards (sometimes indicated on drawings by the letters CPD) are recessed areas, or sometimes standalone pieces of furniture that are used for storage. The term is derived from the English words cup and board, and originally referred to an open-shelved sideboard or table that was used to display items such as plates and cups. Cupboards are now typically closed, with doors on the front and may be fitted with shelves. They may be recessed, fitted, or free standing.
The term ‘wardrobe’ (sometimes indicated on drawings by the letters WRD) refers to a cupboard that is used for the storage of clothing. It may also be used to refer to the clothes themselves. It is derived from the words ‘warder’ meaning to guard and ‘robes’ meant clothes. Very large wardrobes may be referred to as 'walk-in wardrobes'.
A pantry is a storage area for food, and sometimes dishes and other household items. It is derived from the French word ‘pain’ meaning bread. A larder is similar, but is generally cool to aid the storage of food and is typically adjacent to the kitchen.
An airing cupboard contains a water heater, providing hot water to a building, and slatted shelves on which linen and towels can be stored, preventing them from becoming, or remaining damp.
Other types of cupboard include fume cupboards, linen cupboards, under-stairs cupboards, kitchen cupboards, and so on.
[edit] Related articles in Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.
























