Standard countertop depth for kitchen alcoves is twenty-four inches, which offers enough workspace for prep and appliance placement without crowding the area. In micro-zones, maintaining this twenty-four-inch depth ensures comfort and accessibility whether you're setting up a butler's pantry appliance garage or a beverage center. This depth complements the alcove's width for effective ergonomics. For shelves, twelve inches deep with ten to twelve inches of vertical clearance per tier is ideal to maximize storage without creating clutter. Freshly designed alcoves should balance depth and height to optimize use and comfort.