I actually enjoy a large space to the right of my machine, As I finish sewing something small, that's where I place it, plus scissors, etc. The one thing I hate about my cabinet is the doors. They do not open flat to the front, and because they have small bins attached to the insides, I am always hitting those bins while sewing or moving around. I do have the lift mechanism, and I love it. One thing we learned about the drop extension area, make sure you use really good strong hinges, and have good support flanges. My cabinet is oak, and hubby needs to change those things, that oak is heavy!!