putting built-ins above baseboard heating

[sfessendenphd]

I have a 100 yr. old house with baseboard heating. A small bedroom has no closet or built-in storage. I desperately need to run a shallow closet along the back wall (it's my only option) but there is baseboard heating there.

Can I start the cupboard floor a few inches above the unit and preserve the heating effect? How many inches above the unit (assuming the built-in juts out 22 inches into the room) should it be?

Really appreciate any help.