Every time I see kitchen cabinets that reach the ceiling, I always wonder if the homeowner chose them for practicality or just for the look. It is likely for the extra storage space, but I still wonder how often people really use the space that high up.
So, should kitchen cabinets really go all the way to the ceiling, or is it better to leave some space? We asked Bryan Son, the account manager of Northwest Cabinet & Floor, for his take on the pros and cons of extending cabinets to the ceiling.
He said, “Doing it provides more storage, cleaner lines, and no dust-collecting gaps. Extending cabinets to the ceiling is ideal for homes with 8-9 ft ceilings. However, for ceilings over 10 ft, accessing upper cabinets becomes impractical without a step stool or ladder.”
In addition to providing extra storage, homeowners choose this style based on their personal preferences and the height and features of their ceilings. Continue reading to explore these factors in more detail.
Extra Storage Space
Some homeowners want their kitchen cabinets to reach all the way up to the ceiling because they want to have additional storage space. In smaller kitchens, extending cabinets to the ceiling improves functionality.
It is all about making the most of every available inch in your kitchen and maximizing the space you have. By adding extra storage space, you also enhance your kitchen’s efficiency. You can keep frequently used kitchen items in easily accessible cabinets while placing less commonly used items in the higher cabinets above.
Pro Tip: “If storage isn’t a priority, leaving space above cabinets can create an open feel and room for decorative elements.”
Preferred Design
Homeowners often choose to extend kitchen cabinets to the ceiling based on personal preference. Many people appreciate the visual appeal of cabinets that reach all the way up, as this design creates a seamless look in the kitchen. The smooth transition of cabinets from the floor to the ceiling gives the kitchen a clean and attractive look.
Some homeowners appreciate the uniformity that floor-to-ceiling cabinetry adds to the kitchen, creating a cohesive and polished look. However, leaving space above the cabinets still gives you storage options—this allows residents space to store or display large or decorative items that may not fit inside cabinets, like serving platters or salad bowls.
Ceiling Height Considerations
Homeowners can choose to extend their kitchen cabinets all the way to the ceiling, depending on the ceiling height. According to the National Building Code, the standard ceiling height in most homes is eight feet, but some kitchens have ceilings up to ten or twelve feet in height. Depending on their home’s ceiling height, homeowners have several options to consider when deciding on floor-to-ceiling cabinetry.
- Homes with 8-foot (96-inch) ceilings can install 42-inch wall cabinets, which homeowners typically mount 54 inches above the floor. If crown molding is added to the ceiling, 39-inch cabinets are a better option.
- Homes with 9-foot (108-inch) ceilings can use the 54-inch available space by installing two rows of stacked cabinets. One option is to mount a row of 36-inch cabinets with an 18-inch row above them, or you could opt for 42-inch cabinets with 12-inch cabinets stacked on top.
You can use glass doors on top cabinets to display fine china or add a decorative touch. Gaps left after installation can be covered with crown molding or other stylish trim to enhance the overall design.
- Homes with 10-foot ceilings can use custom cabinets to fill the 66-inch space. However, if you mount kitchen cabinets that high, it may not be practical or appealing since you will need a ladder to reach the top cabinets. The same issue arises with ceilings taller than 10 feet.
Read more: How to Measure Kitchen Cabinets
Ceiling Features
If your ceiling is simple with no added features, it is easy to extend your cabinets to the top. However, if there are beams, crown molding, or other decorative details, ceiling-height cabinets may not be the best choice.
The same goes for ceilings with vaulted or coffered ceilings, which could interfere with the cabinet placement, make the space feel crowded, and impact the overall appearance of the cabinets.
Budget Considerations
Installing tall cabinets in your kitchen is about more than just design preference or extra storage. You must also consider your budget, as this remodeling project can be costly. Homeowners typically find kitchen cabinets the most expensive part of any kitchen renovation. Adding tall cabinets or installing extra rows will significantly raise the project’s overall cost.
If you are working with a limited budget, cheaper alternatives include installing false cabinet panels that go to the ceiling. You can also add trim that extends to the ceiling and blends seamlessly with your cabinets.
Call a Pro
Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled handymen and handywomen in seconds and leave the rest to us.
Read more kitchen cabinet articles:
Main Photo Credit: Anatoli / Adobe Stock Free / License
Related Posts:
