Whether kitchen cabinets should go all the way up to the ceiling is a common question for homeowners remodeling their kitchens. The answer depends on your personal preferences, kitchen layout, and design style. There are pros and cons to both options that are worth considering when making this key kitchen design decision.

Introduction

Kitchen cabinets play a major functional and aesthetic role in any kitchen. Beyond providing essential storage space, they define the look and feel of the entire room. One of the earliest decisions homeowners face when remodeling their kitchen is determining the height of the upper cabinets.

The standard height for hanging wall cabinets is 18 inches above the countertop, leaving a space between the top of the cabinet and the ceiling. However, some homeowners prefer to install cabinets that reach all the way to the ceiling. Others combine standard height cabinets with a few taller cabinets.

There is no universally right or wrong option. The ideal height depends on your goals, priorities, and the specifics of your kitchen. Understanding the pros and cons of both approaches will help you make the best choice for your home and lifestyle.

Pros of Ceiling Height Cabinets

Going all the way up to the ceiling with your kitchen cabinets offers several potential benefits:

Maximize Storage Space

The main advantage of floor-to-ceiling cabinets is the massive amount of storage space they provide. Every inch of vertical real estate is utilized. For small or awkward kitchen layouts where wall space is limited, this can make an enormous difference in fitting in all your equipment and pantry items.

Clean, Streamlined Look

Ceiling height cabinets give a smooth, streamlined look to the kitchen. The cabinetry appears almost built-in for a custom aesthetic. Eliminating the gap above the cabinets provides a tall, open feel. Especially in contemporary or minimalist kitchens, this seamless floor-to-ceiling style creates a polished look.

Easier Cleaning

With no gap between the top of the cabinet and ceiling, there is no place for dust and grime to accumulate. Keeping the tops of cabinets clean becomes a non-issue. For homeowners who want a fuss-free, low-maintenance kitchen, this advantage may be appealing.

Hide Imperfections

If your ceiling has pipes, wires, or any other unsightly elements running across it, full-height cabinets can conveniently conceal them. Rather than looking at an eyesore or going through the hassle of removing it, simply cover it up with cabinetry.

Cohesive Backsplash

Tiling your backsplash? Extending cabinets to the ceiling allows for a cohesive wall-to-wall backsplash that can make a bolder visual statement. The backsplash becomes part of a unified wall design.

Value Added

In some homes, the extra storage capacity and aesthetic appeal of ceiling height cabinets can add value when selling the property. Especially in upscale real estate markets, maximizing kitchen cabinetry is seen as a plus.

Cons of Ceiling Height Cabinets

On the other hand, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider with cabinets that reach the ceiling:

Reduced Visual Space

A kitchen can feel more closed in and cramped with cabinets that fully cover the walls. Even if the room itself is not actually small, eliminating the gap above eye level makes the space appear boxed in.

Accumulated Grease and Dust

While the tops of the cabinets may stay cleaner, the ceiling above is still exposed. Without access for cleaning, grease splatter and dust will accumulate on the ceiling over time.

Difficult Access

It can be extremely hard to reach the tops of very tall cabinets. This makes cleaning or retrieving items from the upmost shelves challenging. A step stool or ladder becomes a necessity.

Reduced Wall Space

With cabinets occupying the entire vertical space, you lose the ability to hang decorative items on the wall above. Space for art, wallpaper, mirrors, or displaying attractive dishware is impacted.

Darkened Room

Eliminating the gap between cabinets and ceiling removes the opportunity for natural light entering a window to reach deep into the room. Ceiling height cabinets can make some kitchens feel darker or more closed off.

Limited Flexibility

In the future, changing or upgrading your kitchen cabinets becomes more complicated with this approach. You lose the ability to slightly shift cabinet positions or install new lighting in the space above.

Higher Costs

Custom-sized cabinets reaching the ceiling typically have a higher price tag than standard sized and installed options. The taller cabinet boxes, extra materials, and custom installation amount to bigger budget.

Key Factors To Consider

When evaluating whether or not to install ceiling height kitchen cabinets, keep the following considerations in mind:

Kitchen Size & Layout

Smaller kitchens have the most to gain from maximizing cabinet height for storage. Larger gourmet kitchens may benefit more from keeping walls partially open. Analyze your specific space.

Cabinet Storage Needs

If you need abundant cabinet space for pots, pans, appliances, pantry items, and more, then floor-to-ceiling may be ideal. Maximize storage solutions.

Lighting & Windows

Will eliminating the gap above cabinets make your kitchen darker? Factor in lighting plans and window placement in your layout.

Ceiling Features

Decide if you need to highlight or hide any design elements or flaws on your existing ceiling such as beams, lighting, or pipes.

Overall Style

Contemporary styles lean towards continuous floor-to-ceiling cabinets, while more traditional or cottage looks often keep walls partially open.

Budget

Custom cabinetry costs more. Make sure the investment pays off in form and function based on your goals.

Future Flexibility

Consider whether you may want access to hang items or change things later on. Lost versatility may be a tradeoff.

Taking the time to carefully weigh your kitchen, lifestyle, and design priorities will lead to the best cabinet height decision. There are good reasons for either option.

Standard Cabinet Heights

Before deciding on ceiling height cabinets, it helps to understand standard kitchen cabinet heights and configurations:

Base Cabinets

The standard height for base cabinets that sit on the floor is 34 1⁄2 inches. This leaves ample room for countertop work. Some designs incorporate a taller 36-inch base cabinet to allow for larger appliances.

Wall Cabinets

The typical height for wall cabinets mounted above countertops is 18 inches. This leaves an approximate 15-18 inch gap between the cabinet tops and ceiling. The actual gap depends on the ceiling height of the kitchen.

Tall or Pantry Cabinets

For additional storage, many kitchens incorporate several taller “pantry” style cabinets interspersed between the standard wall cabinets. These may reach 24, 30, or 36 inches above the countertops.

Range Hood Height

Standard range hoods have a recommended mounting height of 30-36 inches above the cooking surface. This must be factored in when designing cabinet configurations over the stove.

Refrigerator Cabinet Height

Special consideration must be given to the height of the cabinets flanking the refrigerator. Standard refrigerator height is around 68-70 inches. The cabinets should align cleanly with the top of the appliance.

Design Ideas and Inspiration

If you decide to go for ceiling height kitchen cabinets, there are many great design ideas and examples to inspire your remodel.

Mix of Standard and Tall Cabinets

Having some ceiling-height cabinets interspersed with standard 18 inch wall cabinets allows you to maximize storage while retaining some open space. It is a good compromise. Place the tallest cabinets in corners or near appliances.

Open Shelving Up Top

Consider glass-fronted cabinets up top to avoid totally closing in the space. This maintains a lighter, airier feel. Open shelving makes items visible but secure behind glass doors.

Vary Heights

Get creative with cabinet heights throughout the kitchen. You can have a few ceilings height pantry cabinets, some open shelving units, standard 18” cabinets, and taller specialty pull-out cabinetry in key prep zones. Offering customized access and storage.

Glass Doors

Glass-front cabinet doors on upper cabinets maintain the streamlined built-in look while allowing light to filter through. Frosted or patterned glass softens the hard lines.

Crown Molding

Add classic crown molding trim work at the top edges of the cabinetry where they meet the ceiling. This transition element dresses up the design while seamlessly blending cabinets into the space.

Under Cabinet Lighting

Strategically placed lighting underneath the upper cabinets casts down light, reducing shadows and making the most of the covered space. Illumination keeps the room bright and open feeling.

White and Bright

White or light-colored cabinetry paired with light countertops and backsplash tile helps reflect light. The bright, airy color scheme compensates for the enclosed space.

Ceiling Height Cabinet Installation Tips

Proper installation is critical if your cabinets will reach all the way to the ceiling. Here are some top tips for flawless floor-to-ceiling cabinet execution:

• Carefully measure ceiling height and order cabinet boxes to exact size.
• Verify window, pipe, and wire locations will not conflict.
• Remove existing soffits, vents, or lighting fixtures in the way.
• Install filler strips and panels for a snug fit.
• Seal and finish edges where cabinets meet ceiling.
• Check for plumb during installation to avoid issues.
• Confirm cabinet doors and drawers have clearance to open fully.
• Use durable screws long enough to anchor to ceiling.
• Clean and prep ceiling area above cabinets before installation.
• Finish paint or trim for a seamless transition.

Invest time in precise measurements and proper installation techniques for the best end results. Professional installation help is advisable for optimizing the finished look.

Ceiling Height Cabinets FAQs

Many homeowners have additional questions about extending their kitchen cabinets fully to the ceiling. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

Are ceiling height kitchen cabinets more expensive?

Yes, floor-to-ceiling cabinets tend to cost more than standard wall cabinets. The cabinet boxes must be custom sized to your exact ceiling height and may require additional trim elements. Special installation work is also required.

Do ceiling cabinets make a room look bigger?

No. In fact, most interior designers say eliminating the gap between your wall cabinets and ceiling often makes a kitchen look more closed in and cramped. However, it does streamline the aesthetic.

How high should upper cabinets be?

The standard height for wall cabinets above kitchen counters is 18 inches. This leaves 15-18 inches of space between the cabinet top and ceiling. Standard ceiling height is 8 feet.

Can crown molding be installed on ceiling height cabinets?

Yes, you can absolutely install crown molding along the top where wall cabinets meet the ceiling. The trim piece smoothly transitions the two planes for a built-in look.

Should cabinets go to ceiling in small kitchen?

It depends. Small kitchens can benefit from the storage space of floor-to-ceiling cabinets. But the trade off is a more enclosed feel. Carefully evaluate your needs and style priorities before deciding.

What is the standard cabinet height from floor?

The typical height for base kitchen cabinets sitting on the floor is 34 1⁄2 inches. This ergonomic height leaves ample room for countertop meal prep and cooking tasks.

Conclusion

Determining if your kitchen cabinets should reach all the way up to the ceiling is an important design decision impacting aesthetics, storage, and function. There are compelling benefits to both installing full ceiling height cabinets or retaining a gap.

Evaluate your kitchen layout, storage needs, design style, lighting, and ceiling configuration. This will point you towards the right cabinet height to match your lifestyle and goals. Maximize both form and function.

With accurate measurements, precise installation, and some creative design tricks, floor-to-ceiling cabinets can help create a stunning, customized kitchen space. Or more standard heights can ensure an open, versatile room. Prioritize what matters most for your home.

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Conclusion

In summary, determining if kitchen cabinets should extend all the way up to the ceiling is a decision with many factors to weigh. There are reasonable arguments on both sides based on your kitchen’s dimensions, needs, and aesthetic vision.

Carefully assess the pros and cons of maximizing vertical storage space versus retaining visual gap. Measure precisely and install properly for best end results. Combine standard and custom ceiling heights creatively.

With smart design considering your goals, lifestyle, and budget, you can create a gorgeous, highly functional dream kitchen tailored to your space. Let common height practices and design inspiration guide you, but make choices based on your specific home.