That grand, open feeling of a kitchen with tall ceilings is amazing. But when it’s time for a renovation, that same height can make you pause. How are you supposed to use all that vertical real estate? Should your kitchen cabinetry stretch all the way up? How would you even reach anything up there?
Unless you and your whole family are pushing seven feet tall, it can be tough to figure out the right move for your kitchen. That wall space towering above the countertop feels full of potential and pitfalls. Let’s walk through how to make it all work for you.
What to Do With That Extra Vertical Space?
You have a few good options when planning for a tall ceiling with kitchen cabinets. You don’t have to fill the entire wall, but you also don’t want it to look unfinished.
Your first choice is to go with standard-height cabinets. This leaves an open space above them, often called a soffit area. You can leave this space open, paint it a fun accent color, or use it to display decor.
Your other main option is to take the cabinets higher. This can be done with taller cabinets or by “stacking” a second, smaller set of cabinets on top of your main ones. This creates a built-in, floor-to-ceiling look that really makes a statement.
How High Should Your Kitchen Cabinets Go?
There isn’t one correct answer here; it’s about what works for your life and your style. A popular choice is to stop the kitchen cabinetry about 12 to 18 inches below the ceiling. This gives the room a little breathing space and prevents a top-heavy feeling.
If you decide to go all the way up, it creates a very grand, continuous look. This is a great choice if you love a clean, architectural style. Just remember that anything stored in those top-most cabinets will likely need a step stool to access. They become great spots for things you only use once or twice a year.
The Good and Not-So-Good of Cabinets to the Ceiling
Taking your cabinets all the way up has its definite pluses and some things you’ll want to think about before committing.
The Upside: Why You Might Love Them
That extra storage is the big win here. You finally have a home for the holiday platters, the big stand mixer, or other gadgets that usually hog precious space elsewhere. A tall ceiling with kitchen cabinets stretching all the way up gives a very custom, high-end feel to your kitchen renovation. Plus, you’ll never have to dust the tops of your cabinets again.
The Downside: Plenty of Things to Consider
The highest cabinets are, by nature, hard to get to. They will be for long-term storage, not your daily coffee mugs. This design can also be a bigger investment. That upper zone can also trap dust and stagnant air if not properly sealed, which is not ideal for air quality and could become a place for dust or even mold to collect if there is hidden moisture.
Creative Ideas for Your Tall Kitchen
Thinking outside the box can give you a kitchen that’s both beautiful and functional. If you choose stacked cabinets, think about using glass doors on the top set. You can install some simple lighting inside to display nice glassware or dishes, creating a beautiful focal point. Another idea is to mix it up. Maybe you take the cabinets to the ceiling around the fridge for a built-in look, but leave space above the cabinets over your new countertop for a more open feeling. Playing with height and depth can add a lot of personality to the room.
Closing the Gap Above Standard Cabinets
What if you have existing cabinets and just want to deal with that empty space? You don’t have to start a full renovation. One option is to add a decorative crown molding that builds up toward the ceiling. This simple touch adds a finished look.
You can also have a simple bulkhead or soffit built to close the gap. This can be painted to match the walls or the cabinets, making the kitchen cabinetry feel more integrated with the room’s architecture. It’s a clean look that solves the “what-do-I-do-with-that-space” problem.
Let’s Find the Perfect Height for Your Kitchen
Your home’s high ceilings are a feature, not a problem. Capital Kitchen Refacing provides amazing kitchen cabinet refacing work in Montgomery County, PA, and Northeast Philadelphia, tailored to fit any layout. We can help you explore beautiful new custom wood cabinets, add to what you already have, or find a fresh finish for your entire kitchen.
Call us today. We’ll come have a look at your kitchen, listen to what you need, and find the right solution to make your space feel just right.