Are you going through a kitchen renovation or remodel? If you’re on the fence about installing your kitchen cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling, this post is for you. I’ve recently gone through a 10×10 kitchen remodel and opted to install my cabinets to the ceiling for many reasons. If you’re in the same boat, keep reading to learn more to make an informed decision.
The Industry standard ceiling heights are 8 feet, but some go up to 10 and 12 feet. If you have a ceiling between 8 and 9 feet, you may want to install your kitchen cabinets all the way to the top. This will give you more storage space and make your kitchen look bigger.
However, if you have really high ceilings higher than 9 feet, you may not want to install your cabinets all the way to the ceiling. This is because it will be challenging to reach them unless you don’t mind using a sizable ladder. Keep reading to learn why it makes sense to install wall kitchen cabinets to the ceiling if you’re ceiling is between 8 and 9 feet.
Should you install cabinets to the ceiling
There are kitchen cabinets designed to be installed all the way to the ceiling. These kitchen cabinets are often called high kitchen cabinets. They come in various sizes and styles, so you can find the perfect one for your kitchen design.
One of the benefits of installing high kitchen cabinets is they can free up some space in your lower cabinets. Another benefit is that they can make your kitchen look taller and more spacious.
Considerations when installing high cabinets in your kitchen at ceiling height
If you’re thinking about installing high-wall cabinets in your kitchen, here are some things to keep in mind:
Make sure you have enough headroom to accommodate them.
Most high wall kitchen cabinets have a standard height between 16 and 18 inches, but you may be able to find ones that are taller or shorter.
Make sure you have enough space to open the cabinet doors.
Consider how much storage space you’ll need.
Taller wall kitchen cabinets typically provide extra storage space than regular kitchen cabinets.
Make sure the style of the cabinet matches the style of your kitchen.
For crown molding, leave a small gap between the cabinets and ceiling
If you plan to install crown molding, make sure to leave a little space between the cabinets and the ceiling and not let them reach the ceiling
When installing kitchen cabinets, it’s important to lay out your wall cabinets for optimal storage.
Place kitchen cabinets above appliances to make use of the space.
For example, place a cabinet above the refrigerator to store food or beverages. Place kitchen cabinets next to one another to create more storage space.
The standard distance between kitchen countertops and wall cabinets is 24 inches. The normal distance between kitchen countertops and wall cabinets is vital because it provides a suitable space for you to work in the kitchen. If the distance is too small, you may not have enough room to work. If the distance is too large, you may not be able to reach the cabinets easily.
Note: It is best kitchen practice that you leave between 24″ and 30″ of space between the top of your stove and the wall cabinet above.
Here are some pros and cons of installing kitchen cabinets to the ceiling:
More storage space
If you’re short on storage space in your kitchen, installing upper cabinets all the way to the ceiling can be a great solution. You’ll have more room to store dishes, glasses, and less frequent kitchen items. And if you extend your cabinets to the ceiling, you’ll have even more space to use. This is an excellent option if you have a small kitchen.
So if you’re looking for more storage space in your kitchen, installing upper cabinets all the way to the ceiling may be the answer.
Items stored on the upper shelf stay clean longer.
Items stored in upper cabinets are out of reach, making them less likely to be used and keeping them cleaner.
Upper cabinets can store things like holiday decorations or extra linens.
Can make a kitchen feel spacious and more open.
CONS:
High upper cabinets can be challenging to reach for shorter people or those with mobility issues.
The only downside is that reaching things at the back of upper cabinets can be difficult. Especially if you have a lot of tall items stored in them. But there are ways to make this easier. One way is to install shelves or baskets inside the cabinet to help you grab what you need. Or you can use a step stool or ladder to reach the items at the back of the cabinet.
Note:
If upper cabinets are not installed properly, they can start to sag over time.
So, what’s the verdict
So should you install cabinets to ceiling? I think it really depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you have a lot of things to store and don’t mind using a step stool or ladder to reach them, then installing cabinets to the ceiling are a great option. However, if you don’t have a lot of things to store or don’t want to climb up to get them, then installing them close to the ceiling might not be suitable for you.
Installing upper cabinets is a personal decision that ultimately comes down to storage needs and preferences.
If you decide to install wall cabinets to the ceiling, there are a few things to remember. First, ensure they are correctly installed so they don’t sag over time. Second, be prepared to dust and clean them regularly. And lastly, if you have taller items that you need to store in upper cabinets, consider using a pulley system to lower them down when you need to.
We installed high cabinets because we built a small kitchen and wanted to maximize the space. We’re not tall people, but the height has posed no problem for us as we use a step tool when we need the things stored on the upper shelf. Our ceiling height is 8 feet.
On top of this, the crown molding flows well in the ceiling with the cabinets at ceiling height. Everything looks well put together and has this “Built-in look.”
Can you extend existing standard kitchen cabinets to the ceiling?
Kitchen cabinets can be extended to the ceiling or just up to a certain height. Extending them to the ceiling will give you more extra space. The average size of a standard kitchen wall cabinet is around 12 inches tall.
Some Ideas to extend your existing kitchen cabinet to the ceiling
Cabinets extended to the ceiling with smaller cabinets on top of existing cabinets.
Cabinets extended close to the ceiling using crown molding for an open shelf look (top of existing cabinets as self)
Create a DIY recessed ceiling for your current cabinets
Thank you for reading to the end!
