When renovating or designing a kitchen, one important consideration is whether or not to extend the kitchen cabinets to the ceiling. This decision can have a significant impact on the overall look and functionality of the space. Extending the cabinets to the ceiling can add extra storage, create a more cohesive and streamlined look, and even make a small kitchen feel larger.
However, it can also be more expensive than shorter cabinets, difficult to reach items stored in upper cabinets, and make a large kitchen feel cramped. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of extending kitchen cabinets to the ceiling, and help you decide if it’s the right choice for your space.
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Pros of extending kitchen cabinets to the ceiling
One of the main benefits of extending kitchen cabinets to the ceiling is the added storage space. Upper cabinets can be used to store items that are not used frequently, such as seasonal dishes or small appliances. This can free up space in lower cabinets for items that are used more often.
Another benefit of extending kitchen cabinets to the ceiling is that it can create a more cohesive and streamlined look in the kitchen. Without upper cabinets, there can be a gap between the countertop and the ceiling, which can make the kitchen feel disjointed. Extending the cabinets up to the ceiling can eliminate this gap and create a more polished and cohesive design.
Finally, extending kitchen cabinets to the ceiling can also help make a small kitchen feel larger. By utilizing all of the available vertical space, the kitchen can appear taller and more spacious. This can be especially beneficial in smaller kitchens where every inch counts.
Cons of extending kitchen cabinets to the ceiling
- Can be more expensive than shorter cabinets as additional material and labor cost is incurred in extending the cabinetry to the ceiling
- Can be difficult to reach items stored in upper cabinets, especially for people with limited mobility or for elderly. This can also result in wasted space and items getting forgotten about or going unused.
- Can make a large kitchen feel cramped, especially if the cabinetry extends all the way to the ceiling with no space for open shelving or other design elements. It can also make the kitchen look cluttered and over-stuffed.
Factors to consider when deciding whether to extend kitchen cabinets to the ceiling
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The size of your kitchen and the amount of storage you need: If you have a small kitchen, extending your cabinets to the ceiling can help make the most of your space by providing extra storage. However, if you have a larger kitchen, it may not be necessary and could make the space feel cramped.
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Your budget: Extending kitchen cabinets to the ceiling can be more expensive than shorter cabinets, so it’s important to consider your budget when making this decision. If you’re working with a limited budget, it may be more cost-effective to opt for shorter cabinets.
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Your personal style and design preferences: Your personal style and design preferences should also be taken into account when deciding whether to extend your kitchen cabinets to the ceiling. If you prefer a more cohesive and streamlined look, extending your cabinets may be a good option. However, if you prefer a more traditional or rustic look, shorter cabinets may be a better fit for your style.
It is also important to consider the height of the users of the kitchen and the accessibility of the upper cabinets, especially for the elderly or disabled users.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether to extend kitchen cabinets to the ceiling is a decision that requires careful consideration of various factors, including the size of your kitchen, the amount of storage you need, your budget, and your personal style and design preferences. On one hand, extending kitchen cabinets to the ceiling can provide extra storage space, create a more cohesive and streamlined look, and make a small kitchen feel larger.
On the other hand, it can be more expensive than shorter cabinets, difficult to reach items stored in upper cabinets, and make a large kitchen feel cramped. Ultimately, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons and make a decision that best suits your needs and preferences.
Why Don’t Kitchen Cabinets Go All the Way to the Ceiling?
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Functionality: Some homeowners prefer to have open space above their cabinets for ease of access to items stored in upper cabinets. This can be especially useful for shorter individuals or for those who prefer to use step stools to reach items stored higher up.
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Design: Some homeowners and designers prefer to leave a space between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling to create a sense of height and visual interest in the kitchen. This can also help to make a small kitchen feel larger.
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Cost: Extending kitchen cabinets to the ceiling can be more expensive than shorter cabinets, as it requires more materials and labor to install. For this reason, some homeowners may choose to leave a space between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling to keep costs down.
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Maintenance: The higher up the cabinets, the harder it is to reach and clean the space, this can be a reason for not extending the cabinets to the ceiling.
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Ventilation: Cabinets that reach all the way to the ceiling can block ventilation in the kitchen, so it may be necessary to leave a gap between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling to ensure proper airflow.
Ultimately, whether or not to extend kitchen cabinets to the ceiling is a decision that depends on a variety of factors, including functionality, design, cost, maintenance, and ventilation considerations.
How Far down Should Cabinets Be from the Ceiling?
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18 inches: One commonly recommended distance is 18 inches from the ceiling to the top of the cabinets. This allows for adequate clearance for most people to comfortably access items stored in the upper cabinets, while also providing some visual space between the cabinets and the ceiling.
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12 inches: Some designers recommend leaving a 12-inch gap between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling. This creates a more modern and minimalistic look, but may make it more difficult for shorter individuals to reach items stored in the upper cabinets.
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Proportion: The distance should be proportionate to the space. If the kitchen has high ceilings, leaving more space between the cabinets and the ceiling can help make the kitchen feel larger. If the kitchen has lower ceilings, it may be better to have the cabinets extend closer to the ceiling to maximize storage space.
Ultimately, it’s important to take into account the design and functionality of the kitchen as well as your personal preferences when deciding how far down the cabinets should be from the ceiling.
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