With modern aesthetics shifting towards higher cabinets closer to the ceiling, it’s not surprising that today’s homeowners commonly ask, “Should kitchen cabinets go to the ceiling?” Traditionally, most kitchen cabinets would sit about a foot or half a foot away from the ceiling. This design choice was made for both functional and aesthetic reasons, but today’s trends are shifting toward ceiling-height kitchen cabinets.
Most kitchen cabinets don’t touch the ceiling as most folks want to access top-shelf items in the cabinet safely. Also, many kitchens have high ceilings and standard cabinet sizes. The standardized height for upper kitchen cabinets is about 30 inches, leaving about a one-foot gap between their tops and the ceiling.
Let’s dive into the reasons behind why most kitchen cabinets don’t touch the ceiling. We’ll also go over the case for ceiling-height kitchen cabinets, weighing their advantages and disadvantages.
Common Reasons Why Kitchen Cabinets Don’t Touch the Ceiling
Sometimes, we do things the way we do them because that’s how we found them working. That’s the case with kitchen cabinets and their distance from the ceiling. Traditionally speaking, kitchen cabinets don’t go to the ceiling for the following reasons:
1. Ceiling Height
As mentioned earlier, standard kitchen cabinets are about 30 inches tall and may stack up on each other. Most homeowners have high ceilings, so standardized cabinets leave a noticeably empty space between the cabinet top and the ceiling.
That space above the cabinet creates a visual break and gives the kitchen a more open and spacious feeling. It also serves many purposes that we’ll cover soon.
It wouldn’t make sense to have a ceiling-height cabinet for a kitchen with a 10-foot ceiling. In Kentucky, the average man is 5’10.75″ or more, and the average woman is 5’4.17″ – 5’4.57″. Reaching the top shelves of a ceiling-height cabinet would be difficult, even for someone of average height.
Were you to go for a ceiling-height cabinet in a high-ceiling kitchen, it would create a dust trap that’s hard to clean because there would be a small amount of space between the cabinets and the ceiling for the dust to fall into.
2. Accessibility and Safety
It’s important for homeowners to easily reach items in their kitchen cabinets, regardless of their height. The average folk’s height plays a role in the standard height of kitchen cabinets.
If the cabinets were to touch the ceiling, most people would need a step stool or ladder to access top-shelf items. We all know the inconvenience and hazard of standing on a stool or ladder while trying to reach for something.
3. Mold and Mildew Prevention
Another reason why kitchen cabinets don’t touch the ceiling is to prevent mold and mildew growth. When hot air rises, it can get trapped between the cabinets and the ceiling, leading to moisture buildup.
As cabinets are enclosed and often poorly ventilated, the moisture buildup doesn’t escape. Ultimately, this can lead to mold and mildew growth, causing damage to your cabinets and posing health risks.
4. Cost-Effective Standardization
Typically, kitchen cabinets are designed to be at a standard height of 30 inches. Other standardized measurements that factor in this standard cabinet height are countertop height and appliance dimensions.
Sticking with a standard cabinet height will cost you less for a sustainable, scalable, and aesthetically pleasing kitchen design.
5. Ease of Maintenance
Keeping the area above your kitchen cabinets clean can be a hassle, especially if they touch the ceiling. Not only would you need a step stool or ladder to reach up there, but you must also regularly dust and clean the space.
It’s easier to maintain a dust-free and clean environment when you leave a few inches of space between the cabinets and ceiling.
6. Optional Use of Decorative Space
The space your cabinet tops leave by sitting considerably lower than the ceiling opens up the opportunity for decorative use. You can add plants, artwork, or other decor pieces to this space to add a touch of personality and design to your kitchen.
Additionally, if you ever decide to change your kitchen cabinets in the future, having some empty space above them allows for easy installation and removal, making the process less of a hassle.
7. Easy, Affordable Installation
Installing kitchen cabinets that touch the ceiling can be a challenging and costly task. It requires precise measurements, cutting, and fitting of the cabinets to fit flush against the ceiling.
In contrast, installing standard-height cabinets is easier, quicker, and more cost-effective. Also, having standard-sized cabinets will make it easier to find replacements that fit seamlessly if you ever need to replace or update your cabinets in the future.
The Case for Cabinets Touching the Ceiling
If traditional-style cabinets are so nice, then why are ceiling-height kitchen cabinets becoming increasingly popular? There are a few reasons for this trend:
1. Modern Aesthetics
One main reason for the rise in popularity of ceiling-height kitchen cabinets is their modern, sleek look. By eliminating the gap between the cabinets and ceiling, you create one seamless unit that can make your kitchen appear more streamlined.
The downside is that this look may not suit all kitchen styles. Standard-sized cabinets can add character and charm to a more traditional or classic-style kitchen.
2. Increased Storage Space
Having cabinets that go all the way up to the ceiling means more storage space. Remember, apartment culture is on the rise, and with it comes reduced ceiling height and kitchen sizes.
Moreover, modern architectural design favors open plan kitchens, which means there may not be enough wall space for traditional cabinets. In this case, floor-to-ceiling cabinets provide additional storage for those who love to cook and entertain frequently.
3. Customizable Options
Another advantage of ceiling-height kitchen cabinets is the ability to customize them. From different finishes, materials, designs, and hardware options, you can customize your personal look, meeting all your goals and practical requirements.
Additionally, extending your cabinets to the ceiling allows you to add:
- Open shelving.
- Glass doors.
- Accent lighting.
- Display high-end and exotic cutlery if you have glass doors.
- Storing tall or bulky kitchen items that may not fit in standard cabinets.
4. Concealing Ductwork
In older homes or apartments, ductwork may run along the ceiling, making traditional cabinets challenging to install. Opting for ceiling-height cabinets lets you easily conceal any exposed ductwork and create a clean and polished look in your kitchen.
5. Energy Efficiency
Another benefit of having ceiling-height cabinets is the potential for better energy efficiency. Traditional cabinets have a small gap between the cabinet top and the ceiling, allowing heat to escape and making it harder to keep your kitchen cool or warm as needed.
Eliminating this gap with floor-to-ceiling cabinets can improve your kitchen’s insulation and save energy costs.
Factors to Consider When Deciding on Cabinet Height
As with any design decision, there are some issues to weigh when deciding your kitchen cabinet height. Let’s discuss the most important ones:
1. Ceiling Height
The first and most obvious consideration is the actual height of your ceiling. But remember, when your kitchen cabinets go all the way up to the ceiling, there’s no storage space on top of the cabinet.
Sure, while you may have more storage in the cabinet, you are actually missing out on more storage space this way. Consider adding some decorative shelves or hooks to utilize the extra space created by high ceilings for storing items that are used less frequently.
2. Kitchen Size
How big or small is your kitchen? A smaller kitchen may benefit from having ceiling-to-ceiling cabinets, as they create a sense of continuity and make the space appear larger.
However, if you have a large kitchen, floor-to-ceiling cabinets may make the room feel too overwhelming and crowded.
3. Style
When deciding on cabinet height, assess your kitchen’s overall style. For example, floor-to-ceiling cabinets in a modern and minimalist kitchen can enhance the clean and sleek look.
In contrast, shorter cabinets with decorative molding on top may be a better fit for a traditional or farmhouse-style kitchen.
4. Storage Needs
Consider your storage needs when deciding on cabinet height. If you have a lot of kitchen items that need to be stored, taller cabinets may be the best option.
However, shorter cabinets with some exposed space on top may be more suitable if you have fewer items and prefer open shelves or decorative pieces.
So, Should Kitchen Cabinets Go to the Ceiling?
We’ve answered, “Why don’t kitchen cabinets go to the ceiling?” We’ve figured it’s mostly due to accessibility and folks getting used to it.
We’ve also investigated situations where kitchen cabinets should go to the ceiling. We’ve mentioned a few tips to help you decide the best cabinet height for your kitchen based on factors like ceiling height, kitchen size, style, and storage needs.
Ultimately, the decision to have cabinets that reach the ceiling or not is up to personal preference and practicality. If you’re looking for new kitchen cabinets, whether taller ones or regular-sized cabinets, check out our full designer cabinet range.