The main reason kitchen cabinets do not go to the ceiling is because it can be difficult to access the top shelves. Despite extending them to the ceiling, there would still be a great amount of wasted space if the upper area of the cabinets wasn’t used.
Thus, it can make more sense to maintain a distance of about 18 inches from the ceiling, so that the top shelves are both accessible and usable. Another factor to consider is the height of the people in the home, as cabinets that extend all the way to the ceiling may be too tall for some people to reach comfortably.
Not going to the ceiling also helps take away from the feeling of crampedness. Another reason is if ceilings are not perfectly level, the cabinets may not be either. This can cause them to look messy and unappealing, making it better to leave several inches between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling.
It’s also common to add a crown molding to the gap, in order to make the cabinets look more polished. Finally, although it can be a bit more expensive, leaving the gap between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling allows for the addition of accent lighting, which can be a nice design touch and can help in finding items on the upper shelves of cabinets.
Are cabinets that go to the ceiling more expensive?
Overall, cabinets that go to the ceiling tend to be more expensive due to the additional components that are necessary to complete the project. For example, most cabinets that go to the ceiling have crown molding on the top of the cabinet to finish the look and hide any gaps between the wall and the cabinet.
This additional trim is often more expensive than the base cabinets alone. Additionally, many ceiling cabinets are built from custom measurements, which also drives up the cost. Finally, any additional hardware like knobs and handles can also increase the cost of cabinets that go to the ceiling.
For these reasons, it’s not uncommon for ceiling cabinets to cost up to 20 percent more than standard base cabinets.
Are ceiling height cabinets good?
Ceiling height cabinets can be a great addition to any kitchen, as they offer a wealth of storage space for a variety of different items. These cabinets typically stretch from the floor to the ceiling, freeing up space you previously utilized for more utilitarian cabinets.
Although, they may not be the most efficient form of storage in terms of ease-of-access, they add dimension to your kitchen, providing visual interest and more storage than lower cabinets alone.
More specifically, ceiling height cabinets are great for storing items that are often large, unwieldy and not used often, such as seasonal dishes or extra cooking and baking accessories. They also provide an ideal location for storing items that you don’t want taking up countertop space, such as small appliances, cookware and dinnerware.
That said, ceiling height cabinets may not be ideal in all scenarios. Those who are taller may find it difficult to reach items stored in the upper sections of the cabinet and they can interrupt the harmony of a kitchen since they break up the natural flow of the walls.
However, if they’re placed strategically, they will almost always add value to a kitchen and make better use of the overall space.
How far should cabinets be from the ceiling?
Cabinets should be installed approximately 18 inches from the ceiling in order to provide ample space for top cabinets and to allow a person of average height easy access. However, this installation height may vary based on the size of the person utilizing the cabinets, the height of the ceilings, the types of cabinets being installed and the types of materials being stored in the cabinets.
As a general guideline, a minimum of 12″ should be left from the top of the cabinets to the ceiling, while a maximum of 24″ is often preferred in order to provide full access.
Are staggered kitchen cabinets out of style?
Staggered kitchen cabinets are not out of style and can in fact be an effective way to create visual interest in a kitchen. Staggered cabinets create an uneven, less uniform look than traditional cabinets, and can add a touch of modern, contemporary style to a kitchen.
They can also help to create the illusion of larger space, as the altered visual effect of having upper and lower cabinets of different heights can draw the eye up, making the room look taller or wider.
Additionally, staggered cabinets often incorporate open shelving or glass doors, making it easier to show off colorful dishware, cookbooks, and plants, and creating a unique, eye-catching look. While staggered cabinets may not fit into the vision of every kitchen, they can be a great, stylish addition for many.
Are stacked cabinets worth it?
Stacked cabinets can be a great choice for many homeowners, as they add additional storage space, help maintain a clean, uncluttered look, and can even add visual interest to a kitchen or bathroom. On the one hand, they are more expensive than single units since they require extra cabinets to take up the same amount of space.
However, they also provide more storage capacity and can be used to create a layered look that adds a touch of style to a room. Furthermore, stacked cabinets are an accessible and simple way of bringing unique design elements into a kitchen or bathroom.
When it comes to functionality, stacked cabinets can also come in handy. Many homeowners opt for cabinets above the counters to store light items, such as spices or cookbooks. And for more bulky items, such as dinnerware, stacked cabinets underneath the counter provide much-needed storage.
All in all, stacked cabinets can be a good investment. They are more expensive than single units, but offer more storage capacity, as well as a stylish way to maintain clean, organized counters and cabinets.
What height should kitchen cabinets be?
The standard height for kitchen cabinets is usually 18 to 42 inches above the countertops. However, this height can vary depending on the size and shape of the kitchen, the amount of uses for the cabinets and the preferences of the user.
In general, upper cabinets should be installed 18 to 20 inches above the countertops for easy access. Base cabinets should be about 34-36 inches above the ground to allow for easy cleaning underneath, and for adequate leg room when seated at the counter.
For an average-height kitchen, cabinet heights should generally be 15 to 20 inches higher than the countertops. This will provide enough clearance to store items and make the kitchen easier to work in.
Additionally, the height of the cabinets can be adjusted depending on the user’s individual needs. For example, people with disabilities or reduced mobility may need the cabinets to be lower to accommodate their needs.
How do you fill the gap between top of cabinet and ceiling?
Filling in the gap between the top of a cabinet and the ceiling is an important step to ensure that the room looks neat and complete. The best way to fill in the gap will depend on the type of cabinets you have and the size of the gap.
If the gap is small, you can use caulk or spackle to fill it in and then sand it down for a clean look. If the gap is larger, you may want to install a piece of trim that matches the cabinets. You can then paint or stain the trim to match the cabinets.
Similarly, if the cabinets are a bit lower than the ceiling, you can use thicker moulding or trim to bridge the gap. For a shorter gap, you can use a light weight trim, or in cases where the gap is thinner, you can use a thinner shim or even craft paper to fill it in.
In any case, you can use screws or nails to secure the trim in place. Once it’s in place, you can caulk or spackle the gaps and paint it the same color as your cabinets.
Should cabinet crown molding touch the ceiling?
The decision on whether cabinet crown molding should touch the ceiling is ultimately a personal preference. If you have ceilings that are 14 feet tall or higher, cabinet crown molding can be a great design element, as tall ceilings may look empty and unfinished without the molding.
When the ceiling is tall and you want the crown molding to touch the ceiling, you will need to butt the molding against the ceiling, or “feather” it as a carpenter would say. This means cutting the crown molding at an angle so the side of the crown faces the wall and the top of the crown follows the ceiling line.
In some cases, small gaps in the molding can be acceptable.
If you choose to go with a shorter ceiling, it’s probably best to either leave your molding completely off or install the molding in a way that doesn’t touch the ceiling. This can be tricky because you’ll need to find a way to attach the crown to the top of the cabinets’ frames without allowing the protruding crown to hang down and touch the ceiling.
This can take some measuring and cutting, but if done properly, it can still be a stunning design element. It’s also possible to unscrew the top of the cabinet and tuck the crown molding into the joint between the top of the cabinet and the ceiling.
In either case, the look of the piece will be much easier to judge once it’s installed, so take some time to experiment with different placement methods or consider hiring a professional to install the cabinet crown molding.
What are kitchen soffits?
Kitchen soffits are sections of cabinets or cabinetry that extend up to the ceiling above the countertops in a kitchen. Soffits are typically used to bridge the gap between the cabinetry and the ceiling, while also providing additional cabinets or storage space.
Kitchen soffits can be constructed from either wood or metal and can be customized to match existing cabinetry and kitchen decor. The advantage of using kitchen soffits is that they are aesthetically pleasing, can add a visual height to a room, and offer additional storage space without taking up valuable floor space.
Kitchen soffits can also provide architectural interest in the form of crown molding, decorative trim, or glass inserts. Furthermore, these kitchen soffits can be used to hide unsightly pipes, electrical wiring, and other kitchen utilities.
What can I do instead of soffits?
One option for replacing traditional soffit material is to use a more modern material like vinyl, which comes in a variety of colors and sizes to create a more contemporary look. Another option is to use a more natural material like wood planks or shingles to create an organic, rustic feel.
Additionally, decorative metal panels can also be used to create a more modern or industrial look. If you want to hide the underside of the eaves without actually having soffits, you can also install gutters, awnings, or a combination of both.
By creating an attractive awning or gutter system, you can still provide the necessary protection while creating a visually pleasing look that hides the soffit area. Another option is to provide thermal or acoustic insulation to the interior side of the eaves so that the soffit doesn’t need to be exposed.
Ultimately, there are many creative options for replacing traditional soffit material so that you can achieve a unique look.
What is a kitchen bulkhead?
A kitchen bulkhead is a term used to describe an architectural element often found in kitchens. It is typically a partition that runs between the top of a kitchen’s cabinetry and the ceiling that creates a finished look while also hiding any plumbing, wiring, or other exposed mechanical elements.
Bulkheads can also be used to conceal recessed lights, creating a modern and seamless look in the kitchen. Depending on the style of the kitchen, bulkheads can be made with a variety of materials and finishes, such as wood, tile, or metal.
They may also be decorated with trim and moulding. Bulkheads are a useful way to add an extra design element to a kitchen, while also making it more efficient and organized.
How high do you hang IKEA cabinets?
IKEA cabinets should generally be hung so the bottom of the cabinet is 12-16 inches above the counter or the floor, whichever is higher. This height helps to ensure a comfortable working space and make sure that the cabinet is accessible to everyone.
If the cabinets are being installed over a sink, the bottom of the cabinet should be 16-20 inches above the countertop. The cabinet should also be level and plumb, as any slight deviations can hinder the installation of hinges and drawer slides, as well as impair the function of the doors and drawers.
Additionally, when hanging multiple cabinets, always make sure to make the top of each cabinet level with one another and that the space between each cabinet is consistent.
Why is there a gap at the top of kitchen cabinets?
Some people may wonder why there’s a gap at the top of kitchen cabinets. The answer lies in the extra space created by the top of the cabinets and the ceiling. This gap is called a soffit, and its purpose is to give the kitchen a more finished look while also allowing airflow.
It can also provide an area to conceal wiring, plumbing, and other utilities that would otherwise be visible. The gap also creates extra storage space, allowing homeowners to take advantage of vertical space that might otherwise be inaccessible.
In some cases, homeowners may even use the soffit to display decorative items or home accents.