Integrated cabinets are a very sought-after feature in kitchen remodeling. However, the pulled-together look of integration doesn’t determine the height of your new cabinets.

“Should cabinets go up to the ceiling?” is an entirely different question without one right answer. Keep reading as we weigh what factors go into deciding on kitchen cabinet height. 

Should kitchen cabinets go up to the ceiling? Benefits and considerations

Extra usable space and heightened aesthetics. How much will that cost? These are the most common considerations related to cabinets that touch the ceiling.  

Storage and maintenance. 

A key reason people prefer ceiling-height cabinets is that it eliminates an often dusty space. When you bridge this gap, there is no hard-to-reach cleaning to be done. 

The highest reaches aren’t typically used for storage of daily-use items. Heirloom dishes, seasonal kitchenware, and other pieces you’d like kept safely are ideal for higher cabinets.

Design preferences and aesthetics. 

Going higher gives you more room to make cabinetry a visually captivating feature. One popular choice we see at The Designery involves closing the top gap with a shorter stack of glass-front cabinets. 

You can display and store those lesser-used items while protecting them from dust. Interior joinery lighting can elevate it even further. 

The cost of ceiling height cabinets vs. standard cabinets.

Extending kitchen cabinets to the ceiling can cost more than regular units. The increase varies depending on the amount of space you’re covering and the materials.

Bear in mind that alternatives to higher cabinets can cost extra as well. The only no-extra-cost option is leaving the gap.

Alternatives to ceiling-height cabinets

What if you don’t choose ceiling-height cabinets? Here are your main alternatives to taking it to the (upper) limit. 

  • Soffits or bulkheads. Soffits are box-like structures that protrude from the wall to fill out the gap between cabinets and ceilings. When they also conceal utilities like ductwork, they’re called bulkheads.

  • Open shelving. If you’re accustomed to the top of cabinets being populated by favored objects, using it as an open shelf is still an option. Get guidance for styling open shelves for a fresher look after your remodel.

  • Crown molding. Narrower gaps become features, not blank spaces, when we add more custom detail. Crown molding is interesting, intentional, and timeless. It may also work better with the lighting.

 

Kitchen cabinet height: 8 ft. vs. 9 ft. vs. 10 ft. 

A foot or two makes a massive difference. Here are some options for ceilings of various heights. 

Eight-foot ceilings offer flexibility. Standard-sized cabinets may only need a very narrow soffit or strip of molding for an upgraded look. Choose cabinets up to 36” if you want the narrowest gap to cover. 

Nine-foot ceilings can accommodate a taller cabinet with a shorter unit stacked on top or two equally-sized cabinets stacked. This is a great opportunity for upper glass display windows. The best option for both designer looks and extra storage.

Ten-foot ceilings may not be ideal for ceiling-height cabinets. Unless you don’t mind keeping a ladder handy, that is. Stack your upper cabinets as desired and choose stylish lighting or a soffit to round out the remainder. 

Get a visual preview of your new kitchen cabinets from a professional designer.

People make a lot of assumptions about how cabinet height will impact their design. At The Designery, we’ve seen enough spaces to know they all require unique, specialized consideration. 

Small kitchens can look great with ceiling-height cabinets. Some more luxurious kitchens actually benefit from a gap with visible molding. It’s all about exploring different styles and custom details until your “a-ha!” moment arrives. 

There’s no better spot to figure it out than The Designery. We offer a broad range of cabinet styles and colors, with the finishing touches to get the precise look you want. All curated for you by a professional designer. 

“They offer a great selection of options, and their communication throughout the process was excellent. What really stands out is how much they genuinely care about their customers and the overall experience.”

Gaby, The Designery client

Speak to a designer for free and start your kitchen remodel with confidence.