Kitchen Cabinets To The Ceiling Or Leave A Space: My Personal Experience

As someone who loves to cook and entertain, my kitchen is the heart of my home. When it comes to designing my dream kitchen, I spent countless hours researching and evaluating every aspect. I found myself struggling with the decision of whether to extend my kitchen cabinets all the way up to the ceiling or leave a space. In this article, I’ll share my personal experience and provide a guide to help you make your own decision.

The Dilemma: To The Ceiling or Leave a Space?

The decision to extend your kitchen cabinets to the ceiling or leave a space is a personal one and depends on various factors such as your kitchen layout, ceiling height, and storage needs. When I first started designing my kitchen, I was leaning towards leaving a space above my cabinets. I thought it would create an open and airy feel, and I could decorate the space with some plants or artwork.

However, as I continued to research, I realized that extending my cabinets to the ceiling would provide additional storage space, eliminate dust and grime buildup on top of the cabinets, and give my kitchen a more polished and cohesive look.

Step-by-Step Guide: Kitchen Cabinets To The Ceiling Or Leave A Space

If you’re struggling with the same decision, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed choice:

Consider your ceiling height: If you have a high ceiling, extending your cabinets to the ceiling will create a grander and more spacious appearance.
Evaluate your storage needs: If you need additional storage space, extending your cabinets to the ceiling is a great way to maximize your storage potential.
Think about the kitchen layout: If your kitchen layout has a lot of wall space, extending your cabinets to the ceiling will create a cohesive look and provide balance to the room.
Consider your cleaning preferences: If you don’t want to deal with dust and grime buildup on top of your cabinets, extending them to the ceiling will eliminate this issue.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas: Kitchen Cabinets To The Ceiling Or Leave A Space

Here are some top tips and ideas to help you with your decision:

Use the space above your cabinets to showcase artwork or decorative items if you decide to leave a space.
If you have a smaller kitchen, leaving a space above your cabinets can create the illusion of height and make the room appear larger.
Consider using glass-front cabinets to create an open and airy feel, even if you decide to extend them to the ceiling.
If you have a lot of kitchen gadgets and appliances, extending your cabinets to the ceiling will give you additional storage space.
Consider using lighting above your cabinets to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
If you have a high ceiling, use the space above your cabinets to store seasonal items such as holiday decorations.
Consider using crown molding to create a polished look if you decide to extend your cabinets to the ceiling.
If you have a range hood or vent, extending your cabinets to the ceiling will create a more cohesive look.
If you have a lot of cookbooks, extending your cabinets to the ceiling will give you additional space to store them.
Consider using a contrasting color or material for your cabinets above and below the space if you decide to leave a space.

Pros and Cons: Kitchen Cabinets To The Ceiling Or Leave A Space

Like any design decision, there are pros and cons to each option:

Pros of Extending Your Cabinets to the Ceiling:

Maximizes storage space
Eliminates dust and grime buildup on top of cabinets
Creates a more polished and cohesive look

Cons of Extending Your Cabinets to the Ceiling:

May make the room feel smaller or cramped
May require a stool or ladder to reach items stored on top of cabinets
May be more expensive due to additional cabinet materials and installation costs

Pros of Leaving a Space Above Your Cabinets:

Creates an open and airy feel
Provides an opportunity to showcase artwork or decorative items
May be less expensive due to the use of fewer cabinets and materials

Cons of Leaving a Space Above Your Cabinets:

May collect dust and grime over time
May create an unbalanced or disjointed look
Limits storage potential

My Personal Review and Suggestion: Kitchen Cabinets To The Ceiling Or Leave A Space

After considering all the factors, I decided to extend my cabinets to the ceiling. I have a high ceiling, and the additional storage space was a significant factor in my decision. I also love the polished and cohesive look it creates in my kitchen. However, I understand that everyone’s situation is different, and leaving a space above your cabinets can be the right choice for some.

Questions and Answers: Kitchen Cabinets To The Ceiling Or Leave A Space

Q: How much additional storage space will extending my cabinets to the ceiling provide?

A: The amount of additional storage space will depend on the height of your ceiling and the size of your cabinets. However, it can provide anywhere from 1-3 feet of additional storage space.

Q: Will extending my cabinets to the ceiling make my kitchen feel smaller?

A: It may make your kitchen feel smaller if you have a low ceiling or a lot of cabinets. However, if you have a high ceiling and a well-balanced layout, it can create a grander and more spacious appearance.

FAQs: Kitchen Cabinets To The Ceiling Or Leave A Space

Q: What is the average cost to extend my cabinets to the ceiling?

A: The cost to extend your cabinets to the ceiling will depend on various factors such as the size of your kitchen, the type of cabinets, and the installation method. However, it can cost anywhere from $500-$1,500 or more.

Q: Can I install cabinets all the way up to the ceiling on my own?

A: It is possible to install cabinets all the way up to the ceiling on your own if you have experience with cabinetry and carpentry. However, it is recommended to hire a professional to ensure proper installation and to avoid any safety hazards.

Q: Can I leave a space above my cabinets and still have a polished look?

A: Yes, you can leave a space above your cabinets and still have a polished look by using decorative items such as plants, artwork, or baskets to create a cohesive look.