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Why Do Kitchen Cabinets Not Go To The Ceiling

Why Do Kitchen Cabinets Not Go To The Ceiling

It is no secret that many kitchen cabinets do not reach the ceiling. While some people may not give it much thought, you may be curious about the reason behind this design.

Why Some Want To Know About The Height of Kitchen Cabinets

Why do people want to know about the height of kitchen cabinets?

Is there a reason people give such an ordinary design so much thought? You may be wondering about the height of kitchen cabinets yourself for the following reasons.

1. Design Planning

You may need to know why cabinets do not reach the kitchen ceiling because you are planning your design.

It is important to find out the reason a kitchen cannot or should not have cabinets that reach the ceiling. This way, you can figure out if higher cabinets are right for your space.

2. Future Reference

If you are not planning a kitchen remodel until later, you should still find out the reason some kitchens do not have high cabinets.

This can save you a lot of time and money when planning your kitchen design.

3. Sheer Curiosity

You may also be curious about the reason some kitchen cabinets do not reach the ceiling.

There is nothing wrong with researching this topic just to feed your curiosity.

Why Do Kitchen Cabinets Not Go To The Ceiling?

Are you wondering why most kitchen cabinets do not go to the ceiling? The following reasons may give you an idea of why this design does not work in many kitchens.

#1 Tall Cabinets Do Not Work For All Kitchen Designs

Standard cabinets are not designed to go up to the ceiling. Instead, they are designed to fit most kitchens.

The cabinets usually measure 32 inches to 36 inches tall, with about 2 inches of space between the top of the cabinet and the ceiling.

If you install a taller cabinet in a kitchen of 70 square feet, you are going to have a space that feels cramped and uncomfortable. It is better to install cabinets that go to the ceiling in a kitchen of at least 100 square feet.

#2 Taller Cabinets Are Difficult To Access

The key is to create a kitchen that is functional and efficient. This is why everything from your appliances to your cabinets should be easy to access.

It is difficult to access the high shelves in a cabinet that reaches the ceiling. You may need a ladder to reach the higher shelves in your cabinet, and this is a reason why most homes do not have taller cabinets.

#3 Difficulty Maintaining Higher Cabinets

If it is difficult to access the items on the top shelves of tall cabinets, imagine how difficult it is to clean and maintain the cabinets. You need to stand on a ladder just to declutter, organize and dust the shelves.

All this does is make cleaning the cabinets a dreadful task, and it may not be worth it to have taller cabinets in your kitchen.

#4 Difficulty Maintaining Certain Appliances

You already know that it is difficult to access items and maintain cabinets that reach the ceiling. This is also true for any appliances that might be placed on these higher shelves. It is difficult to maintain appliances you need a ladder to access.

#5 Installing Taller Cabinets Is Costly

It is not impossible to install cabinets that reach the ceiling in your kitchen. However, it takes more materials and labor to achieve this design.

You may be able to add taller cabinets into the budget for your kitchen remodel. Of course, it is best to decide if these cabinets are worth the investment before jumping into this project.

Some Kitchens Cabinets Do Reach The Ceiling!

There are some kitchens with cabinets that reach the ceiling, so this design is not completely out of the question in your kitchen.

If you are building or buying a home with a modern kitchen, you may have enough space to install cabinets that reach the ceiling.

Otherwise, you need to look into customized cabinets to ensure they reach the ceiling. Consider the budget and maintenance of these cabinets before planning your project.

Advantages of Kitchen Cabinets That Do Not Reach The Ceiling

You may feel you are being cheated out of a modern design because your kitchen does not have taller cabinets. However, there are several advantages of having kitchen cabinets that do not reach the ceiling.

1. Creates An Appealing Design

A small kitchen with standard cabinets does not feel cramped and uncomfortable. Therefore, it creates an appealing kitchen design.

2. Easier To Access Items

It is easier to access items in cabinets that do not reach the ceiling. You may need a stepladder for items on the top shelves, but you do not need a tall ladder to reach these items.

3. Easier To Maintain Cabinets

You also do not need a ladder to maintain the shelves in a standard cabinet. This means you do not have to worry about this chore becoming a dreadful task.

4. There Is Still Extra Storage Space

A kitchen with standard cabinets does not lack the storage space you need for decorative or seasonal items. You can store and display these items on top of the kitchen cabinets.

5. Budget-Friendly Kitchen Design

Remember, it costs more to add custom cabinets that reach the ceiling. When you stick to standard cabinets, you are sticking to a budget-friendly kitchen design.

Disadvantages of Kitchen Cabinets That Do Not Reach The Ceiling

There are a few disadvantages to having kitchen cabinets that do not reach the ceiling. Luckily, there are solutions that make up for the lack of taller cabinets!

Lack of Luxurious Feel

You may feel a modern kitchen with tall cabinets is more luxurious than your kitchen. However, there are ways to make your standard cabinets look more luxurious.

All you need to do is explore various styles and finishes for your cabinets.

Less Storage Space

You may also feel you have less storage space because your cabinets do not reach the ceiling.

Remember, you can use the top of the cabinets as a storage solution for certain items.

Three Ideas For Kitchen Cabinets That Do Not Reach The Ceiling

If you are sticking with kitchen cabinets that do not reach the ceiling, you can draw inspiration from the following cabinetry ideas.

Option 1: Glass Doors

Glass doors are great because it is easier to keep track of essentials such as your snacks and dinnerware. In addition, you do not have to spend a lot of time looking for a certain ingredient or item.

You can also choose from several types of glass doors to add style to your kitchen, including transparent, frosted, and textured.

Option 2: Open Shelves

There are many homeowners who are removing the doors to their kitchen cabinets to create open shelves. Open shelves make it easier to keep track of your essentials, but they also encourage you to keep your cabinet space neat and clean.

Another option is to replace the cabinets with wall-mounted shelves that do not reach the ceiling.

Option 3: Cabinets Without Handles

Instead of a transparent or open design, solid cabinets without handles may work for you. The cabinets feature a push-open and close mechanism to make accessing your essentials a breeze.

The finishes for these cabinets include hi-gloss, textured wood, and ceramic. This allows you to create a luxurious design without investing in cabinets that reach the ceiling.

Determine The Best Height For Your Kitchen Cabinets

As you can see, there are several reasons why many kitchen cabinets do not go to the ceiling. This ranges from the kitchen design to the cost of taller cabinets.

There is nothing wrong with sticking to standard cabinets in your kitchen, but you do have the option of adding custom cabinets that reach the ceiling. It is important to determine which options meet your needs and work for your kitchen.

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Lindsay Reed

Hi, I'm the founder of ProjectPerfectHome.com! I created this website to be a resource for everyone who wants to make the best home possible.