Should You Install Cabinets to the Ceiling? Key Considerations

When designing a kitchen, one key decision is determining the height of the cabinets. Some homeowners opt to install cabinets that reach all the way to the ceiling, seeking to maximize storage space. But ceiling-height cabinets also come with potential drawbacks. Carefully weighing the pros and cons can help you decide if extending your cabinets to the ceiling is the right choice for your kitchen.

Cabinets that reach the ceiling certainly provide abundant storage capacity. The extra vertical space allows you to stash rarely used items like large pots and serving platters up high. You can also utilize the top of the cabinets for additional display areas. However, the boost in storage comes at the expense of accessibility. Reaching the top shelves requires a step stool, which can be inconvenient and even dangerous. The issue can be mitigated with pull-down shelves, but only to an extent.

Factors to Consider When Evaluating Ceiling-Height Cabinets

Several key factors should guide your decision about whether to install full-height cabinets.

Available Room Height and Layout

Consider the height of your kitchen ceiling and the cabinet layout when deciding on cabinet height. Standard ceiling height is 8 feet. With 36-42 inch tall base cabinets and 12-18 inch tall wall cabinets, standard cabinetry easily fits below the ceiling with room for molding. But if your kitchen has 9 or 10 foot ceilings, you likely have space to extend cabinets up without sacrificing accessibility.

The kitchen layout also affects the decision. Long galley kitchens often suit full-height cabinets since wall space is maximized. But in kitchens with an open floor plan, ceiling-height cabinets along shared walls can feel imposing.

Enhanced Storage Capacity

Gaining storage space is a top reason homeowners choose ceiling-height cabinets. Rather than wasting the space between the tops of cabinets and ceiling, filling it provides 20-30% more storage capacity. This allows you to organize less frequently used items like large platters and seasonal kitchenware up high.

The increased storage does come at the cost of easy accessibility. Special hardware like pull-down shelves or library ladders help access top shelves. Without special hardware, reaching the top requires a step stool which is inconvenient. The boost in storage must be weighed against decreased ergonomics.

Aesthetic Considerations

In addition to added storage, there are also aesthetic reasons for selecting ceiling-height cabinetry. It gives a polished, built-in look. Floor to ceiling walls of cabinetry appear upscale. Ceiling-height cabinets also offer decorative possibilities like accent lighting on top.

On the flip side, some find the elongated cabinets make a kitchen feel boxed in. Visually, it leaves less breathing room. The lack of space between the cabinets and ceiling also eliminates the possibility for decorative molding. Weigh how ceiling-height cabinets align with your overall kitchen aesthetic.

Costs

Extending cabinets to the ceiling costs more upfront. More materials are required overall. Custom solutions to account for soffits like specially sized filler panels also increase costs. Though increased storage capacity adds value down the line.

If aiming for a luxury, custom look without the designer price tag, cost-effective options like open shelving to the ceiling give a similar aesthetic. Evaluate whether the extra storage justifies the added cost of floor-to-ceiling cabinetry.

Potential Benefits of Installing Cabinets to the Ceiling

Maximized Storage Space

Without a doubt, the primary advantage of ceiling-height cabinets is increased storage capacity. Rather than wasted space between the tops of cabinets and ceiling, this area can be utilized for storage. An extra 20-30% of storage space is gained.

The additional room is ideal for storing rarely used large platters, appliances and seasonal kitchen items. Bringing cabinets all the way to the ceiling allows you to organize the kitchenware you use most often at reachable heights, while stashing specialty and overflow items up high.

Streamlined Look

In addition to adding function, ceiling-height cabinets lend an upscale, streamlined aesthetic. Floor to ceiling walls of cabinetry create a built-in look popular in upscale contemporary kitchens. Compared to standard height cabinets, the elongated cabinetry has a more custom, high-end feel.

Ceiling-height cabinets also offer decorative possibilities. The flat top surface easily accommodates accent lighting. Or the area can be used to display prized dishware and decorative touches.

Easy Access to Top Shelves

Challenges accessing top shelves can be overcome through smart design details. Pull-down shelves provide easy access to items stored at the top. Hardware allows upper shelves to be gently lowered down rather than needing to reach up high. This makes storage accessible for users of all heights.

For especially tall cabinets, installing a rolling library ladder offers safe, easy access to items stored at the very top. Ladders neatly tuck away when not in use to conserve space. Just be sure to account for adequate floor space to roll out and climb the ladder when planning the kitchen layout.

Possible Downsides of Full-Height Cabinets

Reduced Visual Space

A potential downside of floor-to-ceiling cabinetry is the reduced feeling of openness. The elongated cabinets can make a kitchen feel boxed in. Visually, the space appears smaller due to the lack of breathing room between the tops of the cabinets and ceiling.

To counteract the boxing in effect, incorporate glass-front cabinet doors, open shelving and varied cabinet heights. These design choices add visual interest and break up the vertical space.

Higher Costs

Extending cabinetry to the ceiling costs more upfront. More materials are required overall. Extra framing, larger panels of cabinet boxes and doors, and additional hardware add to costs quickly.

If aiming for the integrated look of ceiling-height cabinets on a budget, open shelving mounted to the underside of wall cabinets provides a similar aesthetic. The open space between shelves alleviates some of the cost while achieving the built-in look.

Limited Flexibility

Ceiling-height cabinetry offers less flexibility compared to standard height cabinets. Once installed, the floor-to-ceiling built-ins cannot easily be moved or reconfigured. Areas like soffits may require custom filler panels.

Standard cabinetry offers greater flexibility for future kitchen remodels. Wall cabinets can be moved or supplemented with new cabinet styles. With ceiling-height cabinetry, major construction is required to make any changes.

Cleaning Challenges

Keeping the top surfaces of ceiling-height cabinets clean can be challenging. Without a gap between the cabinet tops and ceiling, dust and grime easily accumulate. The tall height makes accessing the tops difficult for cleaning purposes without a ladder.

Installing cabinets a few inches below the ceiling provides a cleaner look day-to-day. The gap also allows access to clean the top surfaces. Just be sure to account for any decorative trim or molding.

Tips for Integrating Ceiling-Height Cabinets

Incorporate Lighting

To make the most of the ultra-tall cabinet height, incorporate top-mounted lighting. LED strip lighting installed on the underside of wall cabinets creates both task lighting and accent lighting. Top lighting casts a soft glow upward that adds ambiance.

Use Glass-Front Cabinet Doors

Glass-front cabinet doors prevent ceiling-height cabinets from appearing too imposing. The transparent glass maintains openness and light. For upper cabinets, glass doors also eliminate the need to open doors to see contents, perfect for items not used daily.

Install Pull-Down Shelving

As mentioned earlier, pull-down cabinet hardware allows easy access to top shelves. Retractable shelves can be lowered gently with a light pull, then raised again once items are retrieved. This provides ergonomic access without using a step stool.

Incorporating cabinetry at varied heights adds visual interest and functionality. Flank a section of tall cabinets with standard height units. Or add open display shelving above a bank of floor-to-ceiling cabinets. Varying the heights avoids monotonous cabinetry.