Floor-to-Ceiling Cabinets: Should Kitchen Cabinets Go To The Ceiling?

The cabinet doors you choose to incorporate into your kitchen design play a big role in the look and feel of your home. When creating a space you love and enjoy spending time in, you'll want to be strategic with your design choices and look for a style that complements the aesthetic you're going for.

One common question that people run into when designing is: Should kitchen cabinets go to the ceiling? The two options most homeowners have are to extend the cabinets to the top or to leave space between the ceiling and the cabinets. Both options have advantages, and you'll want to consider which stylistic choice complements the vision for your kitchen.

We're here to walk you through the pros and cons of kitchen cabinets to the ceiling, so you can decide which choice is right for your kitchen and home design.

Here's everything you need to know:

Understanding the Gap

It may surprise you just how many homes are designed with a gap between the cabinets and the ceiling. This is a common design choice, especially in traditional family homes built during the twentieth century.

The reason is that this is the standard height for someone to reach up and grab items from their cabinets without needing to stand on a chair or grab a ladder. The gap provides a level of convenience for the homeowner, and while the void doesn't always look the best, there are ways homeowners can dress it up and decorate the space.

What is a Soffit?

If the space between the kitchen cabinets and your ceiling is filled with a wall, this is called a soffit.

A soffit is a wall between the ceiling and cabinets and can be anywhere from one to five feet long. This space is commonly used to hide wires and other electrical components - so it can't always be easily renovated. Older homes tend to have larger and higher soffits above their cabinets. If you have one that you want to remove, we recommend working with a professional since it can get tricky and isn't always possible to remove.

Pros and Cons of Kitchen Cabinets to the Ceiling

If you're renovating your home and trying to decide what size cabinets you want in your room, there are a few things you'll want to consider to find the perfect fit.

1. Functionality

Tall kitchen cabinets are just as much a choice of function as they are designed. When you opt for cabinets that reach your ceiling, you have more storage in your kitchen. This is a great place to store your seasonal items or bigger appliances you don't use as often.

However, if your kitchen cabinets are too tall, they may be harder to reach. This means you'll need to stand on a chair, climb on your counters, or install a sliding ladder to grab the items at the top.

With cabinets that have the gap, you typically don't need to worry about items never being too far out of reach, providing convenience and flexibility.

Some individuals may feel that tall cabinets are somewhat of a hazard and want to stick with cabinets they can reach.

2. Aesthetic

Many individuals like the floor-to-ceiling cabinet look in their homes. They like things to look complete, put together, and simple in design. This stylistic choice provides a sleek finish to a kitchen and makes the space feel larger than it is.

When someone walks into your kitchen, the floor-to-ceiling cabinets will draw their eyes to the ceiling. This creates a look of luxury many people tend to aim for when they have modern kitchens.

While floor-to-kitchen cabinets are a versatile option that can complement various kitchen designs, they don't necessarily have a traditional or vintage appeal. Cabinets with glass inserts and a small gap at the top have a vintage or cottage look. When deciding which option is right for you, consider the look you're trying to go for in your kitchen. Which cabinets will complement your stylistic choices for years to come? Which ones have the look and feel you're trying to achieve?

3. Taking Advantage of The Gap

Cabinets that have a gap can also be stylish. With this style, you can display your favorite decorations and add plants, picture frames, or artwork. You can get creative with the gap and tie in the design details. This is great for vintage, cottage, or antique kitchen designs.

4. No Need To Worry About Dust

A gap between the cabinets and the ceiling is a breeding ground for dust. If you currently have a gap between the ceiling and cabinets, and you find yourself always sneezing - now you know why. This means the gap will require some additional upkeep, especially if you have allergies or sensitivities.

5. Shopping for Stock Cabinets Is Harder

If you're looking for floor-to-ceiling cabinets, you may have some trouble finding a perfect fit for your kitchen. Since many homes vary in size, it's hard to know if you'll find stock cabinets that will complement the space perfectly.

The best way to get a perfect fit is to invest in custom cabinet doors. Custom cabinet doors can be fitted to your cabinets, so you don't need to worry about an unnecessary gap.

6. The Details In The Ceiling

Many ceilings have unique details that add a layer of detail to your space. Whether it's crown molding or a decorative kitchen trim - these small details would be covered if you had floor-to-ceiling cabinets. You may also need to remove the crown molding or decorative aspects to get the perfect fit for your cabinets.

Should You Choose Tall Kitchen Cabinets?

At the end of the day, tall kitchen cabinets are a stylistic choice. Are you looking for an option with more storage? Are you set on having a modern kitchen design? These are both great reasons to invest in tall kitchen cabinets.

However, if you're obsessed with the vintage, traditional style and want to show off the delicate crown molding you have in the kitchen - you might want to keep the gap and stick to shorter cabinets.

There is no right or wrong answer! When decorating your space, it's best to weigh the pros and cons of kitchen cabinets to the ceiling and decide which timeless kitchen style would complement the design of your kitchen for years to come.

Upgrade With Custom Cabinet Doors Today!

At CabinetDoors.com, we offer custom-sized cabinet doors that can fit cabinets of every size. Whether you want the floor to ceiling cabinets or looking for shaker cabinet doors with a traditional look and feel - we're here to help you bring your vision to life. We have all of the maximum heights and widths measured on the product specs of our cabinet doors, so you can find a perfect fit that will reach the ceiling in the kitchen without creating a gap.

Explore our selection of cabinet doors today to find the perfect size for your kitchen.