We are finally doing our kitchen and I am confused about the height of the cabinets. Our kitchen only has cabinets on one side of the room because the other sides all have doorways. Presently the cabinets stop below the ceiling. When we moved in there was a drywall soffit that we ripped out above them. It really opened up the tiny kitchen. We are redoing the cabinets and I like the look of the cabinets that go to the ceiling but am worried that they will make the room look too heavy or lopsided. The cabinets will be white and the shaker inset doors will be glass. If we add an upper cabinet to bring them up to the ceiling they could also be glass. We are also putting cabinets into the breakfast nook room and they will also be one one side of the room so we have the same situation there. Any ideas? Are cabinets that touch the ceiling more historic?

Kim

From a practical standpoint, I like cabinets that go to the ceiling, if only because you don't have to worry about the tops getting dirty. It can also add some useful storage for things that aren't used very often.

We have 9 ft. ceilings and the cabinets go all the way up with a piece of trim like crown molding where they meet the ceiling to dress it up. This is in new construction, not an old house. I think they look fine, though a bit more vertical than you might be used to.

As to historical accuracy, I suspect that you can find examples of either. Particularly in older houses 1900-1910, kitchen cabinets were built on site and could be whatever height the owner or builder felt like. It was only with the advent of factory built cabinets that standard heights came in. I seem to remember the cabinets in my grandmother's house being quite tall, taller than modern cabinets, but I can't remember if they went all the way to the ceiling which was 9 or 10 ft.

the 1918 bungalow that I live in has original cabinets in the kitchen. The cabinets on one side go all the way up to the 9' ceiling. There is a small upper cabinet, and a larger cabinet above the counter. The other side is where the sink and window are, and the cabinets are only under the counter, with shelves on each side of the sink, going about 3/4 up the wall. The 2 other walls have no cabinets, just doorways. hope this helps?

As others have said both ways are correct. I would do what looks good for you.

Bill

Thanks you guys. I think that we are going to keep them lower. Both for keeping the kitchen looking larger (needs all the help it can get) and for cost reasons.

Kim

Have you seen the new Bungalow Kitchens book? I just got it yesterday for my birthday, but haven't had a chance to look at it yet.

Yes- the one by Jane Powell and Linda Svendsen? It is a great resource! it is right beside me now as I type.

Actually it's "The New Bungalow Kitchen" by Peter Labau. It just came out in March 2007. It's not for purists.

No I haven't seen that one. I will check it out,
Thanks!
Kim

I love cabinets that touch the ceiling!! I will be a great space saver!!! Th dust wont stay on the top if your cabinet touches the ceiling!!!

All depends on how straight your ceiling is. Bowed ceilings can cause problems.

RH
Cabinet Doors Product Specialist

Hello,
Once you have your measurements and have a basic concept of your new kitchen design, the second factor that you need to be concerned while developing your kitchen cabinet layout is the overall theme or decor of your kitchen. It will automatically modify and enhance the style of the kitchen they are installed in.

Thanks
David Smith