Are 42 cabinets too tall?

Author: Marianne Predovic  |  Last update: Sunday, July 6, 2025

42” upper cabinets are a very common selection for 9' ceilings. You will have 12” of space above 42” cabinets; if you want them to meet the ceiling you will have to install 12” of crown molding.

Are 42 inch cabinets too tall?

If you have 8-foot-tall ceilings and want cabinets that run to the ceiling, 42-inch-tall wall cabinets will fit perfectly. If you have 9-foot-tall ceilings, you can choose to fill the available 54 inches of wall space with one row of 36-inch-tall cabinets, with a row of 18-inch cabinets above them.

How high is too high for cabinets?

However, a good rule of thumb is to have your kitchen wall cabinets be somewhere between 36 and 42 inches from the floor. Wall cabinets should be 18 inches from the floor to avoid obstructing counter space and range hood access.

Can you put 42 inch cabinets on an 8 foot ceiling?

You can either use 36" tall upper cabinets, which allows for crown molding to be used along the top or you can use 42" tall upper cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling without any molding.

What is the 2024 trend for kitchen cabinets?

2024's cabinet style trends are defined by bold colors, earthy hues, frameless designs, and metallic hardware. Homeowners are embracing unique combinations and natural wood finishes, creating personalized, stylish kitchens that reflect their individual tastes.

Kitchen Cabinet Measurements that Can RUIN Your Layout!

What kitchen cabinets are out of style?

These are outdated kitchen cabinet trends to avoid, according to interior designers
  • Cabinets with central panels.
  • One-tone kitchen cabinets.
  • Fully fitted kitchen cabinets.
  • Honey and orange wood tones.
  • Ultra-modern kitchens.
  • Handleless doors.
  • Matte black hardware.
  • Gray kitchens.

Are shaker cabinets going out of style in 2024?

In 2024, stained shaker cabinets seem to be the most popular trend in cabinet door styles. It offers a classic and timeless look with clean lines and a simple, elegant design.

How high should cabinets be for an 8 foot ceiling?

For 8-foot ceilings, 42-inch wall cabinets or 96-inch tall cabinets will reach the ceiling, creating a clean, cohesive look. Functionality: Base cabinets should be at a height that allows for comfortable food preparation. Wall cabinets should be easily accessible without needing a step stool.

What size crown molding for 42 inch cabinets?

I went with a small crown molding (1.5″) since I swapped out my existing 30″ upper cabinets for 42″ ones. If I had used a larger crown, it would have dropped my cabinets too low, and the space between the counter tops and the bottom of the cabinets would have been too small.

What size kitchen cabinets for a 10 foot ceiling?

30 inch or 36 inch wall cabinets are ideal for kitchens with 8 foot ceilings. The height you decide on may be based on the presence of crown molding or soffits in your kitchen design. 42 inch wall cabinets work well in kitchens with ceilings that are 9 feet or taller.

What is the best height for kitchen wall cabinets?

Most standard kitchen cabinets usually have a height of 72 cm (28 inches), but homes with high ceilings can accommodate taller kitchen cabinets that extend to 90 cm (35 inches). Wall cabinets can be stacked for even higher ceilings, creating a grand appearance.

What brands of kitchen cabinets does Lowes carry?

Lowe's offers a variety of custom cabinets and semi-custom cabinets from several different manufacturers to meet your style and construction preferences and exceed your every expectation. Shop KraftMaid cabinets, Shenandoah cabinets, Diamond cabinets and Schuler Cabinetry cabinets.

Is there a code for kitchen cabinet height?

The standard height for upper cabinets from the counter is 18 inches, or 1 foot and 6 inches. They shouldn't be less than 15 inches away or more than 20 inches away. This also means the height to where the bottom of your upper cabinets starts.

Do taller cabinets make a kitchen look bigger?

Small Kitchen Style Tips For The Walls

Installing tall cabinets or open shelving draws the eye upward, making the room feel taller and more expansive. Floor-to-ceiling storage maximizes every inch of space while keeping countertops clear and uncluttered.

Are tall kitchen cabinets worth it?

Today, many people prefer cabinets that reach the ceiling. It can give a cleaner, more streamlined look, and it increases a cabinet's storage capacity. It also eliminates the “dead space” between the cabinet and the ceiling.

How much does it cost to extend cabinets to the ceiling?

Cost to Add Kitchen Cabinets to the Ceiling

You can expect the cost of kitchen cabinets to run between $50 and $450 per linear foot for labor and installation.

Do 42 inch cabinets reach the ceiling?

42” upper cabinets are a very common selection for 9' ceilings. You will have 12” of space above 42” cabinets; if you want them to meet the ceiling you will have to install 12” of crown molding.

Why don't kitchen cabinets go all the way to the ceiling?

It's important for homeowners to easily reach items in their kitchen cabinets, regardless of their height. The average folk's height plays a role in the standard height of kitchen cabinets. If the cabinets were to touch the ceiling, most people would need a step stool or ladder to access top-shelf items.

Should cabinet crown molding touch the ceiling?

1) Never leave crown moldings closer than 9 inches from a ceiling. Once you get within a foot of the ceiling you should have the cabinetry and molding meet the ceiling. Don't create spaces that look odd and that can't be cleaned. Molding too close to ceiling without reaching it.

Can kitchen cabinets be too high?

You should adjust your cabinet to fit your height. It would be a waste if you can't use your cabinets for storage because they are too high for you to reach or if they block your vision of the countertop when you work. It's important to adjust them to the height that you're comfortable with.

What size upper cabinets for a 9 foot ceiling?

Using upper cabinets for 9 foot ceilings often leaves a gap between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling itself. Most builders counter this by using 42″ upper cabinets and adding 3-6 inches of crown molding to minimize the space.

What is the ceiling height of a modern kitchen?

Kitchens are similar to bathrooms in that the walls and ceiling typically provide space to run plumbing, gas, and drain lines. The standard ceiling height for a kitchen is about 8 to 9 feet.

What color cabinets never go out of style?

Kitchen Cabinet Colors That Never Go Out of Style
  • The Eternal Whites. White. Off-White. Creamy White.
  • Graceful Grays. Light Gray. Dark Gray.
  • Wood Tones.
  • Two-Tone Designs.
  • Timeless Elegance for Your Kitchen.

What is the most expensive cabinet style?

Inset Cabinet Style

Although this style tends to be one of the most expensive on the market, it's a classic look that'll last for generations. The inset door gets its name because it is set inside of the cabinet frame – typical cabinet doors rest on the outside of the frame.

Are grey cabinets out of style in 2024?

Grey kitchen cabinets are not out of style. Just because grey isn't in the top trends for 2024, doesn't mean it's out of style. Gray is a nice neutral that can be styled in a variety of ways. Talented kitchen designers are still using grey for their clients to create modern spaces.

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