How do you fill a gap between kitchen cabinets and ceiling?

Author: Tiffany Kuvalis  |  Last update: Friday, September 26, 2025

  1. Measure Your Space. Start by measuring the distance between the top of your current cabinets and the ceiling to determine what size lumber and crown molding you need. ...
  2. Install 2×2 Blocking. ...
  3. Attach the 1×6 Boards. ...
  4. Attach the Crown Molding. ...
  5. Additional Trim. ...
  6. Fill, Caulk, and Sand. ...
  7. Prime and Paint. ...
  8. Final Touches.

How to fill the space between the top of cabinets and ceiling?

10 Ways to Use the Space Between Your Cabinets and Ceiling
  1. Add a second row of cabinets. ...
  2. Put in a window. ...
  3. Use paint or wallpaper to add interest. ...
  4. Enclose the space or fill it in with trim. ...
  5. Use top-hinged cabinets. ...
  6. Treat it as a bookshelf. ...
  7. Add plants. ...
  8. Display your collection or decorative items.

Why is there a gap between kitchen cabinets and ceiling?

Most kitchen cabinets are not designed to touch the ceiling. The space between the cabinet and the ceiling is called the ``cabinet gap.'' This gap is important because it allows air to circulate and prevents moisture from building up in the cabinet.

Should cabinets be flush with the ceiling?

In the past, upper cabinets were generally either 32” or 36” tall, and so leaving a gap between them and the ceiling was standard. 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.

What to do with cabinets that don't reach the ceiling?

You can build the cabinets to the ceiling (most expensive option), keep the area open (no cost!), build a soffit to match the cabinets, or add a drywall soffit.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cutting and Installing Cabinet Fillers

How to make kitchen cabinets reach the ceiling?

Here are four effective ways to extend your kitchen cabinets to the ceiling.
  1. Start With A Cabinet Extension. Extending your kitchen cabinets up to the ceiling is a popular trend. ...
  2. Using Crown Molding. ...
  3. Adding Shelf Boxes to Extend Kitchen Cabinets to the Ceiling. ...
  4. Full-height cabinet Replacement for a Seamless Kitchen Upgrade.

Why do kitchen cabinets not reach the ceiling?

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. We all know the inconvenience and hazard of standing on a stool or ladder while trying to reach for something.

What trim between cabinets and ceiling?

Crown molding is a popular choice as it offers a timeless and elegant look, seamlessly bridging the gap between cabinets and ceiling. Styles of crown molding include cove molding, dentil molding, or even a simple scribe molding which can work well depending on the design theme you're aiming for.

How to fill gaps in cabinets?

Occasionally the gaps can be filled by simply tightening the screws.
  1. Using Caulk or Wood Filler for Small Gaps. Caulk can be used to seal not only cabinet gaps but also any other openings around the house. ...
  2. Using Wood Filler Underneath Cabinets. ...
  3. Adding Trim to Upper Cabinets. ...
  4. Using Spray Foam to Stop a Draft.

Should kitchen cabinets hit the ceiling?

The answer depends on a number of factors: ceiling height and style, cabinetry type, and, most importantly, what you like best. The height of your kitchen cabinets may have an impact on how well they function. The most common designs are to either extend the cabinets to the ceiling or leave a gap between them.

What is the space between cabinets and ceiling called?

The space between kitchen cabinets and the ceiling is called “Soffit”. A kitchen soffit is specifically a boxy shape designed to cover up pipes, wiring, and other mechanical or to fill the gap between the top cabinets and the ceiling.

How to close the gap between a wardrobe and a ceiling?

Solution: Fit an infill panel (with or without height reducers, angled ceiling brackets or spacer blocks) to give a professional floor to ceiling finish with no gap.

Should laundry room cabinets go to the ceiling?

Installing DIY laundry cabinets that reach the ceiling is the best way to maximize your storage space. However, the cabinets don't need to be this tall if it doesn't suit your needs.

How do you fill empty space in kitchen cabinets?

A clever solution is to turn dead space into deco space, by lining up bottles or say cookbooks in a row by height. Adding modern appliances to old kitchens can often lead to some unusual gaps. A practical way to fill the space is with a trolley filled with kitchen supplies (this version here is only 45cm wide).

How much space between cabinet and ceiling for crown molding?

With high ceilings, some people may even be able to have crown molding and still have room for decorative storage above. More traditionally, the cabinets will go all the way up, leaving about 2 inches of room for the crown molding.

What is a bulkhead in a kitchen?

A bulkhead is a lower portion of the ceiling and is predominantly installed for functional reasons: to conceal services, to project air conditioning and to mask changes in ceiling heights. But kitchen bulkheads can also serve as decorative design features, as well as defining the kitchen area in an open-plan setting.

What is a cabinet filler?

What Are Fillers? Why Would I Need Them? A filler is a piece of finished wood used to "fill" openings or gaps between cabinets, or a cabinet and any obstruction, that would inhibit the doors or drawers from fully functioning.

How to make kitchen cabinets go to the ceiling?

Four popular ways to extend kitchen cabinets to the ceiling are:
  1. Double-Stacked Cabinets.
  2. Bulkhead Trim and Crown Moulding.
  3. Bulkhead Trim Only.
  4. Multi-Panel Doors.

What is an overlay filler for cabinets?

Overlay fillers level out the face of your cabinets so from the face frame to the wall there are no gaps. It can add a different overall look to your design! # nontoxiccabinetry #kitchendesign #diyhome #cabinets #kitchencabinetsmakeover.

What is the space between upper cabinets and ceiling?

Most homes built in the last 50 years have kitchen cabinets that are 32 or 36 inches tall, installed so there is a gap of 1 to 2 feet between the tops of the cabinets and the ceiling.

What is the ceiling above cabinets called?

Kitchen soffits are usually installed above your cabinets, closing the gaps between the cabinets and ceiling. While kitchen soffits were very popular in older homes, the style has fallen out of favor for many homeowners and interior designers.

Why is there a gap above kitchen cabinets?

There is a valid reason for the gap between the kitchen cabinets and the ceiling; this is the height that most people can reach by standing on the floor or by using a ladder. If you don't like the gap between the kitchen cabinets and the ceiling there are some clever and beautiful ways to fill the void.

Do 42 inch cabinets reach the 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 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.

What is shadow molding on cabinets?

Shadow Box Molding:

Adding this style of trim can help elevate the room, creating charm and interest where there was little. If your looking for texture and a more formal, elevated look for your cabinets, shadow box molding might be just the ticket!

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