The standard height for upper cabinets from the floor is 54 inches, or 4 feet and 6 inches.
Floor-to-Ceiling Kitchen Cabinets Have Their Own Rules
Standard ones usually come in three heights: 84, 90, and 96 inches. “It always looks nice when a pantry goes from floor to ceiling or aligns with the top of your upper cabinetry,” explains Sass.
The most common heights available are 30cm, 70cm and 90cms. However, your overhead cabinet height is influenced by what is happening below it. For example, overhead or upper cabinets near cooktops need a minimum clearance of 600mm, or 700mm if near a gas stove.
If you have a top-loading washer, there should be 16 to 18 inches of clearance above the washer to open the door. Stacked washer and dryers and combination units required a vertical clearance of 60 to 76 inches and a horizontal clearance of 24 to 30 inches.
Also, you could use 12” cabinets above the 42” ones and then fill the gaps with crown moldings or other decorative work. → For 10-foot-tall ceilings, the best option would be to have cabinetry makers build the custom cabinets to fit the space perfectly.
The recommended space between upper and lower cabinets is typically 18 inches. This measurement allows for sufficient workspace on the countertop while providing enough clearance for appliances and tasks.
Upper and base cabinets can match if you want them to. However, if you want to add variation to your space, they don't have to match. It's all about the appearance and mood you would like to achieve.
Ceiling-height cabinets can create a claustrophobic feeling in a small kitchen. Cabinets that run all the way to the ceiling can turn an otherwise large room into a cramped feeling space. That is why it is important to understand your design preferences before making a decision.
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.
Ceiling-high kitchen cabinets reach the ceiling in your kitchen. Some kitchen cabinetry stops a foot or two before the ceiling. But when you install ceiling-height cabinets, you get no room at the top. The cabinets continue on a smooth line until they meet the ceiling.
It's better to keep things more accessible,” Ashley says. Always work with your designer to determine what height will look best in your space. “Leave a foot or more between the top of the cabinet and the ceiling. This looks intentional and gives your kitchen the polished, elevated look you're seeking.”
Most homes have kitchen cabinets that are 32 or 36 inches tall, with an interval of 1 to 2 feet between the tops of the cabinets and the ceiling.
Advantages of Kitchen Cabinets That Go All The Way Up to the Ceiling. It is vital to point out that most people prefer to use 42'' tall upper cabinets as they accord them much more space while also touching the ceiling thus making it appear visibly larger.
Some people are completely focused on having as much storage as possible in the kitchen and selecting 42" upper cabinets will definitely give you more space. It also helps make the ceiling appear larger by having the cabinets touch the ceiling. But, be warned, the extra space does come with a few caveats.
It helps draw the eye upwards while adding an element of elegance to your kitchen. Traditional crown moulding is usually applied on the top of cabinets or on the ceiling right above them. Crown moulding helps make homes feel more upscale and classic, so make sure it's a fit for your aesthetic before installing.
The molding on top of kitchen cabinets is called crown molding. It is available in various styles and sizes to fit any design. This molding is often paired with starter/riser molding.
Additionally, it's not recommended to put crown molding in some types of rooms, such as those with vaulted ceilings. In short, it's best to avoid elaborate crown molding in a house with no other ornamentation because it simply does not fit the style.
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.
Go with Light Colors
Light blues, greens, or pale yellows are other great colors to make your space look larger than life.
Light greens, yellows, blues and even greys can work well too. Whatever colour you choose, try to make the cabinet doors and walls one consistent colour. This removes any visual barriers that cause the eye to stop short, thus making the room appear much larger than it actually is.
Install a backsplash with strong horizontal lines, like shiplap or subway tile laid in a bond pattern. Those horizontal lines make the kitchen feel wider than it really is.
Generally, upper cabinets are mounted with the bottom edge being 54-inches above the floor. That means if you have 8-foot ceilings, your upper cabinets would be 42-inches tall, while a 9-foot ceiling has 54 inches available.