What height should cabinets be above sink?

Author: Dr. Napoleon Braun PhD  |  Last update: Monday, March 31, 2025

Since they need to be positioned 18 inches above the countertops, choosing kitchen wall cabinets is a decision to be made after selecting both base cabinets, countertops, and filler layer (if any). The height of the cabinet above a kitchen sink hangs between 24-inches and 36-inches above the countertop.

How high should cabinets be above a sink?

Positioning Wall Cabinets

The height of cabinets above the kitchen sink may vary, generally hanging 24 to 36 inches above the countertop.

Are 42 inch cabinets too tall?

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.

How much space should I leave above the kitchen sink?

We strongly recommend that a full-height IKEA cabinet above the sink must have an open space that's at least 12”(H) and 30”(W). The reasons why are two-fold. First, it's pretty awful to work over a sink with a full cabinet inches away from your face.

Should you put cabinets above the sink?

You Don't Need Cabinets Above Your Kitchen Sink. No matter how svelte, how knobless, how blindingly white they are painted, upper kitchen cabinets take up a whole lot of head space in a room that benefits hugely from cleanliness and fresh air.

How High Are Upper Cabinets In The Kitchen

What should go in cabinets above the sink?

Comparably, items that you regularly need to grab before running out the door can be very helpfully placed in the cabinet above your sink. Di suggests that you may want to pop, 'food storage containers, travel mugs, or water bottles in this spot. '

How high should cabinet be before counter?

How High Upper Cabinets Should Be From The Counter. 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.

How far should sink be from front of cabinet?

The closest the cut out can be to the front of the CABINET is 1.5" + a hair. The sink would overlap the countertop by 1.5" leaving about 3/4" exposed on the front edge of the counter. However, your countertop people might have a cow as some require a minimum of 3" of width of counter on the front.

How close should cabinets be to the window?

Unless the kitchen has more than one source of natural daylight, do not be tempted to fit wall cabinets right up to edge of the window recess. Solid cabinets close to windows will prevent the light from entering the kitchen, casting much of the room in deep shadow.

Is 30 inches enough space between counter and island?

The industry standard is that you need at least 36 inches of space around each edge of the kitchen island. Three feet of clearance is enough so that you can comfortably walk between the island and countertops and should provide enough clearance for cabinet doors.

What is the best height 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.

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.

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.

How high should vanity be above sink?

With the most common design being a top-mount or under-mount sink, that means most vanities will be measured to the surface of the countertop. Standard bathroom vanity height starts at 32” and goes up to 36”, with 34” typically leaning towards the new universal average.

Why are kitchen cabinets raised off the floor?

Answer: Kitchen cabinets are raised off the floor for easier cleaning, protection against moisture damage, and to accommodate plumbing and uneven floors. This also allows for toe-kick space for comfortable standing.

What is the tallest kitchen cabinet height in inches?

Tall Cabinets Dimensions
  • Height- 84, 90, and 96 inches. ...
  • You can select cabinets to reach from floor to ceiling, or you can have the 84-inch cabinet that leaves about a foot up top between the cabinet and ceiling. ...
  • Width- 18, 24, and 30 inches. ...
  • 24 inches is a moderate size that looks good in most kitchens.

Should upper and lower cabinets be the same color?

A frequent iteration of the look includes a darker color for the lower cabinets and a lighter shade for higher shelves. Think white cabinets above the sink paired with shades of blue, black, or brown below. However, there are no set rules for which color combinations or design elements work best.

How far down from ceiling should cabinets be?

“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.” “Your designer will work with the lines of your kitchen to make the cabinet line look natural,” she adds.

How much space should be between counter and cabinets?

The typical measurement for the spacing between cabinets and countertops is 18 inches. It's generally advisable to maintain a minimum clearance of 15 inches and a maximum of 20 inches.

How high should cabinet above sink be?

Since they need to be positioned 18 inches above the countertops, choosing kitchen wall cabinets is a decision to be made after selecting both base cabinets, countertops, and filler layer (if any). The height of the cabinet above a kitchen sink hangs between 24-inches and 36-inches above the countertop.

Why are kitchen sinks under windows?

You can open the window when washing smelly dishes and get fresh air. If you let the dishes pile up before you tackle washing them, they can start to smell. Having the sink under the window allows you to let in fresh air while airing out your kitchen and getting rid of the unwanted smells.

What is the minimum clearance in front of a sink?

Place the bathroom counter at least 30 inches from any front obstruction. The bare minimum is 21 inches.

How high do upper cabinets go from countertop?

The most common height that contractors follow is 18 inches above the countertop. However, for clients that request some extra space, 20 inches was the usual measure. Under 18 inches, small appliances may not fit below the cabinets, or if you're taller the upper cabinets can block your view of the countertop.

How much clearance do you need between kitchen counters and cabinets?

The Guidelines require a clearance of at least 40 inches between all opposing base cabinets, countertops, appliances, and walls.

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.

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