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

Author: Jimmy Welch  |  Last update: Thursday, March 5, 2026

If you can't get the cabinet built up to the ceiling, maybe have them build a cubby at the top instead of the useless crown molding void thing (that I also hate). I've seen DIY hacks that build upwards on top of these cabinets to create added storage or just close up the void.

What to do if your cabinets don't 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 to do with the space between kitchen cabinets and the ceiling?

To fill in the gap between the new cabinets and the ceiling, I screwed in 2x4s on top of each cabinet. Next, I had my handyman install a 4'' crown moulding above it. Crown molding makes a big difference to any space and can give the charm of older homes that is so desirable.

What to do with cabinets you can't reach?

How to Make High Kitchen Cabinets More Accessible — 5 Easy-to-Reach Solutions
  1. Use a Step Stool.
  2. Install a Pull-Down Organizer.
  3. Use a Lazy Susan.
  4. Add a Rolling Library Ladder.
  5. Think About What You Store Up Top.

Why do kitchen cabinets not reach the 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.

5 KITCHEN TRENDS On the Way OUT in 2025 (and what to do instead)

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.

Should my kitchen cabinets touch 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.

How do you paint hard to reach areas above cabinets?

For extra tall ceilings, or if you don't have a step ladder, a good option is an adjustable paint brush holder which can be set to the correct angle and fitted to an extension pole to help you deftly navigate the cutting in. You can even buy multi-angle paint brushes, which can be adjusted to suit the job at hand.

What can I use to touch up kitchen cabinets?

Touch-up pens mask worn spots, scuffs and scratches of your cabinet paint. Touch-up pens are best suited for small, minor imperfections. For larger areas or significant damage, you may need to consider other options, such as repainting the entire cabinet or seeking professional help.

Can you temporarily cover kitchen cabinets?

1. Use removable wallpaper, contact paper, or decals to disguise your walls or cabinets. 2. Remove (and store) your upper cabinet doors to reveal open, airy storage.

How to fill a gap between a cabinet and a 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.

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.

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.

How to make cabinets reach 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.

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.

Should kitchen cabinets go to a 10 foot ceiling?

So if you have 10ft foot ceilings, consider bringing your cabinets all the way to the top. Not only does it look grand, but there is no room for dust to fall on top of your cabinets in hard-to-reach areas.

How to update old kitchen cabinets without replacing them?

Let's Begin!
  1. 9 Ways to Update Kitchen Cabinets without Replacing Them. Paint Kitchen Cabinets. ...
  2. Distress the Cabinets. ...
  3. Whitewash. ...
  4. Two-Tone. ...
  5. Change the Cabinet Handles. ...
  6. Add Molding. ...
  7. Change the Kitchen Door Fronts. ...
  8. Install Under-Cabinet Lighting.

How much does it cost to touch up cabinets?

The national average cabinet repair cost is $316, with most projects ranging between $134 and $501. Refinishing or repainting can add between $1,000 and $4,100 to your final cost. Repair options like refacing or repainting can change the look of your cabinets without a total replacement.

Can you use peel and stick on kitchen cabinets?

Simply covering your kitchen cabinet panels (versus the entire fronts and frames) also can potentially provide the opportunity to use leftover peel-and-stick or contact paper from another project. All you have to do is trace templates from your doors (or drawers) and carefully make your cuts with an X-acto blade.

How do you touch up old cabinets?

Years of daily use really does leave a mark!
  1. Clean and De-Grime the Cabinets.
  2. Give the Cabinets a Light Sanding.
  3. Add some Touch-Up Paint to the Bare Spots.
  4. Replace Old/Worn Hardware (Or Clean It)

Will painted cabinets hold up?

Painted kitchen cabinets, often in white or cream, create a light, bright space, and provide excellent opportunities for creative decor. However, customers often ask, will the painted finish on my cabinets hold up? The answer is, “yes.” Your painted finish should hold up well to normal use.

What to do with space between cabinets and ceiling?

Aline
  1. Go for taller cabinets. Many homeowners prefer to have a look at continuous wall cupboards with no space above them. ...
  2. Add shorter cabinets. ...
  3. Close it. ...
  4. Line it with books. ...
  5. Use it as planters. ...
  6. Store rarely-used items. ...
  7. Display decorative items.

How high is too high for kitchen cabinets?

Wall cabinets should be 18 inches from the floor to avoid obstructing counter space and range hood access. Cabinets higher than 18 inches above the countertop may not leave enough space underneath them for a cooktop and will require a taller cabinet to be installed in its place.

Can kitchen cabinets be touched up?

While not a major repair or replacement, touching up your cabinet doors and drawer fronts can bring your cabinets back to life. Erasing those distracting dents and scratches on your kitchen cabinets will also help to restore the sense of unity created by an uninterrupted line of cabinetry.

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