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. Below I'll share photo examples (and the why behind) FYI: I avoided cabinets to the ceiling in all rooms to keep my cost down!
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.
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.
If you are referring to a narrow gap the best solution is a trim molding. Anything from a small quarter round to an elaborate multi-part cornice can work depending on the size of the gap and the style you want.
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.
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.
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.
So, to summarise bulkheads are great because:
They can be used to hide unsightly features, such as wiring or ductwork. They can help define different areas of the kitchen. They can be used to make the kitchen appear larger. They are a great way to showcase your personality and style.
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.
The wall above the cabinets is commonly referred to as a "soffit" or "bulkhead." It fills the space between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling. Soffits are often used to hide ductwork, wiring, or plumbing but can also be purely decorative.
A kitchen soffit is a closed-in area above the cabinets. Soffits were a popular design included in homes in the mid-to-late 1900s. Today, however, homeowners don't appreciate the boxed-in feeling soffits give a kitchen, especially those extending past the cabinets' face.
The short answer is no. There are so many beautiful ways to decorative above kitchen cabinets that will inject modernity, textural interest and decorative style to your kitchen.
Caulk can be used to seal not only cabinet gaps but also any other openings around the house. Before applying caulk, wipe down the surface with a moist cloth to remove any dirt or dust. Apply the caulk after the area is dry, beginning at one corner and working your way to the opposite end.
A bulkhead is used to connect cabinetry to the ceiling. The make up of your bulkhead depends on the layout of the kitchen. We've used an L-shape to show the different corner applications.
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.
It eliminates the awkward gap between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling, which is often a dust collector and can be challenging to clean. The seamless flow of cabinetry from floor to ceiling creates a visually pleasing, uncluttered appearance.
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.
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.
Fill in gaps between your crown molding and ceiling by using Loctite PL Heavy Duty Sealant or Loctite Polyseamseal All Purpose Adhesive Caulk. Spread the material along the gap and smooth it over. Remove any excess, let it dry, and paint over the molding.
Making An Ikea Pax Closet Look Built-In
The main trick is to use trim or molding for that fully floor-to-ceiling look. The Pax system comes in either 79″ or 93″ heights, so if you've got 8ft ceilings (96″) like us, all you have to do is fill that 3-ish inch gap.