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.
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)
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. Larger spaces can be framed and covered with wallboard (aka soffit) which can extend to include lighting if desired.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Scribe molding is a thin strip of wood that covers gaps or inconsistencies where the cabinet meets the ceiling or wall. The piece of wood is typically straight on the end that is placed against the wall, but the other end is curved to fit the cabinet.
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.
A bulkhead is a horizontal structure that extends from the ceiling, typically ending at the top of cabinetry. In contrast, a soffit is a horizontal box-like structure installed beneath a roof overhang. While both serve to conceal elements and create a finished look, their placement and primary functions differ.
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.
A bulkhead is an easily enclosed, framed box-like structure used to fill the gap between flat panel cabinets and the ceiling. Its primary purpose is to conceal plumbing, wiring, or air conditioning ducts, but it also serves as an aesthetic feature to create a uniform and modern look.
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.
A face frame does a better job of this if it overlaps the box edges a bit. Making the face frame run past all the plywood edges provides a little wiggle room and hides not-so-perfect saw cuts on the plywood. Face frames on sides of kitchen cabinets should overlap 1/4 in.
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.
A soffit is a horizontal box-like structure installed on the underside of a roof overhang or eave. They cover exposed beams, protect the home from pests and moisture, and produce a more finished look. On the other hand, a bulkhead extends from the ceiling and, typically, ends in line with the kitchen cabinetry.
Ceiling moulding, also known as crown moulding or cornice, runs along the top of a room where the wall meets the ceiling. It softens the transition from wall to ceiling. Crown moulding can be simple or intricately detailed. These types of moulding trim can make a room look polished.