Why is there space above kitchen cabinets?

Author: Dr. Luciano Champlin  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Mainly it is a matter of cost and ease of installation. Most kitchen cabinets are built in standard sizes and, when mounted on the wall, they leave space up above which gives the installer some wiggle room when leveling the cabinets.

What is the empty space above kitchen cabinets called?

By Admin May 28, 2021. Kitchen soffits are usually installed above your cabinets, closing the gaps between the cabinets and ceiling.

Should I leave a gap above kitchen cabinets?

It's not necessary that the kitchen cabinets have to touch the ceiling. It's completely dependable on your choice. So do you prefer the smooth, continuous appearance provided by cabinets that extend all the way to the ceiling? Some people prefer the look of a continuous wall cabinet with no space above it.

How do I close the space above my kitchen cabinets?

Fill in the space with trim.

If the gap between your upper cabinets and the ceiling isn't particularly large, you can fill it in with trim running along the top of your upper cabinets. This makes for a cohesive, built-in look, and a lot less potential for collecting dust.

How to fill the space between the top of cabinets and 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.

DESIGNER TRICKS TO MAKE YOUR KITCHEN LOOK EXPENSIVE (no renos!) 💎

Should upper kitchen cabinets touch 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.”

How do I make my kitchen cabinets go all the way 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 is a bulkhead in a kitchen?

A kitchen bulkhead is a lower portion of the ceiling, acting as a sort of “step” between one space to the next. A bulkhead extends from the ceiling and ends in line with the kitchen cabinetry.

How much space should be above kitchen cabinets?

The standard space between the countertop and upper cabinets is around 18 inches. This measurement allows for convenient use of countertop appliances and provides ample space for food preparation.

Why do kitchen cupboards not go to the ceiling?

The majority of kitchens don't have ceiling-height cabinets because they can be too high to access for some people. They're also more difficult to maintain and the cost of installing taller cabinets can be expensive. Additionally, not all kitchen sizes and ceiling heights can accommodate full-rise cabinets.

Is it dated to decorate above kitchen cabinets?

Is decorating above kitchen cabinets outdated? The short answer is no.

What are the benefits of kitchen cabinets to the ceiling?

As well as the practical advantage of having extra space to stash small appliances and utensils, ceiling-height units create a smooth, fuss-free aesthetic, and avoiding creating a dust trap on top of the cupboards.

Are kitchen soffits outdated?

Soffits are completely out of style and so almost all sensible kitchen renovations will require removing the soffits, sometimes called “bulkheads” by homeowners.

What is a blind upper cabinet?

A Blind Corner Cabinet is a cabinet positioned at the corner between two rows of base cabinets where part of one cabinet's contents is hidden by the other row of cabinets. It is blind in that you cannot see what is inside the cabinet portion that is hidden and it makes that space fairly difficult to use.

How much space should there be between counter and upper cabinets?

The upper cabinet height doesn't always have to be installed “standard”. On average, the space between the countertop and the upper cabinets is between 18-22 inches.

Can kitchen cabinets go up to the ceiling?

Ceiling-height kitchen cabinets are just what their name suggests—they are cabinets that run all the way up to the ceiling. Cabinetry in some kitchens ends a foot or two below the ceiling. However, when you install ceiling-height cabinets, there won't be any space at the top.

How do you fix a gap between cabinets and countertops?

If you've come this far and the little gap is still haunting you, there are a few routes you can take. 1) You can ask the installer to seal the gap with caulk, or silicone. 2) You can buy and ornamental molding, and have a handyman cover the gap right up!

What do you do with bulkhead above kitchen cabinets?

The space above the cabinetry can become an area where dust collects. Bulkheads prevent that from happening. Concealed wiring & plumbing: Bulkheads are great for hiding ducting for range hoods, electrical and in some cases, even plumbing.

What is the bulk head above kitchen cabinets?

By adding bulkhead between the top of the cabinet and the ceiling, creates a sleek, built in look that makes the cabinets appear to be one with the wall. Adding a bulkhead to enclose the gap between the top of the wall cabinets and the ceiling creates the illusion of a larger and taller kitchen.

What is the bulkhead above a cabinet called?

Kitchen soffits are bulky box-shaped walls that connect the cabinets and the ceiling. Due to this, they are located at the top of the cabinets, extending from upper cabinetry towards the ceiling, and hide industrial elements such as plumbing, ductwork, vents, wiring, and pipes.

Why don't kitchen cabinets go all the way to the floor?

Avoiding Damage: The floor is often prone to moisture, spills, and cleaning activities. By leaving a small gap between the cabinet doors and the floor, it helps to prevent the doors from coming into direct contact with these potentially damaging elements.

Do countertops sit on top of cabinets?

Countertops are typically installed after flooring, cabinets, and appliances. This is true for both new builds, and remodeling projects. Since countertops sit directly on the cabinets, the cabinetry must be installed prior to the final measurements, fabrication, and installation.

Is crown molding on cabinets outdated?

Crown moldings are installed on walls and bottom of walls, and when they're used on kitchen cabinets, it's just another supposed way of taking them from boring to extraordinary. But nowadays, you can easily find cabinets without crown moldings that look absolutely beautiful.

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