You’ve probably noticed that the upper cabinets in some kitchens go all the way up to the ceiling, but in some cases, there is a gap between the cabinets and the ceiling. While the gap is not the end of the world, it might look and feel awkward. You might be wondering whether or not you should extend cabinets to ceiling. How do you deal with the gap? This article is all about design solutions for the gap between cabinets and ceiling: Cover the gap, fill it with storage, or embrace and decorate it.
Why Is There A Gap Above Kitchen Cabinets?
The first reason is that the most affordable cabinets, including the upper cabinets, are modular. It means that they come in standard sizes. During the installation of upper cabinets, the priority is to hang them at a comfortable height, which is usually 55cm from the countertops. Sometimes the ceiling height might be more than what you can fill with modular cabinets hung at a comfortable height. That’s when you get an awkward gap above kitchen cabinets.
For example, IKEA Metod upper cabinets come in 60cm, 80cm, or 100cm in height. Choosing the tallest option does not guarantee that you will avoid the gap.
If you go for custom cabinetry, usually the upper cabinets extend up to the ceiling (unless the room height is exceptionally large). However, custom cabinetry is always more expensive than modular.
The second reason is that sometimes the room is too high and filling up the space with cabinets simply does not make sense for the owner. Of course, getting a rolling library ladder to reach the high upper cabinets is always an option, but sometimes it is easier just to leave the space empty.
What do you do with a gap between cabinets and ceilings?
How do you deal with the gap between cabinets and ceiling? Your decision depends on several factors: how big is the gap? Is it large enough to fit extra storage? Is it too small?
If the gap between cabinets and ceiling is suitable for extra storage options, definitely go for it. Taller cabinets make the space look higher. However, if the space is not large enough, you have to think about options to cover it up. In the case of extremely large ceilings, it might not be a good idea to add cabinetry. In this case, it is better to simply embrace the gap and decorate.
#1 Cover the gap between kitchen cabinets and the ceiling
How do you cover the gap between kitchen cabinets and the ceiling? If the gap is small, you can use crown molding to fill it. It will give your kitchen a nice custom look and enhance the design.
It might happen that the cabinets you are about to buy will keep a really awkward distance under the ceiling. It’s too big for molding, and it’s too small for an additional layer of cabinets. Here are a few solutions to consider:
First of all, re-consider the top cabinet options you are about to buy. You might be going to buy the tallest upper cabinet available – 100cm in the case of IKEA. But, wait for a second! you also have an option to buy two 60cm cabinets and you will have 120cm upper cabinetry instead of 100cm. Or you might buy two 80cm cabinets that would go on top of each other giving you 160cm of upper cabinetry. You get the point: even with limited-size modules, you can find a solution that would leave you a sensible gap (if any).
The gap between the kitchen cabinets and the ceiling can be covered with crown molding. A rule of thumb is to go for simple designs if the kitchen cabinetry itself is simple.
#2 Add more cabinets
If the ceiling height is enough to fit another layer of cabinetry, then you can go for this option. The only exception is if the ceiling height is way too big. In this case, it’s not too practical to fill the cap with extra storage and homeowners prefer to just leave the space alone.
If you want cabinets that reach the ceiling of the kitchen, you might be wondering: is it best to replace the cabinets I currently have and start from scratch, or could I build on to the existing cabinets?
While completely replacing the cabinets would give you the opportunity to fit everything perfectly, and keep the door designs consistent, it is the priciest option: cabinets are not cheap, especially if you are replacing everything, including cabinet boxes.
A less expensive option is to add cabinet boxes on top of the existing ones and match the cabinet fronts. If your existing cabinet fronts look outdated anyways, just keep the cabinet boxes and replace cabinet fronts on existing and new ones as well.
The additional upper layer between existing cabinets and the ceiling gap does not need to have closed cabinet fronts. You can go for glass doors and store special collections that you don’t use every day.
#3 fill the gap between kitchen cabinets and the ceiling with open shelving
Adding open shelving between the ceiling and kitchen cabinets is another great option to consider. What would you store there? Anything, that you do not use on a daily basis: a collection of dishware, decoration, or other items. You can expose the items or keep them in the baskets.
This option is especially great if you have a lovely collection of dishware that you are proud of and that you do not want to use every day. Remember, layering the items will give more depth and keep the show interesting.
Another tip: keep the color scheme organized and consistent. Coordinate items with same colors and you’re good to go.
This upper open shelving will give you additional opportunities to organize and store not-so-frequently-used items instead of piling them up in closets and other cabinets. How good of a deal is that?
How high should shelves be above cabinets?
Ideally, you want to have at least 30cm between the top and the bottom of the shelf above the kitchen cabinets. A slightly bigger size would work better since you perceive the items from eye level.
#4 Fill the space with a ceiling made of framing and drywall
Covering the gap with crown molding might not be an option simply because the gap is too large. It that’s the case, you might be wondering: how do you fill the space between cabinet and ceiling?
For those who are looking for a simple done-once-and-for-all kind of solution, this might be the best idea: you simply fill the space with the same material as the ceiling and the wall. Bonus point: you don’t have to think about ideas to decorate the top of the cabinet space, and you don’t have to clean dust up there.
This option works especially well for kitchens with a minimalistic look.
#5 Create a wine rack
If the gap above kitchen cabinets is large enough, you might be interested in ways to fill the large gap between cabinets. Adding a wine rack can be the answer.
Transforming seemingly useless space for wine storage sounds like a good deal: the wine rack located above kitchen cabinets will have an extremely functional use, and add character to the space as well.
#6 Embrace and decorate
Not all kitchen cabinets need to go up to the ceiling, and not every kitchen needs to cover the space between cabinets and the ceiling with a furr down, or dropped ceiling. The space between cabinets and the ceiling is not something to be ashamed of: simply embrace it and decorate.
Ways how to decorate the space between cabinets and ceilings are endless: greenery, art, different small sculptures or souvenirs, paintings, pottery, and dishware. You name it. The way you decorate this space can transform your kitchen and create an insanely cozy space filled with character.
There are timeless and traditional ways of decorating the space above your kitchen cabinets. However, if you love to experiment – you’ve got the exhibition space!
#7 Use the space for seasonal and festive decor
Seemingly useless space between the upper cabinets and ceiling gives you endless opportunities to decorate your kitchen in seasonal themes: Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer. This tip is especially relevant for small kitchens where every centimeter of countertop space matters. There are numerous ways to add seasonal character to your kitchen: add layered decor elements, add textiles and warm colors, or lights to create a cozy fall atmosphere. Real natural or handmade faux velvet rustic pumpkins, as well as orange and red leaves, will go a long way to invite fall to your kitchen.
Conclusion
The space between kitchen cabinets and the ceiling seems to be a challenge for some people. Many designers promote the idea of extending kitchen cabinetry all the way up to the ceiling. However, in some cases, this simply does not make sense. In other cases – the cause of the issue is the limit of sizes of modular cabinetry.
Despite popular opinion, the space above your kitchen cabinets can be left alone, or decorated in a creative and meaningful way. If that’s not what you would go for, then consider adding another layer of cabinetry, open shelving, or simply covering the space up with drywall and framing.
Just leave it alone, it’s OK
