Getting The Most Out Of Your Kitchen With 42" Upper Cabinets

Upper kitchen cabinets are the workhorses of any kitchen design. They provide plenty of storage space for dishes, food items, and other kitchen tools while maintaining an organized appearance. Over the past few years, 42-inch upper cabinets have become a popular choice for many homeowners looking to maximize their kitchen storage in an efficient and aesthetically pleasing way.

With their spacious interiors and sleek look, it’s easy to see the appeal of 42-inch upper cabinets. But simply installing them doesn’t ensure you’ll get the most out of this versatile cabinetry option. Proper placement, interior fittings, and design choices make all the difference in transforming your 42-inch uppers into a functional storage system.

Why Choose 42-Inch Upper Kitchen Cabinets?

Compared to taller cabinet options, 42-inch upper cabinets provide some great advantages for kitchen storage. Here are some of the top reasons to consider going with this cabinet height:

• The 42-inch height puts contents within easy reach, unlike taller cabinets where you need a step stool. You can comfortably access items without excessive stretching or bending.
• While spacious, 42-inch cabinets won’t overwhelm a small kitchen the way jumbo cabinets could. Their size provides lots of storage capacity without dominating the whole kitchen.
• The clean, streamlined aesthetic of 42-inch uppers complements many contemporary kitchen designs. Their look helps kitchens feel open and uncluttered.
• At 42 inches, upper cabinets are often the “Goldilocks” size – not too big or too small. They fit nicely between standard 36-inch cabinets below and shorter uppers meant for dishes and glassware.

Maximizing Your 42-Inch Upper Cabinet Storage

Once you’ve decided to install 42-inch upper cabinets, it’s time to optimize them to hold all your kitchen items. A few smart organization solutions can help you maximize every inch of their storage potential.

Strategic Use of Space

Carefully plan where to place dishes, food items, small appliances, and other kitchen tools within your new 42-inch uppers. Position frequently used items in the most accessible areas, while saving hard-to-reach spots for things you rarely use.

Make the most of corner cabinets and other tight spaces with turntables or specialized storage inserts. Pull-out shelves are also excellent for keeping deep cabinet interiors organized.

Built-In Organizers

Beyond general placement, built-in dividers, racks, and other organizers allow customizing the 42-inch cabinet interiors for optimal use. Some great options include:

• Adjustable shelves to accommodate items of different heights.
• Spice racks to keep herbs and seasonings neatly in place.
• Plate holders so dishes stand upright and don't slide around.
• Basket pull-outs for grouping canned goods or baking supplies.

42-Inch Cabinet Design Options

While offering plenty of storage, 42-inch upper cabinets should also complement your kitchen's overall design aesthetic. Consider which options help your new cabinets look their best:

Door Styles

Simple Shaker-style doors allow the cabinet's clean lines to shine through. Or make a bolder statement with flat recessed panel doors. Glass fronts maintain an open, airy look.

Materials

Painted wood exudes comfortable cottage charm. Thermofoil cabinets offer durability at a lower price point. Opt for slick laminate finishes for a more contemporary vibe.

Colors and Finishes

Neutral painted cabinets keep the focus on other elements like backsplashes or countertops. Rich wood stain makes the cabinetry a focal point. Two-toned schemes with contrasting uppers and lowers are also on-trend.

Considerations Before Installing 42" Upper Cabinets

While 42 inches suits most kitchens well, taking some measurements first ensures your new cabinets fit properly. Here are key factors to check:

Kitchen Dimensions

A kitchen with especially high or low ceilings may warrant a taller or shorter cabinet. Standard 42-inch height could result in wasted space or inadequate clearance.

Countertop and Backsplash Height

Maintain a consistent look by aligning the 42-inch cabinet bottoms with countertops below. Factor in backsplash height as well.

Ceiling Clearance

Leave sufficient space between cabinet tops and ceilings for crown molding or recessed lighting. At least 3 inches of breathing room is recommended.

Existing Layout

42-inch upper cabinet height should align with your current kitchen layout. Make sure new uppers complement, not clash with, surrounding cabinets and appliances.

Tips for Making 42" Upper Cabinets Shine

A few finishing design touches will help your 42-inch upper cabinets look their best while also improving functionality:

• Install task lighting above sinks or workstations to better illuminate interiors.
• Glass-front cabinet inserts prevent a “black hole” effect inside dark interiors.
• Pull-out shelves and lazy susans create smooth, easy access to all cabinet spaces.

Alternatives to 42-Inch Upper Cabinet Height

While 42 inches suits most kitchens well, here are some instances when alternative sizes may work better:

Taller Cabinets

In kitchens with extra high ceilings, consider taller upper cabinets. Just ensure a step stool is handy for safe access.

Shorter Cabinets

Smaller kitchens may benefit from 36-inch uppers above the main counter workspace for convenient access.

Other Storage Solutions

Make up for less upper cabinetry with extra pantries, open shelving, or freestanding furniture pieces elsewhere.

With their excellent blend of style and versatile storage capacity, it’s no wonder 42-inch upper cabinets have become a sought-after standard. By carefully planning placement, incorporating smart organizational features, and selecting attractive design options, you can maximize both the form and function of 42-inch uppers.

No matter your kitchen's size or layout, there are plenty of ways to configure 42-inch cabinets for optimal use of the space. Trust this popular cabinet height to provide both beauty and storage efficiency.