Open Up Your Kitchen with Tall Double Stack Cabinets
If your kitchen feels closed in and cramped, installing double stack cabinets can help open up the space and maximize storage. By stacking cabinets vertically, you can expand your storage capacity without expanding the footprint of your kitchen.
Double stack kitchen cabinets refer to upper and lower cabinets installed one on top of the other. This double decker approach allows you to take advantage of vertical real estate that typically goes wasted in standard cabinet configurations.
Achieve New Heights with Tall Double Stack Cabinets
When designing your new double stack cabinetry, the first consideration is cabinet height. Determining the right measurements for your space can enhance the feeling of openness and airiness.
Standard upper kitchen cabinets are typically 30 inches high. Base cabinets usually measure 36 inches from floor to ceiling. While these heights work well for many kitchens, going taller with your double stack cabinets can really amplify the sense of space.
Tall Cabinet Options
Consider selecting upper cabinets that are 36-48 inches tall instead of the typical 30 inches. Depending on your ceiling height, this can make the whole kitchen feel significantly more expansive and open. The difference between 30 inch and 42 inch upper cabinets is quite dramatic.
Opting for taller base cabinets at 39-48 inches is another option that can open up the visual space. Be sure to account for comfortable countertop heights as you finalize the measurements.
Extra Tall Pantries
Another way to incorporate taller double stack cabinets is with an extra tall pantry unit. Jumbo pantry cabinets may be 7-8 feet tall, providing massive amounts of contained storage. Deep pantries with either solid or glass doors can house everything from baking sheets and mixers to cereal boxes. Just be sure to install plenty of pull outs and shelves to effectively use all the available space.
An ultra tall pantry cabinet can be a stunning focal point in an open concept kitchen or galley layout. Just be mindful of proximity to windows, appliances and doorways when incorporating oversized pantry cabinets.
Maximize Storage Within Double Stack Cabinets
Taking advantage of all the storage potential of double stack cabinets requires some strategy. Simply stacking one cabinet on another leaves the upper cabinets hard to access and disorganized.
Splitting Upper and Lower Cabinets
One approach is splitting upper and lower double stack cabinets. The lower cabinets house the items you use most often. The upper cabinets become the home for appliances, serving pieces and other items used less frequently.
This split system also allows you to customize the configuration. The lower cabinets may all be drawers for utensil storage, while the uppers have open shelving for display items. Mix and match to suit your needs.
Incorporating Storage Innovations
To truly maximize vertical storage, incorporate innovations like pull out shelves, spice racks, lazy susans and other space-saving solutions. Drawers with cutlery dividers, roll out trays and appliance garages all come in handy.
Take time to analyze how you use your existing storage when looking at pull outs and innovations for double stack cabinets. Observe your unloading and loading habits, then select space-saving aids suited for your kitchen workflow.
Don't underestimate the power of a well-designed lazy susan, either. A large lazy susan in a base cabinet provides easy access to items pushed towards the back. In upper cabinets, smaller lazy susans efficiently corral spices, cans and other small items.
Keep Double Stack Cabinets Organized
Organization is key to successfully using the expanded storage space of double stack cabinets. Ensure upper cabinets don't become cluttered free-for-alls. Use shelf dividers, containers and racks to tame items.
Clear labeling on shelves and bins makes finding things easy, even in tall cabinets. Consider glass-front upper cabinets to encourage edited, organized displays.
Design a Kitchen to Complement Double Stack Cabinets
Achieving a cohesive, spacious kitchen design means paying attention to how double stack cabinets interact with the overall layout.
Placement and Layout
Focus on workflow when determining cabinet placement. Position frequently accessed cabinets based on convenient proximity to the fridge, stove and prep areas. Minimize stretching and reaching.
Take appliances and windows into consideration so tall cabinets don't create an awkward disjointed effect. Allow room for crown molding and lighting fixtures as well.
Style and Finish
Bright, light finishes give the illusion of more space. White, light gray and two-toned cabinets keep things airy. Neutral cabinets also provide flexibility to change up accent colors over time.
For drama, dark-stained lower cabinets grounded by lighter uppers widens the perspective. Just be sure to allow enough task lighting to prevent a cave-like effect.
Glass cabinet doors maintain an open, uncluttered look. Shaker style doors complement many kitchen aesthetics. Keep door styles cohesive between upper and lower double stack cabinets.
By creatively incorporating double stack cabinets into your kitchen design or remodel, you can enjoy expanded storage capacity and a greater sense of openness. Taking advantage of vertical space minimizes a cramped, cluttered feel.
Just be strategic with cabinet height, storage solutions and layout when planning your tall double stack cabinets. With smart planning and execution, you can love how your kitchen looks as well as functions.