Open Up Your Kitchen With Tall Wall Cabinets Installed To Perfection
If your kitchen feels cramped and cluttered, the problem may be inadequate storage space. Short wall cabinets above the counter can limit your organization and accessibility. The solution? Install tall upper cabinets that truly maximize your storage capacity.
With wall cabinets extended to the ideal height, you can open up your kitchen and create a clean, organized environment. The key is proper installation based on ceiling height, countertop size, and your own physical stature.
Consider Standard Cabinet Dimensions
Typical wall cabinets are 36 inches tall. This leaves sufficient clearance between the countertop and cabinets for most people, who average 5 feet 8 inches to 6 feet tall. Standard installation height is 18 inches above the counter. With 36-inch base cabinets and a 4-inch backsplash, the bottom of the wall cabinet will be 54 to 55 inches off the floor.
These standard measurements ensure you can comfortably access and utilize the space. But special considerations like an especially tall ceiling may allow you to go even bigger.
Factor In Your Ceiling Height
The height of your kitchen ceiling impacts the sizing options for your upper cabinets. Having an 8-foot ceiling, for example, provides you with some flexibility. But you don't necessarily need to install cabinets all the way to the ceiling.
Leaving 12 to 18 inches of space above the cabinets creates a more open, airier look. It also allows room for decorative crown molding and provides extra space for storing taller items in your base cabinets.
Leave Room Above for Molding and Storage
If your ceiling height allows it, leave a gap above your wall cabinets. You'll enjoy benefits like:
- Space for attractive crown molding trim
- Storing tall pots, pans, and appliances in base cabinets
- An open, less claustrophobic feel
Mind the Countertop Height
Most standard countertop heights range from 34 to 37 inches. With a typical 36-inch counter, a properly sized wall cabinet will be installed about 18 inches above it. The size of your backsplash also slightly impacts the placement height.
Getting this right ensures ample usable space between your countertop and upper cabinets. It means you can easily lift and maneuver dishes, ingredients, and appliances.
Consider Cabinet Depth and Width
When selecting upper cabinets, also consider the ideal depth and width. Standard depths range from 12 to 24 inches. The deeper the cabinet, the greater the storage capacity. But shallow 12-inch depths can maximize accessibility.
For width, standard upper cabinets range between 30 and 36 inches wide. The width impacts how much you can store and the visual expanse of cabinetry across your wall.
Maximize Your Storage Capacity
The right tall cabinet height means maximizing all the available storage space. Upper cabinets give you many cubic feet of added room for organizing kitchen items.
Look for organizational systems like pull-out shelves, spinning corner cabinets, and slide out bins. Also utilize the expanded vertical space with stacking organizing units.
Creative Storage Solutions for Tall Cabinets
- Pull-out shelves and drawers
- Lazy susans in corner cabinets
- Vertical dividers for baking sheets
- Stacking bins, baskets and organizers
Factor in Kitchen Workflow
Consider how you access cabinets for prep work, cooking, and clean up. Place frequently used items in the optimal height range for you. Put less used items higher or lower.
For example, position prep and cooking essentials at the mid-range accessible level. Place breakfast dishes higher and infrequently needed appliances lower.
Extra Tall Pantry Cabinet Height
For maximum storage, install an extra tall pantry cabinet. These units are typically 84 or 96 inches high. That's double or triple the size of a standard 36-inch cabinet.
A floor to ceiling pantry has massive capacity for food, small appliances, cookware and more. Just be sure to include pull-out shelves and other organizing elements to fully utilize the space.
To ensure your tall cabinets are perfectly fitted to your kitchen, hire professional installers. They have the expertise to:
- Accurately measure your space
- Level and hang cabinets correctly
- Follow manufacturer guidelines
- Adjust for any odd angles and ceiling inconsistencies
With tall upper cabinets installed to perfection, you can open up and organize your kitchen like never before. Just be thoughtful about height, depth, and your unique space when selecting and installing cabinets.