The Pros and Cons of Removing Kitchen Wall Cabinets

Kitchen wall cabinets have been a staple in home design for decades. Walk into almost any kitchen and you're sure to see rows of wall cabinets providing abundant storage space overhead. But recently, the trend of removing upper cabinets completely has been on the rise. This bold design choice creates a minimalist, modern aesthetic by opening up the kitchen walls. However, it also takes away significant storage capacity. If you're considering jumping on the no-upper-cabinet bandwagon, be sure to weigh the pros and cons first.

Removing kitchen wall cabinets, also known as uppers, creates a cleaner, more streamlined look by eliminating visual clutter. For many homeowners, the main motivation behind this design decision is attaining a light and airy aesthetic. Going cabinet-free on the upper portion of your kitchen walls can make the space appear more open and less closed in. It also allows more natural light to filter throughout the room. The result is often a brighter, more inviting kitchen.

Pros of Removing Upper Cabinets

Creates an Open, Airy Feel

If your kitchen feels small, cramped or enclosed, removing the upper cabinets can work wonders for opening it up. Eliminating the imposing top row of cabinets makes the space appear larger and less boxed in. Without upper cabinets forming a barrier overhead, your eyes are drawn upward to the higher part of the walls. This enhances the perception of vertical space.

The less obstructed view also enables more natural light to penetrate the kitchen. Sunlight can stream in through windows and skylights without being blocked by overhead cabinetry. The additional illumination brightens up the whole room. Creating a lighter, airier ambiance is a top reason many homeowners choose to take down their uppers.

Fosters a Minimalist Lifestyle

In addition to the aesthetic benefits, removing upper cabinets promotes minimized, clutter-free living. Taking away prime kitchen real estate forces you to declutter and get rid of items you rarely use. Without ample overhead storage, you're motivated to only keep essentials you utilize on a regular basis. This facilitates adopting a simplified, low-maintenance lifestyle.

If you're seeking to pare down your belongings and live with less, then eliminating upper cabinets can give your minimalist aspirations a big boost. You'll no longer have an easy place to stash things away and forget about them. The lack of storage space will encourage mindful decisions about what you actually need in your culinary arsenal.

Greater Visual Appeal

Removing upper cabinets places greater emphasis on other elements of your kitchen's design. Without that expansive overhead cabinetry competing for attention, features like your backsplash, accent walls, and decor choices take center stage.

The freed-up wall space also enables you to get creative with eye-catching displays. You can opt for open shelving to exhibit glassware, cookbooks or herb gardens. The odds of guests noticing impressive tile work or a pops of color increase exponentially when upper cabinets no longer monopolize their view.

Increased Natural Light

If your kitchen feels dark or dingy even during the day, a lack of sufficient natural lighting may be to blame. Overhead cabinets can obstruct natural light from streaming in through windows and other light sources. Taking them out of the equation removes that impediment to illumination.

Without bulky upper cabinets causing shadowy corners, your kitchen will benefit from improved flow of natural light. This makes the space feel more open and inviting. Maximize the benefits by adding new windows or skylights during your remodel. Just be sure to also invest in window treatments to manage glare and heat gain.

Cons of Removing Upper Cabinets

Reduced Storage Capacity

One of the biggest downsides of removing upper cabinets is the major reduction in storage capacity. Kitchen wall cabinets provide abundant storage space, with their rows of deep shelves and wide interiors. For kitchens overflowing with gadgets, cookware and serving ware, upper cabinets are a godsend.

Without that overhead real estate, you'll have to rely much more heavily on your lower cabinets and alternative storage solutions. This can be impractical if your kitchen is already cramped on space. Be sure to seriously assess your storage needs before committing to a life without uppers.

Decreased Kitchen Functionality

Upper cabinets are useful for more than just capacious storage. They also enable smart organization by keeping infrequently used items out of the way. Without upper cabinets, the extra mixing bowls, holiday platters and other specialty cooking tools often get buried in low cabinets.

Daily staples like dishes and cooking utensils can also become less conveniently accessible. They may get tucked on high or distant shelves rather than within arm's reach. This disrupts the workflow and efficiency of meal prep and cooking tasks.

More Difficult to Keep Clean

The accumulation of dust, crumbs and grease is an inevitable reality in kitchens. Upper cabinets provide protection from wear, tear and grime buildup. Contents stay cleaner inside enclosed cabinetry than exposed on open shelving.

Without cabinet doors sealing off the upper walls, you'll likely need to clean the kitchen more frequently. Open shelves allow gases, steam and splattering to coat displayed items with a film of grease. More effort will be required to keep the kitchen looking its best.

Limits Design Options

Eliminating upper cabinets also means missing out on some design flexibility. Having both upper and lower cabinetry enables you to vary finishes and styles between the two sections. Without uppers, you lose the ability to create visual interest through contrast.

In addition, some decorative accents like glass front cabinets or accent lighting work best positioned above eye level. With no upper cabinets to incorporate such features, your design options become restricted.

Key Considerations Before Removing Cabinets

Before taking the plunge to go upper cabinet-free, take time to carefully weigh factors like:

• How much storage space do you realistically need?
• What alternate storage solutions can you incorporate?
• Does a minimalist, decluttered aesthetic align with your lifestyle?
• Will resale value be impacted?
• How much will the remodel cost?
• Will the lack of uppers disrupt your kitchen workflow?

Analyze how you currently use the kitchen, including what and how much you typically store. This will help inform your decision of whether losing the uppers is a smart move.

Creative Ways to Replace Upper Cabinet Storage

If you do decide to remove your upper cabinets, all is not lost when it comes to storage capacity. Get creative with ways to maximize every inch of your lower cabinets and incorporate specialized storage solutions. Some approaches to try include:

Deep Base Cabinets and Pull-Out Drawers

One of the easiest ways to increase storage without upper cabinets is installing base cabinets that extend all the way to the ceiling. Opt for deep drawers that pull out entirely to access contents in the back. Drawers are great for holding bulkier items you would normally store above like pots, pans and baking sheets.

Wall-Mounted Racks, Rails, and Hooks

Installing wall-mounted racks or rail systems provides vertical storage along your backsplash or walls. Hang them at varying heights for customized organization. Hooks are another option for keeping frequently used pots and pans within reach.

Freestanding Storage Units

Freestanding shelving units like hutches or baker's racks provide storage while retaining openness. Place them in corners or along walls to hold both practical items and displayed decor. For significant storage needs, consider a freestanding pantry cabinet.

Strategic Organization Systems and Baskets

To keep base cabinets neatly organized, use storage containers, lazy susans and other smart organization systems. Baskets on deep pull-out shelves can corral items like spices and canned goods.

Get innovative with how you store and organize without upper cabinetry. Implementing specialized solutions can help minimize the storage loss.

Removing your kitchen's upper cabinets has both advantages and disadvantages to weigh carefully. The absence of overhead cabinetry creates a light, minimalist look and feel. But it also drastically reduces available storage space. Assess your needs and kitchen usage to decide if going upper cabinet-free fits your lifestyle.

If you have the flexibility to adapt your cooking workflow and organization, then removing uppers may be right for you. Just be sure to incorporate creative storage solutions using the lower cabinets and walls. With adequate preparation, you can enjoy the benefits of a streamlined, modern kitchen without all the uppers.