Deciding whether or not kitchen cupboards ought to go to the ceiling could be a essential design component when planning a brand new kitchen. It may be a private factor too, with some selecting to take action to attain a tidy search for their cooking area whereas others may go with out as a result of it creates a bigger really feel to the room.
The choice could be a all the way down to kitchen transform traits as properly. Kitchen wall items went out of fashion just a few years in the past, with designers encouraging open shelving. However the realities and practicalities of getting hid space for storing is now making a comeback, with floor-to-ceiling cupboards additionally turning into common..
Understandably, when one thing as vital because the format, model and performance of a kitchen comes into play throughout, we need to get it 100% proper the primary time round. On this article, we have a look at kitchen cupboards peak and whether or not or not they need to ever go proper as much as the ceiling.
Are kitchen cupboards presupposed to be full-height?
Whether or not kitchen cupboards must be full peak is debatable. Prior to now, freestanding kitchens would have used giant dresser items to retailer cookware and servingware and pantries for meals stuffs. Whereas these wouldn’t have essentially touched the ceiling, they’d take up a considerable amount of wallspace.
When fitted kitchens grew to become the norm in UK households, wall items had been much more common set at eye degree, or round 600mm – 730mm from the worktop. Nonetheless, you’ll discover that even at present, wall items don’t attain the ceiling. The kitchen items could have what is named a cornice to supply an ornamental flourish to the highest of cupboards, with a spot left between the highest of the cupboard and the ceiling.
“The enchantment for extra streamlined storage has continued to achieve momentum during the last yr,” explains Al Bruce, founding father of Olive & Barr. “We’re seeing a need for a clutter-free kitchen, with crockery and utensils being neatly tucked behind cabinetry doorways. Glass-fronted cabinetry is gaining in recognition, with owners more and more selecting to retailer glassware and different objects on this method. Open kitchen shelving nonetheless has its place however for extra ornamental objects comparable to artwork and ornaments reasonably than kitchen crockery.”
Al Bruce
Al Bruce is an skilled skilled within the handmade kitchen business, with a profession spanning 25 years. In 2018, he established his personal Shaker kitchen firm, combining his technical expertise and enterprise acumen to ship high-quality, bespoke kitchen designs
This design cleverly makes use of the floor-to-ceiling items to deal with a built-in Samsung microwave (£1,004 from B&Q) to scale back worktop litter. (Picture credit score: B&Q)
“The hid kitchen is a nod to the latest pattern of ‘again kitchens’ the place the inside workings of the kitchen, soiled dishes and ‘messy’ objects could possibly be saved away out of sight,” continues Al bruce. “As owners proceed to spend increasingly more time within the kitchen, the necessity for the connection to be seamless with different residing areas inside the dwelling continues and clutter-free is turning into the popular alternative.”
“This design [full-height units] permits for the organisation of kitchen necessities, with on a regular basis objects being simply accessible at decrease ranges and less-used objects, comparable to baking tins and formal dinnerware, being saved increased up,” provides Molly Chandler, designer at Willis & Stone. “Flooring-to-ceiling storage may also improve the general aesthetic of a kitchen, by making a cohesive look which feels extra open and fewer cluttered.”
Molly Chandler
Molly Chandler is a designer with a wealth of expertise in creating high quality kitchens to swimsuit all kinds of buyer wants. From preliminary concept via to accomplished design, Molly understands simply how one can make a kitchen carry out on a sensible and aesthetic degree.
How do you fill the hole between cupboards and the kitchen ceiling?
“There isn’t any proper or improper with floor-to-ceiling cabinetry. They are often tailor-made to any glossy up to date or conventional model kitchen, utilizing numerous design strategies,” explains Molly Chandler.“If in case you have taller ceilings than your common property, floor-to-ceiling cabinetry may also help to intensify the peak, while utilising the space for storing accessible.
“Many kitchen producers have a ‘customary set up peak’ they work to, so including high containers above the usual tall run of cabinetry can each be visually interesting and sensible for the house proprietor.
“Some could not want the additional space for storing, so utilizing the highest containers for simply visible functions might be actually efficient to the general kitchen look. Opting to have these high containers glazed in a conventional Georgian-style kitchen may also look extra grand, with an added lighting function to create extra visible depth and peak, while additionally with the ability to show ornaments so as to add extra character.”
Store kitchen baskets and cupboards
At 1.85m, this freestanding larder/pantry unit could be an ideal addition to a non-fitted kitchen, or as a solo stand-out piece alongside fitted items.
Sq. Rattan Basket With Handles
If you have already got wall items that do not attain the ceiling, an alternate answer to maxmise storage is to make use of containers or baskets which are simple to take down as and while you want the objects.
METOD Wall cupboard horizontal with glass door
For these with current wall items that depart a spot to the ceiling, this Ikea unit might be bought and painted to match a fitted kitchen. With a peak of 40cm, this may be best above wall items.
Why is floor-to-ceiling kitchen cabinetry not proper for each home?
Generally, in kitchens with low ceilings, comparable to these in cottages or basement conversions, full-height items can really feel overbearing and encourage the room to seem claustrophobic. Nonetheless, a kitchen with a ceiling peak of a minimum of 2.1m ought to enable sufficient room to breathe.
In the event you’re uncertain about having a full run of floor-to-ceiling items all through the kitchen, maybe mix-and-match with some assertion bigger cabinet or above in-built ovens.
FAQs
Are floor-to-ceiling cupboards costlier?
“The price of having flooring to ceiling cabinetry can fluctuate relying on the peak accessible, however usually there shall be an added 5% cost for altering the peak of your kitchen cupboards. If high containers are being added above this, there shall be an additional price per cupboard,” advises Molly Chandler.
What’s the present pattern for kitchen wall items?
“Maximising a kitchen’s storage potential is a pattern which is constant in 2025,” feedback Molly Chandler, “Not glad with their present storage choices, owners are selecting to put in floor-to-ceiling cabinets, which is a extremely environment friendly design answer that maximises each inch of vertical area.
“Glossy floor-to-ceiling pantries stay common, these understated cupboards mix seamlessly right into a kitchen design and supply most storage, with out encroaching on valuable flooring area.”