One of the important issues that needs to be decided when ordering a new kitchen concerns the height of the hanging cabinets. Should they be tall or can they be made small? Do tall cabinets have to reach the ceiling? In what case should you not do this? Let's figure it out.
First of all, it should be noted that the height of the upper cabinets is a matter of taste and personal preference. Much depends on the style of furniture, the size of the room, and the design of the ceilings. But it’s still worth admitting that a small gap between the cabinets and the ceiling looks quite ridiculous - like a flaw or an omission. Therefore, although this is a matter of taste, the rule is formulated by itself: either the distance should be decent, or there should be none at all.
These cabinets are begging to be taller. Why this small gap?
The distance from the cabinets to the ceiling is logical
And here it is illogical
Why is this distance between the cabinets and the ceiling?
Why not make these cabinets go all the way to the ceiling?
That is, yes - raising cabinets to the ceiling is not at all necessary. But then it is better to make them low, leaving at least 30-40 cm of free space above them. It looks beautiful and... logical.
Haute cuisine is appropriate in…
- in small apartments - to increase the storage area of a linear kitchen;
- houses with low ceilings - to extend the room upward;
- studio apartments - to reduce the area occupied by the set.
Gap between cabinets and ceiling
But it’s still worth admitting that a small gap between the cabinets and the ceiling looks quite ridiculous - like a flaw or an omission.
Therefore, although this is a matter of taste, the rule is formulated by itself: either the distance should be decent, or there should be none at all.
An example of an inappropriate gap
Pros of a kitchen under the ceiling
- With this layout option, the storage system increases almost 3 times and dust does not accumulate in hard-to-reach places. Let's try to understand the pros and cons of such a set in your kitchen?
- The advantage of using tall cabinets in the kitchen is a visual increase in space. Elongated cabinets, like vertical stripes on the walls of the kitchen, increase volume and height, create the impression of solidity, the facades shift into perspective, dissolving into the plane of the walls.
- No clutter in the kitchen. The more space you have to store kitchen utensils, the less clutter you will have on your table and work surface.
Features of choosing the color of kitchen furniture with cabinets
To ensure that the kitchen photo in the interior does not look too cumbersome, it is necessary to select the color scheme as carefully as possible. Gloss and light colors, such as:
- lactic;
- white;
- cream;
- pink;
- light blue.
Such headsets look quite graceful and elegant. Even if there is a small gap between the ceiling and the cabinets, it is hidden behind the cornice.
You can make cabinets more “weightless” using built-in lighting. Additional lighting can be provided for the following purposes:
- zoning of the territory;
- illumination of paintings or mirrors;
- lighting in the work area;
- lighting for the dining area.
Their prices are slightly higher than regular kitchens. And this can be explained simply: more materials are needed to make such furniture.
Options for kitchens under the ceiling
There are two options for making a ceiling-mounted kitchen.
False facade
The first is to assemble a plasterboard box over the kitchen, which is subsequently covered with kitchen facades and imitates drawers. This is called a false facade.
It may even have handles on it, and no one will ever realize that it doesn't open.
Boxes by purpose
And the second option - the top drawers are usable. But at the same time it is necessary to remember about their trouble-free opening.
About lamps
Even if there are no protruding parts on the doors, but you have overhead lamps installed on the ceiling, the façade will rest against the lamp.
Think about this in advance.
Cornice
It is believed that elegant kitchens with a classic design should go right up to the ceiling.
In this case, a small gap between the cabinets and the ceiling is usually formed by a cornice that encircles the perimeter of the room.
Ceiling
If you want to make a kitchen up to the ceiling, then a flat ceiling is critical: the furniture fits so close to it that the slightest curvature will be noticeable.
The kitchen is not cheap
If you order a kitchen set from non-standard modules or make additional upper cabinets, this will significantly increase the cost of the furniture.
Mezzanine
The internal space of the mezzanine under the ceiling must be organized very competently. The most universal way: removable shelves.
This way you can use the space more rationally, and if necessary, remove one of the shelves and place a large item in the closet.
Large containers and baskets for small items will also help to equip the storage system.
Kitchen height
- The leading aspect is the height of the room . If it is 240 cm or less , you can order standard cabinets up to the ceiling without hesitation.
- With a kitchen height of 240 to 300 cm, the cabinets can be made either high (to the ceiling) or low. But we remember that it is better to leave a larger distance from the cabinet to the ceiling (about 30-40 cm).
- If the room is higher than 300 cm , you should not raise cabinets to the ceiling. This design will look too bulky and unnatural. And it will be almost impossible to use the cabinets, then what’s the point? No benefit, no aesthetics.
Kitchens with or without handles
Correct colors, minimal decor. Looking at modern kitchens with ceilings, you most likely will not see handles. This was done in order not to overload the space with unnecessary objects, because there are a third more doors in such a set.
How to Raise Old Standard Height Cabinets to the Ceiling
Raise the cabinets to the ceiling Raise the cabinets higher, and decorate the joint with a cornice. To balance the composition, open shelves are placed under the cabinets. Install a ceiling-length decorative panel on top of the cabinets. Old kitchen cabinets can be transformed by adding them using moldings and MDF sheets. Build an upper level in the form of mezzanines or open shelving
Facade opening mechanism
To make it easy for the housewife to “work” in a kitchen with high cabinets, the mezzanine should be equipped with folding fittings with elevators and closers. One slight movement of the hand - and the panel itself moved up or to the side and opened unhindered access to the contents of the cabinet. Closing is just as convenient, because thanks to the shock absorption system, the facades do not slam and fit tightly to the body.
What to consider
Before buying such a set, consider the size of the room and some important points.
Experts focus on 3 factors.
- Ventilation holes
. It doesn't matter what design you choose. Whether it's Provence cuisine or neoclassical. But it is important that the cabinet does not block access to the ventilation hole. Either abandon the idea, or connect the hood to the pipe, carefully pulling it through the top tier of cabinets; - Opening doors
. Upper-level cabinets cannot be mounted close to the ceiling. Otherwise they may not open. There is always a gap of 2-3 centimeters; - Coloring and decor
. A minimum of elements, as well as bright accents. Otherwise, the kitchen will look overloaded. A white kitchen is better than a black or red one. Something neutral but practical.
Take a look at the photo and think if this option is right for you.
Upper cabinets in two rows
Two-tier - a classic option with two rows. To achieve harmony, order furniture of the same width.
Tall narrow upper cabinets
From the outside it looks like several modules stretched out lengthwise. This design looks lighter and visually raises the ceiling. But the doors will open as standard and, possibly, get in the way of your head.
Deep upper cabinets of the second tier
The upper rows are at different levels: storage spaces near the ceiling are made deeper.
Color scheme and style
The color of the cabinet in the ceiling directly determines how organically it will fit into the room. It is optimal to use neutral colors, such as beige or cream. Glossy facades also look good.
Excellent tall headsets are complemented by lighting. Especially if the facade is glass. Nowadays LEDs are used to provide lighting. They are economical and practically do not heat up during operation.
You can even make the lighting yourself; to do this, place LED strips that are selected by color. They are easy to install and do not require any special skills. The result is a beautiful cabinet that provides additional lighting.
A tall cabinet that touches the ceiling is an excellent solution for a kitchen, especially a small one. A correctly selected option will allow you to effectively place food, dishes, and household appliances, using minimal space in the room.
Photo ideas
Ventilation grille
