One of the highly neglected areas when it comes to kitchen design, it is immensely capable. Be it ceiling height, design consideration, or installation issues that come with a gap, their remedies can turn your kitchen into a coherent and functional space. Here are practical ways to block or utilize space above your cabinets and enhance your kitchen's overall look and usability.
Why Address the Space Above Kitchen Cabinets?
In most kitchens, space over cabinets may serve only to collect dust or to make the kitchen look a little unfinished. Filling or decorating that space serves many purposes, which includes but isn't limited to:
The aesthetic appeal it adds: A seamless appearance creates an ambiance of harmony and class.
Use unfilled/unused space: This will often be unused space into something functional or decorative.
Less maintenance: Cover this space and never clean those hard-to-reach areas again.
Whether looking for a decorative or practical solution, there is one option for every kitchen.
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Extend Cabinets to the Ceiling
One of the most effective ways to block the gap above your cabinets is by extending the cabinets themselves. This can be done with additional cabinetry or the modification of existing cabinets with risers or fillers to reach the ceiling. This approach works particularly well in kitchens with high ceilings.
Pros:
Provides additional storage for less used items.
Creates a sleek, custom-built appearance.
Considerations:
Ensure the extended cabinetry is designed to match the cabinetry so that everything flows in accordance. You may find yourself needing a professional who could retrofit the existing or new cabinets. If upgrading completely, consider timeless options for the cabinet design, like Shaker Cabinets, which will seamlessly integrate into a modern or traditional kitchen.
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Crown Molding Adds a Finished Appearance
Crown molding is a classic, elegant way to fill that gap above your cabinets. This decorative trim can span the gap between the tops of the cabinets and the ceiling, adding a more finished and upscale look to your kitchen.
Pros:
Versatile, suitable for a variety of design styles from traditional to contemporary
Easy to install and customize with different profiles and finishes
Installation Tips:
Select molding that will complement the color and style of your cabinets. For example, White Shaker Kitchen Cabinets look beautiful with bright, white crown molding.
For the do-it-yourselfer, pre-painted or pre-stained molding makes the job much easier.
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Add a Soffit or Bulkhead
One option is to install a soffit, which is essentially a bulkhead-a boxlike construction that bridges the gap between the tops of the cabinets and the ceiling. It's a convenient solution for those who like to keep things neat and enclosed, without actually extending the cabinets themselves.
Pros:
The soffit will cover unsightly wires, pipes, and other utilities, which usually occur in most kitchen walls.
Decreases dust and grease build-up, found in areas difficult to access.
Considerations:
Soffits can be painted to match your cabinets or ceiling for a seamless finish.
This option may require some carpentry work to build the frame and install the drywall.
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Use Beadboard or Panels
For a more textured and decorative solution, one can use beadboard or paneling to cover the gap. This is very effective for kitchens with a farmhouse or rustic theme.
Pros:
Add character and visual interest to your kitchen.
Much less expensive than, say, tile installation, and pretty easy to install compared with other methods. Tips for Success: Paint the beadboard to match your cabinets, or choose a complementary color for contrast. Trim out edges with trim to give it that professional touch.
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Add Open Shelving or Display Areas
In kitchens with higher ceilings, open shelving can be installed over the cabinets for functional and decorative storage. This makes the gap intentional and part of the design rather than an error.
Pros:
Additional storage or display for cookbooks, plants, and other items is a big plus.
A layered look will add depth and character to the kitchen.
Styling Tips:
Don't overload the shelves; instead, group items in threes or fives.
Use consistent colors or themes, such as ceramics or greenery, to continue the cohesion of the design.
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Add LED Lighting for Ambiance
Lighting the space above your cabinets can add warmth and ambiance to your kitchen while making the area feel purposeful. LED strip lights or puck lights are popular choices for this application.
Pros:
Improves visibility and accentuates display pieces.
Easy to install and energy-efficient.
Best Practices:
Place the lighting in such a way that it would reduce glare and provide a soft diffused effect.
Consider smart lighting options for controlling brightness and color temperature.
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Paint or Wallpaper the Space
If it is just impossible to fill that gap, painting or wallpapering the wall over the top of the cabinets brings colour and texture to the display space in your kitchen. This is the simpler method that is much cheaper without making major changes.
Benefits:
Easy to replace if you ever want to change the look of your kitchen sometime in the future. Adds personality without additional fixtures or installations. Ideas: Match the wall color to the cabinets for a seamless effect. Use bold wallpaper patterns for a statement look in modern or eclectic kitchens.
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Add a Decorative Facade
For a built-in look, consider adding a decorative facade above your cabinets. This could include custom panels, molding, or other materials that blend with your cabinetry to block the gap entirely.
Pros:
Creates a cohesive, custom-built appearance.
Hides space without extra storage or visual clutter.
Design Tips:
Match the material and color of the facade to your existing cabinets for a seamless look, like matching it with Dark Grey Kitchen Cabinets for a modern touch.
Conclusion
The space over your kitchen cabinets doesn't have to be an eyesore. What was once dead space can become, with the right solution, a design feature that adds functionality and flair to your kitchen-everything from extending cabinets to installing crown molding or creating a decorative display. There's a solution to suit every kitchen layout and style.
Whether your kitchen boasts timeless Shaker cabinets, ultramodern sleekness, or a riotous pop of color, the spaces above your cabinets round out the finishing touches in your home. Explore creative ideas and find the option that works best for your space to achieve a polished, professional look.
