36 vs. 42-inch Kitchen Cabinets: Which Size Works Best?

Deciding between 36-inch and 42-inch kitchen cabinets can be tricky, especially if you want the perfect balance of storage and style. Here’s a quick guide to help you figure out which cabinet height works best for your kitchen and ceiling height.

If you’re knee-deep in a kitchen remodel, the difference between 36 and 42 inch cabinets suddenly feels like a huge deal.

You walk into a kitchen and just sense it—something’s taller, roomier, or maybe a little off.

I used to flip-flop over 36 or 42 inch cabinets, and honestly, you don’t really know until you see both in a real kitchen.

If you want your cabinets to reach the ceiling, look seamless, and avoid dust traps, 42 inch cabinets are usually the way to go.

The pros and cons of 36 inch cabinets are real—they’re easier to reach, a bit more affordable, and can look super cute with the right crown molding.

But when you’re comparing 36 and 42 inch kitchen cabinets, that extra storage from 42 inch cabinets can be a game-changer if you’re tight on space.

It really comes down to your style, ceiling height, and how much you care about stretching on your tiptoes.

If you’re still stuck on the 36 vs 42 inch kitchen cabinets debate, don’t stress—you’ll get a pretty solid idea of what actually works for your sanity.

36-Inch vs. 42-Inch Kitchen Cabinets

Explaining Cabinet Heights

Let’s start with basics: standard kitchen cabinet heights.

For wall cabinets (the ones above your counter), 36 inches and 42 inches are the most common choices.

You’ll see 36-inch wall cabinets in lots of homes, especially with standard 8-foot ceilings.

They leave a gap up top—some folks toss baskets or plants there, others just end up with a dust shelf.

42 inch cabinets reaching ceiling fill that whole space, which makes your kitchen look taller and gives you more storage up high.

The difference between 36 and 42 inch cabinets is all about visual impact and function.

36-inch cabinets are just easier for most people to reach. But 42-inch cabinets? If you’re short on storage or want that built-in look, they’re a total win.

Where 36-Inch and 42-Inch Cabinets Are Used

Ceiling height changes everything for cabinet fit. With 8-foot ceilings, 36 inch cabinets with crown molding is a go-to—it looks finished, not squished.

In homes with 9-foot ceilings, 36-inch cabinets can look squatty, leaving weird empty space above.

That’s where 42 inch kitchen cabinets really shine—they run up to the ceiling, so your kitchen looks tailored and high-end. Plus, no more dusty tops.

Installation considerations for 42 inch cabinets come into play, though (they’re tough to get up, and if you’re short, that top shelf is basically for show unless you keep a stool handy).

If you want a custom vibe or need max storage, 42s might be the move. If your ceilings are lower or you don’t need extra space, 36s are classic for a reason.

Comparing Base and Wall Cabinets

Here’s a quick kitchen cabinet size guide: base cabinets (“lowers”) are pretty much always 34.5 inches tall before the countertop. That’s not where you make the big height decisions.

The real debate is with wall cabinets. When you’re comparing 36 and 42 inch kitchen cabinets, it all comes down to what looks right and works for your life.

Tall vs standard kitchen cabinets change the vibe, how much you can store, and even how often you’ll need a step stool.

You can read about my last kitchen remodel, we went with 36 inch cabinets, just because my ceiling isn’t that high.

But in my next kitchen I will absolutely go with 42s (extra storage is always good, even if you don’t use it that often)

So if you’re torn and wondering should I choose 36 or 42 inch cabinets, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it’s all about your style, ceiling, and how much you want to reach.

Ceiling Height Considerations

If your ceiling is 8 feet high, that’s the sweet spot for standard kitchen cabinet heights like 36-inch cabinets.

You’ll usually have space above the cabinets, which you can dress up with crown molding or just leave open for plants and baskets.

I have an article about How To Use Space Between Kitchen Cabinets And Ceiling?

If I had the space between kitchen cabinets and ceilings I’d definitely use cute woven baskets to make everything feel finished.

However it’s also cool when cabinets stretch all the way up, it means you won’t be dragging out the step stool every time you clean.

Plus, you don’t have to squint at that random gap gathering grease.

If you’ve ever dealt with the top of 36-inch cabinets getting grimy, you know what I mean.

Spots like this kitchen cabinet size guide confirm that taller cabinets look seamless in higher kitchens.

Aesthetic Choices

Let’s talk about the impact of cabinet height on kitchen aesthetics.

36-inch cabinets with crown molding give you a classic, cozy look. It feels “homey,” especially if you like showing off pottery or want a little breathing room on top.

The pros and cons of 36 inch cabinets usually come down to design: you get more open space up high, but sometimes it can look unfinished if you don’t dress it up.

Make sure to read my article about: Should You Decorate or Close the Top of Your Kitchen Cabinets?

On the flip side, 42 inch kitchen cabinets reach right up and give you that modern, built-in look—almost like it was designed just for your space.

They really make the ceiling look taller, which is super nice in new builds or if you’re into the sleek, “everything tucked away” style.

The difference between 36 and 42 inch cabinets totally transforms the mood and flow of the room.

Storage Capacity Differences

Let’s start with the difference between 36 and 42 inch cabinets for storage.

With 42 inch cabinets reaching ceiling height, you get waaay more space for all those random appliances you never use but can’t toss—I have bread maker that’s been used twice and massive popcorn bowl haha.

They gobble up less-visible dust and look sleeker, especially if you like that built-in look.

So if you’ve got storage needs out the wazoo, these are your BFFs.

Here you can read more Are Ceiling-Height Kitchen Cabinets a Good Idea?

Of course there can’t be only positives, there’s a one little thing to keep in mind – in tighter floorplans, reaching those high shelves can be a pain (I’m short, so trust me on this one).

But 36 inch cabinets—with or without crown molding—leave a gap at the top.

It’s kind of handy for plants or display stuff, but honestly, that empty space loves to collect dust.

Accessibility for Different Users

Height is where the 36 inch vs 42 inch wall cabinets debate gets real.

I’m not short, but climbing on my counter for top-shelf stuff was a weekly thing, because my cabinets were up to the ceiling.

If you or anyone in your family isn’t NBA height, accessibility of 36 inch wall cabinets just makes sense.

The top shelf is right there, no step stool needed—huge win if you have kids or hate dragging out the ladder.

On the other hand, those benefits of 42 inch kitchen cabinets really shine for taller folks.

My best friend is taller than me and she loves not having to crouch for everyday plates and cups.

Kitchen Islands

If you ask me, a kitchen island is where the magic happens.

It offers extra seating when you have friends over and doubles down on storage if you pick the right cabinet height.

Sometimes, you’ll wanna match your island’s cabinets to your uppers.

So whether you go for the 36 inch vs 42 inch wall cabinets, try to keep your design vibe consistent.

Islands are clutch for stuffing pots, pans, and bulky blenders in cabinets below.

That way, you can keep your counters looking tidy.

Crown Molding for Tall Cabinets

Let’s talk about crown molding—I didn’t even know it was a thing until my kitchen reno.

Crown molding on your 42 inch cabinets reaching ceiling is like eyeliner for your cabinets: it pulls the whole look together.

It’s a game-changer if your house has taller ceilings (like 9ft).

I’ve seen people wonder if 36 inch cabinets with crown molding work in modern kitchens, and honestly, they do.

Molding can make shorter cabinets look polished and intentional. You don’t get that awkward “stuck in the middle” vibe above your cabinets.

If you’re into that super clean, built-in look, crown molding is worth the extra step—and the little bump in cost.

Deciding for Style

Style-wise, the impact of cabinet height on kitchen aesthetics is kinda wild.

When you go with 42 inch cabinets reaching ceiling, it gives a seamless, custom vibe—it feels modern and designer-y.

That look is seriously popular in new builds and gives off a “grown up kitchen” energy I totally love.

Some people like the airiness of 36 inch cabinets with a bit of open space above, especially if you use that spot for plants or baskets.

“Tall vs standard kitchen cabinets” is a legit debate among my friends after a few Pinterest binges!

Thinking about the cost difference between 36 and 42 inch cabinets? Taller usually costs more, both for the cabinets and installation.

But sometimes that seamless look is worth the extra cash—especially if you’re dreaming of a truly stylish kitchen remodel. And honestly, the price won’t matter in a few years, but you’ll be glad you did it that way.

If you’re scared of trends fading, the classic combo—36 inch cabinets with crown molding—never really goes out of style, and you can always switch up the crown for a fresh look later.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What are the benefits and drawbacks of 42-inch cabinets compared to 36-inch ones?

Benefits of 42 inch kitchen cabinets? More storage and a sleeker “built-in” vibe, especially if your ceiling is tall enough.

But reaching the top shelves is tough, and they can make smaller kitchens feel cramped.

If you stick with pros and cons of 36 inch cabinets, you usually get easier access, plus space for fun crown molding at the top. That space above does gather dust though—and is kind of wasted for storage.

Can you comfortably fit 42-inch cabinets in a kitchen with an 8-foot ceiling?

With an 8-foot ceiling, it gets tight if you try 42 inch cabinets reaching ceiling. The fit is super snug, leaving little to no space for any molding or ideal airflow.

It’s possible, but you’ll need careful measuring and might have to skip the crown stuff.

A lot of folks online suggest that if you’re asking should I choose 36 or 42 inch cabinets for 8-foot ceilings, 36-inch usually looks more balanced.

How much more might I expect to pay for 42-inch cabinets versus 36-inch ones?

Here’s the tea: the cost difference between 36 and 42 inch cabinets can be pretty noticeable. The taller ones usually cost more, not just per cabinet, but also for installation since they’re heavier and clunkier to deal with.

Most estimates I’ve seen (and from my own reno drama) run 10%–20% more for the taller cabinets. It adds up—especially if you have a big kitchen.

Do 42-inch cabinets typically include more shelves than 36-inch models?

You’ll almost always get an extra shelf with 42-inch cabinets. That extra vertical space means more spots to stash weird kitchen gadgets, Tupperware, or pantry goods.

It’s honestly wild how much hidden storage capacity those top shelves offer.

If you’re always running out of space in your tall vs standard kitchen cabinets, going for the extra height feels like a life saver.