Hey all! My name is Julia, former college student and a home decor enthusiast who loves DIY home improvement projects and finding creative ways to decorate any living spaces on a budget. Recently moved from my dorm to my new apartment which I renovated from scratch and I am here to help you with tips & tricks about home decor/college and more 🙂
Deciding whether kitchen cabinets should go all the way to the ceiling can be tricky, with both style and storage to consider. Here are some helpful tips to figure out if ceiling-height cabinets are the right choice for your kitchen.
Let’s just get right to it—taking your kitchen cabinets all the way up to the ceiling is a game-changer for storage and keeping things looking clean.
No more dust and grease collecting on top, and it seriously makes your kitchen design feel taller and more finished.
But of course, it’s not always a simple yes or no. You might lose a bit of that “open” vibe, and getting to those top shelves can feel like a workout (unless you’re way taller than me).
Some kitchen designers say it’s not for everyone, so it’s worth really thinking about your space and what you want.
Honestly, taking your kitchen cabinets all the way to the ceiling is a smart move if you want extra storage and a clean look—plus, you’ll never have to deal with that gap up top!
If climbing for the holiday platters sounds like a hassle, maybe not so much.
What Does ‘Cabinets to the Ceiling’ Mean?
When people talk about cabinets to the ceiling, they mean the top of your kitchen cabinets lines up with the actual ceiling—no awkward gap or dust-collecting space above.
This setup looks super polished, kind of like the fancy kitchens you see on Pinterest and interior design magazines.
The cabinets themselves get built taller or sometimes just stacked to reach all the way up, depending on your ceiling height.
If your kitchen has high ceilings, this look can get dramatic real fast (in a good way, if you love that sleek vibe).
Just because my apartment is on the smaller side, I needed more storage space and that’s why I made my kitchen cabinets to the ceiling!
Why People Love Tall Cabinets
The main reason you’d go for full-height kitchen cabinets?
Easy: more storage for all the stuff you don’t use every day.
Those top shelves are perfect for stashing holiday dishes, giant pots, or, if you’re like me, that popcorn maker you forgot you had.
It also means you don’t have to dust the top of your cabinets, which is a win in my book.
Lots of people also love the clean, connected look of cabinets reaching the ceiling.
It can make small kitchens seem taller and give big kitchens that wow-factor, too.
To me, ceiling-height cabinets is the better choice because they aren’t just useful—they make the whole space feel more polished.
More Space, Less Clutter
Let’s be real—most kitchens never seem to have quite enough storage.
When your cabinets go all the way up, you get a bonus row of shelves, which is honestly a lifesaver for things you barely use, like holiday dishes or that weird fondue set.
Even if your kitchen is tiny or your ceiling’s on the tall side, all that extra cabinet height means fewer things are crammed into awkward drawers.
I have a friend who, after installing upper cabinets to close the gap to the ceiling, finally had a countertop that could breathe.
You don’t need to climb up there every day, but knowing there’s room for the extras feels so good.
Achieving a Custom Look
Let’s talk about style. Cabinets that meet the ceiling just look more put together, like someone actually thought about your kitchen layout and didn’t just stop halfway.
It gets rid of that weird empty gap that collects… well, nothing but dust and regrets.
Plus, kitchens with “to the ceiling” cabinets always feel taller—there’s something about that steady line that makes even low ceilings feel bigger.
Bye Dusty Cabinet Tops
Nobody ever says they like dusting on top of cabinets.
Cabinets that go straight to the ceiling basically cut out that grimy shelf you always forget exists until you stand on a chair.
I grew up in a house with a big gap above the kitchen cabinets, and trust me, it was a dust magnet.
It’s just so much easier to wipe down smooth cabinet doors than sticky, unreachable corners.
If cleaning isn’t your thing, this setup just keeps it simple.
Accessibility Issues
When your cabinets go all the way up, getting to the top shelves basically turns into a climb.
Unless you’re really tall (I’m 5’6” and even with a step stool, it’s a stretch), those top areas are kind of useless for stuff you use every day.
You’ll likely end up storing things you barely use—maybe holiday platters or extra vases—just because it’s a pain to reach.
And if your ceiling is 9 feet or higher, forget about cleaning up there without some major effort.
For anyone with kids, older family members, or people who just don’t want to mess with a step ladder, it’s honestly more of a hassle than a help.
Higher Cost and Complex Installation
Cabinet height really matters for your budget.
Cabinets that stretch to the ceiling need more materials, and trust me, the cost adds up quickly.
Not only are taller cabinets pricier, but the installation gets trickier.
If your ceiling isn’t perfectly straight, fitting those tall cabinets is a nightmare for the installer and can cost you extra labor charges.
Plus, you probably end up ordering custom or semi-custom cabinets, which drives the price higher.
How It Changes the Whole Look
Ceiling-height cabinets instantly make your kitchen look taller, and if you’ve got low ceilings, that’s kind of a game-changer.
The lines pull your eyes up, so even a tiny kitchen ends up feeling less cramped.
If your kitchen is tight on space, this trick can bring a serious “built-in” vibe, making everything look custom and polished.
Personally, I feel like floor-to-ceiling cabinets just make things look more intentional—like, you meant for your storage to be there (and not just stacked above empty wall space).
On the flip side, if your ceilings are super high, cabinets that scale all the way up can be hard to reach.
You might need a step stool parked nearby all the time, which isn’t everyone’s vibe.
Make It Look Seamless with Molding
You can totally blend wall cabinets into the ceiling using crown molding, and it makes a major difference if your goal is a tidy, polished look.
Smooth crown molding at the top creates a nice transition—it just feels finished, not awkward or chopped off.
My aunt did this in her last place and honestly, it gave her whole kitchen a classic, almost seamless feeling.
When you line up crown molding with your cabinet color, it can make the room flow better, especially if your house has a lot of existing trim.
But, if you like a more modern style, skipping the molding and going for flat, slab-style cabinets up to the ceiling keeps things super clean and minimal.
Low Ceilings and Awkward Spaces
If your kitchen layout features low ceilings, squeezing tall cabinets all the way up can make things feel closed in fast.
There’s just something about walking into a space where everything looms over you that feels, honestly, a little claustrophobic.
Before purchasing my apartment, I lived in rented one with barely 8-foot ceilings and trust me—tall cabinets looked kinda odd, like they were being forced into a cosplay they never agreed to.
Kitchens with sloped ceilings or weird bulkheads? Don’t force it.
Installing cabinets to the ceiling in those spots usually means custom work, which racks up the cost and might waste more space than it saves.
Below is a quick table to show when ceiling-height cabinets make sense with low ceilings:
| Ceiling Height | Cabinets to Ceiling? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 8 ft | Usually NO | Feels crowded, looks awkward |
| 8-9 ft | Maybe | Depends on vibe + layout |
| 10+ ft | Rarely | Hard to reach, impractical |
Open Shelving or Display Areas
Maybe cabinets-to-the-ceiling isn’t your thing because, honestly, you love seeing your favorite mugs and bowls out in the open.
Open shelving isn’t for everyone, but I swear it can make a tiny kitchen look a lot bigger.
You just pop your everyday dishes, tumblers, or cute plants right on those shelves, and it feels light and airy.
You can stack cookbooks, line up spice jars, and even hang mugs underneath.
It’s convenient, especially if you’re not a fan of digging around in closed cabinets.
You can read my article on topic: 22 Ideas How to Style Open Shelves in Kitchen for a Fresh and Fun Look
Adding a Pantry
If you’ve got a little extra space next to your kitchen or even at the end of a hallway, a pantry can be a game-changer.
You get dedicated shelves for all your cereal boxes, cans, and snacks, and it honestly keeps the main kitchen area less cluttered.
I’ve seen friends turn a small closet into a pantry using basic shelves from the hardware store—nothing fancy, but super practical.
Even a narrow pull-out pantry cabinet can hold a surprising amount, from pasta jars to baking supplies.
You can label shelves, toss in some baskets, and suddenly it’s way easier to see what you have.
I didn’t have enough space in my apartment to do that, but right now I’m in the process of something very special and there will be enough space hihi.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Are there benefits to having floor to ceiling kitchen cabinets?
Yeah, storage is the obvious win here! You get extra shelves way up top for things you barely use, like that waffle iron you totally forgot about.
Plus, no dust bunnies collecting up there—always a bonus.
How does the height of the ceiling affect kitchen cabinet installation?
Super tall ceilings—like 10 feet or more—make things kinda tricky. You might need a step stool just to reach those upper cabinets.
A designer might suggest stacked cabinets or open shelving instead. Low ceilings?
You’ll probably stick with standard cabinets, which usually look less overwhelming.
Can extending cabinets to the ceiling enhance my kitchen’s aesthetics?
Definitely! Cabinets that go all the way up make small kitchens feel taller and more finished.
No more awkward empty space above, and honestly, it looks way more custom—like you really cared about the design.
Is there a downside to installing kitchen cabinets that don’t reach the ceiling?
Leaving a gap means you’ll end up dusting up there, or random stuff just collects. I once found a Nerf dart behind mine—don’t even ask…
Some folks think the gap looks dated, but those top shelves are way easier to reach.
Should I consider a gap between my cabinets and the ceiling?
If you want your kitchen to feel open, or you like displaying random decor up top, then leaving a gap could work. Just know it’s another spot to clean.
Sometimes you need the gap if your ceiling isn’t level or you’ve got weird angles happening.
What’s the deal with crown molding when cabinets touch the ceiling?
Crown molding is basically the cherry on top if your cabinets go all the way up—it covers up those weird gaps and makes the whole thing look finished.
If your cabinets stop short of the ceiling, the molding just sits right on top of them instead. That usually gives off a more classic vibe.
