How to make ceiling-high cabinets comfy? Navigating high kitchen cabinet ideas

As houses get taller, kitchens also get bigger and fancier. They have these really high kitchen cabinets that look amazing and give lots of space. But let's face it: kitchen high cabinets can be a real pain. On one hand, they are capacious enough to put all the kitchen stuff inside. On the other hand, you should think it through, since it would not be an easy task to often use those high shelves. 

Accessibility challenges

Stretching and reaching for that favorite bowl or spice can feel like a workout, and sometimes, it's not even safe! Imagine you're in the middle of cooking up a storm, and you have to practically climb on top of the counter just to grab a rolling pin or meat pounder. Not fun, right?

Still, there's a solution that makes these kitchens with high cabinets way more user-friendly without sacrificing design elegance and the storage space they offer. There are some smart and stylish ways to make it easier to get to things in those high cabinets in the kitchen.

These tricks can help you organize your space in a way that everything is in its place and easy to grab. This doesn't mean giving up on having lots of storage, but on the contrary, it means making high-cabinet kitchens way more accessible.

How to utilize kitchen ceiling-high cabinets?

It can be difficult to reach the items hidden in ceiling-height cabinets in the kitchen. You can organize the uppermost part of your cupboards and make it easier to reach. Here we’ve gathered a few ceiling-height cabinet ideas that will help you maximize the functionality and convenience of your kitchen. 

1. Use top sections of ceiling-high kitchen wall cabinets to store items you rarely use. These include holiday dishes and specialty appliances such as an ice cream maker or pasta roller, but nothing heavy. The kitchen high cabinet with shelves is a great place to keep backup supplies like extra paper towels and unopened boxes. Keep small items in clear plastic bins or containers that have labels to make it easy to pull down.

2. Save mid-level shelves for tools and dishes you use occasionally. Use the midsection of kitchen cabinets with high ceilings to organize storage containers and mixing bowls. These are great for hand blenders and other smaller appliances. Dividers can be used to hold cutting boards or pot lids. One advantage of high wall cabinets in the kitchen is that you may customize the space to meet your demands by adjusting shelves to the correct height.

3. The lower wall cabinet section is most easily accessible. Fill them up with cups, plates, and glasses. Group items by purpose. For instance, place all the breakfast products, like coffee, tea bags, and snacks, together. Spices, oils, and dry goods that are frequently used can go to lazy Susans for easy access and rotation.

Think about your kitchen routine - what tools and products you use most - and sort them accordingly. It's all about prioritizing what you need more often within arm’s reach.

Ceiling-high kitchen cabinet designs

Kitchen cabinets for high ceilings create a striking visual impact that transforms your space. And having high ceilings is considered one of the coolest features in the modern kitchen. Hanging a kitchen cabinet 42’’ high instead of a standard 30’’ height makes your space feel high and sleek, and you can do a lot of design possibilities with it. 

Speaking of style! As we see how many people struggle to choose a certain style, the Cut2Size designers gather some pretty common high kitchen cabinet solutions to try on. 

• Modern kitchen design
  High upper cabinets, when designed with flat-paneled, narrow doors, create an elegant vertical line that draws the eyes upward. This gives the illusion of greater height even in kitchens with standard ceiling heights. This ultra-modern design will give your kitchen a more spacious feel and make it architecturally impressive without any structural changes.

• Classy-style kitchen
  Consider adding glass to the upper section of your ceiling-high cupboards for added character and visual brightness. Paired best with Shaker cabinet doors. These transparent components break up the solidity in cabinetry. You can add some LED lighting inside to provide the perfect showcase for your favorite dishware and decorative pieces. Overall, glass will reflect light and create depth in your kitchen space. Inserts are available in clear, frosted, or seeded glass.

• Farmhouse kitchen design
  It's not everyone’s first choice to install kitchen high cabinets with shelves, but they can work very well if you try to create a rustic vibe. Ceiling-high open shelving combined with closed cabinetry beneath creates an illusion of depth while still providing ample storage.

• Scandinavian kitchen style
  This style is characterized by clean, simple lines and natural woods. White-painted finishes and light blonde wood are used to maximise brightness. Ceiling-height units combine minimalist design with clever storage solutions. Scandinavian kitchens typically feature no cabinet hardware, relying instead on cutout handles or touch-latch systems. This style also uses the negative space trick, a no-wall-cabinet area to balance out the presence of ceiling-height units elsewhere.

Pros and cons of high kitchen cabinets

Having kitchen cabinets that reach the ceiling presents a set of advantages and disadvantages, balancing increased storage capacity and aesthetics with accessibility and maintenance considerations. If you are still hesitating, below are the pros and cons of having extended kitchen cupboards to help you decide whether they’re best to have in your kitchen space.

Standard dimensions for high kitchen cabinets

Imagine you're in a kitchen showroom and you see those cabinets that go all the way up to the ceiling. You might be wondering, "How am I going to get those things?" Let's tackle the issue of how high kitchen wall cabinets should actually be. 

Ideally, they’re installed at a height that’s convenient for most people. The standard height for wall-mounted cabinets is 30", but the ceiling-reaching cabinets can extend up to 42", depending on ceiling height. Many manufacturers offer wall cabinet height options of 12", 15",18", 24",30",36" and 42" that can be combined in order to reach the ceiling.

Let’s make a simple calculation. To provide a comfortable workspace, the distance between your counter and your wall cabinet bottom is usually 18". The upper cabinets will start at 54" above the floor (36" counter plus 18" space). This leaves 42" to reach the ceiling with standard 8' ceilings (96" overall).

Consider that an average adult person is able to reach items up to approximately 80" above the floor without needing a step stool. The upper shelves in wall cabinets at ceiling height will require assistance for access. They are ideal for seasonal items or those that you use only occasionally.

If you want a seamless appearance where the cabinets meet your ceiling, make sure to include any crown molding (2"-4") when ordering kitchen cabinets in high ceilings. It may be necessary to select slightly shorter cabinets in order to accommodate the installation of molding.