Ceiling height cupboards for your kitchen renovation

Extra kitchen storage and saying goodbye to the duster are just some of the reasons why ceiling-height kitchen cupboards are gaining popularity with kitchen renovations.

The kitchen cupboards, according to Marvic Farrugia of Marvic Interiors, can reduce maintenance. “When the space on top of the cupboards is eliminated, there's no dusting. There is more space for storing less used items such as spare linen, Christmas decorations and family items," states the interior designer.

Peter Matarese, manager of Kitset Kitchens, agrees. "Ceiling-height kitchen cupboards maximise storage space, so they're popular in units and apartments.

"More people are also realising the potential of high ceilings for creating kitchens with greater visual impact."

Adding character to kitchen designs

Ceiling-height cupboards are often neat and easily integrated. If coloured, for example in charcoal or black, they can have the impact of a feature wall.

Marvic suggests "a shadow line, where you leave a 16mm gap between the ceiling and the top door of the overhead, can create a modern, stylish effect."

Metre-high cupboards with open shelving are an option for those keen to display their favourite knick-knacks.

Accessing high kitchen cabinets

Some overhead kitchen cabinets could required a stepladder, so lift-up cabinets are preferable (normal doors can be tricky or dangerous to open while you are perched on a ladder).

“Overhead cupboards aren't as popular with shorter people, who usually prefer more storage (e.g. drawers) at the bottom," Peter says, adding, "ceiling-height cupboards also are not recommended for older people because of safety concerns with access."

Alternative kitchen cupboard designs

A bulkhead is an option for people who don't want ceiling-high cabinets but desire the height. It sits on top of the cupboards and stretches to the ceiling, doing away with the gap and giving the kitchen a more streamlined effect. Using a slick foil finish to reflect the light can further enhance the effect.

In a smaller kitchen, elongated wall cupboards which stretch right to the ceiling can make the room seem larger than it really is. However, Peter doesn't recommend ceiling-height cupboards in tight, U-shaped kitchens or in very small kitchens, as they can have an imposing effect. Too many ceiling-height cupboards in a large kitchen can also overpower the space.

Removing a cornice from a kitchen renovation

If your kitchen has a cornice and you want to install ceiling-height kitchen cupboards, you'll have to remove some or all of the cornice, which may not be possible. Ceiling-height cupboards can also be quite tricky from a manufacturing perspective.

"They're more involved and may require cabinets to be placed on top of each other to get the right height," says Peter. "Flatpack versions can be an easier option." Marvic advises renovators consider access, as ceiling-height cupboards won't necessarily fit into every home.

Contact a kitchen renovator to discuss the right kitchen cupboard for your renovation: