Kitchen cabinets are essential for both functionality and aesthetics, but many people wonder why they are often so high.

While tall cabinets maximize storage space, they can create challenges when reaching for items.

In this article, we’ll explore why cabinets are designed to be tall, how this affects usability, and solutions if you find your cabinets too high for comfort.

Why are kitchen cabinets so high?

Kitchen cabinets are designed to maximize vertical storage space, making use of all available wall height. This is especially useful in small kitchens, but accessibility can be a concern.

Key Takeaways

Kitchen cabinets are typically designed to be higher to maximize storage space and utilise vertical kitchen space.
While taller cabinets are practical for increasing storage, they can sometimes lead to accessibility issues for shorter individuals.
Adjustments such as lowering the cabinets, adding step stools, or installing pull-down systems can help address height concerns.

The Practical Reasons Behind High Kitchen Cabinets

High kitchen cabinets are often a result of efforts to maximise storage space, particularly in modern homes where kitchen size and available storage are often limited.

The height of the cabinets is intended to make the most of the vertical space in the kitchen, giving homeowners additional storage for items they don’t need to access frequently.

Maximising Vertical Space

Kitchen spaces, especially in smaller homes or apartments, often come with limited floor space. To make the most of this limited area, kitchen designers choose to install taller cabinets. The best way to choose kitchen cabinetry is to consider your kitchen's layout, ceiling height, storage needs, and your personal style preferences to ensure both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

This vertical approach allows for additional storage that would otherwise be wasted.

In kitchens where counter space and floor space are at a premium, tall cabinets can be an efficient way to store less frequently used items such as holiday dishes, rarely used kitchen gadgets, or extra serving pieces.

By extending cabinets all the way to the ceiling, more storage space is created without compromising the rest of the kitchen.

Design Trends

Another reason for the height of kitchen cabinets is modern design trends.

Over the years, higher cabinets have become the norm, as they align with the sleek, contemporary kitchen styles that favour clean lines and seamless, minimalist aesthetics.

By extending the cabinets upwards, designers create a more streamlined and cohesive look that blends the cabinetry with the rest of the room’s architecture.

These design trends also favour larger, more expansive spaces, with tall ceilings and open-plan layouts.

As such, tall kitchen cabinets are often a reflection of broader interior design preferences aimed at achieving a modern, spacious feel. Custom kitchen cabinets Miami for designers provide the perfect solution for those looking to create a sleek, contemporary look while maximizing storage space.

Accessibility Issues: The Drawbacks of High Kitchen Cabinets

While the decision to install high kitchen cabinets is often practical from a design and space-utilisation standpoint, it can create problems for accessibility.

These cabinets are often placed in a way that makes it difficult to reach items on the top shelves without a step stool or ladder, which can be inconvenient and even unsafe for some individuals.

Struggling to Reach Items

For people of shorter stature, high kitchen cabinets can pose a significant problem. Items on the top shelves may be difficult to reach without a step stool or assistance.

Over time, constantly stretching or climbing on furniture can lead to physical strain or injury, especially if the cabinets are used regularly.

Wasted Storage Space

While high cabinets provide more storage, they often leave items out of sight and difficult to access.

For many, these upper cabinets can end up being used only for things that are infrequently needed, which reduces their utility.

Items that should be easily accessible may instead end up collecting dust at the back of high shelves.

Solutions for Dealing with High Kitchen Cabinets

If you find yourself struggling to access the top shelves of your kitchen cabinets, there are several potential solutions to consider.

These adjustments can make it easier to access your kitchenware without compromising the functionality of your cabinets.

Lower the Cabinets

If you’re in the process of renovating your kitchen or building a new one, consider lowering the cabinets to a more accessible height.

For people who have difficulty reaching the top shelves, lowering the upper cabinets to a more standard height can make all the difference.

This also helps create a more comfortable kitchen space, especially if you spend a lot of time cooking or preparing food.

Use Pull-Down or Pull-Out Systems

For those who already have high kitchen cabinets, installing pull-down or pull-out systems can improve accessibility.

These systems allow you to pull down shelves or trays to bring your items closer to eye level.

Some pull-down racks are specifically designed for kitchen cabinets, making them a great solution for storing items that need to be accessed frequently.

Install Step Stools or Ladders

In some cases, simply using a step stool or folding ladder can make it easier to reach items stored on high shelves.

Many modern kitchens incorporate built-in step stools that tuck away neatly when not in use.

Alternatively, compact step stools or ladder units can be stored in a nearby cabinet, ready to use whenever you need to access the top shelves.

Store Frequently Used Items Lower

Another simple solution is to store your most frequently used kitchenware on lower shelves or cabinets.

By reorganising the contents of your cabinets, you can keep commonly used items within easy reach while storing less frequently used items on the upper shelves.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are kitchen cabinets so high?

Kitchen cabinets are typically installed high to maximise storage space, especially in smaller kitchens. They help utilise vertical space to store items that aren’t used frequently.

2. Can I lower the height of my kitchen cabinets?

Yes, it is possible to lower the height of your kitchen cabinets during a renovation. Lowering cabinets can improve accessibility, especially for shorter individuals.

3. How can I reach items in high kitchen cabinets?

Using a step stool or installing pull-down systems can help make items stored on high shelves more accessible. Alternatively, consider rearranging the shelves to keep frequently used items lower.

Conclusion

High kitchen cabinets are designed to make the most of available space, but they can create challenges when it comes to accessibility.

Whether you’re struggling to reach items or want to create a more comfortable kitchen layout, there are several solutions available.

Lowering the cabinets, using pull-down systems, and re-organising your storage are all effective ways to improve access.

Custom cabinetry may also be a good solution if you’re looking for a completely tailored approach to your kitchen.

By understanding the benefits and challenges of high cabinets, you can make informed decisions that best suit your needs and your kitchen space.

Why Are Kitchen Cabinets So High? Know Here