My Experience With Hanging Kitchen Cabinets
When my husband and I bought our first home, one of the first things we wanted to do was update the kitchen. We decided to start by replacing the old, outdated cabinets with new ones. However, we quickly realized that we didn’t know the first thing about how high to hang kitchen cabinets.
How High Do You Hang Kitchen Cabinets?
The height at which you hang your kitchen cabinets will depend on a few factors:
Ceiling Height
If you have high ceilings, you may want to hang your cabinets higher than if you have low ceilings. This will help to create the illusion of more space and make the room feel larger.
Appliance Size
If you have large appliances, you’ll want to make sure that there is enough clearance between them and the bottom of your cabinets. This will prevent any potential damage to your appliances and ensure that they can be used comfortably.
User Comfort
You’ll also want to consider the height of the people who will be using the kitchen. For example, if you’re on the shorter side, you may want to hang your cabinets slightly lower so that you can easily reach the top shelves.
Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you determine how high to hang your kitchen cabinets:
- Measure the height of your ceiling.
- Determine the size of your appliances and how much clearance they need.
- Consider the height of the people who will be using the kitchen.
- Decide on a comfortable height for your cabinets that takes all of these factors into account.
- Mark the height for your cabinets on the wall.
- Install your cabinets at the marked height.
Top 10 Tips and Ideas
Here are some tips and ideas to keep in mind when hanging your kitchen cabinets:
- Hang your upper cabinets 18 inches above your countertops.
- Leave at least 15 inches of space between your countertops and the bottom of your upper cabinets.
- Consider hanging your cabinets slightly higher than the standard 18 inches to create the illusion of more space.
- Use the same height for your upper cabinets throughout the kitchen for a cohesive look.
- Install your lower cabinets first, then use them as a guide for hanging your upper cabinets.
- If you have a range hood, make sure it is installed before hanging your upper cabinets.
- Consider adding under-cabinet lighting to brighten up your workspace.
- Use glass-front cabinets to display your favorite dishes or décor.
- Consider adding a few open shelves for a modern, airy feel.
- Don’t forget to leave enough space between your cabinets and the wall for appliances and other items.
Pros and Cons
There are both pros and cons to hanging your kitchen cabinets higher than the standard 18 inches:
Pros
- Creates the illusion of more space
- Makes the room feel larger
- Provides more clearance for appliances
- Can be more comfortable for shorter individuals
Cons
- May require a stool or step ladder to reach top shelves
- May not be suitable for homes with low ceilings
- May not be as aesthetically pleasing if not done correctly
My Personal Review and Suggestion
After hanging our kitchen cabinets, I have to say that I’m extremely happy with the height we chose. We decided to hang them slightly higher than the standard 18 inches, and it really does make our kitchen feel larger and more open. Plus, we love the extra clearance it provides for our appliances. Overall, I would highly recommend hanging your kitchen cabinets slightly higher than the standard height if you have the space.
FAQs
Q: What is the standard height for kitchen cabinets?
A: The standard height for kitchen cabinets is 18 inches above your countertops.
Q: How much space should be between your countertops and the bottom of your upper cabinets?
A: There should be at least 15 inches of space between your countertops and the bottom of your upper cabinets.
Q: How high should I hang my kitchen cabinets if I have high ceilings?
A: If you have high ceilings, you may want to hang your kitchen cabinets slightly higher than the standard 18 inches to create the illusion of more space.