Are Full Height Cabinets Right for Your Kitchen?

Kitchen cabinets come in all shapes, sizes, and colors and for many years one of the leading debates regarding kitchens and usable kitchen space is the value of full-height cabinets. Cabinets that reach the ceiling have pros and cons; while they are popular in most homes, they are not for every kitchen. Determining your home and family's needs is the first step in deciding if full-height cabinets suit your home and yours.

It may also be advantageous to enlist the aid of a designer, such as Edesia Kitchen & Bath Studio, to give you some suggestions and guidance as to what your options are when it comes to full-height cabinets. In addition, take a look at our list of pros and cons for full-height cabinets to help your decision be better informed.

Pro: Extra Storage Space

Many kitchens do not have cabinets that reach the ceiling. Instead, there is open space, a shelf, or merely a wall that stretches down from the ceiling to the cabinet. These types of cabinets leave a fair amount of space unused, and often, unusable.

If, however, you are in need of additional storage, full-height cabinets may be exactly what you are looking for in your kitchen. Full-height cabinets can give you often 12-18 inches of additional storage space, according to Forbes magazine.

Anyone who has a plethora of kitchen utensils or gadgets may find this type of space ideal for storing items such as that Halloween waffle maker that only gets pulled out for the month of October. Having additional storage space in a kitchen can also mean all of the items you have packed away in the attic can now have a home and be used instead of collecting dust in storage.

Full-height cabinets allow you to put your space to good use while not requiring you to give up any additional space in the trade.

Con: Hard to Reach Places

One of the drawbacks of full-height kitchen cabinets is they can be hard to reach. It is important to remember that the space they provide for storage reaches your ceiling. Therefore, pulling things out of them, and conversely, putting things in them, may not be the easiest process.

Most people will need a step stool or something to stand on, which of course also takes up room in your kitchen or pantry. Moreover, having to climb up on something every time you would like to pull an item out of the cabinet, can pose some level of falling risk.

Safety should always be your first priority when working in your kitchen so a step stool or standing on counters may not always be the best option. You will have to consider the space you have, the space you need, the space you want, and what will work best for you.

Here is where a good designer, such as Edesia Kitchen & Bath Studio, can be an asset as they can help you take into consideration all of the possible variables when it comes to your kitchen and your potential needs.

Pro: Higher Resale Value for Your Home

The kitchen is commonly one of the major selling points of a home. Full-height cabinets provide extra storage, and a beautiful look, and can also add resale value to your kitchen, and therefore your home.

Cabinets that stretch to the ceiling, according to The Brain and The Brawn, add a quality that is considered higher quality and higher value. Whether you are hoping to sell your home in the near future or not for many years, the value added by full-height cabinets can be a tremendous asset.

Con: The Cost Involved

Full-height cabinets do cost more than their shorter counterparts. Their usage of more materials and different installation styles both contribute to the additional cost. If you are building or remodeling your home the addition of full-height cabinets can break a budget.

Cabinets can be costly as is, and with the increase in size and materials, the cost of full-height cabinets can be downright prohibitive. You will need to consider whether the additional storage space and added resale value are worth the cost.

Ultimately the Choice is Yours

Full-height cabinets can add an exquisite look to your kitchen while also providing you with additional storage space. That being said, their cost and everyday accessibility can be prohibitive in some cases. Ultimately the choice is yours as to whether full-height cabinets work for you and your family.

Consulting with a designer such Edesia Kitchen & Bath Studio can help you as you navigate through the intricacies of the decision. Contact us today for a consultation and let our skilled and experienced team offer you the benefits of their experience.