Ideal Heights in the Kitchen: Part 3

Part 3 – Upper Cabinets and the Comfortable Reach Zone

In addition to counter height, the placement of upper cabinets also plays a key role in determining how comfortable a kitchen is. No matter how good the counter height is, it’s no use if you have to stretch every time you reach for frequently used glasses, plates, or ingredients. Similarly, it can be just as annoying if the upper cabinets are placed too low, making the workspace above the counter feel cramped.

In a well-designed kitchen, upper storage doesn’t just provide capacity—it’s a conveniently accessible, logically organized part of the system. The goal is to make everyday items accessible with natural movements.

The Most Convenient Zone: Around Eye Level

In the kitchen, the easiest storage zone to use is generally the area between waist and eye level. Items placed in this range can be reached without any special effort. There’s no need to bend over, step up, or stretch uncomfortably.

That’s why it’s a good idea to organize frequently used items here. These might include everyday glasses, mugs, plates, spices, coffee-making tools, or small pantry items.

Shelves that are too high are better suited for items used less often. Festive serving dishes, seasonal items, spare dishes, or kitchen supplies you rarely use can go here. This way, easily accessible spaces won’t be cluttered with items you rarely need.

The Bottom Edge of the Upper Cabinet

The height of the bottom edge of upper cabinets is an important consideration for both convenience and aesthetics. If it is too low, the space above the countertop will feel cramped and may interfere with food preparation. If it is too high, the interior shelves of the cabinet will be less convenient to use.

The appropriate height depends on the counter height, the user’s height, the depth of the upper cabinet, and the specific activities performed at that section of the counter. A coffee corner, a food prep area, or the space above a sink may each have different requirements.

The key is to ensure that the upper cabinet does not obstruct work on the countertop, but also isn’t placed so high that everyday use becomes uncomfortable.

The depth of the upper cabinet matters, too

Upper cabinets are generally shallower than the lower units, and this is no accident. If they were too deep, they would easily intrude into the workspace and become a hindrance during use. The right depth ensures that the cabinet provides sufficient storage without hindering work on the countertop.

It’s harder to see behind an overly deep upper cabinet, the back sections are less accessible, and the cabinet may come closer to your head. This can be particularly bothersome in smaller kitchens or for shorter users.

When choosing the depth, therefore, you should consider not only storage capacity but also the sense of space and ease of use.

Open Shelves or Closed Upper Cabinets?

When it comes to upper storage, the question often arises: should it be a closed cabinet, open shelves, or perhaps a glass-fronted unit? Each solution has its own advantages and trade-offs.

A closed upper cabinet creates a neat, uniform look and hides everyday items. This can be particularly advantageous in an open-concept kitchen-living room space. An open shelf can create a lighter, airier look and be decorative, but it only works well if it doesn’t become cluttered. Glass-fronted cabinets strike a balance between the two: they create a more elegant, open effect, yet offer more privacy than completely open shelves.

When making this decision, it’s worth honestly considering how much effort you’re willing to put into keeping visible surfaces tidy on a daily basis. What looks effortless and beautiful in the design rendering may require more attention in everyday use.

Upper Cabinets in a Small Kitchen

In smaller kitchens, upper cabinets often provide essential storage capacity. In such cases, it’s natural to want to maximize space, even with taller cabinets. This can be a good solution, but it’s worth thoughtfully dividing the functional zones.

Items used less frequently can go in the upper sections, while everyday items can be placed on easily accessible shelves. If all the important items are placed too high, the kitchen will quickly become inconvenient.

In small spaces, it’s especially important that upper cabinets don’t make the room feel visually cramped. Lighter colors, balanced proportions, glass or open elements, and good lighting can help keep the kitchen from feeling too heavy.

Tall Kitchens and Cabinets Extending to Full Ceiling Height

In rooms with higher ceilings, the question often arises as to whether cabinets should extend all the way to the ceiling. A major advantage of this is that it provides more storage space, and dust doesn’t accumulate on top of the cabinets. It also looks elegant and can create a built-in effect.

With full-height upper storage, however, it’s important to realize that the very top sections aren’t meant for everyday use. It’s best to reserve these for items you use less frequently. If you have to reach up for things often, it becomes inconvenient in the long run.

A ceiling-height solution can therefore be a good choice if you organize the storage properly and don’t expect every part of it to be equally convenient for daily use.

Lighting Under the Upper Cabinets

One of the major advantages of upper cabinets is that under-cabinet lighting can be easily integrated beneath them. This is also important from an ergonomic standpoint. If there’s only ceiling lighting, the user’s body often casts a shadow on the work surface. LED or directional lighting under the upper cabinets shines directly onto the countertop, making food preparation more comfortable and safer.
Good countertop lighting is not only practical but also adds to the ambiance. Especially in an open-concept kitchen-living room space, it helps make the kitchen a pleasant place to use even in the evening.

It’s a good idea to think through the lighting right from the start of the design process, because the placement of electrical outlets, switches, and LED profiles requires advance preparation.

Convenient Access Is a Matter of Thoughtful Design

Upper cabinets work well when we view them not just as storage space, but as part of the kitchen workflow. It matters what goes above the sink, what goes near the cooking area, and where the glasses, spices, coffee cups, or breakfast utensils are located.

Carefully planning a convenient reach zone saves you many small movements. It’s not a flashy detail, but you’ll notice the difference every day.

In a well-designed kitchen, upper cabinets aren’t just “extra space.” They’re a storage system that helps you exactly where you need it.