How to Close Space Above Kitchen Cabinets

You can close the space above kitchen cabinets with trim, a framed-and-drywalled ceiling drop, taller upper cabinets, or another row of cabinets. The choice depends on the size of the gap and whether you want extra storage or a different appearance. If you prefer to keep the opening, matching the wall color to the cabinets or using the space for display can make it feel more intentional; a window may also be an option if a professional confirms it is feasible.

How do you close the space above a kitchen cabinet?

Many homes have a space between the tops of their kitchen cabinets and the ceiling. If you do not like the way this gap looks, there are several ways to address it. Some enclose the space, while others change its appearance or give it a purpose.

This home improvement project offers several creative design possibilities. Before considering the options, it helps to think about why you want to change the space in the first place.

Why Homeowners Close the Space Above Their Kitchen Cabinets

One reason homeowners want to close the space above their kitchen cabinets is its appearance: they simply do not like the empty space.

That is why many of the solutions focus on improving the overall appearance of the cabinets, walls, or a combination of the two. Other options make the space useful for storage or display.

Creative Design Ideas for Closing Space Above Kitchen Cabinets

There are several ways to address the space above your kitchen cabinets. Consider whether you want to enclose the gap, add storage, or keep the opening while changing how it looks.

Fill the Space with Trim

If the space above your kitchen cabinets is small, trim along the top of the upper cabinets may be enough to enclose it. You can match the color of the cabinets or use a contrasting color that coordinates with your countertop. This creates a cohesive look and can reduce the exposed space where dust collects.

Lower the Height of the Ceiling

Rather than changing the entire ceiling, you can consider a local ceiling drop above the cabinets. This is referred to as furring down: framing and drywall are used to lower a section of the ceiling. The approach can conceal pipes or ductwork, and it can also cover an unwanted gap above the cabinets.

Install Tall Upper Cabinets

If you want to make the space more functional, consider replacing the existing upper cabinets with taller ones that reach the ceiling. Where the kitchen layout and available space allow, this can close the gap and add storage. Whether ceiling-height cabinets fit your kitchen should be evaluated rather than assuming every arrangement will work.

Add Another Row of Cabinets

If you do not want to remove your current upper cabinets, consider adding another row within the space above them. This offers a way to add storage while retaining the existing cabinetry, where the available space allows.

Remember that these higher cabinets are better suited to rarely used items, since you may need a stepladder to reach them.

Add a Window If It Is Possible

Some kitchens may allow a window in the open space above the cabinets. Rather than filling the gap with cabinetry, a window can bring in more natural light and create a distinctive look.

This option depends on the home. Have a professional remodeler assess the kitchen before treating a window as a feasible solution.

Match the Color of the Cabinets

If you do not want a larger remodeling project, or the space itself does not bother you very much, consider painting the walls above the cabinets the same color as the cabinetry. The colors blend together, making the gap less noticeable without physically enclosing it.

Use It for Storage or Trinkets

If you are not bothered by the space above your cabinets, you can use it for suitable kitchen items or decorative trinkets instead of closing it. Although high storage may not be the most convenient solution, displaying objects can give the kitchen more personality.

It can also serve as a temporary arrangement while you plan a fuller kitchen remodel.