In the past, traditional kitchens have typically consisted of base cabinets and wall cabinets with freestanding or integrated appliances.
Today, however, design preferences have changed with more customers opting for floor to ceiling kitchen cabinets. And it’s easy to see why.
Taking your cabinetry right up to the ceiling can:
- Maximise storage and eliminate wasted space
- Create additional worktop space
- Streamline your kitchen’s aesthetic, removing awkward gaps
- Create a bold, seamless look that elevates the entire room
But are they the right choice for you? The decision is more complicated than you might think.
To help, we have put together a few things to consider, as well as some ideas from some of our recent projects with floor to ceiling cabinets in the design layout.
Table of Contents
- Are Floor-to-Ceiling Cabinets Right for Your Kitchen?
- What Is Your Floor-to-Ceiling Height?
- Maximise Storage & Functionality with Floor-to-Ceiling Kitchen Cabinets
- A Place for Integrated Kitchen Appliances Within a Streamlined Wall of Storage
- Architectural Features & Ceiling Details
- Floor-to-Ceiling Kitchen Cabinet Design Preferences
- How Much Do Floor-to-Ceiling Kitchen Cabinets Cost?
- Some of our recently completed floor to ceiling kitchen cabinet ideas for some inspiration
Are Floor-to-Ceiling Cabinets Right for Your Kitchen?
The planning stage of your kitchen is key to achieving the result you truly want – a space that reflects both your lifestyle and your taste.
At J.S. Geddes, we know that every homeowner brings their own priorities to the table. That’s why our designers take a bespoke approach, working with you to create a layout that fits how you live – from the appliances you rely on to the kind of storage that suits your day-to-day.
Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry can be a fantastic option if you:
- Want to maximise storage and reduce clutter
- Love the clean lines of a modern, streamlined design
- Have higher ceilings and want to make the most of the vertical space
Over the years, we’ve helped many clients incorporate tall cabinetry into their kitchen design – whether for its practical benefits, striking aesthetic, or both. If you’re unsure whether it’s right for your space, our team will help you weigh up the options and find the perfect balance.
Design Considerations for Floor-to-Ceiling Cabinets
1. What Is Your Floor-to-Ceiling Height?
Before you make any decisions, one of the first things to do is to measure your ceiling. Keep the numbers written down so that you have them to refer to as you research and make your final decision.
Many luxury kitchen designs have ceilings that are 8ft (96inches) or 9ft (108inches) high. If your kitchen falls within this category, there are a few options for you to choose from if you prefer the look of to-the–ceiling cabinetry.
You can fill the entire space by installing cabinets. Either buy cabinets that fill the space precisely or run two rows of wall cabinets that occupy the entire vertical space.
As a bespoke kitchen design company, we can make cabinets to fit your ceilings if they are unusually high. This is especially useful if you have 10 foot ceilings.
2. Maximise Storage & Functionality with Floor-to-Ceiling Kitchen Cabinets
Some people very much like the look of a full block of continuous floor-to-ceiling cabinets with shelf units, without space above them. For others, the preference is more functional – especially when worktop space is at a premium, as in our Kuhlman kitchen. Here, the central tall units were replaced with base and wall cabinets to accommodate a sink and extra prep space, while still preserving the vertical storage aesthetic on either side.
The key is striking the right balance between accessible storage and visual harmony – something our designers plan for from the very first sketch.
3. A Place for Integrated Kitchen Appliances Within a Streamlined Wall of Storage
Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry also offers an ideal structure for integrating your appliances.
In many of our bespoke kitchens, you’ll find appliance walls where ovens, fridge-freezers, and warming drawers are fully built in – preserving the clean lines of the design while improving usability.
Our Poggenpohl and Callerton ranges are particularly well-suited to this approach, combining high-end aesthetics with exceptional functionality.
4. Architectural Features & Ceiling Details
Cabinet heights can be further complicated by beams and other architectural details. Ceiling beams can provide structural support or decorative details, but it is best to keep the cabinet tops well below the ceiling. If you plan on installing full-rise cabinets, it is best to have your carpenters remove any decorative beams. They will be awkwardly positioned against the cabinetry.
If your kitchen has elaborate, built-up crown mouldings, you will need to remove them in order to install full-rise wall cabinets. It may also be difficult to reattach them. You should first decide which feature is more appealing to you: the full-rise cabinets, or decorative mouldings.
If you’re torn between the two, we’ll help you decide which features are worth preserving, and which can evolve as part of your redesign.
5. Floor-to-Ceiling Kitchen Cabinet Design Preferences
If you don’t like wall cabinetry that extends to the ceiling or the visual appearance thereof, it’s not worth digging deeper. Instead, ask yourself the following simple question: Do cabinets that reach the ceiling offer a smooth, consistent look? Do you find larger cabinets appealing on a functional level as well? Shelves provide handy storage space – do you have enough?
Some clients love the monolithic look of a full wall of cabinets, uninterrupted by space above. Others prefer to break up the elevation with a mix of materials – such as glazed upper units, open shelving, or timber accents.
However, it’s important to consider accessibility. The upper shelves in tall cabinets are ideal for storing items used less frequently – think seasonal tableware, large serving dishes, or occasional appliances.
Our advice:
- Be clear on what you need to store
- Balance form and function
- Keep the day-to-day essentials at an easy reach
How Much Do Floor-to-Ceiling Kitchen Cabinets Cost?
It’s worth noting that full-height cabinetry does come at a higher cost, but for many of our clients, the benefits outweigh the investment.
Because cabinetry is often the most significant part of your kitchen budget, taller units increase material use and installation time. However, there are clever ways to reduce cost without compromising on appearance.
For example:
- Use false panels above standard units for the look without the expense
- Mix open shelving and closed cabinetry to reduce material usage
- Consider stacked wall units instead of full-height panels
During your consultation, we’ll guide you through options that meet your design goals while staying within your budget.
Some of our recently completed floor to ceiling kitchen cabinet ideas for some inspiration
Here are just a few recent projects where we used floor-to-ceiling cabinetry to make a bold statement:
Integrated Living with Skyline Views
Designed for a contemporary three-storey property in Glasgow’s leafy suburbs, this kitchen centres around a custom booth with panoramic views.
Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry in Matt Lacquer Graphite creates a seamless, minimalist wall that conceals integrated Gaggenau appliances. Warmth comes from Tobacco Walnut wood tones and exposed ceiling beams, while a Sparkling White Corian worktop wraps around the island and booth to anchor the space. This is modern design – thoughtfully softened with texture, tone, and craftsmanship.
Framed Contrast and Curved Dining
In this beautifully cohesive design, our clients – returning for their second J.S. Geddes kitchen – wanted to unify their kitchen, dining, and living zones.
We crafted a bespoke curved booth and dining table, positioned opposite a striking fireplace designed by our team. Soft taupe cabinetry framed in deep black delivers subtle contrast, while matt black taps and lighting provide a refined accent. The cabinetry height was tailored to maintain proportion within the open-plan space, showing how full-height impact can be created without reaching the ceiling.
Hague Blue with Brass Accents
This classic yet contemporary kitchen is a standout within a long-loved family home. Using Callerton cabinetry painted in Farrow & Ball Hague Blue, the space features glazed wall units for display and continuity.
Tall cabinetry houses integrated appliances and additional storage, while Obsidian Black handleless Miele ovens offer a clean, modern finish. Brass Quooker taps and matching handles lend a subtle warmth that ties everything together – proof that full-height design can still feel soft, elegant, and timeless.
Ready to Explore the Possibilities?
When it comes to cabinetry, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution – only what feels right for your home, your lifestyle, and your sense of style. At J.S. Geddes, we specialise in tailored luxury kitchens that combine precision, beauty and practicality.
Whether you’re drawn to full-height cabinetry or something more traditional, our expert team will guide you through every step of the journey.
- Call us on 01563 530838 to discuss your project
- Email us at sales@jsgeddes.com
- Visit our showroom to explore luxury kitchen designs in person