How to Maximise This Underused Space in Your Kitchen
Whether to boost light or storage, your kitchen may offer more space than you realise... Just look up!
Kate Burt
22 October 2019
Houzz UK. I'm a journalist and editor, previously for the Independent, Guardian and various magazines. I'm now excited to part of the editorial team at Houzz UK & Ireland, bringing the best of British and Irish design, interiors and architecture to Houzz.com.
Houzz UK. I'm a journalist and editor, previously for the Independent, Guardian and... More
When planning a new kitchen, the tops of your walls may not be your first consideration when thinking how to add more storage, bring in more light or create an airier feel. But a good designer will already have thought of this special zone, which could otherwise become dead space. Check out these ways you could make use of the equivalent area in your own home.
Fill it with floor-to-ceiling storage
If you have the space – and in a new extension, there will often be enough – you could cover one wall top to toe with storage.
In this open-plan kitchen, Amberth fitted cabinetry right to the ceiling. The designers chose handleless, matt lacquered units and included a column of ovens and shelving in the middle, so the big doors don’t dominate. The full wall provides ‘secret’ storage for throwing in not just kitchen clobber but also toys, garden cushions, sofa blankets, pet paraphernalia, brooms etc.
Kitchen steps are useful to have within easy reach if you have high-up cupboards. If space is tight, look for a folding design that could slot into a tray storage area or be hung on the back of a door.
If you have the space – and in a new extension, there will often be enough – you could cover one wall top to toe with storage.
In this open-plan kitchen, Amberth fitted cabinetry right to the ceiling. The designers chose handleless, matt lacquered units and included a column of ovens and shelving in the middle, so the big doors don’t dominate. The full wall provides ‘secret’ storage for throwing in not just kitchen clobber but also toys, garden cushions, sofa blankets, pet paraphernalia, brooms etc.
Kitchen steps are useful to have within easy reach if you have high-up cupboards. If space is tight, look for a folding design that could slot into a tray storage area or be hung on the back of a door.
Get horizontal
Here’s a twist on the norm: Making Spaces installed wall units horizontally instead of vertically, giving floor-to-ceiling units a different feel. They are fitted in a double layer, so not a centimetre is wasted. Beneath the closed units, there are open ones for quick-access storage, just where you need it by the hob.
Doors like this typically open upwards; make sure your kitchen fitter uses hinges that will prop them open while you browse the contents.
Here’s a twist on the norm: Making Spaces installed wall units horizontally instead of vertically, giving floor-to-ceiling units a different feel. They are fitted in a double layer, so not a centimetre is wasted. Beneath the closed units, there are open ones for quick-access storage, just where you need it by the hob.
Doors like this typically open upwards; make sure your kitchen fitter uses hinges that will prop them open while you browse the contents.
Boost light as well as storage
Here’s another design with stacked wall units, but here, Richard Burke Design has fitted the top doors with mirrors. This both prevents a blocky look and maximises the benefits of the light flooding in through the full-height windows, creating interesting reflections that make the room feel even bigger.
The designers have also addressed the difficulty of accessing top cupboards in a room with a high ceiling by adding a library ladder rail, providing safe access. When the ladder is butted up to the wall on the right, it provides access to the tall open shelving, too.
Browse the Houzz Professionals Directory to find kitchen designers in your area.
Here’s another design with stacked wall units, but here, Richard Burke Design has fitted the top doors with mirrors. This both prevents a blocky look and maximises the benefits of the light flooding in through the full-height windows, creating interesting reflections that make the room feel even bigger.
The designers have also addressed the difficulty of accessing top cupboards in a room with a high ceiling by adding a library ladder rail, providing safe access. When the ladder is butted up to the wall on the right, it provides access to the tall open shelving, too.
Browse the Houzz Professionals Directory to find kitchen designers in your area.
Slot in a window
Depending on the orientation of your kitchen or extension, there may be scope to use the top of a wall for a slim clerestory window like this one. It can be a useful way to boost light without adding rooflights or glazing that, in certain conditions, could make the space too hot or too bright.
Here, the wall is still used for units, which feature strips of lighting above and below, the upper one casting an attractive wash beneath the window after dark.
The designer of this room, Richard Cole Architecture, has also used the wall space perpendicular to the window to its full potential, with handleless units right to the ceiling.
How to avoid an extension that’s too hot and too bright.
Depending on the orientation of your kitchen or extension, there may be scope to use the top of a wall for a slim clerestory window like this one. It can be a useful way to boost light without adding rooflights or glazing that, in certain conditions, could make the space too hot or too bright.
Here, the wall is still used for units, which feature strips of lighting above and below, the upper one casting an attractive wash beneath the window after dark.
The designer of this room, Richard Cole Architecture, has also used the wall space perpendicular to the window to its full potential, with handleless units right to the ceiling.
How to avoid an extension that’s too hot and too bright.
Consider a giant larder
What’s not to love about letting a little more larder into your life? These kitchen storage units remain hugely popular on Houzz, and Craigie Woodworks has made full use of the generous ceiling height in this room with this supersized version.
As with any bespoke storage furniture, talk to your designer in lots of detail about all the things you need and want to stash, and if you think your needs may shift over time, request adjustable shelving.
What’s not to love about letting a little more larder into your life? These kitchen storage units remain hugely popular on Houzz, and Craigie Woodworks has made full use of the generous ceiling height in this room with this supersized version.
As with any bespoke storage furniture, talk to your designer in lots of detail about all the things you need and want to stash, and if you think your needs may shift over time, request adjustable shelving.
Add an open shelf
A very high up shelf, like this one by British Standard by Plain English, is a nice touch, especially when the walls are painted like this to play with the proportions.
High shelves are generally best for things that don’t get used very often, but the items will need to be attractive, or your whole point of having an open shelf rather than closed storage is instantly defeated.
Another pointer: you will need excellent extraction to reduce the risk of grease settling on your shelf and its contents, and you should also be prepared to get up there and dust frequently.
A very high up shelf, like this one by British Standard by Plain English, is a nice touch, especially when the walls are painted like this to play with the proportions.
High shelves are generally best for things that don’t get used very often, but the items will need to be attractive, or your whole point of having an open shelf rather than closed storage is instantly defeated.
Another pointer: you will need excellent extraction to reduce the risk of grease settling on your shelf and its contents, and you should also be prepared to get up there and dust frequently.
Incorporate ‘white space’
Wall height doesn’t have to be packed with additional storage if it’s not required (besides, ceiling height may not always allow for more than a super skinny area, which may not always be useful).
What the designer, Banda Property, has done in this kitchen is aesthetically interesting as well as having practical benefits. Wall units have been fitted just a little higher than is standard, allowing more breathing space between the hob and work surface and the base of these units. That wonderful marble wall gets maximum space.
The other benefit is that you aren’t left with an exposed row of cupboard tops that will need cleaning.
Wall height doesn’t have to be packed with additional storage if it’s not required (besides, ceiling height may not always allow for more than a super skinny area, which may not always be useful).
What the designer, Banda Property, has done in this kitchen is aesthetically interesting as well as having practical benefits. Wall units have been fitted just a little higher than is standard, allowing more breathing space between the hob and work surface and the base of these units. That wonderful marble wall gets maximum space.
The other benefit is that you aren’t left with an exposed row of cupboard tops that will need cleaning.
Link wall units with a shelf
In this kitchen, the architect has maximised the wall area beneath a pitched roof perfectly. The shelving bridges two wall units and squares off the triangle of the pitch without building angular cupboards into it, which could have ruined the visual impact of this lovely feature.
It’s useful for larger items, but again, think about your extraction and commitment to dusting in advance!
Tell us…
How have you maximised high up wall space in your home, whether in the kitchen or elsewhere? Share your tips in the Comments section.
In this kitchen, the architect has maximised the wall area beneath a pitched roof perfectly. The shelving bridges two wall units and squares off the triangle of the pitch without building angular cupboards into it, which could have ruined the visual impact of this lovely feature.
It’s useful for larger items, but again, think about your extraction and commitment to dusting in advance!
Tell us…
How have you maximised high up wall space in your home, whether in the kitchen or elsewhere? Share your tips in the Comments section.
Related Stories
Kitchen Inspiration
10 Smart Storage Tips for Your Kitchen Bins
Keep kitchen rubbish stylishly tucked away with these clever solutions
Full Story
Kitchen Design
Which Kitchen Worktop Colour Should You Choose?
By tidgboutique
Consider these popular colours and styles to get the look you want, no matter which material you use
Full Story
Kitchen Inspiration
5 Inspiring Before and After Kitchen Transformations
Whether you want to boost storage, incorporate original features or maximise your space, take ideas from these designs
Full Story
Kitchen Inspiration
5 Ideas for Kitchen Extension Layouts in Victorian Homes
By Kate Burt
Embarking on a rear extension project? Need layout ideas? Look no further...
Full Story
Kitchen Inspiration
16 Kitchens With Vertically Stacked Tiles
Looking for kitchen tiling inspiration? Browse this gallery of beautiful designs
Full Story
Renovating
Should I Live On-site During My Kitchen Renovation?
By Kate Burt
If you’re weighing up whether to stay put or ship out during your project, this expert guide is a must-read
Full Story
Bedrooms
What to Expect at the Biggest Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Show
Plan ahead with our rundown of what’s in store at the kbb Birmingham event this March
Full Story
Kitchen Design
Which of These Kitchen Renovation Trends Would You Choose?
By Kate Burt
The 2024 Houzz Kitchen Trends Report is out. Dive into the highlights to see what’s topping your choices
Full Story
Kitchen Inspiration
24 Beautiful Bare Wood Kitchens
By Kate Burt
From pale and pared back to warm and textured, unpainted cabinets are suddenly everywhere. Which look do you like best?
Full Story
Kitchen Planning
How to Design a Multigenerational Kitchen
A space that successfully meets the needs of all those who use it is not only inclusive, it’s futureproof
Full Story
Units up to the ceiling: 1. OK for giants 2. At least you don't have to dust the tops which inevitably accumulate nasty greasy dirt.......
Great article, I am obsessed with storage planning and I try to convince most of my clients to go up to the ceiling when when planning their new kitchen. It’s a winner, especially when floor space is tight!
I’m just not convinced that a kitchen is conducive to climbing up and down ladders with potentially large objects in hand...