Ceiling-Height Cabinets: The Celebrity Storage Trick You’ll Actually Use
You’ve probably seen it in celebrity kitchens lately: cabinets that run all the way to the ceiling—often with a glass-front “top row.” It looks polished, but it’s not just for show. Extending your uppers vertically turns the dead space above cabinets into real, organized storage for the big, bulky, and seasonal stuff you never know where to put. Homes & Gardens calls out Jennifer Garner’s kitchen as a smart example of this idea—and why it works. Homes and Gardens
Why it’s smart (beyond the pretty pictures)
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More storage without more footprint. That wasted gap becomes a “seasonal zone” for roasters, platters, picnic gear, holiday dishes, and decor. Pros suggest baskets or shallow pull-outs so items don’t get lost up high.
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Cleaner sightlines. Double-stacked uppers or a single run to the lid make the room read taller and calmer. (Glass fronts keep it from feeling top-heavy.)
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Display without dust. Glass doors + interior lights = a place to show pretty pieces while keeping everyday zones uncluttered. This aligns with 2025’s renewed love for glass-front moments.
How to add a “top row” (simple planning list)
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Measure to the ceiling and note any waves or slopes—your designer will add a slim scribe for a built-in finish.
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Decide glass vs. solid. Glass keeps things light (clear, frosted, or reeded); solid doors hide mismatched bins.
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Plan what lives up high. Label bins; use pull-outs for smaller items. Keep a folding step stool nearby for safety.
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Mind clearances. Above ranges and fridges, confirm hood specs and door swing so tall doors don’t collide.
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Light it well. A small interior LED at the face frame (or a vertical strip) turns that top row into a soft glow at night.
Prefer the “open” look? Steal this twist
Open shelves are also trending in celebrity spaces (think styled ceramics and cookbooks). If you love that airy vibe, mix a few open spans with closed ceiling-height storage so everyday clutter stays hidden and display pieces shine.
Houston/Texas notes (worth a skim)
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Humidity & dust: Choose durable factory finishes and keep glass doors sealed; add a light strip so tall cabinets aren’t dark caves.
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Installation timing: Older ceilings are rarely perfect—budget time for a precise scribe and final paint touch-ups.
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Small kitchens: A tall, glass-front top row can make a compact space feel taller while adding real capacity.
