Depending on the style and age of your home, the kitchen ceiling is probably lower than the rest of your abode. Although some luxury homes have dramatically high ceilings in the kitchen and throughout the property, this is usually not typical. We did some research to learn more about ceiling heights for the kitchen and other areas and have some good answers.
The kitchen may have low ceilings because it reduces the expense of heating and cooling, as heat from the kitchen often moves throughout the house. Also, a lower ceiling may hide structural damage, HVAC ductwork, pipes, and other things that should not be visible.
The kitchen is a well-used space in most homes, where we prepare meals, break bread with guests, and enjoy the warmth over the holidays. So, continue reading to learn more about average ceiling heights for the kitchen, how to style a kitchen with low ceilings and other curious information.
Ceiling Heights In The Home
There are a few different reasons a ceiling is low in the home, especially in the kitchen. First off, lower ceilings may be for cost-effectiveness and energy-efficiency, as fewer materials are required to maintain structural support. Another reason is aesthetics, and some people love living in smaller spaces to lessen their carbon footprint.
However, one of the most logical reasons a room has a lower ceiling is to keep wires, ductwork, plumbing, and unsightly structural damage from view. Drop ceilings are often used to hide flaws or specific areas of a home. Although properties with an industrial look might allow exposed pipes and ducts overhead, this is not aesthetically pleasing for most homes, especially in a traditional kitchen.
Last, the overall design and age of a home impact the height of a ceiling. It would make sense that a kitchen in a property with a very flat roof would have lowered ceilings.
If desired, it is possible to raise or lower ceiling heights in a home. Provided there is a large enough budget, and it won't destroy the structural soundness, custom renovations can radically alter how the kitchen and the rest of a house look.
Standard Ceiling Height
For most homes today, the average standard ceiling height is 9-feet. However, it is acceptable for a ceiling to have a height minimum of 7-feet. Keep in mind that the ceiling height is an average of 8-feet high for some properties, as construction materials like boards are typically this length.
The standard height of ceilings is not fixed, as the measurements change as specific designs for housing fall out of fashion. Also, the region that a house is in influences the average ceiling height as well.
If you are curious to learn more about standard ceiling heights for different rooms in a home, check out this article, "What is the Standard Ceiling Height?"
Should Kitchens Have High Ceilings?
The ceiling height for a kitchen is limited to the design of a house and whether there are features like pipes, ductwork, or other elements that should be hidden out of sight. Drop ceilings are used to cover up a lot of work in a home, including structural damage.
Also, it might not be possible to raise the ceiling height in some properties. High ceilings create visual drama and an open, generous kitchen space. A kitchen with high ceilings can better accommodate hanging lighting over a kitchen island, a beautiful chandelier, and taller cabinetry.
Overall, having a kitchen with high ceilings is a matter of satisfying personal taste in design and what's possible with a home's structure. It may not be possible to find a property on the market that has a kitchen with high ceilings. Also, some people may value a kitchen with lower ceilings, which creates a more comfy, cozy feel.
What Is A Good Ceiling Height For A Kitchen?
The height of a ceiling largely depends on the layout of the space and a home's overall dimensions. According to modern ceiling standards, low ceilings around 7-feet are suitable for shorter than average people.
However, taller people may feel more at home in a kitchen with ceilings between 8 to 10-feet high. Keep in mind that the average modern home has 9-foot ceilings.
Why Is My Kitchen Ceiling So Low?
Sometimes, a kitchen ceiling is low because it covers up plumbing, wires, and other things you wouldn't want in open view in your home. But, a ceiling may be low to ensure a certain amount of free space between the topmost cabinetry and the ceiling. Another reason for a low ceiling is construction and material costs to accommodate efficient use of space and energy.
If you feel dissatisfied with a kitchen's appearance because it has low ceilings, there are more than a few clever solutions to improve the ambiance. You can create optical illusions and make a more inviting, attractive kitchen using light, color, and the arrangement of fixtures and accessories.
How Do You Deal With Low Ceiling Kitchens?
Don't let a kitchen with a low ceiling cramp your style. Many design solutions make a kitchen appear more spacious, open, and comfortable. Try the following ideas to enhance your kitchen and satisfy your aesthetic taste.
- Use high-gloss paint on the ceiling and walls to bounce more light around.
- Try metallic paints to help reflect light and add visual interest to the ceiling.
- Use the same color treatment for the ceiling, walls, and crown molding. And add taller baseboards.
- Get rid of track lighting and other features that emphasize a short ceiling.
- Elongate the cabinetry to touch the ceiling and create a vertical focal point.
- Choose proportioned fixtures to push the ceiling up visually and give the kitchen a taller appearance.
A couple of other tips are to avoid lighting that will make the eye focus on the lower ceiling. To create a more attractive, luxurious space, don't forget to add accessories, wall decor, and decorative wall paneling and molding.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Should Low Ceilings Be Painted White?
If you have low ceilings and want them to appear taller, paint them white. A bright, reflective white coat of paint or even a light gray will create an optical illusion, making the ceiling seem higher.
Avoid using darker colors on the ceiling, especially if it is low. Darker colors absorb light and make a room with low ceilings feel more cramped.
Check out this gloss white paint on Amazon.
Should I Paint A Low Ceiling The Same Color As The Walls?
One of the best tricks to make a room feel more expensive and put together is to paint the walls and ceiling the same color. The safest and most attractive choice is to use bright white paint. White is a neutral color that reflects a lot of light, makes a space feel more open and spacious, and pushes low ceilings up.
What Kind Of Light Do You Use For Low Ceilings?
Often, contractors use recessed lights for low ceilings. Otherwise, it is good to choose lighting that mounts close to the ceiling without emphasizing its low height. Also, installing bright LED lighting may make a room with low ceilings seem grander and less cramped. Look for lighting with a thin profile that will not draw too much attention to the ceiling.
Check out this LED mount-style lighting on Amazon.
If you are looking for lighting for a kitchen with low ceilings, use wall sconces instead of overhead lighting, depending on the layout. Other great options are mini pendant lighting, flush-mounted lights, or even track lighting. Find a balance between aesthetically pleasing, energy-efficient lights, and don't make a room feel cramped.
Is It Worth Raising A Ceiling?
If you can remodel your home and are tired of a kitchen with low ceilings, you might be interested in raising the ceiling height. You might have to change any existing ductwork or plumbing covered by a ceiling. However, it may be well worth it if you have the time and budget to overhaul a room by raising the ceiling height.
Summary
After reading this post, we hope you have a better understanding of why kitchen ceilings are often lower than the rest of the house. Using color theory, lighting, and changing the placement of major appliances and furniture in the kitchen, you can adjust the appearance of your kitchen.
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