Kitchen Confidential: The Pros and Cons of Double Stacked Cabinets
Does it make sense for you to double up on cabinets? Find out here
Sam Ferris
July 2, 2016
Houzz Contributor. I have more than seven years of experience in the design industry, including residential renovation, cabinet, and flooring design. I currently work for RVK Architecture, a professional design firm that delivers successful architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture solutions to public and private clients.
Houzz Contributor. I have more than seven years of experience in the design industry,... More
Double stacked kitchen cabinets aren’t a one-trick pony. They can increase your storage space, open the door for dazzling displays or give your space a finished look. However, they aren’t right for every kitchen. They’re an added expense and aren’t always easy to access. If the stacked cabinet look has caught your eye, this quick rundown of pros and cons will better inform your buying decision.
Pro: They Give You Extra Storage Space
Many kitchens don’t have upper cabinets that reach the ceiling. There may be anywhere from several inches to several feet of empty space between uppers and the ceiling. If you’re craving additional storage and have at least a foot of space to spare, double stacked cabinets can provide it. They’re practical spots to store seasonal cookware or appliances you don’t use much. Those with a hefty collection of cooking utensils will undoubtedly put double stacked cabinets to good use.
Many kitchens don’t have upper cabinets that reach the ceiling. There may be anywhere from several inches to several feet of empty space between uppers and the ceiling. If you’re craving additional storage and have at least a foot of space to spare, double stacked cabinets can provide it. They’re practical spots to store seasonal cookware or appliances you don’t use much. Those with a hefty collection of cooking utensils will undoubtedly put double stacked cabinets to good use.
Con: They Aren’t Easy to Access
Extra storage space is never a bad thing, right? Not exactly. The height of double stacked cabinets makes it harder for homeowners to reach the items they store inside of them. You will likely need a step stool or have to stand on your countertops to access your cookware or decorative items.
Safety concerns aside, homeowners will find this inconvenient and may not utilize items stored in double stacked cabinets. As a result, the added storage space becomes inefficient, and plates, platters, pots and pans collect dust because they aren’t handy.
Extra storage space is never a bad thing, right? Not exactly. The height of double stacked cabinets makes it harder for homeowners to reach the items they store inside of them. You will likely need a step stool or have to stand on your countertops to access your cookware or decorative items.
Safety concerns aside, homeowners will find this inconvenient and may not utilize items stored in double stacked cabinets. As a result, the added storage space becomes inefficient, and plates, platters, pots and pans collect dust because they aren’t handy.
Pro: They Can Create Prime Display Space
Could you display your favorite things elsewhere? Probably, but tucking them inside double stacked cabinets with glass door fronts is a less conventional display method than open shelving or counter space. These spaces can showcase pristine silver platters or introduce several colorful decorative accents into your kitchen.
Could you display your favorite things elsewhere? Probably, but tucking them inside double stacked cabinets with glass door fronts is a less conventional display method than open shelving or counter space. These spaces can showcase pristine silver platters or introduce several colorful decorative accents into your kitchen.
Con: They Cost More
The math is simple: More cabinets equal more cost. If you’re choosing double stacked cabinets with glass door fronts, expect an even higher price tag. Since cabinets are expensive enough as it is (they normally cost at least $5,000 for a small or medium-size kitchen), double stacked cabinets won’t always fit within the budget. If you don’t need the storage space or don’t want the display space, do without them to lower the cost of new cabinets.
The math is simple: More cabinets equal more cost. If you’re choosing double stacked cabinets with glass door fronts, expect an even higher price tag. Since cabinets are expensive enough as it is (they normally cost at least $5,000 for a small or medium-size kitchen), double stacked cabinets won’t always fit within the budget. If you don’t need the storage space or don’t want the display space, do without them to lower the cost of new cabinets.
Pro: They Can Enhance Your Lighting
Cabinets with glass door fronts present the opportunity for interior cabinet lighting. This creates a spotlight effect for any decor or dishware you store in them, and it can complement other sources of kitchen lighting, such as pendant and recessed lighting. The result is a bright cooking space.
Cabinets with glass door fronts present the opportunity for interior cabinet lighting. This creates a spotlight effect for any decor or dishware you store in them, and it can complement other sources of kitchen lighting, such as pendant and recessed lighting. The result is a bright cooking space.
Con: They Require More Upkeep
More cabinets also equal more surfaces to dust and polish. Glass door fronts will certainly require more maintenance. Not only do you have to wipe down the glass, but you must keep the interior space tidy and organized too. Throw in the fact that double stacked cabinets are harder to reach, and homeowners will have their work cut out for them when cleaning duties roll around.
More cabinets also equal more surfaces to dust and polish. Glass door fronts will certainly require more maintenance. Not only do you have to wipe down the glass, but you must keep the interior space tidy and organized too. Throw in the fact that double stacked cabinets are harder to reach, and homeowners will have their work cut out for them when cleaning duties roll around.
![Contemporary Kitchen by thirdstone inc. [^]](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/pictures/kitchens/lg-house-kitchen-thirdstone-inc-img~ef81320e0f0c79fb_2686-1-55d66a3-w618-h463-b0-p0.jpg)
Pro: They Offer a Finished Look
It may cost less, but having a gap between your uppers and the ceiling can interrupt the flow of your cabinet design. Though installing taller upper cabinets is a quick fix, double stacked cabinets can also form a cohesive, finished look. An extra row of cabinets adds a sense of continuity to your kitchen space, resulting in a more seamless design.
It may cost less, but having a gap between your uppers and the ceiling can interrupt the flow of your cabinet design. Though installing taller upper cabinets is a quick fix, double stacked cabinets can also form a cohesive, finished look. An extra row of cabinets adds a sense of continuity to your kitchen space, resulting in a more seamless design.
Con: They Can Make Your Kitchen Feel Cramped
Believe it or not, there can be such a thing as too much cabinetry. While double stacked cabinets may provide a more finished aesthetic, they can also enclose your kitchen space. In smaller kitchens, even glass door fronts can make the room feel cramped and crowded, and cabinets with darker paints and stains can make it seem uninviting.
More Kitchen Confidential: 7 Ways to Mix and Match Cabinet Colors | 11 Islands With Furniture Style | The Case for Corbels | All Good in the Hood
Believe it or not, there can be such a thing as too much cabinetry. While double stacked cabinets may provide a more finished aesthetic, they can also enclose your kitchen space. In smaller kitchens, even glass door fronts can make the room feel cramped and crowded, and cabinets with darker paints and stains can make it seem uninviting.
More Kitchen Confidential: 7 Ways to Mix and Match Cabinet Colors | 11 Islands With Furniture Style | The Case for Corbels | All Good in the Hood
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I put folded newspaper on top of my cabinets which gets thrown out and replaced several times a year so I do not have to clean there very often. For other high displays on tall cabinets, I bought an extension pole and attach a microfiber duster to clean to avoid the ladder/stool issue. The cabinets that go to the ceiling are great for storing infrequently used items, and do not make the kitchen feel closed in.
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Newspaper to toss and replace is a great idea! Thanks for sharing!