42-Inch Kitchen Cabinets - 5 Genius Ways to Use the Extra Height

Kitchen remodeling projects often involve replacing old worn-out cabinets with stylish new options. Many homeowners opt for standard 36-inch upper cabinets, but 42-inch cabinets are surging in popularity. The extra 6 inches of height unlocks valuable storage space and creates a modern, airy aesthetic.

You'll discover genius ways to utilize the extra vertical space through storage solutions, displays, and more. Read on to learn how 42-inch cabinets can transform your cooking space.

Benefits of 42-Inch Upper Kitchen Cabinets

Let's start by looking at some of the main advantages of choosing cabinets that are 42 inches tall instead of the typical 36 inches.

More Storage Space

The primary benefit of 42-inch upper cabinets is the expanded storage capacity. Those extra 6 inches allow you to store larger platters, appliances, and other items that wouldn't fit in standard cabinets. The deeper shelves provide room for more layers of dishes, cooking equipment, pantry goods, and everything else.

More space also enables you to add additional shelves or larger baskets to organize all your kitchen items. You'll reduce clutter since 42-inch cabinets offer plenty of room to neatly store everything you need conveniently within reach.

Easier Access to Top Shelves

Reaching the top shelves of 36-inch cabinets can require stretching, climbing on counters, or dragging over a step stool. With an additional 6 inches of height, the top shelves are much easier to access in 42-inch upper cabinets without tricky maneuvers.

You'll be able to comfortably grab what you need from the upper shelves. No more struggling to see what's up there or accidentally knocking things over when trying to get items down.

Ideal for High Ceilings

If your kitchen has 9 foot ceilings or higher, 42-inch cabinets provide a nice proportional balance visually. 36-inch cabinets might get lost or seem oddly short when ceiling height exceeds 8 feet.

The additional size of 42-inch cabinets helps fill the vertical space for a cohesive look. This also creates an airier, more open aesthetic that brightens up kitchens with high ceilings.

Visually Appealing

Besides the functional benefits, 42-inch upper cabinets simply look great. The extra height gives a modern, sleek appearance than can enhance any kitchen's style.

For a bold yet airy look, install glass cabinet doors on top to showcase dinnerware, glassware or decorative items. The see-through glass draws the eye upwards and makes the kitchen feel more expansive.

5 Genius Ways to Use 42-Inch Kitchen Cabinets

Now let's explore intelligent ways to take advantage of those 42-inch upper cabinets beyond just gaining storage space.

1. Open Shelving

Incorporate open shelving into your upper cabinets to display collectibles, antique dishes, or decorative items. The height allows you to easily grab frequently used dinnerware for a casual, contemporary vibe. For a cleaner look, install glass cabinet doors to protect the shelves from dust.

2. Additional Storage Solutions

Maximize vertical storage in 42-inch cabinets with rollouts, pull-outs, and other organizational solutions. Designate the upper space for small appliances, cookbooks, or special occasion dinnerware to keep everyday dishes within reach.

Other smart ideas include creating a designated spice rack area or using the extra height for multiple rows of tall pantry items. Turntables, cabinets with swing-out shelves, and pull-down "garage" cabinets all optimize the additional 42 inches.

3. Tall Display Area

Create a gorgeous display area in your 42-inch upper cabinets to show off glassware, barware, or decorative collections. The eye-catching items become an artistic focal point and great conversation piece.

Alternatively, use the cabinet tops to display houseplants, cookbooks, or other knick-knacks. Just be sure fragile items are secure, so they don't accidentally get knocked over when opening the lower cabinets.

4. Pantry Cabinet

Designate one or more of your 42-inch cabinets as a mini pantry. Use rollouts, deep shelves, turntables, and other organizational tools to optimize the interior space. Store breakfast bars, cereals, baking ingredients, snacks, and other handy items in your pantry cabinet.

Having staple foods and ingredients right in the kitchen cuts down on trips back and forth from the main pantry. Everything you regularly need is conveniently at your fingertips.

5. Kitchen Ladder

For easy access to those top shelves, install a pull-down ladder inside a 42-inch upper cabinet. Simply lower the ladder when you need something from the top shelf instead of dragging over a step stool every time.

The ladder tucks away out of sight when not in use, so it doesn't clutter your workspace. For households with small children, be sure to use safety locks to prevent unsupervised ladder access.

Tips for Reaching 42-Inch Upper Cabinets

While 42-inch cabinets provide easier access than 36-inch versions, the upper shelves can still be a stretch for shorter adults and kids. Here are some handy ways to reach everything:

• Step stools and ladders - Have a compact, sturdy step stool on hand. For upper cabinets over the refrigerator, use a small ladder.
• Lazy susans - Spinning turntables make items in deep cabinets accessible.
• Pull-outs - Shelves that glide out bring items to you.
• Sliding shelves - Full shelves that emerge from cabinets.
• Swing arm cabinets - Doors open sideways for easy access.
• Child safety locks - Prevent unsupervised climbing on lower cabinets.

With some creative organizational tools, everyone can comfortably access all areas of 42-inch upper cabinets. The extra height creates a stunning focal point in your kitchen while keeping everything easily reachable.

Installing 42-inch upper cabinets is an on-trend way to gain valuable storage space and give your kitchen a modern, airy vibe. Use the additional height for beautiful displays, handy pantries, and space-saving storage solutions.

This article explored genius ideas like open shelving, pull-outs, kitchen ladders, and more. Bring your dream kitchen to life with 42-inch upper cabinets.

Ready to upgrade your kitchen with stylish new cabinets? Contact our team today to start planning your remodel featuring brilliant ways to utilize 42-inch uppers. Our designers will help maximize every inch to create your perfect cooking space.