skip to main content

Space between window and upper cabinet

11 years ago

So I'm excited that the workers put up the cabinets today! They really look fabulous! But I do not like the fact that I have 2.75" between window and left cab and 3.75" on the right side. We had some filler in our previous kitchen and I hated it, so I paid more to have the left cabinet 1" wider. But now it turns out that I shouldn't have. I didn't realize that the sink base and the right upper was 3" smaller than we previously had. The cabs on the right side are a bit off from what we had before. UGH.

So, will it bother me? Do I want to buy another cabinet one inch smaller?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

catbuilder
11 years ago
Only you know if it will bother you. It would bother me. Can you re-do the window casing, making the casing on the left side a little bit narrower than the casing on the right side?
beekeeperswife
11 years ago
Ask the cabinet maker if there is a way to fix it. If you wanted it to be equal on both sides, I'm thinking it's going to bother you. It would bother me.

But happy day that your cabinets are ready!!

Where are the pictures???
Related Discussions
Space between upper cabinets and counter
Q
Comments (8)
Most often inspectors will use the specs from the range/cooktop for the cabinets on each side of it. That is typically 18". Often specified as 54" above the floor. There are ways, depending on layout, to configure the rest lower. I use a minimum of 16 in those. My own is done that way to accomodate the short folks in the house. Cab on each side of srange at 18 rest at 16. Can be tricky to make work. Occasionally some are done higher-21 to a maximum 24. Usually in contemporary projects but not always. Doing one now that has a stretch with a bit set between two standard height.
...See More
How much space between your upper and lower cabinets ?
Q
Comments (11)
Mine might be higher than average. I'm 5'7" so I have a decent reach. I absolutely would not allow the microwave to be placed over the stove. We have it over the counter and it's just right. If you are worried about heighth, you might consider a cabinet right on the counter. Our kitchen designer put one on the end of a line of cabinets. The bottom is a shallow drawer which I have rolled up placemats in. Since it doesn't need to be opened very often, there's just enough counter space to place bowls, plates, etc that I'm taking out of the cabinet. I really like having the plates and serving dishes within easy reach. The cabinet is right beside the doorway to the dining room. Glasses and coffee cups are next to the frig on the other end but in upper cabinets. Due to 9' ceilings, our upper shelves require a step stool so seldom used items are up there.
...See More
Help! Space between upper and lower cabinets too small!
Q
Comments (18)
It depends a lot on how you use the kitchen. DW is 5'4" and I am 5'8" so we're very similar in size. I went with 19" because I use a tilt up mixer a lot and when I've had a lower clearance I've felt it really affected my sight lines/made it harder to see what I was doing. On the positive side - It does make the higher shelves on your uppers easier to reach. Are you planning on any undercab lighting? If so what kind and how will that affect your clearance? I know a lot of people are opposed to this, but I actually like a slightly shorter counter height so I had 3/4" shaved off of my base cabs (but not the island where the range is) . I asked my GC who was extremely knowledgeable if I could shave off an inch and the max he advised was 3/4". He was right - more would have been trouble. I'm happy with it so far and don't think it's that noticeable. It could bother someone at resale time, but I'm willing to live with that trade off for a counter height that's more comfortable for DW and myself. If you do shorten, you want to be very, very careful about measuring your DW and range. My brand new Bosch DW had problems and had to be swapped out with a new one. The repair person who swapped them out (not the original installer) was not pleased about the clearance but did manage to get the new one in. Also, IMO, This is the kind of thing a KD should help make the right decision on, not make a bad decision for you without consulting you. They absolutely should have checked with you about this. If this can't be fixed easily, I would ask them to make it up to you in some other way.
...See More
limited space between counter and upper cabinet
Q
Comments (12)
Shannon_WI I'm not worried about appliance usage or storage as I don't own a coffee maker and the mixer is always stored away. I have a huge counter top with no uppers that will be used for most prep. The current ceiling is very dropped and the contractor has already looked at what we can do to raise it - that is where I get the 2-3 inch drop for electrical work and lighting. There is no other way to run an electrical line through the concrete ceiling. I am, however, afraid you may be right that the 15 1/2 inches is too low but I really don't want to spend a fortune on cabinets I don't really like just over a couple of inches. I hope someone can help me think way outside the box to make something work. I find the 18 inch rule to actually have the cabinets hung too high (currently mine are at 17 inches and I think they are a bit high) What is the lowest you recommend I go?
...See More
williamsem
11 years ago
Right now ours are 1+3/4 and 3/4. It's very, very far down the list of things to worry about in the kitchen. But in a new kitchen, hard to say.

If you paid extra to have one cabinet larger, seems odd that wasn't brought up in the final design. I'm sure you probably mentioned why you wanted it larger.

Is there a way to sneak in a small spacer? You'd only need 3/4-1 inch. If that side has doors that open against a wall or appliance a spacer might actually be an advantage.

Pics?
artemis78
11 years ago
If you have moulding on the window, you can probably hide the difference there. We have a 3/4" difference in moulding on either side of a window because of a wall and I worried endlessly at the time, but no one (including me!) notices it. Ditto for our sink cabinet and sink being slightly off-center (also for structural reasons that we weren't willing to pay to change--100-year-old studs in the way!) Worried a lot, but haven't thought about it since we finished--your eye assumes symmetry if it is close. If you can get it down to half an inch or less by playing with the moulding, it likely won't be noticeable. If you can't, maybe you can rehang the cabinet and go back to having some filler on the other side?
momand3boys
Original Author
11 years ago
Can't put filler on the right side, it butts up against the OTR micro and stove. The KD said he'll take it back to his store and trim off the inch and if it looks good, he will order a new door.

Funny that the worker dude came in this morning and he said right away "I know what's bothering you!" Well, it wasn't the uneven spaces. The corner recessed light was a tad bit off center. Now really, who looks up? Although the light will shine down off center.. There was a plumbing pipe that was in the way. So there is a reason for that. I can live with that.

Related Stories

KITCHEN DESIGN How to Lose Some of Your Upper Kitchen Cabinets

By Becky Harris

Lovely views, display-worthy objects and dramatic backsplashes are just some of the reasons to consider getting out the sledgehammer

BEFORE AND AFTERS Houzz Tour: New Life for a Historic Georgia Fixer-Upper

By Becky Harris

Renovation restrictions didn't limit a couple's enthusiasm for this well-sited Decatur home

ECLECTIC HOMES My Houzz: Eclectic Bohemian Style in a 1976 Fixer-Upper

By Alexandra Crafton

These Southern California homeowners patiently added color, style and function to their outdated home

REMODELING GUIDES Considering a Fixer-Upper? 15 Questions to Ask First

By Sarah Phipps Design

Learn about the hidden costs and treasures of older homes to avoid budget surprises and accidentally tossing valuable features

DECORATING GUIDES Make Your Fixer-Upper Fabulous on a Budget

By Laura Gaskill

So many makeover projects, so little time and money. Here's where to focus your home improvement efforts for the best results

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: A Fixer-Upper Becomes a Labor of Love

A thrifty spirit and endless vision enable a hardworking Kansas couple to create a charming home on a small budget

REMODELING GUIDES Can You Handle That Fixer-Upper?

By Christine Tusher

Learn from homeowners who bought into major renovation projects to see if one is right for you

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Global Handicrafts Personalize a Fixer-Upper

By Louise de Miranda

Worldly artifacts and splashes of bright color give a family’s home in the Netherlands one-of-a-kind flavor

VACATION HOMES Houzz Tour: From Fixer-Upper to Family Ski Retreat

By Tiffany Carboni

Budget-conscious remodeling over 2 years gives a family a comfortable second home in the mountains

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: 1940s Fixer-Upper Grows Up With the Family

By Teness Herman

After living in their post–World War II house for 8 years, a couple transform it into a home that works for their family today

Sponsored

More Discussions

Quartzite sealing 511 Porous Plus vs Tenax Proseal vs Stain Proof

5

Before and after

9

I’m already over it. This kitchen trend is everywhere and overdone.

109

Shiloh rift sawn white oak cabinets in Straw

5

Do workstation sinks and marble countertops mix

2