Kitchen cabinetry plays a major role in setting the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. With so many design options to choose from, a common question that comes up is whether the top and bottom kitchen cabinets need to match. Here is an in-depth look at whether kitchen cabinetry on the top and bottom need to coordinate.
What to Consider When Choosing Top and Bottom Cabinets
When deciding on your kitchen cabinets, there are a few key factors to take into account:
Personal Style and Overall Design
Consider your own personal style and the overall design you want to achieve in your kitchen. Do you prefer a more modern, transitional, traditional, or contemporary look? The cabinetry style you choose for the top and bottom can help bring your desired aesthetic together.
If aiming for a seamless, coordinated kitchen design, matching top and bottom cabinets is one way to accomplish it. However, mixing and matching can also work well depending on the look you are going for.
Cabinet Function
Think about how you utilize the storage space in both your upper and lower cabinets. Upper cabinets are often used for more occasional dishware while lower cabinets store everyday dishes and cooking essentials.
The function of your cabinets can help determine whether it makes sense to match or choose two different styles. For example, more detailed cabinetry on bottom can ground the space while clean-lined designs up top promote openness.
Kitchen Size and Layout
The size and layout of your kitchen should also inform your cabinetry selection for the top and bottom. Smaller kitchens often benefit from cohesive cabinetry to make the space appear larger. Larger kitchens can more easily accommodate different styles between upper and lower cabinets.
Focusing on how the eye will flow in the kitchen can help determine if mixing and matching cabinetry on top and bottom will complement or hinder the overall flow.
Reasons to Match Top and Bottom Cabinets
Here are some benefits of having coordinated cabinetry throughout your kitchen:
- Creates a unified, seamless look. Matching cabinets promote harmony and flow.
- Makes a small kitchen appear larger. Consistent cabinetry gives the illusion of expanded space.
- Offers a more traditional style. For contemporary kitchens, matching cabinets are common.
- Provides a streamlined, neat aesthetic. Complementary designs look tailored and elegant.
- Easier mixing and matching. Matching cabinets allow you to select different hardware finishes or accent colors without clashing.
Reasons to Mix and Match Top and Bottom Cabinets
While matching cabinetry has its perks, there are also advantages to selecting different styles for the upper and lower cabinets:
- Adds visual interest. Contrasting styles create depth and dimension.
- Highlights craftsmanship details. Unique cabinetry on bottom can showcase finer design elements.
- Defines each area’s function. Different cabinetry can differentiate what is stored above and below.
- Complements kitchen layout. Varying cabinets can emphasize the kitchen configuration.
- Makes a large kitchen cozy. Breaking up cabinetry makes the space feel welcoming.
- Provides budget-friendly option. Mixing more affordable and splurge cabinetry cuts costs.
Best Practices for Mixing and Matching Cabinets
If you opt to mix and match your kitchen cabinets, there are strategies to ensure it flows seamlessly:
- Repeat a similar color or finish. Maintaining a cohesive palette keeps things coordinated.
- Anchor with consistent countertops. Continuous countertops visually unite dissimilar cabinetry.
- Use decor to transition. Stylistic elements like lighting or tile help marry different cabinets.
- Make lower cabinets a focal point. Emphasize unique lower cabinets since they are more visible.
- Keep uppers simple. Downplay upper cabinetry so lowers can shine.
- Transition gradually. If combining vastly different cabinetry styles, integrate changes thoughtfully.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, the choice of whether your kitchen cabinets should match comes down to personal style and functional needs. While matching upper and lower cabinets promote harmony, contrasting styles introduce character. Thoughtfully mixing and matching materials, colors, and designs can allow you to have the best of both worlds.
If aiming for a seamless look, coordinating top and bottom cabinetry is the way to go. But for those who want to highlight custom elements or prefer an eclectic aesthetic, selecting different upper and lower styles can be an excellent option. Take time to consider your kitchen’s particular size, layout and how you want it to function when making a decision. With strategic design choices, you can pick cabinetry that flatters your space and suits your style.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matching Top and Bottom Kitchen Cabinets
Should top and bottom kitchen cabinets match or contrast?
The decision depends on personal preference and the cohesive look you want for your kitchen. Matching top and bottom cabinets promotes harmony and flow. Contrasting or mixing cabinetry introduces character and visual interest.
Is it better to have matching kitchen cabinets?
There is no universally “better” approach. Matching cabinets create a streamlined, cohesive look, which may be favorable in a smaller kitchen. Mixing cabinetry adds flair but requires more coordination to pull off successfully.
Do open or closed kitchen cabinets need to match?
Open shelving does not necessarily need to coordinate with closed upper or lower cabinets. Stylistic open shelving can provide a nice contrast to more uniform cabinetry. However, keeping an open and closed cabinet palette cohesive is one way to go.
Should upper and lower cabinets be the same depth?
Cabinet depths do not have to match, and creative depth variations can be used. However, standard cabinet depths range from 12-24 inches. Significant deviations from those ranges on only upper or lower cabinets may look disjointed.
Should kitchen island cabinets match the rest?
Island cabinets do not necessarily need to match perimeter cabinetry. Many designers opt for a distinctive island look. However, coordinate island and perimeter cabinets through color, finish or styling cues for a pulled-together appearance.
Conclusion
The choice of matching versus contrasting top and bottom kitchen cabinets comes down to your sense of style and functional needs. While matching cabinetry creates harmony and flow, unique combinations add character and intrigue. Carefully consider how contrasting or coordinating designs will look within your precise kitchen footprint and layout. Also, think about how you use your cabinets and what best supports your cooking requirements. With an understanding of the possibilities, you can make informed cabinetry choices to achieve your ideal kitchen aesthetic. Focus on what feels cohesive while still selecting designs that make you smile each time you enter the kitchen.