High ceilings are a big advantage for many homeowners because they not only make the space feel larger, but also allow for more vertical storage space.
One example is Tom Brady's kitchen. The former NFL quarterback recently shared a video clip of himself cooking at home on his Instagram page, and our eyes immediately fell on the long wooden kitchen cabinets that look like they'd be enough for all of our storage needs. This is another example of taking advantage of vertical space instead of ignoring it.
Dead space typically refers to the space in your kitchen that has no clear purpose, especially above existing cabinets.
“Tom Brady's vertical cabinets are a great example of how to maximize storage and eliminate dead space in your kitchen.” Home & Garden Editor Jennifer Ebert says, “Although cabinets are often sectioned off, tall, separate cabinets can really help keep your space organized.”
Ebert suggests being strategic about what items you store in vertical cabinets like the Brady, or opt for floor-to-ceiling kitchen storage that draws the eye upward and makes the space feel airy and organized.
“We recommend placing items you don't use often on the top shelves and items you use more regularly on the bottom shelves,” she says. “For example, specialty appliances and dishes you only use on special occasions can go on the top shelves, while cereal bowls and blenders can go on the bottom shelves.”
With vertical cabinets, you'll need to consider height, and while Brady doesn't see a ladder in his space, Ebert suggests keeping one on standby.
“Kitchen safety isn't just about knives and heating equipment,” she says. “If you're storing things high and vertically, make sure you use a suitable ladder so items are easily reachable.”
(Image courtesy of deVOL)
Finally, from an aesthetic standpoint, vertical cabinets are a great choice for those who want to make their kitchen feel larger.
“Vertical storage is great for making a room's ceilings appear higher than they actually are,” explains Ebert. “By adding height rather than width, in addition to the functional element of additional storage, the kitchen will naturally appear cleaner and more airy.”
Below, we present a selection of stools and ladders that are essential for any kitchen with vertical storage.
