Give Your Kitchen a Makeover with Stylish Countertop Cabinets

Is your kitchen in need of a makeover? Are you looking for ways to maximize storage, add visual interest, and give your kitchen an updated, custom look? Installing stylish countertop cabinets is an excellent option to breathe new life into your kitchen design.

Countertop cabinets, also known as overlay or topmount cabinets, sit directly on the countertop rather than being wall-mounted. These unique cabinets open up a world of possibilities when remodeling or building a new kitchen. Keep reading to learn all about the many benefits of countertop cabinets and how they can transform the look and functionality of your kitchen.

What Are Countertop Cabinets?

Countertop cabinets are a type of kitchen cabinet that rests on top of the countertop rather than being mounted to the wall. Unlike standard wall cabinets, countertop cabinets are not attached to the wall at all. Instead, they sit flush on top of the counter, supported by the cabinet boxes and the countertop itself.

These specialty cabinets create extra storage and surface area right where you need it, without requiring any wall space. They are also referred to as overlay, topmount or upright cabinets. While traditional base and wall cabinets have distinct installation methods, countertop cabinets blur the lines by combining elements of both.

Pros of Countertop Cabinets

There are many great reasons to consider using countertop cabinets in your kitchen design:

• They provide abundant additional storage, which can be used for dishes, appliances, pantry items, and more.
• You can customize them with glass doors, open shelving, racks and other functional elements.
• They allow you to conceal a workspace, transforming unused countertop into a functional extended work surface.
• Countertop cabinets can help balance out the layout and flow of your kitchen.
• They instantly add visual interest and dimension to your existing kitchen design.

Potential Cons

There are a couple potential drawbacks to keep in mind with countertop cabinets:

• They can take up valuable counter space in smaller kitchens.
• Due to their custom nature, countertop cabinets tend to be more expensive than standard wall-mounted options.

Types of Countertop Cabinets

You have numerous options when selecting countertop cabinets. Consider the look you want to achieve and how you plan to utilize the storage space. Here are some of the most popular styles:

Glass Door Cabinets

Glass door cabinets maintain a streamlined, open look while still securely storing kitchen items. Glass-front cabinets with internal shelving are great for displaying collectibles, dishes or decorative items. For a touch of sophistication, opt for leaded or frosted glass.

Open Shelving

Prefer easy access to your most-used items? Open shelving keeps everything visible and within reach. Try incorporating some closed cabinetry as well to keep clutter concealed.

Appliance Garages

Dedicate part of your countertop cabinet to concealing small appliances like coffeemakers and stand mixers. Keep them plugged in but out of sight.

Vertical Rack Cabinets

Specialized vertical racks inside cabinets store dishes, cookbooks and baking sheets upright and accessible. Optimize storage while keeping a clean look.

Custom Cabinets

For a truly one-of-a-kind look, design fully custom countertop cabinets. Customize the size, layout, materials, colors and details to perfectly fit your kitchen.

Features and Options

From the materials to the hardware, you have endless options when designing your countertop cabinets. Consider which features are most important for your kitchen.

Materials

Countertop cabinets come in a wide range of materials. Opt for wood for a traditional look, laminate for affordability and easy cleaning, or metal and glass for a sleek, contemporary vibe.

Hardware

The options for cabinet hardware are nearly endless. Sleek silver pulls create a modern feel, while vintage glass knobs have a timeless charm. Matte black hardware makes a sophisticated statement.

Interior Fittings

Maximize storage with adjustable shelves, drawers, vertical racks and other specialized fittings inside your cabinets. Pull-out shelves make contents easy to access.

Colors

Pick a neutral cabinet color like white or black for versatility, or opt for a bold, colorful statement. Multiple color options let you mix and match.

Doors

Choose between clear glass doors for displaying items or solid doors for concealing contents. For extra character, add uniquely shaped cutouts or accented edges.

Lighting

Incorporate lighting inside your cabinets to illuminate the contents. LED strip lighting makes items easy to see.

Design Ideas and Layouts

Countertop cabinets are extremely versatile when it comes to kitchen design. Here are some creative ways to put them to use:

Island Installation

Installing cabinets right on your kitchen island maximizes island storage and functionality. Place them near the seating area to keep entertainment items and tableware close at hand.

Against a Wall

Situate countertop cabinets against a wall rather than mounted to it. This is an ideal option for open concept kitchens or when walls are unavailable.

Corner Cabinets

Make use of awkward corners with specialized L-shaped or angled corner cabinets. Great for keeping items accessible but out of the way.

Mixed Storage

Combine open shelves, closed cabinets and specialized pull-outs to create a custom kitchen workspace.

Accentuate Appliances

Use countertop cabinets to accentuate existing appliances. Add cabinetry above a refrigerator or install one near the sink or cooktop.

More Height

Install shorter countertop cabinets above your base cabinets for a unique staggered look that adds visual height.

Drink Station

Create a self-serve drink area with open shelves storing glassware. Add cabinets with refrigerated beverage storage.

Concealed Storage

Keep countertop appliances like mixers and coffee stations hidden but accessible inside specialty cabinets.

Functionality and Storage Uses

Take advantage of the abundant storage potential of countertop cabinets. Here are some smart ways to put the space to use:

Extra Food Storage

Supplementary cabinets create more room for pantry essentials. Store bulk items or oversized pots and pans.

Display Collectibles

Show off your fine china, antique glassware or cherished family pieces in glass door cabinets.

Conceal Appliances

Keep small countertop appliances out of sight but close at hand in specialized appliance garage cabinets.

Spice Racks

Keep spices organized and accessible using vertical racks or slide out trays inside cabinets.

Vertical Dish Storage

Specialized vertical dish organizers make efficient use of interior cabinet space.

Wine Racks

Built-in wine racks keep bottles protected yet on display.

Mixer Storage

Dedicate a cabinet to safely storing stand mixers, blenders and processors without sacrificing counter space.

Costs and Budgeting

What should you budget for new countertop cabinets? Here are the main factors affecting price:

Materials

The material you choose impacts cost. Solid hardwood and high-end finishes are more expensive than laminates and thermally fused finishes.

Customization

Custom sizing and storage features increase cost. Semi-custom offers some flexibility for less.

Size

Larger and deeper cabinetry costs more. Optimize storage and budget by choosing compact sizes.

In general, expect to pay 15-25% more for countertop cabinets versus standard wall-mounted cabinets. The customized functionality and visual appeal make them well worth the extra investment.

Finding the Right Company

Look for these traits when selecting a provider of countertop cabinets:

Cabinet Specialists

Seek out companies focused on cabinetry. They have the expertise to advise on custom options.

Kitchen Designers

Many kitchen designers offer cabinetry or have preferred partners they work with.

Carpenters and Woodworkers

Skilled carpenters can custom build and install one-of-a-kind cabinetry.

Be sure to get multiple quotes to compare pricing. Look at sample work to evaluate craftsmanship.

Countertop cabinets open up amazing possibilities for upgrading your kitchen's appearance and functionality. With their ability to provide abundant storage, conceal workspaces, and enable customization, countertop cabinets are a versatile design option with outstanding benefits.

Choose from a range of styles, materials, sizes and configurations to find the perfect look for your kitchen vision. Investing in quality countertop cabinets can take your kitchen design to the next level.

With the information in this article, you now know how to make your kitchen look better. Time to get designing your dream kitchen!