Empty Space Next to Upper Cabinet-Leave It or Fill It?

9 months ago

Any ideas how to fill this empty space next to the glass cabinet? The molding around the archway leaves a gap. Am I over thinking this? We are finally nearing the end of this total gut renovation on our 100 year old house and I am stressing about everything. Help!

Featured Answer

Beth H. :

9 months ago

last modified: 9 months ago

leave it as is and don't worry about the gap.

or, remove that cabinet and do some open shelving next to the window. it will be a nice focal point and give that area some breathing space.

something simple like these walnut shelves in place of the heavy cabinet.

This one is also an off-center sink. smaller trim molding around the window

open shelving w/some sconces above and tile all the way up and around the window

I love these wood shelves and the decor. again, the window has simple trim molding and Cloe tile

I'd also remove all of that trim molding around the window and opt for something simpler looking. those cabinets are very heavy looking and they do not match the window trim. especially the curved portion at the top. (and it really doesn't match the very modern looking ceiling fan. is that staying???)

If the trim molding at the top of your cabinets is more curvy and ornate, the window trim will be too much

for example, look at this pic with just the tile and no trim. see how the crown molding is more ornate looking? now imagine this window w/window trim like you have. it would be overpowering. granted this window is arched, but even if it was square, the tile surround is still a better choice.

similar cabinet set up like you have with simple trim molding around the window and no tile

Obviously this is a white kitchen, yours are wood, but look closely at the window trim. it's a simple 3" trim molding mitered in the corners. Tile all the way up and around.

(do you plan on using a tile backsplash? what about around the window?

just to give you an idea, here is a wood glass cab next to window. notice the tile surround(and this one has no trim molding)

I belive this is Cloe tile or similar (Portmore is another)

Look closely at the wood glass cabinet and simple trim molding around the window. ( or try to imagine the wood open shelving like shown here)

and here is a mock up with open shelving

in either case, I"d redo the molding around the window.

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Comments (13)

Lyn Nielson
9 months ago
you've already got enough. too bad the beautiful trim doesn't show, the cabinet is too much for the space.
Lisa D
Original Author
9 months ago
Should I take the cabinet out and just leave a blank space?
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herbflavor
9 months ago
last modified: 9 months ago
being a solo cabinet and at the very end [not connected in a run] I think I would be happier getting a different size. pull away from the upper right side trim and window trim equally and get a single door ...would that be 18 inches wide? I think for the fiddling around whatever way you deal w the gap isnt worth it ....since it looks oversized for that spot.... can the cabinet be rebuilt and order a smaller door? or just remove it and put up a single shelf? sorry it just doesnt sit well there.

no harm in removal of cab......here is a spot between window and back door....lighter look with no cabinet. I'd consider that solution...can the cabinet go somewhere else in the home?

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Lisa D
Original Author
9 months ago
We left the wall out to keep the space open, as it is a very small space. I know the cabinets are close to the window but, in order to get as much storage as possible that is what had to be done.
Lisa D
Original Author
9 months ago
Helpful suggestions are appreciated. At this point we don’t need to hear what we “should have” done.
apple_pie_order
9 months ago
Two options: ignore the gap or replace the top of the doorway molding that sticks out a bit with very thin flat molding.
chispa
9 months ago
100 year old house ... I would just leave it as is and ignore the space.

Most people, if they even notice, are just going to think you tried to preserve the trim and get as much storage as possible.
la_la Girl
9 months ago
I also live in an old house and there are sorts of quirky details as we adjust the home to modern living - one the glass cab is filled with lovely dishes, that is where the eye will go and not to the gap - I say deep breath, stay the course ✨
Kendrah
9 months ago
Whatever filler you are using to close the gap between the top of your cabinets and the ceiling, use the same filler to go from the ceiling along the right side of the cabinet to the top of the white trim piece. If your installer is really great, they could scribe along the trim piece too and fill that in, but it seems like a tall order these days to find someone that skilled.

In a small kitchen, that is precious cabinet space. I wouldn't consider removing it. Just leaving it as is cheapens what is an otherwise nice looking kitchen job.
eld6161
9 months ago
I’m confused with double molding. Can you remove the top one?
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Patricia Colwell Consulting
9 months ago
It makes no seanse as it is you need a filler between the cabinet and the wall and thta trim needs to be gone off the wall where the cabinet is . It looks like tat trim is just over the doorway in that kitchen so IMO just remove it all there
porkchop_z5b_MI
9 months ago
I'd remove the cabinet and put open shelves.