What Is The Box Above Kitchen Cabinets Called

What Is The Box Above Kitchen Cabinets Called?

The box above kitchen cabinets is commonly referred to as a soffit. It is a horizontal enclosure that conceals the ductwork, plumbing, and electrical wiring that run above the cabinets. Soffits serve several practical and aesthetic purposes in a kitchen.

Practical Functions:

Hide Utilities: Soffits provide a discreet way to conceal unsightly utilities, preventing them from detracting from the kitchen's appearance.
Facilitate Maintenance: Access panels or removable sections are often incorporated into soffits, allowing for easy maintenance and repairs of the underlying systems.

Aesthetic Benefits:

Create a Cohesive Look: Soffits help to create a seamless and polished look by unifying the space above the cabinets with the rest of the kitchen design.
Enlarge Perceived Space: Soffits can make a kitchen feel more spacious by drawing the eye upwards and creating an illusion of a higher ceiling.
Add Architectural Interest: Soffits can add visual interest and character to a kitchen by incorporating decorative elements such as moldings, recessed lighting, or open shelving.

Types of Soffits:

Closed Soffit: A fully enclosed box that completely conceals the utilities above.
Open Soffit: A soffit with open sections or shelves, allowing for some visibility and accessibility to the utilities.
Bulkhead Soffit: A box-like structure that extends from the ceiling to the top of the cabinets, creating a more defined and imposing look.

Considerations When Designing a Soffit:

Height: The height of the soffit should be determined by the clearance required for the utilities it conceals.
Depth: The depth of the soffit should be sufficient to accommodate the utilities, while also maintaining a visually balanced appearance.
Lighting: Consider incorporating recessed lighting into the soffit for additional illumination and to highlight specific areas.
Materials: Soffits can be made from a variety of materials, including drywall, wood, or metal, to match the kitchen's overall design.

Overall, the box above kitchen cabinets is known as a soffit and plays an indispensable role in both the practical functionality and aesthetic appeal of a kitchen.