A Kitchen Soffit,
Is It Right For You?

A kitchen soffit adds more dimension to the kitchen celing. Soffits can also be a great way to close the gap between the tops of cabinets and the ceiling. This is an area that is not often used and a dust collecting area. Adding a soffit can eliminate both of those problems.

This design element is losing favor with many designers and architects. This is a hotly contested area of kitchen design. Some designers will try to influence your decision to not have them. 

Some say they are outdated, but if designed properly they can be a very good element of the design. Still others will welcome soffits in the kitchen without much fuss.

Kitchen soffits can be used to as a place route plumbing and wiring, as well as an extra area for storage, if planned for in the design phase. Check out my page on kitchen design ideas for more help with your design. If you like the idea of soffits, nothing should stop you because it's your kitchen, and your money.

Kitchen soffits are a great place to put recessed lights, which adds another way to highlight the cabinets.

Having the recessed lights shine down on the cabinets will showcase the cabinet construction and the details of the cabinet faces. What a way to exhibit an excellent kitchen cabinet.

Having soffits also gives you the option of having rope lights shine on the ceiling. Do this by installing a crown moulding that is proud, or away from, the inside of the soffit itself. A simple and dramatic way to add ambient light to a kitchen. The photo above is an example of the rope light detail.

Soffits can also be a place to showcase your collectibles. An idea for this is having areas in your soffits that are covered by a glass door with a frame made of the same material as your cabinets. 

Having under-cabinet lights in these spaces will add a truly custom look to your kitchen. A great way to add more storage space, and a way to make your kitchen stand out even more.

Adding this detail is not very expensive and easily built in the rough construction phase of a kitchen remodel.

Soffits can also be a place to showcase your collectibles. An idea for this is having areas in your soffits that are covered by a glass door with a frame made of the same material as your cabinets.

Having under-cabinet lights in these spaces will add a truly custom look to your kitchen. A great way to add more storage space, and a way to make your kitchen stand out even more.

Adding this detail is not very expensive and easily built in the rough construction phase of a kitchen remodel.

These are some ideas to get started with. Soffits add more dimension to an otherwise flat ceiling. A great way to make your kitchen stand out. Take some or all of these ideas into consideration when planning your kitchen. Any kitchen can benefit from a soffit. You shouldn't be swayed by the naysayers if you really want this design element.