Designing the perfect cabinet height is one of the most overlooked parts of a kitchen renovation—yet it affects your daily comfort more than almost anything else. The wrong height can make the kitchen feel cramped, cause shoulder and back strain, or make storage completely unusable (we all have that one cabinet no one can reach except with a ladder).

In Sydney homes—where kitchen layouts vary from narrow terraces to open-plan apartments to large family homes—planning cabinet height properly becomes even more important. Let’s dive into how to choose the ideal cabinet heights for reachability, usability, and maximum storage.

1. Why Cabinet Height Matters in Sydney Kitchens

Sydney kitchens come with unique constraints:

• Older terraces in Newtown, Redfern, Surry Hills:

Low ceilings and compact kitchens mean every millimetre matters.

• Apartments in Chatswood, Mascot, Parramatta:

Standard ceiling heights (2400–2700mm) but limited footprint create a need for tall, slim cabinetry.

• North Shore and Eastern Suburbs homes (Roseville, Coogee, Killara):

Higher ceilings allow for impressive full-height cabinetry, but reachability must be planned carefully.

• Modern townhouses in Ryde, Marsden Park, Rouse Hill:

Flexible layouts allow mixed-height cabinets for practicality and visual style.

Understanding the architectural style of the home is step one in planning cabinet heights.

2. The Standard Cabinet Heights (And How to Adjust Them)

Most Sydney renovations start with standard measurements, but they’re adjusted depending on usability and client height.

2.1. Benchtop Height (Base Cabinet Height)

The typical benchtop height in Sydney is 900mm (including benchtop thickness).
However:

• Taller homeowners may prefer 920–950mm

• Compact kitchens or Asian-style cooking setups sometimes choose 880mm

Rule of Thumb:

Your benchtop should sit at wrist height when your arms are relaxed at your side.

In suburbs like Epping, Hurstville or Burwood—where multigenerational families share kitchens—MB9 often designs two benchtop heights for different comfort levels.

2.2. Overhead Cabinet Height

For overhead cabinets, two measurements matter:

1. The height of the cabinet itself

Common heights:

• 600mm

• 720mm

• 900mm

• 1200mm (full-height overheads)

2. The height they’re mounted above the benchtop

Standard height above benchtop: 600mm
Range: 500–700mm

General Rule:

The bottom shelf of the overhead cabinet should be comfortable to reach without lifting your heel.

This works well for average-height homeowners across Sydney—from Kogarah to Kellyville.

2.3. Full-Height Cabinetry (Floor to Ceiling)

For homes with 2.4m–2.7m ceilings, full-height cabinetry is an excellent way to maximise storage.

Benefits:

• Eliminates dust above cabinets

• Creates clean, modern visual lines

• Adds 20–40% more storage

• Makes small kitchens (e.g., Waterloo or Zetland apartments) feel taller

For reachability, store occasional-use items (seasonal bakeware, festive dinnerware, rice cookers, etc.) in the top section.

3. How to Choose Cabinet Height Based on Your Height

If the homeowner is extremely tall or petite, cabinet height must be adjusted.

3.1. For Shorter Homeowners

(over 50% of homeowners in Sydney apartments fall into this design category)

• Reduce overhead cabinet height from 900mm → 720mm

• Lower installation height from 600mm → 500mm

• Use pull-down mechanisms for higher shelves

• Incorporate more under-bench drawers

These choices are common in Sydney CBD, Haymarket, and Chatswood apartments.

3.2. For Taller Homeowners

Common in suburbs like Penrith, Castle Hill, Kellyville, Box Hill.

• Increase benchtop height to 920–950mm

• Raise overhead mount point from 600mm → 650–700mm

• Add 900–1200mm overhead cabinets

This improves comfort and increases total storage capacity.

4. Ergonomics: Designing for Comfort and Daily Use

4.1. The “Gold Range” Zone

The most comfortable reach range for most people is between shoulder height and hip height.

Store:

• Everyday plates

• Glasses

• Coffee items

• Pantry staples

• Cooking oils, spices

Sydney families love this approach because it reduces bending and reaching—especially important in compact kitchens in Neutral Bay, Dee Why or Marrickville.

4.2. The “Lift-Only-When-Needed” Zone

The top shelves of overheads or full-height cabinets belong to rarely used items:

• Baking trays

• Large pots

• Christmas dishes

• Food warmers

• Seasonal appliances

This zone becomes especially valuable in apartments with limited footprint (e.g., Wentworth Point, Rhodes, Homebush).

4.3. Keep Heavy Items Low

Heavy cookware should always be stored in deep drawers at waist height.

This is safer and more ergonomic, especially for older homeowners in areas like Ryde, Hornsby or Kogarah.

5. Planning Cabinet Height for Maximum Storage

5.1. Use Tall Cabinets Wisely

Tall cabinets are ideal for:

• Pantries

• Linen storage

• Utility cupboards

• Appliance garages

Full-height units make kitchens feel sleek and modern, popular in new developments around Alexandria, Miranda and Kellyville.

5.2. Consider Cabinet Step-Back Design

A step-back effect:

• reduces bulkiness

• maintains storage

• improves reachability

For example:

• 600mm deep base cabinets

• 350mm deep overhead cabinets

This layout suits narrow kitchens in Balmain, Glebe and Paddington terraces.

5.3. Integrate Bulkheads to Avoid Dust Traps

Instead of leaving a gap above cabinets, install a bulkhead.

Advantages:

• No dust

• visually cleaner

• better for small kitchens

• can hide LED strip lighting

MB9 uses this often in high-end kitchens in Pymble, Roseville, and Vaucluse.

6. Smart Technology to Improve Reachability

6.1. Pull-Down Shelving Systems

Perfect for shorter homeowners or tall ceilings.

6.2. Servo-Drive or Lift-Up Doors

Lift-up cabinet doors offer:

• easier access

• less collision

• better ergonomics

Popular in modern apartments in Zetland, Green Square and St Leonards.

6.3. Internal Lighting

LED strip lighting activates when the cabinet opens—very helpful for deep cabinets in low-light kitchens (common in terraces with limited windows).

7. Align Cabinet Height With Appliances

7.1. Rangehood Clearance

Rangehoods need:

• 600mm above electric cooktops

• 650–750mm above gas cooktops

This determines where overhead cabinets can start.

7.2. Fridge Enclosure Height

Fridges vary widely in height (1680–1850mm).
Ensure the cabinet above the fridge is not too tall to reach.

7.3. Microwave Position

Ideal microwave height:

• 1350–1500mm from floor to base

• below eye level but above bench level

This is crucial for families with children or elderly parents.

8. Designing Cabinet Height for Different Sydney Home Types

8.1. Heritage Terraces

(Examples: Newtown, Glebe, Paddington)

• Low ceilings require 720mm overheads

• Keep cabinets narrow to avoid visual bulk

• Use light colours to expand the space

8.2. Modern Apartments

(Chatswood, Rhodes, Mascot, Zetland)

• Ideal for full-height cabinetry

• Great for lift-up overhead systems

• Integrated appliances reduce clutter

8.3. Large Family Homes

(Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills, Kellyville)

• Plenty of room for 900–1200mm overheads

• Mixed cabinet heights create visual interest

• Best for full-height pantries and large islands

9. Why Work With Professionals for Cabinet Height Planning

Cabinet height affects:

• ergonomics

• usability

• appliance integration

• lighting

• council approval (in some integrated kitchen/laundry layouts)

• structural assessment

• final aesthetics

MB9 Australia specialises in designing kitchens that match both the architectural style of the home and the daily habits of the family—ensuring cabinet heights are perfect for comfort, safety and long-term use.

Final Thoughts

Planning cabinet heights correctly determines whether your kitchen feels cramped, comfortable, or perfectly tailored to your needs. With the right combination of ergonomic design, smart storage planning and Sydney-specific renovation experience, even compact kitchens can become highly functional, stylish and easy to use.

To learn more about kitchen renovation or bathroom renovation services throughout Sydney, visit www.mb9.com.au for expert guidance from MB9 Australia Pty Ltd.