Just like a tall Range Hood can add height variation to shorter cabinets, the opposite is also true. Here, a wall Range Hood pairs with cabinets that extend to the ceiling for the same effect.
Should a Range Hood Go to the Ceiling?
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Published: February 9, 2022
Updated: October 30, 2023
Range hoods are a must-have that filter oils, odors, contaminants, and heat from the air. After all, no one wants to cook or eat in a sweltering hot or smelly kitchen! However, there is more to think about than function for these appliances, such as the style and flair they offer a kitchen’s design. One question in particular that we stumble upon time and time again is should a range hood go to the ceiling?
In our opinion? Absolutely. A range hood extending down from the ceiling creates the illusion of extra height in a kitchen by drawing the eye upward. Its large surface area also leaves plenty of room to play with textures, multi-tonal designs, and accessories like picture frames and wreaths. Plus, there are so many options to extend a range hood to a ceiling, from full stainless-steel vents to range hood covers that match your cabinets. Of course, just like any interior design choice, some people may prefer shorter range hoods for aesthetic purposes.
Keep reading to find out why it’s a great idea to have a range hood go to the ceiling, along with tips on how to make one work for your kitchen design goals. We’ve even included a few examples of where a shorter range hood is best!
02 of Clean Line Across Cabinets
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The clean line across the top of these cabinets and Range Hood gives the design fluidity. The straight line is easy on the eyes and provides plenty of space for décor.
03 of Smaller Range Hoods Can Still Be Eye-Catching
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While this wood wall Range Hood isn’t very big, its contrasting wood tone ensures it doesn’t go unnoticed. Plus, it gives the kitchen an expertly tailored and harmonious look by matching the wood to the bottom farmhouse cabinets. If you have a small wall Range Hood and still want to make it a focal point, why not try a color that contrasts the wall, cabinets, or both?
04 of Room for Accessories in Small Kitchens
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In smaller kitchens, the only spaces available for décor may be on top of the cabinets and on the Range Hood. In this case, a shorter Range Hood is beneficial since it leaves room to decorate on top.
05 of Wall Range Hoods Have Room to Decorate
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If décor is a top concern, then it is also worth considering that wall Range Hoods have room on top to decorate. You can decorate them as you would the tops of cabinets with items like farmhouse signs, garland, trailing plants, and other décor.
06 of Shorter Range Hoods Can Do Wreaths Too
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Keep in mind that while Range Hoods that go to the ceiling provide the most room for frontal décor, wreaths can also be hung on wall Range Hoods. This seasonal wreath adds some Fourth of July pride to this bright and white kitchen.
08 of Room for a Wreath
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Flat Range Hood covers that go to the ceiling also tend to look great when decorated with wreaths. While Christmas wreaths are the most common, fall wreaths and Valentine wreaths are also fun!
09 of Extra Room to Embellish and Decorate
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A taller Range Hood equals more vertical space to decorate! This kitchen takes full advantage by adding a small ledge on the Range Hood to hold a vintage frame.
11 of Extending Wood Ceiling Beams with Range Hood Trim
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Extra harmony and flow are created through this Range Hood not only extending it to the ceiling, but also by trimming it with wood. Mirroring the wood of the ceiling beams on the trim pulls the motif downward and gives the whole design a tailored look.
12 of White Crown Molding for Visual Flow
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Crown molding that matches the ceiling Range Hood creates maximum visual flow in this kitchen. Since the area from the top of the cupboards to the kitchen is so expansive, the white trim helps bridge the gap and blend the Range Hood. The lighter wood trim here also adds pizzazz while maintaining the light and breezy feel of the design.
15 of Wood Trim to Embellish Ceiling Range Hood
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If you aren’t ready to go all out with a full wood Range Hood cover, you can still incorporate warmth and farmhouse flair using wood trim. The good news is, a ceiling Range Hood provides plenty of space to display two tones! Here, the trim creates a farmhouse Range Hood that plays off the rustic brick backsplash as well as mirroring the nearby shelves.
18 of Contrasting Wood Ceiling Range Hood
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Oozing warmth and commanding attention with its large build, a wood planked Range Hood is a beautiful addition to this country chic kitchen. It gorgeously contrasts the cool steel of the oven and cooktop while providing the perfect surface to display a whimsical “EAT” sign.
19 of Capturing Attention with Large Form & Bold Color
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A large Range Hood is a great starting point to turn your stove area into the focal point of any kitchen. Here, a Range Hood with contrasting wood trim is used. Since the rich brown hue isn’t found anywhere else in the kitchen, the eye automatically gravitates toward it.
20 of Range Hood Cabinet with Texture
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To add a little flair and variation to a cabinet Range Hood cover, using texture on the cabinet faces is a great option. The effect is understated, but it still gives the Range Hood a little extra oomph.
22 of Disguising the Range Hood as a Cabinet
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For a Range Hood that is guaranteed to blend in, having it covered by a cabinet, like this kitchen does, is a go-to. Since there is so much vertical space, there is even room to add a shelf to display a piece of art!
23 of Creating Intrigue by Varying Line Direction
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Since this modern farmhouse kitchen goes heavy on the vertical and horizontal lines, the gentle slope of this Range Hood is a welcome contrast. It’s subtle, but the variation infuses it with the perfect amount of allure.
24 of Blend With the Backsplash or Wall for a Softer Look
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This all-white Range Hood melts into the fresh white shiplap for a soft look. Instead of drawing the eye with contrasting colors or finishes, it uses concave curves and wooden corbels with carved details.
25 of Clean Lines for a Minimal Aesthetic
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Pairing a ceiling Range Hood with cabinets that go to the ceiling creates a clean line. This works great for those seeking a minimal aesthetic. This method is particularly trendy in modern kitchens due to its simplicity.
26 of Creating Height Variation for Intrigue
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For kitchens with cabinets that don’t extend to the ceiling, a tall Range Hood can add height variation. This creates subtle variance in a kitchen, which is the key to creating intrigue.
28 of Match Your Range Hood to Your Cabinets
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In order not to draw attention away from the architectural details—such as the barn wood beams—this Range Hood shares the same clean white hue as the cabinets. Matching your Range Hood to your cabinets is an excellent way to ensure your uppers flow and that your Range Hood isn’t too prominent.
