Wall cabinets — also called overhead cabinets, upper cabinets or wall-hung kitchen cabinets — are the backbone of functional, beautiful kitchen design. Whether you’re updating a compact apartment kitchen or planning a full kitchen renovation in Perth, WA, the right wall cabinets maximise storage, streamline workflow and elevate your style.
Why wall cabinets matter
Upper cabinetry does more than hold plates. The right kitchen wall cabinets improve ergonomics, protect benchtop zones, hide rangehood ducting, and carry your chosen aesthetic — from a refined Shaker kitchen to contemporary handleless.
Key dimensions and clearances (Australia)
- Typical wall cabinet depth: 300–350 mm (allow for dinner plates and glassware).
- Typical wall cabinet height: 720–900 mm; full-height to ceiling with a bulkhead for a built-in look.
- Benchtop to underside of wall cabinets: commonly 600–650 mm for prep space and small appliances.
- Cooktops and rangehoods: follow appliance manuals and Australian requirements; avoid combustible overhead cupboards within prohibited zones around gas burners (refer to AS/NZS and EnergySafety WA guidance).
The internal box (usually moisture-resistant board or plywood) to which doors, shelves and hardware are fixed.
A hard-wearing, decorative paper layer bonded to engineered board, widely used for cost-effective, durable kitchen cupboard doors and carcases.
Joyce Kitchens designs and manufactures custom cabinetry in WA to suit Perth homes, from timber kitchen cupboards for character builds to melamine kitchen cupboards for family-proof durability.
Smart storage ideas for wall cabinets
- Narrow wall cabinet (150–300 mm) for oils and spices near the cooktop.
- Open wall cabinet runs to break up massing and display ceramics.
- Wall cabinets and shelves mix for lightness in smaller spaces.
- Top cabinet above the fridge for bulky platters and seasonalware.
- Integrated LED task lighting under overhead cabinetry for safer prep.
Compliance and quality assurance
We design and install to Australian best practice and manufacturer instructions. For guidance, see the Housing Industry Association (HIA), Master Builders WA and EnergySafety WA for gas and electrical safety in kitchens (WA EnergySafety).
Our renovation process
- In-home consult and measure: We map walls, services, ceiling heights and appliance sizes (Australian-standard 600 mm ovens, 900 mm cooktops, common fridge widths 700–910 mm).
- Design and 3D: We refine layouts, choose door profiles, and plan overhead cabinetry heights and lighting.
- Selections: Finishes, hardware (soft-close hinges, pull-outs), and benchtops (e.g., engineered stone benchtop or laminate).
- Manufacture: Precision-built wall mounted kitchen units in our WA facility.
- Installation: Qualified installers coordinate with electrical, plumbing and tiling. We align to Australian Standards and appliance specs.
- Aftercare: Guidance on cleaning, hinge tuning and warranty support.
A non-structural frame and plasterboard section built above overhead cupboards to close the gap to the ceiling, reduce dust traps and create a tailored finish.
Real WA examples
- City Beach, WA: A coastal family kitchen swapped mixed open shelves for full-height wall white cabinets with a slim open cabinets section near the window. Result: 28% more enclosed storage and better glare control.
- Fremantle terrace: Compact galley with wall mounted kitchen cabinets in a Shaker profile and wooden kitchen units in oak veneer. We used a narrow wall cabinet by the cooktop and a wall mounted kitchen cupboard above the fridge for space efficiency.
Materials and finishes for overhead cabinets
From robust family-friendly doors to premium custom timber, Joyce Kitchens craft wooden kitchen cabinets, melamine kitchen cupboards, and painted finishes tailored to Perth’s climate.
Popular door and carcass options
- Melamine (textured or matte): excellent value, high scratch resistance; ideal for busy households.
- 2-pack polyurethane (painted): crisp modern or Hamptons/Shaker styles; wide colour range.
- Thermolaminate (vinyl-wrapped profiles): moulded detail without paint lines.
- Timber veneer and solid timber kitchen cupboards: natural warmth and unique grain; seal for coastal humidity.
- Plywood or MR particleboard carcase: moisture-resistant options for longevity.
- Glass-front wall cupboard with internal lighting for display.
Hardware and features
- Soft-close hinges and lift-up doors for over head cupboards above eye height.
- Handleless finger-pull or shadowline rails for a minimalist look.
- Under-cabinet LEDs and motion sensors.
- Adjustable shelves and internal organisers.
Engineered stone vs laminate under your wall cabinets (benchtop choice)
| Feature | Engineered Stone Benchtop | Laminate Benchtop |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Premium, consistent patterns; suits modern and luxe shaker kitchen. | Wide colour range including timber-look; great for budget and rentals. |
| Heat & UV | Good heat resistance but avoid direct hot pots; some UV-sensitive colours. | Moderate heat resistance; always use trivets; can fade under strong WA sun near windows. |
| Durability | Highly scratch and stain resistant when properly cared for. | Resists stains; can chip at edges; easy to replace later. |
| Maintenance | Simple wipe-down; no sealing required. | Simple wipe-down; avoid harsh abrasives. |
| Budget | $$$ | $$ |
| Best for | Long-term homes, statement kitchens, kitchen renovations Perth. | Investment properties, starter renovations, tight timelines. |
Layouts, styles and design ideas
Layouts for wall cabinets
- Galley: Use symmetrical wall mounted kitchen units for balance; consider one run of open wall cabinet to lighten the space.
- L-shaped: Lift-up doors on corner overheads improve access.
- U-shaped: Continuous overhead cabinetry with a bulkhead creates a built-in, dust-free finish.
- Island + back wall: Keep islands free of overheads, add feature wall cabinets and shelves behind.
- Scullery/Butler’s pantry: Practical wall hung kitchen cabinets for pantry goods and appliances off the main kitchen.
Style cues
- Shaker/Hamptons: Framed doors in white or soft grey; glass-front wall cupboard accents; brushed nickel hardware.
- Modern minimalist: Flat-panel, handleless wall mounted kitchen cabinets in super-matte; matching wall white cabinets or timber-contrast.
- Scandi/coastal: Oak-look wooden kitchen cupboards paired with white kitchen wall units.
Lighting and power
- Plan wiring for under-cabinet LEDs during design (avoid exposed cords).
- Include GPOs for kettles, toasters and charging inside an overhead cupboard with a flap door.
Australian sizing and practicalities
- Fridge top cabinets: allow ventilation clearances recommended by local brands; many 700–910 mm wide fridges benefit from a 1760–1850 mm high opening plus overhead cabinet.
- Plate depth: aim for 320+ mm internal depth if you prefer oversized dinnerware.
- Heat: WA west-facing windows can heat benchtops; choose UV-stable finishes and consider blinds.
Costs and budgeting in WA
Indicative supply-and-install pricing for overhead cabinets in Perth varies by finish, height and hardware. Every home is unique, but as a guide:
- Melamine wall cabinets: from approx. $900–$1,400 per lineal metre.
- 2-pack painted (polyurethane): from approx. $1,600–$2,400 per lineal metre.
- Timber veneer or solid timber: from approx. $2,200–$3,200 per lineal metre.
- Typical 3–4 m overhead run: $3,000–$8,000+ depending on height to ceiling, lighting, lift-up doors and glass inserts.
Allow extra for services (electrical, ducting), splashback tiling or window alterations. We’ll firm up costs after measure and design, and coordinate works to Australian Standards and trade requirements.
Pre-installation checklist
- Confirm ceiling height and plan for bulkhead or ceiling-scribe.
- Check appliance dimensions and ventilation (fridge, rangehood, microwave).
- Locate studs or plan appropriate fixings for wall mounted kitchen cabinets.
- Decide on door swing vs. lift-up for higher cupboards.
- Select finish: melamine kitchen cupboards, wooden kitchen cabinets or 2-pack.
- Specify under-cabinet lighting and GPOs.
- Choose handle style or handleless shadowline.
- Consider an open wall cabinet section for display.
- Discuss warranty, lead times and site access.
Ready to design your kitchen cupboard wall and overhead cabinets? Talk to our Perth team about custom cabinetry WA for kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes.
Book a free design consultation with Joyce Kitchens
FAQ
What is the ideal height for wall cabinets above the benchtop in Australia?
Most Australian kitchens set the underside of wall cabinets 600–650 mm above the benchtop for comfortable prep and appliance use. Always follow appliance and rangehood manuals, and comply with local regulations for cooktop clearances.
Are melamine kitchen cupboards durable enough for overhead cabinetry?
Yes. Modern melamine doors and carcases are hard-wearing, easy to clean and excellent value. They’re widely used for wall cabinets in family homes, rentals and renovations across Perth.
Can I take overhead kitchen cupboards to the ceiling?
Absolutely. Full-height overhead cabinetry with a bulkhead or ceiling-scribed finish maximises storage, prevents dust traps and creates a premium built-in look.
How much do overhead kitchen cupboards cost in Perth?
As a guide, melamine wall cabinets start around $900–$1,400 per lineal metre installed, 2-pack from $1,600–$2,400, and timber veneer from $2,200–$3,200. Final costs depend on height, lighting, glass and hardware.
What depth should wall mounted kitchen cabinets be?
Most are 300–350 mm deep. If you use oversized plates or prefer deeper storage, design for around 320+ mm internal depth and confirm door hardware clearances.
