Leave or remove cabinet trim above kitchen window?

Question

We have a small dark kitchen. There is a porch on the back of the house that blocks natural light.  We always have to turn on lights to work in there. I am going to paint the cabinets. The question is whether I just leave the trim above the sink as is, or do I remove it? I am hoping that by removing it, the room will feel slightly bigger. Also having the dark shadow on the window from the trim is not helping.  It just makes things feel darker. Thanks!

Texann · Answer

Hi Emily! Would you be taking the entire panel to the ceiling off or just the 2-3 inches to the lowest trim? What is behind that panel? Just wall or more window panes? I can see where the shadow would be annoying. And since you are painting, this would be a good time to remove it since you can easily finish the edges. What about putting a light on the underside of that trim. Do you have under cabinet lighting too? That really helps in my kitchen.

Janet Pizaro · Answer

I think if the piece can be easily removed it is worth a try.Also you mentioned painting the cabinets. If you are choosing a lighter color I think it will help with the darkness of the room.

Cheryl · Answer

Since it's removeable, I'd do it - without question. If painting cabinets, it would keep it dark up there and visually lower your ceiling. If you find problems with removing, paint it!

Teresa Vidos · Answer

Just a thought..if it is empty space behind that upper wall..I've seen open cubby holes with dim lighting to showcase special items that you might have hidden away. Or in my office, utility room & play room, we put crown molding at edge of cabinet & put 4 ft flourescent lights above with a wall switch below. It gives off an amazing amount of light.

Tracy Hudson · Answer

As long as there isn't any duct work behind it, definitely remove it. I'd change the trim to a crown molding and paint the cabinets a light color.

The Redesign Habit · Answer

Definitely remove it if you can. You can also go the next step and paint out your cabinets to a nice white and this will really brighten up your space a lot. The white paint will reflect whatever light there is and make the whole space feel and look brighter.

Lma1922934 · Answer

Leave it but do this. You can purchase decorative wood applique designs in the mill section of Lowes and I also think Home Depot. Buy a can of stain to match your cabinets. I did this and was very happy with the results.

Lma1922934 · Answer

You can also add wider crown molding to the top. Don't take down what you have, just add to it.

Meredith Wouters · Answer

I absolutely vote for removing it! It will visually open up the space, and painting the cabinets white will help too.

Chiska · Answer

I removed soffits above my cabinets and sink, and love the results! More light comes in the window, ceilings seem higher, and I can display antique kitchen wares above cabinets. Go for it! Will need to retexture newly exposed ceiling to match existing texture tho.

Jga19700901 · Answer

i would remove it above cabinets . I would then close top of cabinets and put some plants or decor on those shelves, it would make that soace more opened and not clos ed in like now hang a curtain

Ann|The Apple Street Cottage · Answer

I would definitely remove it.

Leave or remove cabinet trim above kitchen window?

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Leave or remove cabinet trim above kitchen window?

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