Floating Kitchen: A Modern Kitchen Design Trend
- sabs505
- 7 days ago
- 8 min read
All you need to know about floating kitchen.
A floating kitchen gives the illusion that cabinets are floating above the floor. Yet, how can you create a kitchen that seems to be floating? There are different methods and products available on the market. Some high-end kitchen brands offer floating systems. Another way is by creating a structure that makes cabinets appear floating. Such include using mirrors, platforms, or support structures hidden from view. It is a visual trick that boosts visual appeal and creates a light, open feeling. This trend is popular in modern kitchens and contemporary kitchen styles. Yet, how do you achieve this look and what do you need to be aware of? Let's dive in.
Table of Contents:
What is a floating kitchen?
You can a design a floating kitchen in different ways. You can create a floating kitchen island or design with wall-hung cabinets. What is the different in those approaches and what do you need to be aware of?
Floating Kitchen Cabinets
How can you create this look. There are several methods. You may have seen people using a mirror as a replacement for the toe kick. While this can make your cabinet seem like it is floating of the ground this is not a true floating kitchen.
To design a real floating kitchen you will need to hang cabinets on the wall with no base touching the floor. Some luxury kitchen brands offer solutions for this. Their cabinets are usually mounted using sturdy wall brackets or hidden frames. Another option to create this visual is by using a painted base to match the wall. This way the support disappears visually. Real floating cabinets are often 24" high, not the usual 30.75". This helps them feel lighter but reduces storage space. They may not suit every kitchen project, especially with many functional items.
Floating Kitchen Island
A floating kitchen island creates the same effect in the center of your kitchen. Islands don’t naturally float, so some structure is always needed. One method is using a hidden platform with mirrored cladding. Another is using legs to lift the island slightly off the ground. Note, that you will lose storage space. Another point to consider is the integration of sinks and electrical appliances.
Those come with it heir own challenges. Consider how you will run supply lines. Do you have enough space to meet the appliance installation requirements? How can you run electrical or plumbing if needed? If you are planning with a true open space you will need to be creative with the space.
Optional some kitchen brands offer unique designs for unique floating looks. For example, Poggenpohl offers a floating kitchen island countertop look. It creates an open space beneath the countertop. They offer great display space and improve visual appeal. Use them to show off decorative items or your favorite kitchen essentials. This design solution offers a creative space and modern design feel. Think of it as an element to kitchen design that combines beauty and function.
Pros & Cons of a Floating Kitchen
A floating kitchen offers bold style, but it’s not the right fit for every kitchen project. Let’s explore both sides — the benefits and the trade-offs — so you can decide with confidence.
Pros of a Floating Kitchen
A floating kitchen brings strong style and opens up the room with ease and grace. Floating cabinets remove visual clutter and make the space feel light and open. This look works well in modern kitchens or any sleek contemporary kitchen layout. It offers great display space for your favorite decorative items and small functional items. With no bulky bases, your floors and light fixtures become part of the design focus. You can show off beautiful tile or wood floors and designer lighting with no visual block. It adds a custom touch to any space and fits well into a high-end custom kitchen plan. You get the look of luxury without relying on bulky cabinets that crowd the floor.
Cons of a Floating Kitchen
A floating kitchen is stylish, but there are a few things to watch out for. It offers less storage space than standard base cabinets, which can limit function. You can’t always add sinks or dishwashers due to plumbing and support needs. Heavy appliances need stable floors, and that’s tough in a floating kitchen island. The setup often requires strong walls or hidden platforms for extra structural support. Added materials like mirrors or custom frames increase both the price and build time. Rare cabinet material choices can also delay delivery and complicate the process. It’s not ideal for every layout, especially in a complete kitchen remodel with big needs.
Floating Kitchen in Practice
A floating kitchen needs more than just style — it needs smart, careful planning. Start with a clear vision of your dream kitchen and how you want it to feel and function. Look closely at your exact space and ask what your kitchen truly needs day to day.
Start With Your Storage Needs
Do you have lots of items to store? Then floating cabinets might not be the best option. Floating cabinets are smaller and offer less ample storage space than full-depth units. They work best for light storage or to highlight decorative items and favorite kitchen essentials. Think about whether open wood kitchen shelves could handle your key functional items. In some cases, it’s better to keep full base cabinets and just use mirrored toe kicks. This creates a floating look without giving up practical storage space or function.
Plan for Appliances
Next, consider what appliances you want to include. Do you need a dishwasher, sink, or coffee station in your kitchen island? True floating islands can’t support plumbing or heavy appliances without support. You may need nearby cabinets or walls to house these features instead. This means thinking early about how to run supply lines and electric connections. Balance design with daily use — you want visual appeal but also real function.
Know Your Cabinet Source and System
Where will you get your cabinets? Not all suppliers offer true floating cabinet options. Some offer full systems that hang from walls using tested hardware. Others may need a hidden support base or built structure painted to blend in. Ask your supplier what cabinet style, weight load, and mounting methods are allowed. Some cabinet material options may be too heavy or bulky for floating installs. Make sure the cabinet height fits your needs — floating cabinets are often lower.
Assess Your Walls and Structure
Check the strength of your existing walls and floors before planning. You may need added framing, blocking, or supports to mount custom cabinets. A weak wall won’t support the weight of a full floating kitchen safely. If that’s the case, it may be better to choose kitchen shelves wall mounted instead. A Kitchen wall-mounted shelf is easier to install and still adds that light, airy look.
Think Through Design and Room Prep
A floating kitchen affects more than just looks — it impacts your entire kitchen design. It may change your flooring, lighting, and even your electrical and plumbing layout. Plan the full layout before starting your kitchen projector concept kitchen remodel. Think about how to make it blend with your light fixtures, floors, and other finishes. Keep in mind you may need extra time and budget for prep, install, and delivery.
Know When to Go All In — Or When to Adapt
A full floating layout looks amazing but doesn’t work for everyone. Instead, float only a few items — upper cabinets, one custom kitchen element, or a shelf. This gives you the airy look of a floating kitchen with fewer limits on space and use. Wooden shelves, ceiling hung kitchen shelf setups, or open wall units can deliver a similar effect. They offer great display space, help you stay organized, and feel modern and light.
Appliances and Floating Kitchens
Appliances are harder to fit into a floating kitchen than in standard setups. That’s because most appliances are floor-standing and need strong support and plumbing.
Take the dishwasher, for example. It should sit near the sink for function, but floating layouts make that tricky. If your sink is in a wall-hung base cabinet, where will the dishwasher go? You may need to move it or switch to a compact under-countermodel. But even smaller units still need support, space, and proper access to plumbing.
A floating kitchen island with a sink creates more planning challenges. Water lines and drains need to reach the island, which is harder when it's off the floor. You can't hide pipes in the toe kick if the island is truly floating. So ask yourself: Where will the pipes go? How can you hide them without killing the look? Sometimes, a raised platform below the island can help hold and hide plumbing. Or the floating effect is faked with a mirror toe kick and pipes run through the base.
Fisher & Paykel offers dishwasher drawers that work in shorter cabinet height setups. That can help, but you'll still need to solve plumbing and structural issues early.
Think about your layout, and plan where every appliance will go before you start. This is key to balancing visual appeal with a truly functional kitchen design.
Floating Kitchen vs. Classic Kitchens
Classic floor-standing kitchens are timeless for a reason. They offer full storage space, easy plumbing, and appliance freedom. You can fit anything — from a big fridge to a coffee station— with no issue. A floating kitchen trades some of that function for clean lines and visual appeal. It opens the floor, feels airy, and fits beautifully in modern kitchens. Still, it may not offer the same space for functional items or large appliances. That’s why the best kitchen design balances beauty with daily practicality.
Design Ideas with Floating Elements
You don’t have to float the whole kitchen to enjoy the look. Try a floating kitchen island with a raised floating countertop only. Keep the base cabinets grounded for support but let the top float. Or choose one custom kitchen unit and lift it for display or flair. Pair white cabinets with wood kitchen shelves for a warm, modern mix. Go bold with black cabinets or glass fronts for contrast and depth. Use varied cabinet height and play with light on your surfaces. Add Kitchen Shelves Wall Mounted to keep the space feeling open and fresh. Install a “Kitchen Wall-Mounted Shelf” for items you use often or love to show. Floating accents bring a blend of beauty and function when used with intention.
What to Expect: Price and Delivery
A floating kitchen often costs more than a standard one. Why? It requires more structure, skill, and cabinet material options. Support frames, hanging hardware, and mirrors all add cost. Custom installs also mean higher labor and longer timelines. Delivery will depend on your wood type, finish, and cabinet style. Always ask your contractor what delays or costs to expect early on. This is key if you’re planning a concept kitchen remodel or a large job. Set a smart budget and allow time for a smooth build process.
You may also like: Kitchen Renovation Timeline & Kitchen Renovation Costs
Is a Floating Kitchen Right for You?
This choice depends on your space, habits, and design goals. Want a clean, sleek space with modern features? Go for it. Need ample storage space and full appliance flexibility? Maybe not. Still unsure? Try floating just one element first. Add a kitchen shelf or float one cabinet near the kitchen island. Install a Kitchen Wall-Mounted Shelf for mugs or spices near your coffee station. You’ll get the look with less risk or major change.
Final Thoughts on Floating Kitchens
A floating kitchen can transform your space into something striking. It’s bold, stylish, and a standout in any custom kitchen plan. But it requires detailed planning and skilled execution. Always consider plumbing, weight, support, and safety. Use strong brackets and proven mounting systems. Pair closed cabinets with wooden shelves for texture and display space. Combine upper cabinets with open areas to break up heavy lines. This keeps the look modern but grounded in real function. A few floating pieces can turn a plain room into your dream kitchen.
![How Appliances Dictate Your Kitchen Design [Kitchen Design Dilemma]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/43c37d_e89cb25ae986452da4b32be6a780db58~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_702,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/43c37d_e89cb25ae986452da4b32be6a780db58~mv2.png)
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