A range hood that looks built-in is often constructed from multiple components instead of one piece. A small group of cabinet components are custom selected to create the look the designer intends. We’ll discuss common range hood cabinet components and how they fit together to create a variety of looks.
A quick summary of what you’ll learn:
- What a range hood cabinet is and why it comes in pieces
- The two ways to cover a hood, one decorative and one simple
- What valances and corbels do at the bottom of the hood
- How column cabinets frame the backsplash area from the counter up
- How the same components produce very different looks
What is a range hood cabinet?
The main range hood cabinet is the largest cabinet component that covers the range hood infrastructure. This is decorative in function and can be a standout feature or simply match the surrounding cabinetry.
While some kitchens just have the one range hood cabinet, the component covers the hood itself, others finish the bottom edge, add more decorative components, or use cabinet components to frame the hood with surrounding wall.
Most clients assume a hood arrives as one finished piece, and understanding that it comes together from parts is what makes the pricing and the options make sense to them.
It is also why two hoods that look nothing alike can come from the same short list of components.
Covering the Hood with a Range Hood Cabinet
This is the main range hood cabinet piece, and there are two main ways to go: fancy or simple.
Top sections and decorative fronts
The top section is the main part of the cabinet that covers the range hood fan. It is the piece that creates a focal point, and it is where most of the design direction comes from.
This is the route for a hood meant to be a standout feature. It is usually angled or curved, has mouldings or routing, and looks “fancy”. Top mouldings are often added to the top section of this component to match whichever bottom section is added.
Simple wall hood fan cabinet boxes
A simple wall hood fan cabinet box is a single upper wall cabinet that hides the range hood with less decorative detail. It does the same job as a top section functionally but it looks more like a regular cabinet. Less “fancy” but still elevated. Mouldings and fillers may be added to this component to create a built in look.
This is the right call when the hood is not meant to be the focal point, when budget is a factor, or when something else on the wall is already carrying the design. Plenty of high-end custom kitchens use one.
Bottom Range Hood Cabinet Components
Once the main cabinet is chosen, there are options for additional detail and style to further personalize the range hood cabinetry.
Bottom sections and valances
Bottom sections and valances are accent moldings for the bottom of the range hood. They finish the lower edge so the hood reads as a designed element rather than a box that stops. These can range from simple designs to more detailed pieces with arches and routing.
Range Hood Corbels
Corbels are decorative accents that sit under the range hood or under the bottom section. They add visual weight and detail where the hood meets the space above the cooking surface. This detail creates a regal, traditional feel to the range hood design.
The components that frame the hood
Framing is what makes a hood look integrated instead of applied. Between the top and bottom sections and wall cabinets, there are many custom designs that can be created. (We’ll show some examples at the end of the post).
Wall hood column cabinets
A wall hood column cabinet creates a pillar and cabinet that sits on the counter, framing around the backsplash area on either side of the hood. Corbels are added to the front of these cabinets above the cabinet door.
The drawer of the cabinet sits conveniently on top of the countertop and because the column starts at the counter, it carries the eye from the countertop all the way up.
Wall cabinets
Regular wall cabinets frame the range hood cabinets and tie the whole assembly into the rest of the upper cabinet run. They are standard cabinets that make the transition from hood to wall look intentional. These can be adjusted to be smaller, like a spice cabinet, or wider to fit dishes or other items.
Where that transition gets tight, a filler panel is usually what makes the alignment work.
How the Range Hood Cabinet Components Fit Together in Custom Kitchens
With so many variables to choose from, designers (especially those new to the industry) might feel overwhelmed on what options to present to clients. We’ve created some range hood cabinet combinations that can be used as a starting point for design and help to illustrate how all these components fit together.
The Decor Cabinets wood range hood ideas gallery is a good one to pull up alongside this to get ideas.
- Hood fan cabinet box with straight decorative front and plain sides
- Wall column with plain front
- Custom hood fan detailed bottom section
- Top moulding to match bottom section
- Wall cabinet
- Wall column (plain front)
- Arched decorative valance (bottom section)
- Plain wall solid filler
- Modified solid stock
- Inside corner moulding
- Top moulding
- Custom hood fan cabinet component (1B) with decorative angle top section (1A)
- Custom hood fan traditional valance bottom section
- Detailed edge, D edge profile top and bottom
- Cove moulding (Alternate mouldings can be substitute as design requires)
- Decorative panel back with small bottom rail (modified)
- Wall cabinet (modified)
- Custom hood fan arched valance bottom section
- Wall end panel
- Wall end panel
- Wall hood column cabinet (Depth modified to accommodate corbel dimensions)
- Corbel
- Top moulding
As you can see with each example, different components can be added or removed and modified or left standard, to create a variety of custom cabinet designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a range hood cabinet and a range hood cover? A cover is usually a decorative shell added over something already in place. A range hood cabinet is built as part of the cabinetry order, so it matches the rest of the kitchen in door style, finish, and wood species.
What is a valance on a range hood? A valance, also called a bottom section, is an accent molding that finishes the bottom edge of the range hood cabinet, turning it into a design feature instead of an unfinished box (bottom).
Do you need corbels on a range hood cabinet? No. Corbels are decorative and optional. They add detail under the hood or under a bottom section, and they are one of the simplest ways to change the character of a hood.
Can a range hood cabinet be simple instead of decorative? Yes. A simple wall hood fan cabinet box is a single upper wall cabinet that hides the hood with minimal detail. It is a common choice when the hood is not meant to be the focal point of the kitchen.
What does a column cabinet do? A wall hood column cabinet sits on the counter and creates a pillar that frames the backsplash area beside the hood. It gives the backsplash a defined edge and makes the hood read as built in rather than mounted on.
