You can put many different things on the top of kitchen cabinets. People often use this space for kitchen cabinet top decor, added storage, or simply leave it bare. This guide will help you decide the best way to use this often-overlooked area in your kitchen.
Why People Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets
The space above kitchen cabinets offers a chance to add personality and style to your kitchen. It is a visible area. How you treat this space changes the whole look of your room. High ceilings often leave a large gap above cabinets. Filling this space prevents a heavy, unfinished look. It helps tie the cabinets into the room design. Good kitchen cabinet top styling makes the kitchen feel complete.
Addressing Dust and Accessibility
One common concern about decorating above cabinets is dust. It is true; this area collects dust easily. If you have very high cabinets, reaching them to clean can be tough. This is a key point when choosing items to place on top of cabinets. Lighter, less breakable items are better if you rarely clean up there.
Deciphering Your Cabinet Height and Space
The best choice depends on how much room you have between the cabinets and the ceiling.
Cabinets That Meet the Ceiling
If your cabinets reach the ceiling, you might have a small ledge. This ledge is perfect for trim or paint color changes. If there is a very small gap (less than six inches), it is best to keep it clean and simple. Putting too much up there looks crowded.
Cabinets With a Large Gap
A large gap (one foot or more) needs more thoughtful planning. You have two main paths: above cabinet storage ideas or decorative displays.
Table 1: Gap Size vs. Recommended Use
| Gap Size (Cabinet to Ceiling) | Best Use Category | Key Goal |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 6 inches | Minimal Decor/Trim | Keep it neat; avoid clutter. |
| 6 to 18 inches | Decorative Staging | Use visual interest like baskets or plants. |
| Over 18 inches | Storage or Tall Decor | Allows for taller items or substantial baskets. |
Decorating Above Kitchen Cabinets: Styling Ideas
When focusing on kitchen cabinet top decor, think about scale and theme. Items should be large enough to be seen from the floor but not so large they look awkward.
Incorporating Greenery
Plants bring life to the kitchen. Faux greenery is often the best choice here because natural plants need light and water, which are scarce above cabinets.
- Faux Ivy or Vines: These drape nicely over the edge, softening the hard lines of the cabinet.
- Tall Faux Plants: Think tall, thin artificial grasses or slender branches in a nice vase. This adds height without being too bulky.
Displaying Collections
Use this space to show off items you love. This is a great area for kitchen cabinet top displays.
- Antique Dishes or Serving Ware: If you have nice platters or vintage mixing bowls, line them up neatly. Make sure they lean against the wall.
- Woven Baskets: Baskets add great texture. They can serve as décor or hide things (see storage below). Choose matching sets for a cohesive look.
- Themed Objects: If you have a farmhouse kitchen, use vintage metal scales or old wooden crates. For a modern look, use simple geometric sculptures.
Architectural Elements
Sometimes, the best décor is architectural. Decorating above kitchen cabinets can mean adding trim.
Kitchen Cabinet Crown Molding
Installing kitchen cabinet crown molding is the top choice for a high-end, finished look. Molding connects the top of the cabinet directly to the ceiling. This hides the dusty gap completely. It makes standard cabinets look custom-built. Choose molding that matches the style of your baseboards and door frames for consistency.
Above Cabinet Storage Ideas: Practical Solutions
If you need extra space, the top of the cabinets is prime real estate for above cabinet storage ideas. The key here is containment. Loose items will look messy fast.
Using Baskets and Bins
Baskets are your best friend for hidden storage above cabinets. They hide the contents while adding texture.
- Choose Large, Sturdy Baskets: They must be deep enough to hold things and strong enough not to sag.
- Match the Kitchen Style: Wicker, woven sea grass, or metal wire baskets all offer different vibes.
- Label Them (Optional): If you need to know what’s inside, use nice tags tied to the handles.
What to Store Up There
This space is best for things you don’t use often. Think seasonal items or backup supplies.
- Extra paper towels or toilet paper rolls.
- Seasonal serving dishes (like for holidays).
- Infrequently used small appliances (e.g., bread maker, waffle iron).
- Extra table linens or napkins.
Stacking Containers
If you prefer a cleaner, more uniform look over texture, stack matching containers. Tall, matching canisters or large, uniform food storage containers work well. They look intentional, not cluttered. This is a great example of the best way to use space above cabinets when aesthetics matter as much as utility.
Creating Stylish Kitchen Cabinet Toppers
When putting things up top, the arrangement matters greatly. You want stylish kitchen cabinet toppers, not just random junk piled high.
The Rule of Odds and Grouping
People find odd numbers more pleasing to the eye. Always try to group items in threes or fives.
- Height Variation: If you use three items (e.g., three vases), make them different heights. Place the tallest item in the middle or slightly off-center.
- Varying Textures: Mix shiny metal with matte ceramic or rough wood. This keeps the display interesting.
Scaling Items to the Space
If the gap is small, use smaller items that look intentional. A single, medium-sized piece of art or two matching, low-profile baskets might be enough. If the gap is huge, you need larger, taller items to fill the vertical space properly. Small items in a huge gap look lost.
Lighting It Up
Adding subtle lighting can transform kitchen cabinet top styling, especially at night.
- LED Strip Lights: Place thin LED strips facing downward along the top edge of the cabinets. This washes a soft light over the objects you display.
- Battery-Operated Puck Lights: These small lights can be stuck to the top of the cabinet facing upward, providing a soft glow from below the display items.
Addressing the Dreaded Dust: Maintenance Tips
For those who choose to display items to place on top of cabinets, maintenance is crucial. If you neglect the area, it quickly becomes a collection of dusty clutter.
How to Handle Dusty Kitchen Cabinet Tops
If your dilemma is what to put on dusty kitchen cabinet tops because you hate cleaning them, try these solutions:
- Use Smooth Surfaces: Choose items that wipe clean easily. Glass, glazed ceramic, or metal are better than porous materials like unfinished wood or wicker baskets (which trap dust).
- Use a Feather Duster on an Extension Pole: For high areas, a microfiber duster attached to a long pole makes quick work of dust removal once a week.
- The “Once a Year” Approach: If you use the space for true storage (like holiday serving ware in baskets), plan to take everything down and clean it thoroughly once or twice a year, rather than trying for weekly upkeep.
Alternative to Open Display: Closing the Gap
If you absolutely hate dust and don’t want décor, the cleanest solution is to eliminate the gap entirely using trim.
- Installation of Bulkheads or Soffits: If you are doing major renovations, you can build a false ceiling structure (a bulkhead) to meet the cabinet tops. This is permanent and completely dust-free.
- Custom Filler Panels: A carpenter can create panels that bridge the gap, often looking like extra tall cabinet pieces.
Creative and Unique Kitchen Cabinet Top Ideas
Beyond the standard baskets and plants, here are some more unique approaches to stylish kitchen cabinet toppers.
Utilizing Metal and Industrial Elements
If your kitchen has industrial or rustic themes, metal works well.
- Vintage Tins or Cans: Large, old coffee tins or flour tins add height and history.
- Copper Pots (Decorative Only): A few well-polished copper pots can be stacked or arranged, reflecting light beautifully. Ensure they are purely decorative if they are valuable or easily scratched.
The Art Gallery Above
If you have high ceilings and a wide expanse above your cabinets, treat it like a small gallery wall.
- Framed Prints: Use lightweight framed prints. Since they are high up, they can be slightly larger than you might use elsewhere. Lean them against the wall rather than hanging them from the ceiling.
- Mirrors: A few decorative, lightweight mirrors can reflect light, making the kitchen seem brighter and the space above the cabinets feel less heavy.
The Kitchen Library (If Space Allows)
This works best if you have deep cabinets and a very tall ceiling gap.
- Antique Cookbooks: A neat stack of very old, visually appealing cookbooks can look wonderful.
- Use Bookends: To keep the stack tidy, use decorative metal or ceramic bookends to prop up the collection neatly against the wall.
Finalizing Your Kitchen Cabinet Top Styling
Deciding what goes up top depends on balancing function, aesthetics, and maintenance.
Checklist for Choosing Items
Use this checklist before committing to your kitchen cabinet top decor:
| Consideration | Yes / No | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Is the item too heavy to lift down safely? | Avoid very heavy items if you plan to move them. | |
| Does it fit the overall kitchen theme? | Consistency is key for good styling. | |
| Is it easy to clean (or low-dust)? | Crucial for long-term satisfaction. | |
| Does it add necessary height/visual weight? | Check scale from the floor level. | |
| Does it block necessary airflow/vents? | Ensure no heat vents are blocked if applicable. |
For many homeowners, the best way to use space above cabinets is to install crown molding or use large, uniform containers for hidden storage. This keeps the look clean, minimizes dusting chores, and provides the stylish kitchen cabinet toppers look without the fuss of constant re-arranging.
If you prefer a curated, decorative approach, focus on quality over quantity. A few meaningful, large items are always better than many small, cluttered ones when decorating above kitchen cabinets. Remember, this space is meant to complement your kitchen, not compete with your counters and appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cabinet Tops
Q: Is it okay if my cabinets don’t go all the way to the ceiling?
A: Yes, it is very common, especially in older homes or if cabinets were installed after construction. You have the option to hide the gap with crown molding, use it for decorative displays, or employ above cabinet storage ideas.
Q: What is the easiest way to clean items on top of cabinets?
A: The easiest way is using an extendable duster with a microfiber head. For heavier cleaning, use a step stool that allows you to safely reach the area, and perhaps clean them only twice a year.
Q: Can I put real plants on top of kitchen cabinets?
A: Real plants are generally not recommended unless you have excellent natural light directly above the cabinets and are prepared to water them carefully. Water runoff can stain the cabinet tops. Faux plants are usually the better choice for kitchen cabinet top displays.
Q: Should I paint the gap between the cabinet and ceiling a different color?
A: Yes, this is a great technique if you don’t want molding. Painting the top area the same color as the wall makes the ceiling look higher. Painting it the same color as the cabinets visually connects them, creating a solid block of color that looks intentional.
Q: Are there fire safety concerns with items to place on top of cabinets?
A: Generally, no. However, if you have recessed lighting installed directly above or extremely old wiring near the gap, avoid placing flammable materials like dried grasses too close to any potential heat source. Keep items away from range hood exhaust areas as well.