What to put on top of kitchen cabinets? You can place decorative items, plants, dishware, baskets, or lighting fixtures on top of your kitchen cabinets. Decorating above kitchen cabinets helps fill empty vertical space, adds personality, and can even offer extra storage.
The space above your kitchen cabinets often sits empty. This area is prime real estate for adding style to your kitchen. It can look bare and unfinished if left alone. But with a little planning, you can turn that space into a beautiful focal point. This guide gives you many kitchen cabinet decor ideas to make the most of this area. We will look at creative ways for displaying items above kitchen cabinets. We will also explore tips for styling kitchen cabinet tops beautifully.
Why Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets?
Many people overlook the space above their cabinets. This area is high up. It is easy to forget it is there. But decorating this spot offers several great benefits for your kitchen design.
Filling Vertical Space
Kitchens often have high ceilings. Cabinets usually stop short of the ceiling. This gap can look awkward. It creates empty vertical space. Adding decor fills this void. It draws the eye upward. This makes the whole room feel taller and grander. Good decorating above kitchen cabinets balances the room’s height.
Adding Personality and Style
The main part of your kitchen—the counters and backsplash—is functional. The area above the cabinets is purely for looks. This is where you show off your taste. You can use colors, textures, and objects that match your style. It is a great spot for displaying decor on kitchen cabinets. This personal touch makes your kitchen feel more like home.
Creating Visual Interest
A kitchen full of just cabinets and appliances can look flat. Decorative items break up long lines of cabinetry. They add texture and variety. This visual interest keeps the eye moving. It makes the kitchen space more exciting to look at.
Boosting Perceived Luxury
When cabinets go all the way to the ceiling, the kitchen looks custom-made. If your cabinets do not reach the top, adding smart decor can fake this look. It gives a more finished, high-end feel to your kitchen.
Planning Your Kitchen Cabinet Top Display
Before you start stacking things up there, take a moment to plan. The area above cabinets is often hard to reach. So, everything needs to be placed carefully.
Assess Your Ceiling Height
First, measure the gap between the top of your cabinets and the ceiling. This height dictates what you can safely place up there.
- High Ceilings (18 inches or more): You have room for tall items like large baskets or tall vases.
- Medium Ceilings (10 to 18 inches): Medium-sized items work best. Think small stacks of books or medium pottery.
- Low Ceilings (Under 10 inches): Keep it simple. Use flatter items or very small decorative pieces. Avoid overcrowding.
Consider Your Kitchen Style
The decor must match your kitchen’s overall look. A rustic farmhouse kitchen needs different items than a sleek modern one.
| Kitchen Style | Suggested Decor Elements |
|---|---|
| Modern/Minimalist | Sleek, simple shapes, monochrome colors, glass or metal objects. |
| Farmhouse/Rustic | Woven baskets, vintage enamelware, wood cutting boards, greenery. |
| Traditional | Classic urns, framed artwork (if space allows), formal pottery. |
| Coastal/Boho | Natural fibers, seashells, light colors, macrame accents. |
Focus on Safety and Access
Remember, you will need to clean up there eventually. Heavy or fragile items are risky. Always secure tall items so they cannot wobble or fall. This is crucial for safety, especially if you have children or pets.
Top Ideas for Decorating Above Cabinets
Here are proven ways to transform that empty space. These kitchen cabinet styling tips will guide your choices.
1. The Power of Greenery and Faux Plants
Plants bring life to any room. Since this area gets little natural light, faux plants are often the best choice.
Faux Greenery Options:
- Trailing Vines: Place a pot near the corner and let vines drape down the side of the cabinet. This softens hard edges beautifully.
- Potted Faux Herbs: Use small terracotta pots with fake basil or rosemary for a fresh look.
- Artificial Boxwood: Small, neat boxwood balls or squares look tailored and require zero maintenance.
If you choose real plants, select low-light, slow-growing varieties like Pothos or Snake Plants. Ensure they are safe from excessive heat if lights are placed up there.
2. Baskets: Storage Meets Style
Baskets are one of the most popular choices for displaying items above kitchen cabinets. They look textured and offer the illusion of kitchen storage solutions above cabinets without needing them to be easily accessible.
- Woven Textures: Use rattan, seagrass, or wicker baskets. They add warmth, especially against white cabinets.
- Varying Sizes: Group three baskets of different sizes together. This creates a pleasing, asymmetrical look.
- Lid vs. Open: Baskets with lids look tidier. Open baskets can show off their contents, perhaps pretty linens or extra paper towels.
3. Collections of Pottery and Ceramics
Showcasing a collection is a wonderful way to personalize the space. Choose items with similar colors or themes.
- Matching Vases or Urns: Group three or five similar white, blue, or terra cotta vases. Keep the shapes simple.
- Vintage Crocks: Old stoneware crocks fit well in farmhouse or traditional kitchens.
- Neutral Color Palettes: Stick to whites, creams, or muted earth tones. Bright, mismatched colors can look cluttered when viewed from below.
4. Displaying Antique or Vintage Finds
If you love thrift shopping, this is your chance to show off treasures. These items add history and character.
- Old Scales or Clocks: Antique kitchen scales or old-fashioned clocks add a nostalgic feel.
- Enamelware: Brightly colored enamel pots or pitchers can add a pop of vintage color.
- Serving Trays: Lean decorative metal or wooden trays against the wall. Layering them adds depth.
5. Architectural Interest: Empty Frames and Mirrors
Sometimes, the best thing to display is the space itself, enhanced by an object.
- Empty Frames: Hang thin, decorative frames on the wall just above the cabinet line. You can lean them or nail them up. They create the illusion of art without needing actual artwork there.
- Small Mirrors: A few small, antique-looking mirrors can bounce light around the room. Be cautious with placement so reflections aren’t jarring.
6. Creating Height with Lighting Fixtures
If you have very high ceilings, incorporating lighting can solve the height issue elegantly.
- Plug-in Pendants: Use plug-in pendant lights hanging down slightly below the ceiling line. This visually lowers the ceiling slightly, making the space feel cozier.
- Up-Lighting: Place small, battery-operated spotlights on the cabinet top aimed at the ceiling. This highlights the architecture and draws attention upward in a soft way.
7. The Book Stack Method
Books add intellectual interest and texture. This method works best if you have a decent gap between the cabinet top and the ceiling.
- Themed Stacks: Stack 3 to 5 related cookbooks or antique volumes. Wrap them in twine for a unified look.
- Color Coding: If your kitchen has an accent color, choose books whose spines match that color.
Achieving a Cohesive Look: Styling Tips
The secret to great kitchen cabinet decor ideas is making the display look intentional, not like clutter you just shoved up there.
Embrace Odd Numbers
Grouping items in odd numbers (three or five) is much more pleasing to the eye than even numbers. A grouping of three items feels balanced.
- Rule of Three: Use three baskets, three vases, or three stacks of books.
- Vary Height: When grouping, make sure the items are different heights. This creates visual rhythm. Place the tallest item in the middle.
Think About Scale and Proportion
Items that are too small will look like dust collectors. Items that are too large will overwhelm the cabinets.
- Large Statement Pieces: If you have a large gap, use one or two big, impactful pieces. A large, interesting antique jug is better than ten tiny objects.
- Avoid Clutter: Resist the urge to fill every inch. Negative space (empty space) is important. It lets your chosen items breathe.
Use Lighting to Your Advantage
Lighting can make your display shine, literally.
- Battery-Operated Puck Lights: Stick these underneath the front lip of the cabinet top, aimed down at the objects. They provide a soft glow without messy wires.
- Accent Lighting: If you have recessed ceiling lights, angle one toward the cabinet tops to highlight your collection.
Maintain Consistency
Keep your color story consistent. If you use blue and white ceramics on one side, don’t introduce bright red items on the other side unless red is an established accent in your kitchen. Consistency ties the whole look together, even when decorating above kitchen cabinets.
Alternatives to Decorating Above Cabinets
What if you dislike having things up high? Or maybe your cabinets already touch the ceiling? There are other great options for enhancing vertical space. These act as great kitchen cabinet crown molding alternatives.
Installing Faux Crown Molding
If your cabinets stop short, you can bridge the gap with decorative trim.
- Simple Trim Kits: Many cabinet companies offer simple trim pieces that attach to the top of the cabinet. This instantly gives the look of built-in cabinetry that reaches the ceiling.
- Using Molding as a Ledge: You can install a simple wooden ledge or beam where the cabinet top ends. This creates a shelf-like effect, offering a spot for smaller, lighter decorative items directly attached to the cabinet structure. This is a great solution if you want kitchen cabinet shelf ideas without adding an entirely new shelf unit.
Custom Open Shelving Above Cabinets
If you are handy, you can build short, shallow open shelves above the existing cabinets.
- Shallow Depth: Keep the shelves very shallow (4 to 6 inches deep) so they don’t protrude too much into the room.
- Display Purpose Only: Use these shelves strictly for displaying items above kitchen cabinets, like small recipe tins or pretty tea canisters.
Painting the Gap (The Ceiling Treatment)
If the gap is small and you want a clean look, paint the wall area above the cabinets in a color different from the rest of the wall.
- Accent Color: Paint the gap in your kitchen’s main accent color. This visually “connects” the cabinets to the ceiling, making the cabinetry look intentional and taller.
- Wallpaper: Apply a subtle wallpaper pattern to this narrow strip for a custom, designer touch.
Practical Considerations for Displaying Items Above Kitchen Cabinets
While aesthetics are important, functionality and maintenance play a role in long-term success.
Dust Management
The area above cabinets is a major dust magnet. Choose items that are easy to dust or clean.
- Avoid Tight Spaces: Do not wedge items tightly together. You need room to wipe down surfaces.
- Use Smooth Surfaces: Smooth ceramics or glass are easier to wipe down than highly textured woven items or objects with many nooks and crannies.
- Use a Duster: Invest in a long-handled microfiber duster specifically for this area.
Dealing with Heat and Grease
The kitchen produces grease and steam. Items placed directly above the stove or near the dishwasher vent can suffer.
- Stove Area: Avoid placing plastics, textiles, or delicate items directly above the stove area. Heat rises, and grease will settle everywhere. Opt for durable ceramics or metal here.
- Ventilation: If your range hood stops short of the ceiling, the area above the cabinets may get dirty quickly.
Kitchen Storage Solutions Above Cabinets (When Aesthetics Take a Back Seat)
Sometimes, you truly need the space for seldom-used items.
| Item Stored | Best Practice | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday Dishes | Stack them in sturdy, matching containers. | Label the container clearly on the side facing out. |
| Large Serving Platters | Lean them vertically in uniform stacks. | Use clear acrylic dividers to keep them upright. |
| Seasonal Linens | Fold them neatly and place them inside woven baskets. | Baskets hide the clutter and keep linens clean. |
Remember, even when using the space for storage, aim for uniformity. Five mismatched storage bins look messy. Five matching, neat bins look like part of the design.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Decorating Above Cabinets
Even with good intentions, decorating this high space can lead to missteps. Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your styling kitchen cabinet tops looks professional.
Overcrowding (The Clutter Trap)
This is the number one mistake. Too many small items make the space look messy. The height already makes objects less distinct. Keep the display sparse and intentional. Let each piece have room to stand out.
Using Items That Are Too Small
Small trinkets get lost visually when viewed from the floor. They often look like specks of dirt from a distance. Scale your objects up to match the height of the space. Think big, bold shapes rather than many tiny details.
Ignoring Color and Texture
If your kitchen is very modern (all white and stainless steel), adding brightly colored, mismatched items up top will look jarring. Ensure your choices reinforce your existing color scheme. Texture is vital up high; since the items are far away, texture (like woven baskets or rough pottery) helps them read as substantial objects rather than just shapes.
Unbalanced Weight Distribution
Do not put all the heavy, dark items on one side. This can make the whole run of cabinets look visually “heavy” or lopsided. Distribute visual weight evenly across the length of the cabinets.
Choosing Items That Are Impossible to Clean
If you absolutely must use textiles or porous items, accept that they will need to be taken down and washed or wiped annually. If you are not prepared for that upkeep, choose wipeable materials instead.
Final Thoughts on Decorating Above Kitchen Cabinets
Decorating the space above your kitchen cabinets is a fantastic way to personalize your cooking area. It adds height, style, and visual interest. By carefully choosing items that match your kitchen’s overall design, using the rule of three, and keeping maintenance in mind, you can transform this overlooked area. Whether you opt for lush faux greenery, stylish woven baskets, or a curated collection of ceramics, this vertical space offers endless possibilities for creating a truly finished, beautiful kitchen. These kitchen cabinet decor ideas will surely elevate your space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use real plants on top of kitchen cabinets?
A: Yes, you can use real plants, but choose ones that thrive in low light and high humidity, or place them away from direct heat sources. Since dust and cleaning are hard up there, many homeowners prefer easy-care faux plants.
Q2: What if my cabinets go all the way to the ceiling?
A: If your cabinets meet the ceiling, you can still add interest by incorporating decorative elements directly onto the cabinet face or using kitchen cabinet crown molding alternatives like unique trim or paint treatments on the very top edge if it has a slight lip. Alternatively, focus on styling the cabinet hardware or adding under-cabinet lighting.
Q3: How high should the items be placed?
A: Generally, items should start right at the top edge of the cabinet and go up to about 6 to 12 inches below the ceiling, depending on your ceiling height. The goal is to fill the gap without touching the ceiling or looking crammed.
Q4: Is it okay to use this space for practical storage?
A: Absolutely. This space is perfect for kitchen storage solutions above cabinets for items used once a year, like holiday platters or specialized baking equipment. The key is containment—use matching, attractive baskets or bins to keep the stored items looking tidy from below.
Q5: Should I decorate above all the cabinets equally?
A: Not necessarily. You can create a vignette—a small, focused display—over one section, perhaps above the stove or sink area, and leave other sections simpler. Displaying decor on kitchen cabinets works best when it feels balanced, not uniform across the entire kitchen perimeter.