Yes, you can definitely use the space above your kitchen cabinets. This often-ignored area is prime real estate for storage, display, or making your kitchen look more finished. Many people ask what to do with this gap, and the answer is: utilize it wisely! It’s a fantastic spot for maximizing vertical kitchen space.
The gap between the top of your cabinets and the ceiling can sometimes look messy or empty. Getting this space right boosts both function and style in your kitchen. We will explore five top methods for utilizing space above cabinets, keeping both beauty and practicality in mind.
Why the Space Above Cabinets Matters
That space might seem small, but it adds up. If your cabinets do not reach the ceiling, you are losing valuable storage potential. Leaving it empty gathers dust and can make your kitchen look unfinished. Thinking about kitchen cabinet top storage turns a dead zone into a helpful area.
Good use of this area also helps balance the look of your kitchen. It can bridge the gap between low cabinets and a high ceiling. This area is perfect for playing with height and visual interest.
Top 5 Ideas for Utilizing Space Above Cabinets
Here are the best ways to handle that area above your kitchen cupboards. We cover storage solutions and pretty display choices.
Idea 1: Install Extra Storage Cabinets
This is the most practical option for maximizing vertical kitchen space. If you have a high ceiling, adding shorter cabinets above your main ones is smart.
Building Up Storage
If your current cabinets stop short, a carpenter can often install simple, shallower cabinets on top. These are perfect for things you do not use every day. Think about holiday dishes, seldom-used appliances, or bulk paper goods.
- Pros: Huge storage boost; makes the kitchen look custom-built.
- Cons: Can be costly; items stored here are hard to reach.
- Tip: Use a sturdy step stool or a small step ladder kept nearby for safe access.
This creates excellent kitchen cabinet top storage because it closes the gap completely.
Idea 2: Creative Kitchen Cabinet Toppers and Trim
If adding full cabinets is not an option, using trim or specialized toppers can give a finished, high-end look. This is a great choice when considering kitchen cabinet crown molding ideas.
Crown Molding Magic
Crown molding is trim that slopes outward where the cabinet meets the ceiling. It hides the gap and makes the cabinets look taller and more integrated into the room design.
- Simple vs. Ornate: You can choose slim, modern trim or wide, detailed molding for a classic look.
- Color Match: Always paint the molding to match your cabinets perfectly. This draws the eye upward seamlessly.
This method focuses heavily on aesthetics, making the area look polished instead of empty. It’s a key part of good decorating above kitchen cabinets.
Faux Cabinet Toppers
For a custom feel without heavy molding, you can use pre-made wood pieces or panels to create a decorative border above the cabinets. These creative kitchen cabinet toppers can mimic the look of a built-in unit without adding functional storage space.
Idea 3: Open Shelving Above Cabinets
This choice is both decorative and slightly functional. Installing open shelves above the cabinets allows for curated displays. This is one of the best display ideas for top of cabinets.
Selecting Shelf Style
The shelves should complement your kitchen style. Dark wood shelves look great over white cabinets, or simple white shelves work well in any kitchen.
- What to Display: Use this space for attractive items. Think colorful cookbooks, nice glassware, or decorative canisters.
- Lighting: Adding small, battery-operated puck lights under the shelves can dramatically light up the display items, adding ambiance.
This falls under the category of open shelving above cabinets, giving a more airy feel than solid extra cabinets.
| Display Item Category | Best For This Space | Visual Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Cookware (Copper Pots) | High visual appeal | Rustic, Warm |
| Decorative Baskets | Hides less attractive items | Textured, Organized |
| Plants (Faux or Hardy) | Adds color and life | Fresh, Natural |
| Collectibles/Art | Personalized touch | Unique, Engaging |
Idea 4: Decorative Elements and Vignettes
Not every inch needs to be storage. Sometimes, the best use of the space above cabinets is pure decoration. This is the heart of decorating above kitchen cabinets.
Grouping Items
Avoid scattering single items randomly. Group items in odd numbers (threes or fives) for a pleasing visual effect.
- Height Variation: Use tall items on one side and shorter items on the other. A tall vase next to a stack of bowls creates nice visual flow.
- Color Palette: Stick to a few accent colors that repeat throughout the items to keep the look cohesive and intentional, not cluttered.
If you have a large gap, consider using tall baskets or decorative ceramic pieces to fill the vertical space without looking heavy. This is a softer approach than full kitchen cabinet soffit alternatives.
Idea 5: Custom Solutions and Hidden Storage
This option focuses on smart ways to fill the space specifically if you have an awkward gap, often dealt with through kitchen cabinet filler ideas.
Using Gap Fillers
If the space between the cabinet and the wall or ceiling is irregular, specialized fillers can clean up the look. Some fillers are thin panels, while others are designed to hold small, seldom-used items (though access is still tricky).
Creating Hidden Bulk Storage
For true storage seekers, this space can house long, flat items. Think about cutting boards, baking sheets, or extra placemats. These must be stored lying flat if the height allows.
- Access is Key: If you use this space for storage, try to make the access point easy. Perhaps you can leave the space open but use a tall piece of furniture nearby that serves as a visual bridge.
Making the Choice: Storage vs. Style
When deciding what to do, ask yourself: Do I need more storage, or do I need better style?
If your kitchen is small and storage-starved, prioritizing kitchen cabinet top storage (Idea 1) is best, even if it means less decoration. If your kitchen is spacious and you just want to finish the look, focus on molding or decoration (Ideas 2 and 4).
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Access
| Solution Type | Access Difficulty | Best For Storing | Visual Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Upper Cabinets | Low (Easy) | Everyday items; high use | Finished, Built-in |
| Open Shelving | Medium (Requires reaching) | Attractive, medium-use items | Airy, Decorative |
| Moldings/Trim | N/A (Permanent fixture) | N/A | Custom, Elegant |
| Decorative Items | High (Very difficult) | Zero functional use; purely visual | Artistic, Styled |
Comprehending how often you need an item dictates where it should go. If you won’t use it in five years, it can go high up.
Dealing with Kitchen Cabinet Soffits
A soffit is a dropped section of ceiling or bulk head, often built to hide pipes or vents, that sits directly above the cabinets. This leaves very little or no usable gap. If you have this, you need kitchen cabinet soffit alternatives or modifications.
Can I Remove a Soffit?
Sometimes. Removing a soffit is a major renovation. It might involve moving electrical wiring or plumbing that runs through it. Always consult a contractor before attempting to remove a soffit, as it can be load-bearing or hide utilities.
If Removal Isn’t Possible: Camouflage
If the soffit must stay, focus on blending it with the cabinets.
- Extend Cabinets: Build new cabinets up to the soffit line, making the soffit look intentional, like a natural ceiling break.
- Paint Matching: Paint the soffit the exact same color as the wall, not the cabinet color. This makes the ceiling feel lower and less disjointed from the cabinetry.
- Use as a Base for Molding: Install substantial kitchen cabinet crown molding ideas on top of the soffit, drawing the eye up past the interruption.
Advanced Tips for Styling the Top Space
Once you choose your path—storage or display—here are tips to make the final result look professional.
Hiding Clutter in Baskets
If you opt for open storage or display, but have some unattractive items (like extra charging cables or small tools), hide them in attractive baskets.
- Choose woven, metal, or attractive fabric baskets.
- Ensure the baskets fit neatly under the space constraint.
- Use matching baskets across the entire span for a unified look. This elevates the look of simple kitchen cabinet top storage.
Integrating Lighting
Lighting changes everything. If you use this space for decoration, light it up!
- LED Strip Lights: These are slim and easy to hide along the underside edge of the upper cabinets, shining down onto your displayed items.
- Battery-Powered Spotlights: Great for highlighting a specific piece of art or collection placed on top of the cabinets.
Seasonal Updates
If you use the space for decoration (Idea 4), treat it like high shelving in a living room. Change the display slightly with the seasons.
- Fall: Add small gourds or fall-colored ceramics.
- Winter: Drape simple white fairy lights around decorative items.
- Spring/Summer: Display light-colored vases or faux greenery.
This keeps the area fresh and prevents the decoration from becoming visual dust collectors. These display ideas for top of cabinets should evolve with your tastes.
The Role of Filler Panels and Trim When You Have Little Space
Sometimes, the gap above the cabinets is only a few inches. This is where thoughtful kitchen cabinet filler ideas become crucial for a high-end finish.
Filler Strips vs. True Space
If you only have 2 to 4 inches:
- Add Crown Molding: Even a small gap can usually accommodate a piece of slim crown molding. This instantly makes the cabinets look taller.
- Use a Thin Accent Piece: Sometimes, placing one single, tall, slender decorative item (like a metal rod or a very tall, thin vase) can visually occupy that small space effectively, making it look intentional.
If you have 5 to 12 inches:
- Shallow Open Shelves: You might fit a single, shallow shelf unit that spans the length of the cabinets, perfect for displaying spices in uniform jars or small framed pictures. This is excellent open shelving above cabinets when space is limited vertically but available horizontally.
- Aesthetic Panel: Install a decorative wooden panel that matches your cabinets. This mimics the look of a soffit but appears more custom.
This approach ensures that you are maximizing vertical kitchen space even when the ceiling is quite low relative to the cabinet height.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Space Above Cabinets
A poorly executed design in this area can make your kitchen look worse, not better. Avoid these pitfalls:
- Over-Cluttering: Too many items look messy, not curated. Less is usually more when decorating up high.
- Using Dusty/Dirty Items: If you store items you never use, they will gather a thick layer of grease and dust, making the whole kitchen look dirty. Only store items that are easy to clean or are sealed.
- Mixing Too Many Styles: If you mix glass, plastic, metal, and wood in wildly different styles, the high area will look chaotic and distracting. Stick to 2-3 dominant materials or colors.
- Ignoring Accessibility: Do not use the highest available space for items you need weekly. This leads to frustration and potential safety hazards when reaching.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is it bad for air circulation to close off the space above kitchen cabinets?
A: If you install full, sealed cabinets (Idea 1), it does not affect general kitchen air circulation. However, if you have an older kitchen with vents or heat sources near that area, sealing it completely might trap heat. If you are unsure about vents, opt for open shelving or molding instead of full cabinets.
Q: Can I use the top of the cabinets as regular storage if they are flush with the ceiling?
A: If your cabinets are flush with the ceiling, the top surface is your space. However, accessing it is difficult. This area should only hold things you truly rarely need (e.g., spare seasonal light bulbs, backup extension cords). Keep items contained in sturdy, labeled bins for easy retrieval with a ladder.
Q: What is the simplest way to improve the look of the space above cabinets if I have a small gap (under 6 inches)?
A: The simplest and most effective way is to install high-quality kitchen cabinet crown molding ideas. It cleanly caps the cabinets and makes them look intentionally sized for the room, avoiding the appearance of an awkward gap.
Q: Should the items on top of the cabinets match the items inside the cabinets?
A: No, they do not need to match exactly. The items on top should coordinate with the overall style and color palette of your kitchen, acting as an extension of your style. They are more like an extension of your wall decor than your actual cupboard contents. Focus on visual flow when choosing creative kitchen cabinet toppers.