What to put on top of kitchen cabinets? You can place decorative items, plants, storage baskets, or utilize kitchen cabinet shelf ideas top for display. This space, often overlooked, offers a wonderful chance to add personality, height, and extra flair to your kitchen design.
The area above kitchen cabinets is prime real estate in your home. Many kitchens have a gap between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling. This gap can look messy or simply empty. Fixing this is key to a finished, polished look. Great kitchen cabinet top styling can make your kitchen feel taller and more intentional. Whether you have a big gap or a small one, there are many ways to tackle decorating above kitchen cabinets.
Why Decorate the Space Above Kitchen Cabinets?
The gap above cabinets often collects dust and grime. Filling this space serves several purposes. It finishes the look of the room. It draws the eye upward, making ceilings seem higher. It also lets you show off your style.
Making the Room Look Taller
When you decorate up high, your eyes follow the line upward. This trick makes your kitchen feel grander. Tall items work best here. They create a vertical line that guides the eye up. This is crucial if you have lower ceilings.
Adding Personality and Style
The kitchen is the heart of the home. Decorating the top is like giving the room a finishing touch. You can use items that show your hobbies or travel. This space lets you display things safely out of reach of small children or pets.
Covering Imperfections
Sometimes, the ceiling line isn’t perfectly straight, or the wall color meets the cabinet top awkwardly. Decor can hide these small flaws easily.
Addressing the Gap: Solutions for Different Heights
How high your cabinets are matters a lot for your choices. We need to look at creative ways to fill space above cabinets based on the actual measurement.
Small Gaps (Under 12 Inches)
If the space is small, large items look crowded. Subtlety is your friend here.
Crown Molding Magic
If you want a seamless look, adding kitchen cabinet crown molding alternatives is a great path. While traditional crown molding is installed directly onto the cabinet, you can use simple wood trim pieces or inexpensive decorative molding strips applied to the top edge. This bridges the gap neatly, making the cabinets look custom-built up to the ceiling.
Simple, Sleek Displays
For a clean look, choose a few high-quality pieces.
- Matching Baskets: Use matching woven baskets. They look neat and offer a touch of texture.
- Small Framed Art: Lean a few small, light picture frames against the wall.
- Greenery: Use trailing artificial ivy or eucalyptus. Let it drape slightly over the edge for a soft look.
Medium Gaps (12 to 24 Inches)
This range offers the most flexibility for decoration. You can balance height and width well here. This is where most people decide what to put on top of kitchen cabinets.
Grouping Items for Impact
Grouping objects creates a stronger visual statement than scattering single items. Group items in odd numbers (three or five).
- Vary Heights: Use tall vases mixed with shorter decorative boxes. This creates visual interest.
- The Rule of Odds: Three vases of different heights look better than four matching ones.
Utilizing Baskets for Texture
Baskets are fantastic best items for kitchen cabinet decor. They hide visual clutter while adding warmth.
| Basket Material | Best For | Look Achieved |
|---|---|---|
| Woven Rattan | Rustic, Farmhouse | Warm, textured |
| Wire or Metal | Industrial, Modern | Light, airy |
| Canvas or Felt | Contemporary | Soft, muted |
Large Gaps (Over 24 Inches)
Large gaps demand substantial items. Small trinkets will get lost. You need items with presence.
Incorporating Architectural Elements
For very tall spaces, you might need items that take up real height.
- Faux Architectural Salvage: Place old shutters, decorative corbels, or large wooden signs here.
- Tall Glass Vases: Fill very tall, clear glass vases with seasonal items like pinecones or colored glass orbs.
Creating a Faux Cabinet Extension
If you prefer a built-in look, you can build up the space. This bridges the gap effectively. You can add simple wooden boxes or risers painted the same color as your cabinets. Then, place kitchen cabinet shelf ideas top on these risers. This gives you a small, high shelf for display.
Top 5 Ideas for Kitchen Cabinet Decorating
Let’s explore specific, actionable ideas for styling open space above cabinets.
1. The Greenery Approach
Plants bring life to any room. Since this area gets little light and is hard to reach, faux plants are often the best choice.
- Trailing Plants: Pothos, ferns, or English ivy look wonderful spilling over the edge. Choose high-quality faux versions so they look real from below.
- Tall Plants in Statement Pots: Use tall, slender snake plants or ZZ plants housed in beautiful ceramic pots. The pot becomes part of the decor.
2. Functional Yet Pretty Storage
If you need more storage, the top of the cabinets can hide less attractive items beautifully. This falls under kitchen cabinet storage solutions tops.
- Matching Canisters: Use large, matching ceramic or metal canisters to store infrequently used dry goods or extra kitchen linens. Keep the lids on for a uniform look.
- Decorative Trays: Place a large, beautiful tray up high. You can then place smaller, related items on the tray, like a few antique salt cellars or small bowls. The tray acts as a frame.
3. Curated Collections Display
This is perfect for showcasing items you love but don’t use daily. This is where decorative accents for kitchen cabinet tops shine.
- China or Pottery: Display your favorite inherited serving platters or unique pottery pieces. Use plate stands to lean them against the wall.
- Cookbooks: If you have beautiful, vintage cookbooks, stack them artfully. Use a decorative bookend to keep them tidy.
- Seasonal Rotation: Change your display four times a year. Use pumpkins in the fall, light blue glassware in the summer, and evergreen branches in winter.
4. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Mirrors are fantastic for small, dark kitchens. Placing a decorative mirror or several smaller ones above the cabinets reflects light around the room. This makes the entire kitchen feel brighter and larger. Choose mirrors with interesting frames—think ornate gold or rustic wood.
5. Lighting It Up
Lighting can transform the space above cabinets, especially if you have a large gap.
- Rope Lighting: Install LED rope lights along the very top edge of the cabinets, pointing upward towards the ceiling. This creates a soft, indirect “uplighting” effect that highlights the height of the room.
- Battery-Operated Puck Lights: Place a few battery-operated lights inside clear glass jars or behind decorative items to create glowing focal points at night.
Design Principles for Successful Styling
Simply placing items up there isn’t enough. You need a strategy for best items for kitchen cabinet decor to ensure it looks intentional, not cluttered.
Scale and Proportion are Key
The most common mistake is choosing items that are too small. Items placed high up need to be large enough to be seen from the floor.
- Look from Below: Stand in the doorway and look up. Can you clearly see what the item is? If it looks like a tiny speck, it’s too small.
- Height vs. Cabinet Depth: Ensure taller items don’t jut out too far past the cabinet face unless you intend for them to be seen from the side clearly.
Color Cohesion
The items you choose should relate to your existing kitchen palette.
- Pull Colors: Select decorative pieces that echo the colors in your backsplash, flooring, or hardware. If you have deep blue island chairs, use navy blue vases on top.
- Neutral Base: If your kitchen is very colorful, keep the items above the cabinets mostly neutral (white, cream, wood tones). This prevents the high space from feeling overwhelming.
Texture Adds Depth
Varying textures keeps the eye moving and adds richness to the display.
- Combine smooth ceramics with rough wicker baskets.
- Mix shiny metal accents with matte wood.
- If everything is smooth and glossy, the area can look flat.
Exploring Kitchen Cabinet Crown Molding Alternatives
When custom millwork isn’t in the budget, or you want a temporary fix, consider these kitchen cabinet crown molding alternatives.
1. Simple Trim Strips
You can buy inexpensive, long strips of decorative molding (like cove molding) from any home improvement store. Measure the gap and cut the molding to fit snugly between the cabinet top and the ceiling. You can paint this trim the same color as your cabinets, or a contrasting color for a bolder look. This instantly elevates the cabinetry.
2. Fabric Valances
For a softer, cottage, or traditional look, create a simple fabric valance. Hem a length of fabric to fit the span of the cabinets. Attach it using heavy-duty velcro strips or simple mounting brackets. This hides the gap completely with textiles.
3. Faux Bulkheads
If the space is very large, you can create a visually solid block. Use lightweight foam boards or thin plywood cut to the exact dimensions of the cabinet top area. Cover this board with contact paper that matches your cabinets or a complementary paint color. This creates a “bulkhead” appearance, making the cabinets look shorter and fuller.
Creative Ways to Fill Space Above Cabinets: Beyond Decor
Sometimes, the best solution involves practicality layered with style. These ideas lean toward kitchen cabinet storage solutions tops that are still beautiful.
The Lidded Vessel Strategy
Large, attractive lidded containers solve storage needs while looking uniform.
- Bulk Dry Goods Storage: Keep extra flour, sugar, or specialty pasta in huge, matching, airtight canisters up top.
- Seasonal Linens: Store extra cloth napkins or holiday tablecloths in beautiful fabric-covered hat boxes or sturdy wicker chests.
Creating “Zones”
If you have a very long run of cabinets, dividing the space into visual zones prevents it from looking like one long, busy shelf. Use your largest item to anchor each zone.
- Zone 1: Tall vase and two small bowls.
- Zone 2: A vintage scale and a stack of small wooden boxes.
- Zone 3: A pair of matching lanterns.
This thoughtful placement turns random items into a designed feature. It’s key to effective styling open space above cabinets.
Utilizing Kitchen Cabinet Shelf Ideas Top When Cabinets Don’t Reach the Ceiling
If your cabinets already have a built-in open shelf area above them (a common feature in older homes or specific styles), this is an opportunity for dedicated display.
Open Shelving Above Cabinets
When you have an actual, usable shelf area, think vertically.
- Back Row: Place the tallest items here, flush against the wall. Think tall bottles (emptied and cleaned, of course), thin cutting boards leaning vertically, or tall glass jars.
- Middle Row: Place medium-height items here. This could be small stacks of bowls or attractive spice jars.
- Front Row: Keep this row lowest or empty. If you place items here, use very short pieces, like small succulents or decorative salt dishes.
This layering technique maximizes visual space on the shelf itself.
Maintenance and Practicality
Decorating high places comes with a downside: dust. You must select items that are easy to clean or that don’t attract dust easily.
Dust Management Tips
- Avoid Open Shelves with Knick-Knacks: Lots of small, detailed items gather dust fast. Choose fewer, larger items with smooth surfaces.
- Choose Washable Items: Baskets and faux greenery should be made of materials that can be easily wiped down or lightly sprayed with a hose outside (if they are purely decorative plastic/silk).
- Use a Duster Tool: Invest in an extendable duster with microfiber heads designed to reach high spots safely. Schedule a quick dusting session every month or two.
Safety First
When placing heavy or tall items, stability is essential.
- Secure Tall Items: If you live in an earthquake-prone area or have very active kids, use museum putty or very small dabs of removable adhesive (like mounting squares) to secure the base of very tall, top-heavy items like large vases. This is crucial for decorative accents for kitchen cabinet tops.
- Weight Limits: Do not overload the top, especially if you used a temporary molding solution rather than structural support. Stick to decorative weight, not heavy stone or metal collections.
Combining Storage and Style: The Best of Both Worlds
For many homeowners, maximizing every inch is vital. How can we achieve great kitchen cabinet top styling while still storing things?
The Layered Basket System
Use the largest, most attractive baskets to cover the majority of the space. These can hold things you use seasonally—think holiday cookie cutters or BBQ tools in the summer. Then, use the small gaps between the baskets for a few strategic decorative pieces.
- Example: Two large, dark brown baskets flanking a tall, white ceramic jug in the center.
Using Vintage Luggage
If your aesthetic leans toward rustic, vintage, or maximalist, stack a few matching or complementary pieces of vintage suitcase luggage up high. This is an excellent way to store thin linens or wrapping paper while adding a huge amount of character.
Selecting the Right Scale for Baskets
When choosing baskets for kitchen cabinet storage solutions tops, look for items that are at least half the height of the space you are trying to fill. If the gap is 18 inches, a 9-inch basket will look lost. Aim for baskets that are 10 to 12 inches tall.
Finalizing Your Kitchen Cabinet Top Styling Plan
Decorating above cabinets transforms a utilitarian space into a design feature. Success relies on planning and proportion. Decide early if you are aiming for a built-in look (using molding or risers) or a display look (using objects).
If you choose display, adhere to the rules of grouping and scale. Remember that what looks good up close might look busy from afar. Keep the objects distinct enough to read from the floor. These thoughtful touches ensure that the space above your cabinets contributes positively to your kitchen’s overall beauty. Whether you are leaning towards simple greenery or elaborate decorative accents for kitchen cabinet tops, the goal is always a polished, complete design.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Decorating Above Kitchen Cabinets
Q: Is it okay for items above kitchen cabinets to look dusty?
A: No, items above cabinets should look clean. Because this area is hard to reach, it is best to use items that do not collect dust easily, like smooth ceramics, or plan to dust them thoroughly at least twice a year. Faux plants should also be wiped down periodically.
Q: Should the items above my cabinets match my lower cabinets exactly?
A: Not necessarily. While color cohesion is important, variety keeps things interesting. If your cabinets are white shaker style, you might choose dark wood baskets, colored glass, and metallic accents up top. The key is to ensure the style flows, even if the colors aren’t identical.
Q: What is the absolute easiest way to decorate above cabinets?
A: The easiest method is often using large, matching, lidded baskets. They require minimal styling thought, offer implied storage, and immediately cover the space with texture and height. This is one of the best kitchen cabinet shelf ideas top for beginners.
Q: Can I use real plants on top of kitchen cabinets?
A: It is generally not recommended unless you have very bright, direct sunlight hitting that spot, which is rare. Kitchen cabinets often block most light. If you must use real plants, choose low-light tolerant varieties like ZZ plants or Pothos, and be prepared to rotate them regularly for sun exposure.
Q: What should I do if my cabinets go all the way to the ceiling?
A: If your cabinets already meet the ceiling, you don’t need the decorative solutions discussed here. Instead, focus on the cabinet doors themselves. If you have space on the side panels, you can use magnetic accessories or thin vertical decorative elements that stick to the side cabinet face, rather than the top.