What to put on top of kitchen cabinets depends on your ceiling height, the style of your kitchen, and what you want to achieve with the space. You can use this area for extra storage, to display decorative items, or to incorporate architectural details like molding.
Decorating the space above your kitchen cabinets, often called the soffit area or the gap between the cabinet tops and the ceiling, is a common design challenge. This area can easily become a dust trap or look unfinished. However, with smart planning and creative decorating, you can turn this often-ignored space into a beautiful feature. This long guide will explore many kitchen cabinet top decor ideas to help you make the most of this vertical space.
Deciphering the Purpose of the Space Above Cabinets
Before picking out items, it’s important to know what options you have for styling above kitchen cabinets. Do you need more storage? Are you trying to hide an awkward gap? Or do you simply want to add visual height and style? Your answer will guide your final design choices.
Addressing the Gap: Practical Solutions
If your cabinets do not reach the ceiling, you are left with a visible gap. This gap can look messy if left empty.
- Install Cabinet Fillers: This is the neatest solution. Kitchen cabinet filler ideas often involve using wood panels or trim pieces that match your cabinets. These fillers close the gap completely, giving a custom, built-in look. They prevent dust accumulation on top of the cabinets.
- Crown Molding Integration: Adding kitchen cabinet crown molding decor is a classic way to finish the top edge. Molding draws the eye upward, making the entire kitchen look taller and more formal. The molding should bridge the gap seamlessly, connecting the cabinets to the ceiling.
- Lighting Placement: Use the space to hide indirect lighting. LED strips placed behind a piece of trim or small uplights can wash the ceiling with soft light. This adds ambiance without cluttering the top space with objects.
Maximizing Vertical Space with Storage
For kitchens lacking storage, the area above cabinets can serve as discreet, high-level storage. This is best if you have high ceilings.
- Using Baskets or Bins: Place sturdy, matching baskets or decorative storage boxes up high. These can hold seasonal items, seldom-used serving platters, or extra linens. Choose materials like wicker, dark metal, or painted wood that complement your kitchen style.
- Stacking Extra Dishes: If you have a very tall space and sturdy upper cabinets, you can stack extra sets of dishes or less attractive serving ware. Make sure these items are covered or stored in attractive containers to keep dust away.
Creative Ways for Kitchen Upper Cabinet Decorating
Once the structural gap is addressed or if you have an intentional space between the cabinet top and the ceiling, it’s time for decoration. Kitchen upper cabinet decorating focuses on adding personality and flair.
Incorporating Height with Decorative Objects
When choosing what to put on top of kitchen cabinets, scale is very important. Items need to be large enough to be seen from the floor but not so large that they look overwhelming or touch the ceiling awkwardly.
Selecting the Right Scale
| Item Type | Recommended Size/Height | Visual Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Tall Vases | 12 to 24 inches | Adds vertical lines; very dramatic. |
| Large Baskets | Wide and deep enough to look substantial. | Adds texture and warmth; good for hiding storage. |
| Sculptures/Art | Pieces that stand out visually from the cabinet color. | Acts as focal points; adds personality. |
| Faux Greenery | Full, leafy arrangements that drape slightly. | Softens hard lines; brings life to the space. |
Popular Display Items Above Kitchen Cabinets
- Faux Greenery and Garlands: Trailing ivy or long eucalyptus garlands draped artfully soften the hard edges of cabinetry. This is a fantastic way to add organic texture.
- Artwork or Mirrors: Small framed pieces leaning against the wall or a large, decorative mirror can reflect light and make the kitchen feel larger.
- Collections: If you collect antique pottery, colorful glass pieces, or interesting ceramics, the cabinet top is a perfect museum display. Ensure the pieces have similar color tones for a cohesive look.
- Large Statement Pieces: Oversized clocks, decorative plates mounted on stands, or large, interesting architectural salvage pieces draw the eye up immediately.
Using Lighting to Enhance Cabinet Tops
Lighting transforms decorating high kitchen cabinets from a simple display into a feature wall.
- Picture Lights: Small, battery-operated or hardwired picture lights mounted just under the cabinet trim can spotlight items placed on top.
- Uplighting: Hidden light strips aimed at the ceiling create a soft glow. This emphasizes the height of the room, especially effective if you have high-end crown molding.
Architectural Details: Cabinetry Finishing Touches
Sometimes, the best way to decorate the top of the cabinets is not by adding objects, but by upgrading the cabinetry itself. This falls under kitchen cabinet cornice ideas and molding work.
The Importance of Crown Molding
Crown molding is the decorative trim that runs along the top edge of the cabinets where they meet the wall or ceiling.
- Traditional Look: Two-tiered molding (a smaller piece directly on the cabinet, topped by a larger piece meeting the ceiling) adds significant depth and elegance. This is great for formal kitchens.
- Modern Simplicity: A simple, flat trim piece that just closes the gap offers a clean, contemporary finish. This works well when making use of space above cabinets for hidden storage, as the trim hides the storage containers.
When selecting molding, make sure its scale matches the height of your kitchen. A very small molding in a room with 12-foot ceilings will look lost.
Cabinet Height Extension Techniques
If your cabinets are too short, consider using custom boxes or soffits built on top of the existing cabinets. These built-out sections can be faced with matching cabinet material, creating the illusion of custom, ceiling-height cabinetry. This is a permanent solution that eliminates the “dust shelf” entirely.
Styling Above Kitchen Cabinets: Design Principles
Successful kitchen cabinet top decor ideas follow key design rules. If you ignore these rules, the space will look cluttered or awkward.
Rule of Three and Odd Numbers
When arranging objects, group them in odd numbers (threes or fives). Odd groupings are naturally more visually appealing and dynamic than even groupings. For instance, place a tall vase, a medium basket, and a small sculpture together.
Variation in Height and Texture
Do not line up items of the same height across the entire span. Vary the heights to create rhythm. Mix textures—combine smooth glass with rough wicker, or shiny metal with matte wood. This textural play keeps the eye interested when looking up.
Keeping it Balanced and Uncrowded
The space above cabinets is often seen from a distance. Resist the urge to fill every inch. Leave plenty of negative space (empty air) between groupings. Clutter on top of cabinets is hard to clean and looks heavy. Aim for visual balance rather than physical filling.
If you have a very long run of cabinets, break up the decoration into distinct vignettes rather than one long line of objects.
Making Use of Space Above Cabinets: Practical Considerations
Decorating high kitchen cabinets requires thinking about maintenance. Dust settles quickly on high surfaces, and cleaning items placed there can be challenging.
Maintenance and Accessibility
- Easy-to-Clean Materials: Favor items that can be wiped down easily, like glass, glazed ceramics, or metal. Avoid porous materials like unfinished wood or highly textured fabrics unless they are securely stored inside containers.
- Cleaning Frequency: If you choose to display items, be prepared to dust them every few weeks. If cleaning is a major concern, opt for crown molding or a sealed cabinet filler instead of open display items above kitchen cabinets.
Safety First
If you are placing tall, top-heavy items, ensure they are stable and cannot easily be knocked over if the cabinet structure shakes or if you are opening a door below them vigorously. Always place heavier items closer to the cabinet structure.
Specific Kitchen Styles and Cabinet Top Decor
The best kitchen cabinet top decor ideas match the overall aesthetic of your kitchen.
Traditional and Farmhouse Styles
These styles welcome warmth and historical texture.
- Farmhouse: Use galvanized metal buckets, antique rolling pins, or wooden chopping boards leaned against the wall. Woven baskets are a must.
- Traditional: Focus on formal elements. Think deep-toned woods, classical busts, or intricate, dark metal lanterns. Use rich colors in your decorative vases.
Modern and Contemporary Styles
These styles demand clean lines and minimalism.
- Modern: Choose sculptural pieces with strong geometric shapes. Use monochrome colors (white, black, gray). Avoid clutter; one single, striking piece might be better than a collection.
- Transitional: This blends old and new. You might use simple white ceramic pitchers (classic shape) but in a very minimalist style, paired with clean-lined metal boxes.
Transitional and Eclectic Spaces
These offer the most flexibility for what to put on top of kitchen cabinets.
- Eclectic: Mix and match materials and eras. A colorful piece of vintage glass next to a modern metal sculpture works well, provided there is a unifying element (like a shared color palette).
Table: Comparing Solutions for Decorating Above Cabinets
This table summarizes your main options for the space above your cabinets based on different needs.
| Option | Primary Benefit | Best Suited For | Aesthetic Effect | Potential Drawback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custom Molding/Fillers | Hides the gap completely, prevents dust. | Any kitchen needing a built-in, finished look. | Seamless, custom, tailored. | Zero decorative display space. |
| Decorative Baskets/Bins | Adds enclosed storage and texture. | Farmhouse, Rustic, or busy kitchens needing space. | Warm, slightly casual. | Items can look bulky if mismatched. |
| Art/Sculptures | Adds personality and visual interest. | Modern, Eclectic, or Transitional styles. | Focal points, artistic expression. | Requires frequent dusting. |
| Indirect Lighting | Creates mood and highlights height. | Kitchens with high ceilings or elegant molding. | Sophisticated, ambient glow. | Requires electrical installation. |
Fathoming How to Incorporate Cabinet Filler Ideas
When deciding on kitchen cabinet filler ideas, think about how far the cabinet face protrudes past the wall or surrounding appliances. Fillers are usually narrow strips of wood that bridge this difference.
- Matching Material: Always use material that matches your existing cabinet door color and finish exactly. A mismatched filler draws attention to the gap you are trying to hide.
- Depth Consideration: If the space is deep, you might need a stepped filler system—a piece that aligns with the cabinet face and another piece that aligns with the wall, creating a small shelf effect that can hide small lighting components.
- Trim Integration: If you plan on adding crown molding later, the filler piece should integrate cleanly with the bottom edge of the molding so they appear as one continuous piece.
Practical Steps for Decorating High Kitchen Cabinets
Follow these steps for a successful decorating project:
- Measure Twice: Measure the width and depth of the space available on top of every cabinet run. Know exactly how much visual real estate you have.
- Define the Goal: Decide if this space is for storage, architecture (molding), or display. You cannot effectively do all three in a small space.
- Gather Supplies: Collect your chosen items, ensuring they are sturdy and dust-resistant. If using lighting, confirm the battery life or wiring route.
- Staging (Ground Level): Arrange your decorative groupings on the floor or a large table first. This allows you to adjust heights and balance without needing a ladder constantly.
- Installation: Use a sturdy step ladder or small scaffolding if necessary. Place taller items toward the back, leaning against the wall or ceiling, and shorter items toward the front edge.
- Step Back and Assess: View the arrangement from the kitchen entrance. Does it look balanced? Is anything too flimsy? Adjust until the view is pleasing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Decorating Above Kitchen Cabinets
Can I put actual plants on top of kitchen cabinets?
While real plants add life, placing them on top of cabinets is generally discouraged. They require watering, which risks spills on your cabinets, and they will accumulate significant dust and grease, making them very difficult to maintain healthily in that location. Faux plants or highly resilient succulents placed in sealed containers are a safer bet.
Should the space above cabinets be completely empty?
No, the space should not look neglected. If you cannot fill it with attractive objects, consider closing it off entirely using crown molding or custom cabinet fillers to create a cleaner, polished look. An empty, dusty gap looks unfinished.
How do I prevent dust buildup on display items above cabinets?
The best prevention is using kitchen cabinet filler ideas or crown molding to seal the gap. If you must display items, choose smooth, non-porous materials that can be quickly dusted with a microfiber cloth or a feather duster attachment on your vacuum cleaner.
What is the safest item to put on top of kitchen cabinets?
The safest items are those that are relatively light, stable, and easy to clean. Large, decorative storage baskets or sturdy, low-profile ceramic pieces are excellent choices. Avoid anything fragile, extremely tall, or very heavy.
Is it okay if my kitchen cabinet crown molding decor doesn’t touch the ceiling?
Yes, this is common, especially if the ceiling is uneven or very high. The molding should ideally reach as high as the cabinets allow while maintaining good proportion to the room. If the gap remaining is significant, you may need a specialized trim piece (like a deep soffit trim) to bridge the remaining distance for a more finished look.