Can you put things on top of kitchen cabinets? Yes, absolutely! Decorating the space above your kitchen cabinets is a fantastic way to add style, personality, and even extra storage to your kitchen. This often-neglected area offers a prime spot for displaying items, improving your kitchen’s look, and tying the room’s design together. Many people look to Pinterest for kitchen cabinet top decor ideas because it is a hub of visual inspiration for styling kitchen cabinets tops. Whether you have tall cabinets that reach the ceiling or shorter ones leaving a gap, we have many ways to fill that space beautifully.
Why Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets?
That space above your cabinets is more than just dust-collector central. It is valuable visual real estate.
First, it helps your kitchen feel finished. Cabinets that stop short of the ceiling can look awkward. Adding decor bridges this gap. Second, it offers a chance to show off your style. Think of it as a high shelf for curated items. Third, it can subtly impact how the room feels. Tall items can make the ceiling look higher.
It is important to choose items that fit your kitchen’s style. Do you like farmhouse, modern, or classic looks? Your top décor should match.
Assessing Your Space: The Gap Factor
The first step in any decorating above kitchen cabinets project is looking at the space you have. The height of the gap changes everything.
High Ceilings: The Wide Open Space
If you have high ceilings, you have lots of room. This space is perfect for big, bold statements. You can afford to use taller items without overwhelming the room. However, be careful not to crowd the area. Too many small things look messy from far away.
Low Ceilings: The Narrow Band
If the gap is small (say, 12 inches or less), you need smaller, flatter items. Taller décor might bump into the ceiling or look squeezed. No-ladder kitchen cabinet decorating becomes easier here because you only need to reach up a little bit.
Creative Kitchen Cabinet Top Decor Ideas
There are countless ways to fill the space above your cabinets. Here are some of the best and most trendy kitchen cabinet decor looks seen on Pinterest.
H4: Bringing in Greenery: Faux and Real Plants
Plants add life and color to any room. For the top of cabinets, consider plants that drape or spill over slightly.
- Trailing Pothos or Ivy (Faux): These are excellent choices. They naturally cascade down, softening the hard lines of the cabinets. Faux plants mean no watering or sunlight worries.
- Succulents (Real or Faux): If you have good light near the top (perhaps from a nearby window), small succulents work well. They are compact and stylish.
- Ferns: A large, hanging faux fern can create a lush, jungle-like feel, especially effective in farmhouse or bohemian kitchens.
H4: Displaying Collections and Keepsakes
Use this high shelf like a museum display case for things you love. This is where personalization shines through.
- Vintage Pottery and Crocks: These add instant character, especially in a rustic or farmhouse kitchen. Group odd numbers (three or five) of similar-colored crocks together.
- Glass Jars and Canisters: Fill clear jars with dried pasta, colorful beans, or even decorative sand. This doubles as subtle above cabinet storage solutions while looking pretty.
- Antique Serving Trays: Lean large, decorative metal or wooden trays against the wall. They take up little depth but make a big visual impact.
H4: Architectural Accents and Lighting
Sometimes, the decor should enhance the structure of the kitchen itself.
- Baskets: Woven baskets add texture. Use them to store less frequently used items like holiday linens. They are perfect for adding warmth.
- Architectural Salvage: Pieces like old wooden corbels, vintage signs, or metal scrollwork look stunning. They offer a unique, aged charm.
- Fairy Lights or LED Strips: Placing string lights across the top or tucking LED strips to wash light up the wall is a DIY kitchen cabinet top styling trick that creates a soft evening glow.
| Decor Style | Best Item Examples | Ceiling Height Suitability | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modern/Minimalist | Sculptural vases, geometric metal art | Medium to High | Keeps lines clean and uncluttered. |
| Farmhouse/Rustic | Baskets, distressed wood signs, iron lanterns | Medium to High | Adds warmth and texture. |
| Traditional/Classic | Fine china, clocks, silver teapots | High | Allows for showcasing detailed, elegant pieces. |
| Bohemian | Colorful textiles draped slightly, macrame | Medium | Focuses on texture and eclectic finds. |
H5: Incorporating Practical Above Cabinet Storage Solutions
Not everything has to be purely decorative. You can cleverly hide practical items up high. This is great for maximizing space in smaller homes.
- Matching Storage Bins: Choose bins made from attractive materials like canvas, dark wood, or woven rattan. Label them clearly but elegantly for items you need occasionally, like extra party supplies or seasonal kitchen gadgets.
- Cookbooks: If you have a large collection and a high gap, stack a few attractive, visually pleasing cookbooks horizontally. Use them as risers for smaller decorative items.
- Small Appliances (Rarely Used): Think about items like a fondue pot or an ice cream maker. If they fit nicely into a basket or box, they are stored but accessible.
H5: Using Kitchen Shelf Ideas Above Cabinets
If your existing cabinets do not have much space above them, or if you want a more intentional display area, consider adding open shelving. This transforms the space into functional display zones. These floating shelves are wonderful kitchen shelf ideas above cabinets.
- Floating Wood Shelves: Match the wood tone to your cabinets or go for a contrasting color for a modern pop. These shelves can hold smaller potted herbs or your favorite mugs.
- Shallow Wire Shelving: In a more industrial or modern kitchen, thin wire shelves provide airy support for minimalist décor.
H5: Mastering Placement and Scale for the Best Look
The key to great cabinet top decorating is scale. An item that looks perfect on a countertop might disappear when placed high up.
- Think Big: Items placed high up need to be larger than you think. A tiny knick-knack will look like dust from the floor. Opt for medium to large statement pieces.
- Balance Weight: If you have a large window on one side of the kitchen, balance it by placing a slightly heavier or taller grouping of décor on the opposite side.
- Avoid Symmetry (Usually): While traditional styles might favor perfect symmetry, modern looks benefit from “visual balance.” Place one tall item on one side and two shorter items grouped together on the other. This creates more visual interest.
Dealing with Cabinet Gaps: Trim and Finish
Sometimes the easiest way to decorate the top of the cabinets is to change the cabinets themselves. If the gap is minimal or you prefer a seamless look, focus on kitchen cabinet trim ideas.
H4: Closing the Gap with Crown Molding
The most professional solution is adding crown molding. This trim piece runs along the top edge of the cabinets and extends up to the ceiling.
- Pros: It makes the cabinets look custom-built and expensive. It eliminates the dust-catching gap entirely.
- Cons: It requires precise measurement and installation, often needing professional help. It also reduces the potential display area.
If you are painting your cabinets, adding the trim beforehand allows you to paint the entire unit in one cohesive color, which is one of the best kitchen cabinet toppers—the trim itself!
H4: Using Temporary Solutions for the Gap
If you rent or don’t want permanent changes, you can disguise the gap.
- Faux Trim Panels: Some homeowners use lightweight foam or wood panels cut to size and painted to match the cabinets. They sit right on top, giving the illusion of height without heavy installation.
- Uplighting: Installing simple LED strip lighting directly to the top edge of the cabinet facing the ceiling washes the ceiling in light. This draws the eye up and makes the ceiling feel higher, effectively distracting from the gap below.
Techniques for Easy Access: No-Ladder Kitchen Cabinet Decorating
If you are not keen on climbing a ladder every time you want to rearrange your display, focus on these simple strategies.
- Select Permanent Pieces: Choose items you rarely need to move or replace. Plants (faux), large ceramic pieces, or fixed architectural details are great choices.
- Use the “One-and-Done” Rule: Group items tightly. Instead of placing five individual items, create one large, unified vignette. When you clean or dust, you move one large object instead of five small ones.
- Employ Extension Tools: For dusting or minor adjustments, use a long-handled duster or an extendable squeegee tool. These can help you manage items without a full ladder setup.
This is particularly relevant for no-ladder kitchen cabinet decorating beginners. Keep it simple, keep it cohesive, and avoid things that need frequent rotation.
DIY Kitchen Cabinet Top Styling Projects
For those who enjoy hands-on projects, there are great ways to create custom décor that fits perfectly.
H5: Painting and Stenciling Signs
Wooden signs are staples in farmhouse kitchens.
- Buy simple, thin wood planks (or use reclaimed wood).
- Paint them a base color (e.g., white or black).
- Use stencils to add sayings like “Coffee Bar,” “Eat,” or simple greenery motifs.
- Lean these against the wall on top of the cabinets.
H5: Creating Faux Topiaries
If you love the formal look but don’t want the upkeep of real topiaries:
- Find two matching ceramic pots.
- Insert sturdy faux boxwood spheres into the pots (using floral foam to secure them).
- The result is a balanced, elegant display that never wilts.
Interpreting Trends in Above Cabinet Decor
Pinterest trends come and go, but some core ideas stick around because they work visually.
| Trend | Visual Characteristics | Current Popularity |
|---|---|---|
| Woven Textures | Rattan, seagrass baskets, woven runners. | Very High (Adds warmth to stark modern kitchens) |
| Muted Color Palettes | Whites, creams, sage greens, terracotta. | High (Creates a calm, cohesive look) |
| Vintage Metal | Copper pots, galvanized buckets, brass candlesticks. | Medium (Good for rustic or industrial styles) |
| Oversized Greenery | Large, draping artificial ferns or ficus trees. | High (Softens hard lines beautifully) |
These elements are often cited in articles about trendy kitchen cabinet decor. They provide texture and depth, preventing the area from looking flat against the ceiling.
Deciphering Storage Needs vs. Display Needs
When deciding what goes up top, ask yourself: How often do I need this item?
If the answer is daily or weekly, it shouldn’t be up high. Above cabinet storage solutions should house items used monthly or seasonally. If you use it once a year (like holiday platters), the top of the cabinet is a perfect, out-of-the-way spot. For display pieces, prioritize beauty over utility.
Final Touches: Lighting and Accessibility
Even with the best décor, if the area is too dark, the items will disappear.
- Accent Lighting: Small, battery-operated puck lights can be tucked behind larger items. Point them upward to illuminate the ceiling slightly, or downward to highlight the décor itself.
- Proximity to Windows: If a window is nearby, use the light. Place items that look good when backlit, like thin glass bottles or delicate metalwork.
Remember, decorating above kitchen cabinets is a marathon, not a sprint. Start with one or two large items, and build your collection over time. Use Pinterest for inspiration, but adapt the ideas to fit your kitchen’s actual dimensions and your personal style. The goal is to create an area that looks intentionally designed, whether you are using simple plants or sophisticated kitchen cabinet trim ideas to achieve the look.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Decorating Above Kitchen Cabinets
Q1: Does decorating above cabinets look dated?
A: It depends entirely on what you choose. Traditional displays featuring too many tiny, mismatched knick-knacks can look dated. However, current trends favor large, cohesive items, greenery, or stylish storage baskets, which look very fresh and current. Focus on texture and scale for a modern look.
Q2: How high should items be placed on top of cabinets?
A: Items should generally be placed deep enough so they are not visible from every angle but tall enough to be seen when you look up. If the gap is large, aim for items that take up at least one-third to one-half of the vertical space. If the items are too small, they get lost.
Q3: Can I use real food items up there?
A: Yes, if they are dried and sealed. Large jars filled with dried pasta, beans, or decorative grains are popular. Avoid anything that might spoil, attract pests, or fade significantly due to heat or light exposure over long periods.
Q4: What materials should I avoid placing above cabinets?
A: Avoid anything extremely heavy, fragile items you cannot easily access, or anything that sheds dust easily (like heavily flocked artificial greenery). Also, avoid items that require electrical cords if you don’t have a safe, hidden way to plug them in.