What can you put above kitchen cabinets? You can put decorative items, storage containers, lighting, plants, or simply leave the space open depending on your ceiling height and style goals. Deciding what to place above kitchen cabinets is a common design puzzle. This area, often overlooked, offers a prime opportunity to boost your kitchen’s style, add extra storage, or simply clean up the look. This guide will explore the top five ideas for decorating above kitchen cabinets, helping you decide the best way for utilizing space above kitchen cabinets in your home.
The Big Question: To Fill or Not to Fill the Gap
The space between your upper cabinets and the ceiling can look awkward. It might collect dust quickly. Or, it can become a showcase for your style. How you handle this area greatly affects the visual appeal above kitchen cabinets.
If your cabinets stop short of the ceiling, you have a choice. You can treat it as open space, or you can fill it in. Filling it offers more places for kitchen cabinet storage solutions or decoration. Leaving it open can make the room feel taller and airier.
Top 5 Ideas for Kitchen Cabinet Top Decor
Choosing the right items depends on your ceiling height, your style, and how much cleaning you are willing to do. Here are the five best ideas for kitchen cabinet top decor.
Idea 1: Use Cabinet Extenders or Crown Molding
This is often the cleanest and most polished approach. If you have a gap, you can close it up. This makes the cabinets look custom-built.
Crown Molding: The Classic Look
Kitchen cabinet crown molding alternatives exist, but real crown molding is a favorite for many. It gives a finished, traditional look. It visually connects the cabinets to the ceiling.
- Pros: Very polished finish. Reduces dust collection.
- Cons: Can be complex to install. Requires precise measurements.
Cabinet Extenders: Simple Fillers
If full crown molding feels like too much, use simple wood extenders. These are often called kitchen cabinet filler ideas. They bridge the gap neatly.
- Style Options for Fillers:
- Match the existing cabinet wood.
- Paint them the same color as the walls for a subtle blend.
- Paint them the same color as the cabinets for a solid block effect.
This approach instantly elevates the space, making the cabinets feel taller without needing decorative items up high.
Idea 2: Display Statement Decor Items
If you love to decorate, the space above your cabinets is a perfect shelf. This is a great way for styling the top of kitchen cabinets without taking up valuable counter space.
Choosing the Right Pieces
When selecting things to display above kitchen cupboards, think big and light. You need items that look good from below. Avoid small trinkets that will look messy or get lost.
- Go Big: Use large pottery, baskets, or oversized serving platters.
- Keep it Light: Heavy items are hard to get down later.
- Consider Theme: Use pieces that match your kitchen style (e.g., nautical themes, rustic greens, or modern minimalist vases).
Table: Good vs. Bad Decor Choices
| Good Choices (High Visual Impact) | Bad Choices (Dust Magnets/Clutter) |
|---|---|
| Large, attractive baskets | Small spice jars |
| Tall vases or glass art | Stacks of old books |
| Oversized faux plants | Delicate, dusty figurines |
| Large decorative plates | Everyday cooking utensils |
Using quality kitchen cabinet topper ideas makes a huge difference here. Look for items that draw the eye upward but don’t look crowded.
Idea 3: Integrated Storage with Stylish Containers
For kitchens needing more space, utilizing space above kitchen cabinets for storage is smart. The key is to use attractive containers so it still looks intentional, not cluttered. This is a fantastic way to implement kitchen cabinet storage solutions for things you use rarely.
Baskets and Bins
Woven baskets are incredibly popular for this spot. They hide contents while adding warmth and texture.
- What to Store Inside:
- Extra paper towels or napkins.
- Seasonal linens (tablecloths, placemats).
- Seldom-used serving ware.
- Bags of dry goods like extra flour or sugar (if sealed well).
Make sure all baskets match or follow a strict color theme. Consistency is key to making storage look like part of the design.
Glass Canisters (Use with Caution)
If your ceiling height allows for very tall canisters, clear glass can look striking. However, they must hold attractive items. Clear glass shows everything. Only use this if the contents are perfectly organized and visually pleasing.
Idea 4: Introduce Lighting for Ambiance
Lighting is a powerful tool for visual appeal above kitchen cabinets. Installing subtle lighting can dramatically change the room’s mood, especially in the evenings.
Uplighting: The Popular Choice
Install LED strip lights or puck lights along the top edge of the cabinets, pointing toward the ceiling. This creates a soft, upward glow.
- Effect: It highlights the ceiling height and washes the upper wall space with warm light. This minimizes the appearance of the gap, making the kitchen feel luxurious.
- Installation Tip: Battery-operated or plug-in LED strips are easiest for DIY installation above cabinets.
Decorative Pendants or Sconces
If the gap is large, or if you opt for lower-height cabinets, you might consider two small, matching pendant lights hanging down slightly lower than the cabinet top. This is a more advanced technique and often works best in kitchens with a specific architectural style, acting as a modern kitchen cabinet crown molding alternative.
Idea 5: Go Green with Faux or Real Plants
Plants bring life and color into any room. The area above cabinets is perfect for greenery that doesn’t need daily care.
Faux Plants for Low Maintenance
For most people, faux plants are the best choice here because watering and dusting are difficult at that height.
- Best Faux Options: Trailing ivy, ferns, or hanging philodendrons look the most realistic when viewed from below.
- Placement: Use only one or two large, cascading plants rather than many small ones.
Real Plants (Only for Very High Ceilings)
If you have high ceilings (10 feet or more) and can easily access the space with a sturdy step ladder, a few resilient real plants might work.
- Best Real Options: Snake plants or ZZ plants tolerate low light well, which kitchens often have.
- Care Note: You must be prepared to water them safely without dripping on your cabinets.
Deciphering the Details: Factors Affecting Your Choice
The best choice for decorating above kitchen cabinets relies on several factors specific to your kitchen layout.
Ceiling Height Comparison
Ceiling height dictates the scale of items you can use.
| Ceiling Height | Recommended Approach | Visual Goal |
|---|---|---|
| 8 Feet (Standard) | Crown molding or cabinet extenders are best. Decorators should choose low-profile items only. | Seamless, built-in look. |
| 9 Feet (Common) | Fillers, medium-sized decorative items, or baskets work well. Uplighting is highly effective. | Clean lines with minor accents. |
| 10+ Feet (High) | Excellent for large statement pieces, tall vases, or even specialized lighting fixtures. | Dramatic height emphasis. |
The Dust Factor and Accessibility
Let’s face it: high spaces collect dust. If you hate cleaning, minimize items up there.
- High Dust Zone: If you rarely dust, choose solid, closed items like painted wood or smooth pottery. Avoid anything with nooks and crannies (like wicker or open lattice).
- Accessibility: Can you safely reach the area? If you need a tall ladder, choose items you won’t need to touch for years. For items needing occasional replacement (like seasonal decor), keep them light.
Kitchen Style Cohesion
Your kitchen cabinet top decor should match your kitchen’s overall style.
- Farmhouse/Rustic: Woven baskets, aged metal containers, or large wooden signs.
- Modern/Minimalist: Clean lines, monochromatic colors, or nothing at all (just crown molding).
- Traditional/Tuscan: Large pottery, colorful glass bottles, or antique copper pieces.
Advanced Techniques: Beyond Simple Display
For homeowners looking for more specialized kitchen cabinet filler ideas, there are creative alternatives to basic decoration.
Concealing Vents or Bulkheads
Sometimes, the space above the cabinets hides necessary but unsightly elements, like range hood venting or structural bulkheads.
- Solution: Custom cabinetry that extends all the way up to the ceiling is the best solution. If this is not possible, using solid crown molding that matches the cabinets is the next best approach to visually disguise these elements.
Incorporating Artwork
If you have a wide span of wall above the cabinets, consider placing a few framed pieces of artwork. This works best when the cabinets are shorter than a standard height, leaving a substantial vertical wall space above them.
- Hanging Tip: Use lightweight frames. Hang them slightly high so they appear proportional to the height of the cabinets below.
Finalizing Your Look: Tips for Styling the Top of Kitchen Cabinets
Successful styling the top of kitchen cabinets is about restraint. Less is usually more. Over-decorating this area can make your kitchen feel heavy and cluttered.
Grouping and Odd Numbers
When placing multiple decorative items, group them in odd numbers (three or five pieces). This is more pleasing to the eye than even groupings. Ensure all items in the group share a common thread—color, material, or shape.
Creating Visual Height
If you want the ceilings to look taller, focus on vertical lines. Tall, slender vases or items that taper upward draw the eye up. Avoid short, squat items unless they are part of a very intentional, low-profile design.
Cleaning Considerations
No matter what you choose, you must commit to cleaning. Dust settles everywhere. If you choose décor, plan on taking everything down twice a year for a thorough wipe-down of both the items and the cabinet tops. This is a major part of maintaining kitchen cabinet top decor.
If cleaning is a major barrier, revert to kitchen cabinet storage solutions like attractive, lidded bins that hide the dust collectors inside.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
H5: Is it trendy to put stuff above kitchen cabinets right now?
Yes, it remains a popular choice, especially in kitchens where cabinets don’t reach the ceiling. However, the trend has shifted toward more intentional, large-scale displays rather than cluttered collections of small items. Many homeowners are opting for crown molding or built-in extenders for a cleaner look, sometimes adding uplighting instead of many decorative objects.
H5: Can I put real food items above kitchen cabinets?
It is generally not recommended. Real food attracts pests, spoils, and is difficult to monitor and clean from that height. Stick to non-perishable, decorative items or securely sealed, non-food storage containers if you must use the space for storage.
H5: How high should I hang lights above my cabinets?
If you are installing uplighting strips, they should be placed right on top of the cabinet structure, facing straight up. If you are using decorative pendant lights, they should hang low enough to be seen clearly, usually a few inches below the top edge of the cabinet, but high enough not to interfere with movement in the kitchen. This depends heavily on the ceiling height.
H5: What materials work best for kitchen cabinet topper ideas?
Materials that are easy to wipe down are best. Think smooth ceramic, sealed metal, glass, or high-quality, tightly woven baskets. Avoid porous materials or anything that is difficult to dust, like complex wicker or rough, unfinished wood.
H5: Are there good kitchen cabinet filler ideas for non-standard cabinet heights?
Absolutely. If your cabinets are slightly uneven, a professional carpenter can build custom filler pieces to bridge the gap perfectly, often incorporating a simple trim piece that acts as a kitchen cabinet crown molding alternative. This achieves a completely custom, seamless look, which is the ultimate goal for utilizing space above kitchen cabinets when dealing with awkward gaps.