What can I put on top of kitchen cabinets for a modern look? You can put many things on top of modern kitchen cabinets, such as decorative items, plants, stylish lighting, or even neat storage containers. The key is to keep it simple and choose pieces that match your kitchen’s clean lines and contemporary style. This space, often overlooked, offers a great chance to boost your kitchen’s look.
The area above kitchen cabinets can be a decorating challenge. Sometimes it’s too high to reach easily. Other times, it just looks empty. But with the right approach, utilizing space above kitchen cabinets can transform a plain kitchen into a magazine-worthy space. This long article will give you many kitchen cabinet decor ideas for a sleek, modern feel. We will focus on modern kitchen cabinet styling that is both pretty and practical.
Why Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets?
Many people leave this space bare. They think it is too dusty or hard to reach. However, this area is prime real estate for design. It draws the eye upward. This makes your whole kitchen feel taller and grander. Good kitchen cabinet toppers help finish the room’s look. It is a great way to add personality without cluttering your counters.
The Modern Aesthetic
Modern design favors clean lines. It loves open space and a lack of clutter. When choosing decorative items for kitchen cabinets, think quality over quantity. A few well-chosen items look much better than many small, busy trinkets. We want objects that speak to simple beauty.
Practical Considerations Before Decorating
Before you start piling on items, think about a few things. This makes sure your display looks good and lasts long.
Height and Clearance
How much space is there between the top of your cabinets and the ceiling? Tall cabinets leave less room. Short cabinets offer more space. Measure this gap. This guides what size items you can use. Very tall items might look awkward if they almost touch the ceiling.
Dust and Cleaning
The area above cabinets collects dust easily. It is hard to reach. Choose items that are easy to wipe down. Smooth, non-porous materials work best. Consider this when choosing contemporary kitchen cabinet accessories.
Lighting Impact
Does this area get direct sunlight? Some materials fade over time. Also, think about adding lighting up there. Accent lights can make your display pop at night. This is a key part of stylish kitchen cabinet displays.
Top Tier Ideas for Modern Kitchen Cabinet Displays
Let’s dive into specific items perfect for a modern look above your cabinets. These ideas focus on simple shapes and quality materials.
1. Greenery: Modern Plants and Faux Foliage
Plants bring life to any room. In a modern kitchen, choose structured, simple plants. Big, leafy types work well if you have the space.
Live Plants
If you have good light (especially near windows), live plants are fantastic. They add needed color.
- Snake Plants (Sansevieria): Tall and upright. They need little water and have great modern lines.
- Pothos: If you let the vines drape down slightly, they add a soft contrast to hard cabinetry.
- Succulents or Cacti: Good for sunny spots. Group a few in simple ceramic pots.
High-Quality Faux Plants
If light is poor or you dislike plant care, use fake ones. Modern fake plants look much better than older versions. Look for realistic textures and muted colors.
2. Sculptural Elements and Vases
Modern design often uses art pieces as decoration. Objects with interesting shapes draw the eye. Think about texture and form.
Simple Ceramics
Choose vases or bowls with matte finishes. White, black, charcoal grey, or muted earth tones fit the modern palette best.
- Tall, slender vases: Place one or two on either side of the cabinet run. They emphasize vertical height.
- Abstract sculptures: A geometric metal piece or a smooth, curved ceramic object adds artistry.
Metal Accents
Metals add a touch of shine without being flashy.
- Brushed Brass or Matte Black Objects: These finishes tie into modern hardware trends. Think of metal bowls or abstract wire sculptures.
3. Stylish Storage Solutions
Sometimes, the best decor is disguised storage. This addresses kitchen cabinet top storage solutions while looking good. Keep these items cohesive in color and material.
Woven Baskets
Woven textures add warmth, which balances sleek modern finishes like stainless steel or glossy paint.
- Rattan or Seagrass Baskets: Choose rectangular or square shapes for a cleaner look than round ones.
- Use: Store less-used but necessary items, like holiday platters or extra serving pieces.
Canisters and Jars
If your cabinets are very tall, large, beautiful canisters can fill the space nicely.
- Glass Jars with Wooden Lids: Great if you want a slightly rustic modern touch.
- Matte Black or White Ceramic Jars: These blend in seamlessly with contemporary schemes.
4. Strategic Lighting Touches
Lighting above cabinets is one of the most impactful ways to style this area. It adds depth and ambiance.
LED Strip Lighting
This is a subtle, modern choice. Stick-on LED strips (warm white is usually best) cast a soft glow upwards. It highlights the texture of the ceiling or the top edge of the cabinets. This elevates any kitchen cabinet decorating trends.
Small, Modern Lamps or Pendants
If you have significant vertical space, consider placing a small, architecturally interesting table lamp up there. Look for lamps with metal bases or simple drum shades. This is a bold choice but very effective for stylish kitchen cabinet displays.
5. Curated Collections
If you must display multiple items, group them carefully. A collection looks intentional, not cluttered. This is key for successful displaying items on kitchen cabinets.
Matching Sets
A set of three or five matching objects is visually pleasing.
- Three graduated-size white bowls.
- Five identical small, dark-colored planters.
The Rule of Odds
People’s eyes like odd numbers (one, three, five). If you use several items, stick to odds. Arrange them at varying heights to create visual interest.
Material Choices for a Contemporary Feel
The materials you select define the “modern” aspect of your display. Avoid overly ornate, busy, or highly colored items.
| Material | Why It Works for Modern Style | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Matte Ceramics | Simple texture, absorbs light softly. | Vases, bowls, decorative spheres. |
| Glass (Smoked or Clear) | Adds light reflection without clutter. | Tall, thin bottles or minimalist terrariums. |
| Metal (Brushed/Matte) | Adds industrial chic or warmth (brass). | Sculptures, frames, modern candle holders. |
| Natural Wood (Light) | Brings warmth to contrast sleek cabinets. | Basket handles, wooden lids on canisters. |
Design Strategies for High Spaces
Utilizing space above kitchen cabinets requires thinking vertically. Here is how to make the most of that height.
h4: The “Less Is More” Philosophy
In modern design, empty space (negative space) is as important as the objects themselves. Do not feel the need to fill every inch. A few well-placed, substantial items look far classier than filling the space edge-to-edge. This is essential for successful modern kitchen cabinet styling.
h4: Creating Height Variation
A flat line of objects is boring. Create peaks and valleys.
- Place the tallest item in the center (if you have one long stretch of cabinets).
- Flank it with medium-height items.
- Use short items or let open space around the edges.
This rhythm makes the display dynamic.
h4: Color Palette Cohesion
The items you choose should primarily use the colors already present in your kitchen.
- If your counters are white quartz and your cabinets are dark grey, use white, grey, black, and maybe one metallic accent (like gold or copper) up top.
- This prevents the top area from looking like an afterthought. It makes the whole installation feel deliberate. These tips help with kitchen cabinet decor ideas.
h4: Using Scale Appropriately
If you have very tall cabinets (reaching 10 or 11 feet high), small trinkets disappear. They look like dust bunnies from the floor. Use larger, bolder pieces to fill that vertical void. A tall, slender piece of art or a large basket works better than many tiny picture frames.
Alternatives When Cabinets Don’t Reach the Ceiling
What if you have a standard 8-foot ceiling and cabinets that stop short? This gap is often 12 to 18 inches. This is an ideal spot for more accessible display.
h5: Floating Shelves Above Cabinets
If space allows, install a narrow floating shelf just above the cabinet line. This gives you a second, easily reachable display tier. Use it for cookbooks or attractive coffee mugs. This is a great way to implement stylish kitchen cabinet displays that offer utility.
h5: Architectural Trim or Molding
For a custom, built-in look, you can install molding or trim right onto the cabinet tops. This closes the gap visually. The top surface then becomes a clean ledge for contemporary kitchen cabinet accessories rather than an awkward gap. This technique instantly elevates the perceived quality of the cabinetry.
Specific Examples for Different Modern Styles
Modern design has sub-styles. Tailor your decorative items for kitchen cabinets to match your kitchen’s specific flavor.
h4: Minimalist Modern
Minimalism demands extreme restraint.
- Focus: One or two objects, total.
- Example: A single, large, matte white abstract ceramic piece centered over the main cabinet run. Or, just simple, clean LED strip lighting. Absolutely no clutter.
h4: Industrial Modern
This style loves raw materials and dark metals.
- Focus: Metal, dark wood, and geometric shapes.
- Example: Two black metal lanterns (unlit, used purely for shape) or a collection of dark glass bottles/vases. This leans into kitchen cabinet top storage solutions if the bottles can hold bulk dried goods later.
h4: Scandinavian Modern (Scandi)
Scandi design is light, bright, and natural.
- Focus: Light woods, white, wool, and simple greenery.
- Example: A long, narrow wooden tray holding three small, white, textured pots with simple succulents.
Utilizing the Space for Hidden Function
Sometimes, the best decoration is something that serves a purpose but is chosen for its aesthetic appeal. This directly addresses kitchen cabinet top storage solutions.
h5: Seasonal Rotation
Keep your display fresh by rotating items seasonally. This keeps things interesting and prevents dust buildup from seeming too permanent.
- Spring/Summer: Light linens in baskets, pale glass jars.
- Fall: Items with muted orange, deep green, or brass accents.
- Winter: Simple white ceramics, perhaps a few stylized metallic ornaments (not overtly Christmas-y).
h5: The “Art Gallery” Approach
If the space above your cabinets is deep enough, you can lean small pieces of framed art against the wall. Choose art that reflects your kitchen colors—abstract prints or architectural sketches work perfectly for a modern look. Make sure the frames are thin and sleek (metal or thin black wood).
Avoiding Common Decorating Mistakes
To maintain a crisp, modern look, steer clear of these common pitfalls when displaying items on kitchen cabinets.
h4: Over-Grouping Small Items
A line of ten tiny salt and pepper shakers is not modern; it’s cluttered. If you have many small items, put them inside a large, attractive glass cloche or basket on the cabinet top.
h4: Using “Themed” Decor
Avoid anything too specific like “beachy shells” or “farmhouse signs.” These clash with the clean lines of modern design. Stick to shape, texture, and color over explicit themes.
h4: Items That Trap Dust Excessively
Avoid items with intricate crevices, open weaving that is too loose, or highly textured fabric elements. These are dust magnets and make cleaning a nightmare. Remember, utilizing space above kitchen cabinets means accepting a little extra cleaning now and then. Keep surfaces smooth.
h4: Disproportionate Scale
Never use items that look dwarfed by the space. A tiny 4-inch tall souvenir looks lost atop a massive 18-inch gap above the cabinets. Ensure your items have some visual weight and presence.
Integrating Top Decor with Cabinet Hardware
For a truly cohesive modern look, the pieces you place above the cabinets should harmonize with your cabinet hardware and other metal accents in the room (like faucets or appliance handles).
If your hardware is matte black, select matte black vases or charcoal grey ceramics. If your hardware is brushed nickel, lean toward clear glass or silver-toned metallic sculptures. This subtle coordination ties the whole room design together, perfecting your modern kitchen cabinet styling.
| Hardware Finish | Recommended Top Decor Finish | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Matte Black | Dark ceramics, black metal, deep slate. | Strong, graphic, intentional contrast. |
| Brushed Gold/Brass | Cream ceramics, light wood, amber glass. | Warm, sophisticated accent. |
| Stainless Steel/Chrome | Clear glass, white porcelain, simple silver metals. | Cool, clean, highly minimalist. |
Final Touches: Making it Look Professional
Achieving professional-looking kitchen cabinet decor ideas is about intention. Every item must feel like it belongs there.
h5: Working with Cabinet Color
Consider the color of your cabinets themselves.
- White Cabinets: Almost anything works. Use high contrast items (black, deep blue) for drama, or keep it all white/cream for a seamless, ethereal look.
- Dark Cabinets (Navy, Charcoal): Use lighter colors on top—creams, pale woods, or brass—to keep the space from feeling too heavy.
h5: Lighting Up the Display
If you do not want permanent strip lighting, use battery-operated puck lights. Place one or two strategically behind a tall vase or lamp. When turned on in the evening, it creates a soft glow. This sophisticated trick instantly makes your stylish kitchen cabinet displays look custom-designed.
h5: The Importance of Negative Space
When arranging your pieces, step back frequently. Are the items too close together? If they touch, they stop being individual pieces of decor and become one bulky mass. Give each chosen object room to “breathe.” This respect for empty space is fundamental to contemporary kitchen cabinet accessories displays.
This deliberate, thoughtful approach transforms the top of your cabinets from unused dead space into a deliberate design feature, significantly contributing to the overall modern kitchen cabinet styling of your home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Should I put items on top of all my kitchen cabinets, even if they are short?
A: Yes, but adjust the scale. If the space is small (less than 8 inches), use just one or two small, very high-quality items, like a single beautiful metallic sphere or a small, striking geometric object. Keep it extremely simple to avoid looking cluttered.
Q2: Is it acceptable to use everyday kitchen items up there?
A: Absolutely, especially for kitchen cabinet top storage solutions. If you have beautiful oversized mixing bowls or decorative serving trays you rarely use, stack them neatly. Ensure they are visually appealing and match your color scheme.
Q3: How often should I dust the items above the cabinets?
A: Aim to dust at least once a month. Since the area is hard to reach, consider using a long-handled duster or a vacuum attachment with a soft brush. Choosing smooth, easy-to-wipe items, as discussed, makes this chore much faster.
Q4: Can I use photographs or framed art above my cabinets?
A: Yes, framed art works well for displaying items on kitchen cabinets, provided the frames are modern (thin metal or black/white wood). Avoid busy or colorful photos. Abstract prints or black-and-white architectural photos fit the modern aesthetic best.
Q5: What if I have cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling?
A: If cabinets touch the ceiling, you have no space above them. Focus your decorating efforts elsewhere! You can still incorporate modern kitchen cabinet styling through hardware choices, updated cabinet finishes, or adding decorative items inside glass-front cabinets instead.