Can you put things above kitchen cabinets? Yes, you absolutely can put things above your kitchen cabinets! This space, often overlooked, offers a fantastic chance to boost your kitchen’s style and storage. It’s a key area for styling above kitchen cabinets and making a big design statement.
Maximizing Style in the Gap: Why Decorate Above Cabinets?
Many kitchens have a gap between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling. This space can look bare and collect dust easily. Decorating this area serves several important purposes. It helps finish the look of your kitchen. It draws the eye upward, making the room feel taller. Plus, it gives you a spot for displaying items above kitchen cabinets that matter to you.
Addressing the Height Challenge
The height of the cabinets creates a design problem. If cabinets stop short of the ceiling, the space looks unfinished. Using kitchen cabinet topper ideas helps bridge this visual gap. It creates a cleaner, more custom look.
Beyond Dust: The Decor Advantage
While keeping things clean is a factor, the main goal here is design. This spot is perfect for showcasing personality. It allows you to incorporate height and texture into your kitchen design. Think of it as prime real estate for visual interest.
Essential Steps Before Decorating
Before you start piling on décor, take a few key steps. Proper planning ensures your choices look intentional, not cluttered.
Step 1: Measure the Space
You must know exactly how much room you have. Measure the depth and height of the space above your cabinets. This stops you from buying items that are too tall or too wide. This measurement guides all your kitchen cabinet top decor ideas.
Step 2: Assess Cabinet Height and Ceiling Height
Note the difference between your cabinet tops and the ceiling.
- Small Gap (Under 12 inches): This space is best for flatter items or smaller decorative accents. Big items will look cramped.
- Medium Gap (12 to 24 inches): This offers great flexibility for medium-sized décor pieces.
- Large Gap (Over 24 inches): You can use taller items here, but be careful not to overwhelm the space.
Step 3: Consider Your Kitchen Style
The décor must match your kitchen’s overall theme. A rustic farmhouse kitchen needs different items than a sleek modern one. This step is crucial for successful kitchen cabinet display ideas.
| Kitchen Style | Recommended Décor Elements | Things to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Modern/Sleek | Minimalist art, metal sculptures, clean lines | Clutter, busy patterns, overly ornate items |
| Farmhouse/Rustic | Baskets, antique jars, greenery, wooden signs | High-gloss plastics, ultra-modern pieces |
| Traditional | China, classic pottery, framed prints, small lamps | Bright neon colors, overly casual items |
Top Kitchen Cabinet Top Decor Ideas
There are many ways to fill that upper space. The best choice depends on your style and how much you want to see.
1. Incorporating Greenery and Life
Plants bring life and color to any room. For the space above cabinets, you need plants that tolerate lower light or are artificial.
Faux Greenery Options
Faux plants are low maintenance. They look great year-round.
- Trailing Vines: Ivy or eucalyptus strands look wonderful draped slightly over the cabinet edge. They soften the hard lines.
- Potted Herbs (Faux): Small bundles of faux basil or rosemary add a kitchen feel.
- Tall Grasses: Pampas grass or tall, slender reeds work well in narrow, tall gaps.
2. Showcasing Collections
If you have collections you love but rarely use, this is the place to show them off. This is where the idea of what to put above kitchen cabinets really shines.
- Vintage Pottery and Ceramics: Mismatched antique bowls or serving platters look charming stacked or lined up.
- Glassware: Colored glass pieces or vintage crystal catch the light beautifully.
- Cookbooks (Selectively): A few beautiful, oversized cookbooks can add texture. Make sure they are visually appealing, not just random books.
3. Utilizing Baskets and Containers
Baskets add texture. They also offer an element of hidden storage, even if they aren’t actively holding anything.
- Woven Baskets: Use natural materials like rattan or seagrass. They work well in many styles, especially coastal or farmhouse.
- Metal Bins: For an industrial look, use galvanized metal bins or wire baskets.
- Grouping: Group odd numbers (three or five) of similar baskets for a balanced look.
4. Adding Architectural Interest with Molding and Toppers
If the gap is too large, simple decor can look lost. You might need to address the architecture first. While kitchen cabinet crown molding alternatives are popular, sometimes the best fix is to use items that mimic molding.
- Faux Crown Molding: If you have a gap under 12 inches, sometimes adding a simple piece of decorative trim along the top edge of the cabinet can create the illusion of height without needing décor above it.
- Decorative Risers: Use tall, slender boxes or wood risers to elevate smaller décor items, making them more visible from the floor.
5. Lighting for Ambiance
Lighting draws attention upward and makes the space feel sophisticated. This is a fantastic way of styling above kitchen cabinets.
- Battery-Operated Puck Lights: Stick these under any decorative items that cast a nice shadow or highlight texture.
- Small Table Lamps: If the ceiling clearance is generous, a pair of small, matching lamps can add a cozy, library-like feel. Use vintage bases for charm.
- LED Strip Lights: Install these pointing upwards from the cabinet top to wash the ceiling with soft light.
Achieving Balance: Displaying Items Above Kitchen Cabinets
The key to successful decorating here is balance, not filling every inch. Too much stuff looks messy and traps dirt.
The Rule of Odds and Visual Weight
Always use odd numbers when grouping items (three or five). This feels more natural and dynamic than even numbers.
- Visual Weight: Place heavier, darker items toward the center or near the bulkier cabinets. Put lighter, airier items (like thin vases or light greenery) near the edges.
Creating Vignettes
Think of the space as several small scenes, or vignettes. Each section above a cabinet run should tell a mini-story.
- Example Vignette: A tall, dark vase on the left, a cluster of three white ceramic canisters in the middle, and a trailing vine spilling over on the right.
Considering Sight Lines
What can you see from your main entryway or dining area? Prioritize the items visible from these key spots. You don’t need perfect decoration on the side facing the wall.
Design Solutions for Specific Cabinet Issues
Sometimes, the issue isn’t just decorating; it’s how to deal with the inherent structure of the cabinets themselves.
Dealing with Shallow Spaces
If your cabinets are very shallow, tall items will look unstable or stick out too far.
- Flat Art: Lean slim, framed pieces of art against the wall.
- Layering: Use items of varying heights but shallow depths, placing taller ones slightly behind shorter ones.
The Question of Decorating Under Kitchen Cabinets
While this guide focuses on above, it’s worth noting that the space under cabinets also needs attention. If the area above is busy, keep the area below simple. Use task lighting, magnetic knife strips, or simple utensil rails. Clutter in both spots creates visual chaos.
When to Use Kitchen Cabinet Filler Ideas Instead of Décor
Sometimes, the gap is too awkward for décor. If you have only 4 to 8 inches of space, fillers are a better choice than trying to balance tiny objects.
- Wood Fillers: Hire a carpenter to add custom wood panels or trim to bridge the gap perfectly to the ceiling. This creates a built-in look.
- Cabinet Extensions: In some cases, it’s possible to build a small, shallow extension on top of the existing cabinets to meet the ceiling line cleanly.
When to Opt for Open Shelving Above Kitchen Cabinets
In some designs, especially those aiming for an airy, bright feel, completely skipping closed cabinets above the existing line might be an option. This is where open shelving above kitchen cabinets comes into play.
Advantages of Open Upper Shelves
- Display Opportunity: It allows for easier access and better display of frequently used, attractive items (like everyday mugs or mixing bowls).
- Lightness: Open shelving prevents the kitchen from feeling too top-heavy or boxed in.
Considerations for Open Shelving
- Maintenance: Open shelves collect dust and grease easily. You must be willing to wipe down items frequently.
- Visual Clutter: Only display attractive items. If you store mismatched containers up there, it will look messy fast.
Maintenance and Practicality
Decorating high up means cleaning can be a chore. Be practical about what you choose.
Making Cleaning Easier
- Material Choice: Avoid porous materials like unglazed terracotta, which can easily absorb kitchen grease over time. Opt for glass, glazed ceramic, or metal.
- Frequency: Commit to dusting this area at least every three months. Use a long-handled duster or a vacuum cleaner attachment.
Safety First
If you have small children or pets, ensure that any taller, breakable items are placed centrally and securely. Avoid anything that could be easily knocked over when reaching for a high cabinet.
FAQ: Styling the Space Above Your Kitchen Cabinets
Q: Is it better to match the decor above the cabinets or contrast it?
A: It is usually best to coordinate the color palette but vary the texture. For example, if your cabinets are dark wood, use white or cream ceramics above them for contrast. If your cabinets are white, use warm wood tones or metal for contrast. Avoid using the exact same finish, as this makes the area blend in too much.
Q: Should I put things above my cabinets if they don’t reach the ceiling?
A: Yes, if the gap is large enough (over 12 inches) and you choose items with vertical height. If the gap is very small (under 8 inches), it often looks neater to skip decoration and use kitchen cabinet filler ideas or trim to reach the ceiling instead.
Q: Can I use items that are useful, not just decorative?
A: Absolutely! Practical items make great décor when chosen carefully. Large, decorative serving bowls, attractive tea tins, or even a stack of neatly folded linen tea towels placed in a wire basket all count as functional décor. This is a great way to maximize kitchen cabinet display ideas while keeping things useful.
Q: What if my cabinets already go up to the ceiling?
A: If your cabinets meet the ceiling, you have successfully skipped the debate about styling above kitchen cabinets! Focus your efforts instead on decorating under kitchen cabinets with attractive lighting or backsplash elements. If you have an even smaller gap, consider adding crown molding or a slim ledge for resting small items.