Can I put things above my kitchen cabinets? Yes, you absolutely can put things above your kitchen cabinets! This often-wasted space presents a huge chance to store more items or make your kitchen look great. Many people wonder how to handle this area. We will explore many ways to tackle the gap above your kitchen cabinets, from smart storage to beautiful decor.
The space resting above your kitchen cabinets, often called the “soffit gap,” is prime real estate in any kitchen. When cabinets do not reach the ceiling, this area can look dusty and unfinished. Ignoring it means missing out on valuable storage and display opportunities. Let’s look at how you can stop seeing dead space and start seeing potential. This guide offers practical tips for utilizing space above kitchen cabinets effectively.
The Dilemma: High, Empty, and Awkward
Most standard kitchens have a gap of 12 to 24 inches between the top of the upper cabinets and the ceiling. This spot collects dust and grease easily. It can make a kitchen feel dated if left empty or messy. The main goals when dealing with this area are twofold: improve looks and boost storage. We need solutions that make sense for your lifestyle and your home’s style.
Option 1: Closing the Gap for a Clean Look
If you prefer a sleek, modern, or very traditional look, closing the gap entirely is often the best route. This creates a seamless line right to the ceiling.
Installing Cabinet Extensions
The most professional way to fill this area is by adding cabinet extensions. These are custom-built pieces that match your existing cabinets perfectly. They run from the top of the standard cabinet right up to the ceiling. This completely eliminates the dusting issue and provides a high-end look.
- Pros: Looks custom and clean. Maximizes vertical space visually.
- Cons: Requires precise measuring and often professional installation. Can be costly.
Kitchen Cabinet Soffit Alternatives
In older homes, a soffit often covers ductwork or plumbing near the ceiling. If you have an existing soffit but want a different look, you can often remove it or cover it. If removal is impossible, you can treat the soffit itself as a built-in shelf or cover it with decorative trim to make it look intentional. This prevents the gap from looking like an oversight.
Filling Gap Above Kitchen Cabinets with Paneling or Trim
If full cabinet extensions are too much work, you can use simple wall paneling or large trim pieces to meet the ceiling. Paint this material the same color as your cabinets or ceiling. This visually connects the top of the cabinets to the ceiling, making the room feel taller and tidier. This is a great DIY solution.
Option 2: Smart Storage Solutions
If storage is your main goal, the area above cabinets can become hidden storage. This is perfect for items you rarely use but need to keep. This falls under great kitchen cabinet top storage ideas.
Closed Bins and Baskets
Using matching containers keeps the area neat, even if the items inside are not perfectly organized. Choose sturdy bins made of wicker, woven seagrass, or solid-colored metal. Consistency in color and material is key for a polished appearance.
What to store in these bins:
- Holiday decorations (e.g., seasonal platters, specific serving ware).
- Extra paper towels or bulk pantry overflow.
- Seldom-used small appliances (like a bread maker or ice cream maker).
- Extra table linens or specialized cleaning supplies.
When storing items above kitchen cabinets, ensure the containers are light enough to pull down safely, especially if you need a step stool.
Installing Shelving Above Cabinets
For better accessibility, consider installing a sturdy shelf right above the cabinets. This turns the space into accessible, high-up shelving. This option is excellent for maximizing vertical kitchen storage.
Factors for Shelf Installation Above Cabinets:
| Factor | Consideration | Impact on Look |
|---|---|---|
| Shelf Material | Wood, metal, or glass | Wood matches cabinets; glass looks lighter. |
| Mounting Type | Brackets or hidden supports | Visible brackets add rustic charm; hidden supports look modern. |
| Load Bearing | Must support weight safely | Use anchors drilled into studs for safety. |
If you choose to put heavy items here, proper shelf installation above cabinets is non-negotiable for safety.
Option 3: Display and Decorate
For many homeowners, the space above the cabinets is purely for aesthetics. It’s a chance to add personality and height to the room. This is where decorating above kitchen cabinets shines. Keep the décor cohesive and avoid clutter.
Utilizing Display Ideas for Space Above Cabinets
The rule of thumb here is “less is more.” Too many small items create visual clutter. Instead, choose a few large, intentional pieces.
Great Items for Display:
- Oversized Pottery or Vases: Tall, dramatic pieces draw the eye up.
- Vintage Kitchenware: Old enamel pots, large mixing bowls, or antique pitchers work well.
- Cookbooks or Tins: A small, curated stack of attractive cookbooks or vintage tea tins adds charm.
- Faux Greenery: High-quality faux plants, like trailing ivy, can soften the hard lines of the cabinets.
When displaying items above kitchen cabinets, ensure they are easy to dust or wipe down. Items with lots of crevices (like intricate figurines) will attract kitchen grease and dirt rapidly.
Adding Architectural Interest with Lighting
Lighting can transform this neglected area. Adding strip LED lighting underneath the top edge of your cabinets, aimed upwards, washes the ceiling and the items on top with a soft glow. This technique highlights any décor or simply draws attention away from the gap itself. It creates a sophisticated ambiance, especially in the evening.
Incorporating Crown Molding for Kitchen Cabinets
To make the cabinets look custom-built, add crown molding for kitchen cabinets. Molding bridges the gap between the cabinet top and the ceiling. You can choose simple, modern profiles or ornate, traditional styles, depending on your kitchen design.
- Simple Crown: Creates a clean, modern transition.
- Layered Crown: Using multiple layers of trim adds depth and an expensive, built-in feel.
If the gap is very large, you might need filler pieces between the cabinet top and the start of the crown molding. This finishing touch elevates the entire kitchen design immediately.
Safety and Practical Considerations
Before implementing any solution, safety and maintenance must be prioritized. This space is high up, making access difficult.
Accessibility Matters
Any item placed above cabinets should ideally only be accessed once or twice a year. If you must access something frequently, it should be on a lower shelf or inside the cabinet. Always use a sturdy step stool or ladder. Never balance on a chair!
Dust and Grease Management
Kitchens are humid environments where grease and steam circulate. Anything placed above cabinets will become coated in a sticky film over time.
- Open Displays: Require frequent, careful cleaning with a degreasing solution and a long duster.
- Closed Bins: Protect contents from dust but the exterior of the bins will still need regular wiping.
If you choose to leave the space empty but want it to look finished, consider painting the ceiling area directly above the cabinets with a high-gloss paint. This reflective surface is easier to wipe down than standard matte ceiling paint and helps bounce light around the room.
Weight Limitations
If you plan on heavy kitchen cabinet top storage ideas, you must ensure the cabinet structure can handle the load. Most standard particle board or MDF cabinets are designed for interior vertical loads, not heavy external weight resting on top. Consult with a contractor if you plan to store heavy items or install full shelving.
Design Styles and The Gap Above Cabinets
How you treat the space above your cabinets should match your kitchen’s overall style.
Modern and Minimalist Kitchens
Minimalist designs favor clean lines and hidden storage.
- Best Solution: Install custom cabinet extensions or layered crown molding to close the gap entirely.
- If Displaying: Use monochromatic, sleek items (like white ceramic vessels) or hide items completely behind seamless panels.
Farmhouse and Rustic Kitchens
These styles embrace texture and curated collections.
- Best Solution: Use woven baskets for hidden storage or display ideas for space above cabinets featuring aged metal, wooden crates, or antique signage.
- Lighting: Exposed bulb fixtures or antique-style sconces aimed upward can enhance the rustic feel.
Traditional and Classic Kitchens
These styles call for rich detail and formality.
- Best Solution: Extensive, detailed crown molding for kitchen cabinets is ideal. If you leave a gap, fill it with substantial, classic pieces like detailed urns or matching sets of heavy pitchers.
Comparing the Top Three Methods
Here is a quick comparison to help you decide the best path forward for maximizing vertical kitchen storage.
| Method | Primary Benefit | Aesthetic Appeal | Maintenance Level | Cost Estimate (Relative) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinet Extensions | Seamless, finished look | Very High | Low (No dusting of the gap) | High |
| Decor/Display | Personalization, visual height | Medium to High (Depends on execution) | High (Frequent dusting) | Low to Medium |
| Closed Storage Bins | Hidden, accessible storage | Medium (If bins match) | Medium (Exterior bins must be cleaned) | Low |
Final Thoughts on Finishing Touches
Deciding what to do with the space above kitchen cabinets comes down to balancing needs: Do you need more storage, or do you need a cleaner look?
If your cabinets are significantly lower than the ceiling, opting for kitchen cabinet soffit alternatives or custom extensions provides the most lasting, high-quality result. If you are renting or on a tight budget, focus on smart decor—a few well-chosen items or high-quality, uniform storage bins will make the area look purposeful rather than neglected.
By carefully planning, you turn that awkward, dusty gap into a feature that complements your kitchen design, making every inch count toward maximizing vertical kitchen storage beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it bad for cabinets if I put heavy items on top?
Yes, it can be bad. Most standard kitchen cabinets are not engineered to bear significant weight resting directly on the top edges. Heavy items can cause the cabinet boxes to bow, warp, or even pull away from the wall over time. For heavy storage, ensure you install proper internal or external shelving anchored securely into wall studs, not just resting on the cabinet frame.
How high should items be placed above cabinets?
Ideally, items should be placed high enough that they do not interfere with any existing light fixtures or ceiling vents. If you are using baskets or décor, ensure they are visible enough from the floor to look intentional, but not so low that they look cramped or block the cabinet lines. For safety, try to keep items near the front edge where they can be reached with a sturdy step stool.
Can I paint the space above the cabinets?
If you choose to leave the gap open but want it to look finished, yes, you can paint the exposed wall or ceiling area above the cabinets. Painting this area the same color as the ceiling often visually raises the ceiling height. If you have a very high gap, painting it the same color as the cabinets can help blend the upper portion downwards, making the cabinets seem taller.
What materials should I avoid using for display above cabinets?
Avoid porous materials like unfinished wood, intricate lace, or items with many small crevices. Kitchen environments generate grease and steam. These elements combine with airborne dust to create a sticky buildup that is very hard to clean off porous surfaces. Choose smooth, washable items like glass, glazed ceramic, or metal.