What can you put above kitchen cabinets? You can place decorative items, useful storage containers, greenery, or even skip filling the space altogether if you prefer a clean look. The area above your kitchen cabinets offers a prime opportunity to enhance your kitchen’s style and functionality. Many homeowners overlook this space, but it is perfect for displaying personality or hiding less attractive items.
The gap between the top of your kitchen cabinets and the ceiling is a common design challenge. Some kitchens have very little space, while others have a large void. How you handle this area drastically affects the overall look of your kitchen. It can make the room feel finished or look incomplete. Deciding whether to use this space for kitchen cabinet top decor or practical storage depends on your kitchen size, ceiling height, and personal style.
Assessing Your Kitchen Space: Ceiling Height Matters
The first step in deciding what goes above your cabinets is looking at the gap itself. Kitchen ceiling heights vary a lot. Older homes might have lower ceilings, while new constructions often feature vaulted or very tall ceilings.
Low Gaps (Under 12 Inches)
If the space is small, decorating becomes tricky. Large items look clumsy. This area is best used for subtle details or closed storage.
- Use Trim or Molding: This is often the neatest solution. Kitchen cabinet molding ideas can bridge the gap perfectly. Crown molding makes the cabinets look built-in and tall.
- Minimalist Decor: If you must decorate, choose a few small, matching items. Think uniformity over clutter.
Medium Gaps (12 to 24 Inches)
This is a very common size. It allows for more creative expression. You have enough room for moderate-sized decor or accessible storage solutions above cabinets.
- Layered Decor: You can group items together for visual interest. Taller items in the back, smaller ones in front work well.
- Functional Baskets: Use attractive wicker or metal baskets for storing seldom-used appliances or extra linens.
High Gaps (Over 24 Inches)
A large space above cabinets can feel overwhelming. If left empty, it draws the eye upward to the empty volume. Filling this space is crucial for balance.
- Use Tall Elements: Tall vases, large pieces of art leaning against the wall, or stacked decorative boxes work best here.
- Consider Filler Cabinets: If possible, extend the cabinets to the ceiling using filler cabinets. This maximizes maximizing space above cabinets completely.
Decorating Above Kitchen Cabinets: Creating Visual Interest
Decorating above kitchen cabinets is about adding character without making the space look cluttered. The goal is aesthetic appeal. This is where kitchen cabinet top decor shines. Keep the overall style of your kitchen in mind when choosing items.
The “Less Is More” Approach
Clutter above cabinets instantly makes a kitchen look messy and dated. Stick to a few carefully chosen items.
- Rule of Three: Group items in threes or odd numbers. This is naturally pleasing to the eye.
- Vary Heights and Textures: Mix tall and short items. Use smooth glass next to rough pottery. This adds depth.
- Maintain Color Consistency: If your kitchen has a specific color palette (e.g., blues and whites), ensure your displayed items follow that scheme.
Ideas for Stylish Kitchen Cabinet Toppers
What should you choose to display? The best stylish kitchen cabinet toppers blend seamlessly with your kitchen design.
| Decor Item | Best For | Style Fit | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faux Greenery/Plants | Adding life and color | Farmhouse, Bohemian, Modern | Use high-quality faux plants; dust them regularly. |
| Vintage Pottery/Vases | Adding texture and history | Traditional, Rustic | Group matching sets or contrasting shapes. |
| Cookbooks (Stacked) | Adding height and color pops | Traditional, Eclectic | Use attractive, visually pleasing spine designs. |
| Decorative Baskets | Blending storage and style | Farmhouse, Coastal | Ensure baskets are clean and well-maintained. |
| Architectural Salvage | Unique focal points | Industrial, Rustic | Old clocks, metal signage, or wooden beams. |
| Collected Glassware | Reflecting light | Modern, Traditional | Use colored glass for subtle pops of color. |
Incorporating Greenery
Plants bring life into any room. If you choose this path for displaying items above kitchen cabinets, consider the light exposure.
- Real Plants: Only choose low-light tolerant plants if the space receives little natural light, like Pothos or Snake Plants. Remember watering can be messy up high.
- High-Quality Faux Plants: These are popular because they require zero maintenance. Look for realistic textures. Long trailing vines (like ivy) look fantastic draping down slightly.
Using Art and Mirrors
If the space is very tall, art can fill the vertical area effectively.
- Leaning Art: Place large framed prints or canvases against the wall above the cabinets. This adds a gallery feel.
- Mirrors: Small, decorative mirrors can reflect light, making the kitchen feel brighter. Be careful; reflections of messy counters can be distracting.
Practical Storage Solutions Above Cabinets
Not every piece needs to be purely decorative. Storage solutions above cabinets can hide necessary but unsightly items. The key here is presentation. If it’s stored up high, it must look intentional.
Baskets and Bins: The Go-To Solution
Attractive woven baskets are fantastic for maximizing space above cabinets. They hide the contents completely, offering a unified look.
- Material Matters: Choose materials that match your kitchen hardware or flooring—wicker for warmth, dark metal for modern looks.
- Labeling: Even though they hide contents, adding small labels (like chalkboard tags) can help you remember what is stored inside.
What Can You Store Up High?
The items stored here should be things you do not use every day. Access can be difficult, so convenience is less important than organization.
- Seasonal Decor: Holiday items that are flat or boxed.
- Extra Servingware: Large punch bowls or platters used only for big parties.
- Seldom-Used Small Appliances: Things like ice cream makers or specialized baking tins.
- Extra Linens: Tablecloths or backup cloth napkins.
Open Shelving vs. Closed Containers
If you opt for kitchen cabinet filler ideas that involve open containers, you must be meticulous about what goes inside.
- If using open shelves or glass jars, only store attractive items, like uniform, clear glass canisters filled with dry pasta or grains (if they fit the aesthetic).
- If using opaque baskets, you have more freedom regarding the contents.
Achieving a Finished Look with Cabinet Extensions and Molding
Sometimes, the best solution is not decorating the gap but eliminating it. This creates a custom, high-end built-in appearance. This falls under kitchen cabinet molding ideas.
Cabinet Fillers
Kitchen cabinet filler ideas are crucial when your cabinets do not perfectly meet the wall or ceiling.
- Standard Filler Strips: These are thin pieces of wood installed between the cabinet box and the wall to cover the uneven gap. They are usually painted to match the cabinets.
- Ceiling Fillers (Bulkheads): When extending cabinets to a high ceiling, a filler piece is installed on top. This piece can be:
- Painted Solid: Matching the cabinet color for a seamless look.
- Used as a Shelf: A small, finished surface can be created on top of this filler piece for minimal display.
Crown Molding: The Traditional Finisher
Crown molding is a decorative trim piece that attaches to the very top edge of your cabinets. It dramatically elevates the look.
- Style Matching: The style of the molding (simple, stepped, ornate) should match the overall style of your kitchen cabinets.
- Visual Height: Molding visually draws the eye up and makes the cabinets appear grander and more substantial. It turns the space above the cabinets into an intentional design feature, even if you still choose to display a few items on the molding’s base.
Design Principles for Staging Above Kitchen Cabinets
Staging above kitchen cabinets requires careful planning. You are essentially creating a high-up vignette.
Scale and Proportion
The items you choose must be appropriately sized for the space available.
- Too Small: Tiny items disappear. They look like specks of dust from the floor.
- Too Large: Oversized items will look heavy and overwhelm the cabinetry, making the ceiling look lower.
Table: Item Scale Guide
| Gap Height | Recommended Item Height Range | Impact on Room |
|---|---|---|
| Under 12 inches | 6 to 10 inches | Subtle accent; focused on trim. |
| 12 to 24 inches | 10 to 18 inches | Balanced focal point; good for groupings. |
| Over 24 inches | 18 inches and taller (or large collections) | Must be substantial to balance the height. |
Focal Point Creation
Decide if the area above the cabinets should be a strong focal point or a subtle backdrop.
- Strong Focal Point: Use one very large, unique item (like an antique copper pot or a large piece of framed art). Everything else should be minimal.
- Subtle Backdrop: Use many small items grouped together in a consistent color palette (e.g., white ceramic pitchers). The group reads as one texture rather than many separate objects.
Lighting Considerations
If you are displaying items above kitchen cabinets, lighting can make them truly shine.
- Under-Cabinet Lighting: This doesn’t light the top, but it highlights the cabinet fronts, drawing the eye down, which can make the top area seem less important if it’s cluttered.
- Picture Lights: For very high gaps, small, battery-operated picture lights can be mounted just under the ceiling or on top of the cabinet edge to illuminate decorative pieces. This works best if the items are few and far between.
Specific Style Applications for Decorating Above Kitchen Cabinets
Different kitchen styles demand different approaches when decorating above kitchen cabinets.
Farmhouse and Rustic Kitchens
These styles thrive on texture and collected items.
- Embrace Imperfection: Weathered wood signs, vintage enamelware, or collections of old canning jars work perfectly.
- Natural Elements: Baskets woven from natural fibers and faux wheat bundles fit perfectly with the rustic vibe.
Modern and Minimalist Kitchens
Clean lines and simplicity are key here. Clutter is the enemy of minimalism.
- Sculptural Objects: Choose abstract, geometric sculptures in matte black, white, or brushed metal.
- Uniformity: If you use jars or containers, they must all be the same size and material.
- Negative Space: Often, the best minimalist approach is to use nothing but sleek, modern crown molding.
Traditional Kitchens
Traditional designs benefit from symmetry and classic elegance.
- Symmetry: Place identical items on either side of a central piece, like two matching antique clocks or urns.
- Classic Collections: Display sets of blue and white china or polished brass accents.
Coastal Kitchens
Bring the beach inside with light, airy displays.
- Light Colors: Whites, pale blues, and sandy beige tones dominate.
- Natural Textures: Driftwood pieces, simple white coral statues (faux), or glass floats work well.
Maintenance Tips for Items Above Cabinets
One major drawback of displaying items above kitchen cabinets is cleaning. Dust accumulates quickly up there, especially in the kitchen where grease particles float in the air.
Making Dusting Easier
- Avoid Porous Materials: Items with many crevices (like intricate metalwork or rough pottery) trap dust heavily. Smooth, non-porous items like glass or glazed ceramics are easier to wipe down.
- Use a Duster Extension: Invest in a good telescopic duster with a microfiber head. It makes reaching the area much less of a chore.
- Annual Deep Clean: Plan to take everything down once a year for a proper wash in soapy water, especially if you use any oily or greasy items like copper pots.
Managing Faux Plants
If you use artificial greenery, they can look sad quickly if dusty.
- Take them outside occasionally.
- Use a hairdryer set to a cool, low setting to blow dust off the leaves. Do not use heat, as it can warp plastic leaves.
When to Leave the Space Empty
Sometimes, the best design choice is to do nothing. This is particularly true if the gap is small or if your kitchen already feels busy.
Reasons to Keep it Bare
- Tiny Gap: If the space is less than 6 inches, trying to squeeze in decor looks forced and awkward. Simply use tall cabinets or apply clean crown molding that meets the ceiling.
- Overly Cluttered Kitchen: If your countertops are full of gadgets and appliances, adding items above the cabinets will create visual chaos. A clean sightline to the ceiling provides necessary visual rest.
- Unfinished Look Preference: Some contemporary designs intentionally leave a gap to emphasize floating cabinetry, achieving a lighter feel.
If you decide to leave it bare, ensure your cabinet installation is perfect. Gaps between cabinets and walls should be neatly caulked and painted to blend in seamlessly.
Comprehending Kitchen Cabinet Filler Ideas for a Seamless Look
When cabinets don’t quite reach the ceiling or wall, fillers bridge the gap. This section explores how these fillers contribute to both decor and function. These are essential kitchen cabinet filler ideas for a custom appearance.
Vertical Wall Fillers
These pieces fill the space between the last upper cabinet and the adjacent wall.
- Purpose: They provide a clean edge for the cabinet run.
- Aesthetics: They must be painted or stained to match the cabinets exactly. If they are wide enough, they can sometimes house small spice racks installed facing the side wall.
Top Cabinet Fillers (Bulkheads)
These sit directly on top of the cabinet box.
- Functionality: They raise the cabinet visually to the ceiling height. They can be open boxes used for storage solutions above cabinets or closed structures topped with decorative molding.
- Display Surface: If you use a flat, finished bulkhead, the top surface becomes the area for what to display on top of kitchen cabinets, making the items feel more intentional and contained than if they sat directly on the cabinet box edge.
Maximizing Space Above Cabinets: Beyond Decoration
While decor is appealing, maximizing storage potential is important in smaller homes. Maximizing space above cabinets means utilizing vertical space smartly.
Utilizing Ladders (For Very High Ceilings)
If you have extremely high ceilings (over 10 feet) and need regular access to the items above your cabinets, consider installing rolling library-style ladders.
- Design Feature: These add a dramatic, functional element.
- Accessibility: They ensure your storage solutions above cabinets are actually usable.
Storage Containers: Uniformity is Key
When prioritizing storage over decor, the containers are the decor.
- Choose containers that stack well.
- Ensure the container lids are easy to remove, even when stacked.
| Storage Container Type | Pros | Cons | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woven Baskets | Great texture, hides contents fully | Can collect dust easily; bulky | Linens, infrequently used small appliances. |
| Metal Tins/Boxes | Durable, clean lines | Can look industrial; limited size options | Dry goods (if sealed well), holiday overflow. |
| Clear Acrylic Bins | Contents visible, modern look | Contents must be neat, shows dust quickly | Attractive, uniform serving dishes. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About What to Put Above Kitchen Cabinets
Should I always put something above my kitchen cabinets?
No. If your cabinets already reach the ceiling or if the gap is small (under 6 inches), leaving the space empty or finishing it neatly with crown molding is often the cleanest, most modern look. Clutter above cabinets is outdated.
Is it safe to put glass items above kitchen cabinets?
Yes, it is generally safe, provided you secure them properly and they are not excessively tall or narrow. Ensure they are stable. In earthquake-prone areas, securing everything with museum putty is highly recommended for displaying items above kitchen cabinets.
How often should I clean the items on top of my cabinets?
Because this area collects dust easily, aim to dust the items at least once a month. If you have an open-flame stove or cook frequently with grease, a deeper clean (removing and washing the items) should happen twice a year.
What is the trend regarding kitchen cabinet fillers today?
The trend is moving toward closing the gap entirely. Most new custom kitchens feature cabinets that go right up to the ceiling, often topped with decorative crown molding. If a gap remains, simple, painted trim or bulkhead fillers are preferred over open decoration.
Can I use the space for additional lighting?
Yes. You can install LED strip lighting along the top edge of the cabinets, aimed upward toward the ceiling. This creates a beautiful ambient glow and highlights the height of the room without requiring you to place physical objects up there.