Can you decorate the tops of kitchen cabinets? Yes, you absolutely can decorate the tops of your kitchen cabinets! This often-unused space holds great potential for adding style, personality, and extra storage to your kitchen.
Making the Most of Space Above Cabinets
The area above your kitchen cabinets is prime real estate in your home. Many people let this space gather dust. However, with a little planning, you can turn it into a beautiful focal point. This area provides a unique chance to showcase your style. It lets you add height and visual interest to your kitchen design. Deciding what to place up there depends on your ceiling height and the overall look you want. Good kitchen cabinet top decor ideas can transform a bland kitchen.
Gauging Your Space: Height Matters
The height between your cabinets and the ceiling is key. It tells you what types of items work best.
- High Ceilings (Over 12 inches gap): You have lots of room. Tall items look great here. Think large baskets or tall vases. This space helps fill the vertical gap nicely.
- Low Ceilings (Under 8 inches gap): Space is tight. Keep decorations low profile. Flat art or small, neat groupings work best. Avoid cluttering this area if space is minimal.
The Function vs. Form Debate
When thinking about kitchen storage solutions above cabinets, you must decide the goal. Is it purely for looks, or do you need extra storage?
Purely Decorative Display
If you opt for decoration only, focus on aesthetics. Choose items that match your kitchen theme. This is where you bring in color and texture.
Functional Storage Integration
If you need storage, lean into baskets or attractive containers. These hide less attractive items while keeping them accessible. This approach helps with kitchen cabinet top organization.
Simple Steps for Decorating Above Cabinets
Decorating this area should be simple and achievable. You do not need a huge budget or complex tools. Follow these easy steps to get started.
Step 1: Clear the Clutter First
Before adding anything new, clean the tops thoroughly. Dust loves to settle up there. Use a damp cloth or a duster with a long handle. Remove everything currently sitting on top. This gives you a blank slate.
Step 2: Choose a Theme or Color Palette
Decide what look you want. Do you love farmhouse style? Maybe modern minimalist? Your decor choices should flow with the rest of the room. Stick to two or three main colors. This keeps the look cohesive and not messy.
Step 3: Select Your Display Items
This is the fun part! Gather items that fit your theme. Think about size, shape, and texture. This selection process is crucial for good kitchen cabinet top decor ideas.
Step 4: Arrange and Group Items
Do not just line things up in a row. Group items in threes or fives. Vary the heights of the objects. Taller pieces should usually go in the middle or near the corners. This creates visual movement.
Best Accessories for Kitchen Cabinet Tops
What items look best perched above your cabinets? The secret is using pieces that are slightly oversized or very attractive. You want pieces that can be seen clearly from across the room. These are some of the best accessories for kitchen cabinet tops.
Baskets and Bins
Woven baskets are favorites. They add warmth and texture. Use large, sturdy baskets. They fit well with rustic or farmhouse styles.
- Use Case: Store seldom-used serving platters or seasonal linens.
- Tip: Choose baskets with handles facing outward for an easy look.
Decorative Vases and Pottery
Tall, interesting vases draw the eye upward. Look for ceramic pieces with unique glazes or interesting shapes.
- Style Match: Modern kitchens look great with sleek, tall glass vases.
- Tip: If you use real plants, choose sturdy, low-maintenance options, or opt for high-quality faux greenery that drapes nicely.
Faux Greenery and Garlands
Nothing softens hard cabinetry like greenery. If you struggle to keep real plants alive in indirect light, use realistic faux options.
- Ideas: Trailing ivy, eucalyptus garlands, or simple boxwood spheres.
- Placement: Let garlands drape slightly over the front edge for a softer look. This is one of the best ways for decorating above kitchen cupboards.
Vintage or Themed Items
If you collect items, this is a great place to show them off.
- Examples: Old scales, antique tins, colorful glassware, or unique wooden signs.
- Caution: Do not overdo it. One or two meaningful items work better than a cluttered collection.
Artwork and Mirrors
Small pieces of framed art can work, especially if you have high ceilings. A lightweight, decorative mirror can also reflect light and make the space feel bigger.
- Placement: Lean artwork against the wall for an effortless look.
Styling Open Kitchen Shelving vs. Cabinet Tops
People often confuse decorating the tops of closed cabinets with styling open kitchen shelving. They serve different purposes and need different styling approaches.
| Feature | Cabinet Tops (Closed Storage) | Open Shelving |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Items are mostly viewed from below/a distance. | Items are viewed up close, every day. |
| Purpose | Aesthetic filler; sometimes concealed storage. | Daily use items or carefully curated display. |
| Clutter Risk | High if packed too tightly. | Very high if not styled intentionally. |
| Ideal Items | Large, tall, less frequently used objects. | Mugs, cookbooks, attractive canisters. |
Styling open kitchen shelving requires more discipline. Every item must be beautiful. Decorating above cabinets allows for slightly larger or less perfect items since they are viewed from further away.
Creative Ways to Use Space Above Cabinets
Think outside the box when considering creative ways to use space above cabinets. Sometimes, the best solution involves modifying the structure slightly or integrating light.
Adding Custom Trim or Molding
If your cabinets do not reach the ceiling, you can bridge the gap with custom trim. This makes standard cabinets look custom-built. It eliminates the awkward gap entirely. This instantly elevates the look, making the cabinet top feel like part of the wall structure.
Integrating Under-Cabinet Lighting (For the Tops)
While most lighting focuses under cabinets, strategic uplighting can illuminate your decorations. Small, battery-operated spotlights can be aimed upward to highlight your favorite pieces. This is especially effective at night.
Using Taller Cabinetry
If you are remodeling, consider installing cabinets that reach the ceiling. This maximizes kitchen storage solutions above cabinets directly. If that is not possible, use shorter cabinets and then build a decorative soffit or shelf unit on top that looks integrated.
Wallpaper or Paint for Depth
If the space above the cabinets is open to the wall, paint the wall a contrasting color or use a bold wallpaper pattern in that band of space. This frames the decorations beautifully and adds instant character.
Techniques for Successful Kitchen Cabinet Topper Ideas
Your goal should be visual balance. Too little looks sparse. Too much looks heavy and dusty.
The Rule of Odds
Objects arranged in odd numbers (three or five) are naturally more appealing to the eye than even numbers. Use this when grouping small items like jars or canisters.
Varying Heights and Textures
A flat row of identical objects is boring. Mix tall, narrow items with short, wide ones. Combine smooth glass with rough wood or woven textures. This variation keeps the display dynamic.
Scale and Proportion
Ensure your items are large enough for the space. Tiny knick-knacks get lost above tall cabinets. If the gap is large, use one large statement piece rather than many small ones. This makes a bolder statement when adding decorative elements to kitchen cabinets.
Keeping it Clean: Organization Above Cabinets
Even decorative items need maintenance. Dust accumulation is the number one enemy here.
- Opt for Solid Pieces: Choose items without lots of nooks and crannies (like solid ceramic or smooth metal) over overly ornate or lacy items that trap dust.
- Easy Rotation: Keep a small box of “seasonal decor” stored nearby. Rotate your display twice a year. This prevents items from looking stale and gives you a chance to dust everything well.
Incorporating Color and Material Trends
Modern design trends influence kitchen cabinet top decor ideas. Right now, natural materials and muted colors are popular.
Natural Wood Tones
Light oak, bamboo, or darker walnut pieces add warmth. These look fantastic above white or gray cabinets. Think wooden cutting boards leaned vertically or simple wooden bowls.
Matte Black Accents
Matte black hardware and accessories offer a sharp contrast. A few matte black vases or framed mirrors can anchor the display.
Metallic Touches
Use metals sparingly. Copper, brass, or brushed gold items add a touch of elegance. They catch the light nicely.
Material Guide for Cabinet Tops
| Material | Best For | Style Fit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wicker/Rattan | Baskets, large containers | Farmhouse, Coastal | Adds great texture. |
| Ceramic/Pottery | Vases, decorative jars | Transitional, Modern | Easy to clean, versatile colors. |
| Glass | Tall hurricanes, colored bottles | Traditional, Elegant | Use varying shades of glass. |
| Metal (Aged) | Vintage tins, tiered trays | Industrial, Rustic | Adds weight and history. |
Specific Decorating Scenarios
How you decorate depends heavily on your kitchen setup.
Scenario 1: Cabinets Flushed to the Ceiling (No Gap)
If your cabinets touch the ceiling, you cannot decorate above them. Instead, focus on adding decorative elements to kitchen cabinets directly.
- Install crown molding for a finished look.
- Use the cabinet sides: Hang lightweight seasonal wreaths or garlands around the cabinet edges if permitted by your lease/home structure.
- Accessorize the space in front of the cabinets, such as on the countertop, using attractive canisters or utensil crocks.
Scenario 2: Small Gap (Under 8 Inches)
This area demands restraint. Clutter happens fast here. Focus on horizontal presentation.
- Lean and Layer: Lean a row of small, coordinating framed photos or lightweight art prints against the wall.
- Low Profile Grouping: Use three small, matching ceramic bowls or shallow trays grouped tightly together. This is excellent for kitchen cabinet top organization if the items are purely decorative boxes.
Scenario 3: Large Gap (Over 12 Inches)
This is your chance for drama. Use height to your advantage.
- The Statement Piece: Place one very tall, sculptural item in the center or off-center. A large, ornate birdcage or a very tall floor vase works well.
- Layering Height: Use a tall item on one end, a medium item next to it, and a short item on the other side. This creates an asymmetrical but balanced look.
Maintenance Tips for Decorating Above Cabinets
The primary complaint about decorating above cabinets is cleaning. Here is how to minimize the upkeep involved with display items for above cabinets.
Dusting Strategies
Regular, light dusting is easier than deep cleaning once a year.
- The Feather Duster: Keep a long-handled duster handy. Run it over the tops weekly while you are cleaning the rest of the kitchen.
- The Vacuum Extension: Use a soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner hose. This effectively sucks up dust from textured items like wicker baskets without knocking them over.
Rotating Decor to Simplify
If you hate dusting but love decorative flair, swap out items seasonally.
- Spring/Summer: Light colors, airy glass, maybe some faux succulents.
- Fall/Winter: Richer textures, deeper colored pottery, perhaps holiday-themed accents like small pinecone arrangements tucked into baskets.
Rotating means you clean the items thoroughly when they come down, and the space looks refreshed without constant maintenance. This makes the effort worthwhile for decorating above kitchen cupboards.
Final Thoughts on Enhancing Your Kitchen
Decorating above your kitchen cabinets is a simple, high-impact way to personalize your space. It fills awkward voids, draws the eye up, and enhances the overall design flow. By choosing your best accessories for kitchen cabinet tops thoughtfully and keeping the groupings simple, you turn overlooked storage space into intentional design features. Remember, the goal is to enhance your kitchen, not create another area you have to stress about cleaning! Embrace simple styling, vary your heights, and enjoy your newly dressed-up cabinetry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is it okay for decorations above kitchen cabinets to touch the ceiling?
A: Yes, if there is very little space, letting items like tall, narrow vases or artwork touch or nearly touch the ceiling can look intentional, especially if you have applied crown molding or trim that visually connects the elements.
Q2: Should I worry about fire safety with decorations above cabinets?
A: Yes, safety is important. Keep flammable materials (like dried flowers or very delicate fabrics) away from any recessed lighting or heat sources that might be near the cabinet tops. Use high-quality faux greenery instead of dried natural materials if you are concerned.
Q3: What is the easiest way to clean dust from items placed high above cabinets?
A: The easiest method is using a microfiber duster with an extendable pole. For heavily textured items, turn off the light, use a low-suction setting on a vacuum with a soft brush attachment, and carefully go over each piece.
Q4: Can I use food items for kitchen cabinet top decor?
A: You can use sealed, attractive food containers. Think large, colorful canisters filled with pasta or flour, or display decorative glass jars filled with dried beans or colorful spices. Just ensure they are tightly sealed to prevent pests and keep them away from high heat.
Q5: What if I have cabinets with glass fronts? Should the top decor match the inside?
A: The decor above the cabinet should generally complement the outside style of the kitchen, but it can echo the color palette used inside the glass cabinets. For example, if you display blue and white china inside, use a few blue glass accents on top for continuity.