You can absolutely decorate the area above your kitchen cabinets! This space is often overlooked but offers a great chance to add style and personality to your kitchen. Many people wonder what to put on top of kitchen cabinets, and the answer is anything that fits your style and doesn’t look too cluttered. Decorating above kitchen cabinets can help make the room feel more complete and polished.
Why Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets?
The space between the top of your cabinets and the ceiling, or the top edge of the cabinets themselves, presents a unique decorating challenge. Leaving it bare can make a kitchen look unfinished. However, properly styling this area offers several benefits. It draws the eye upward, making the ceiling look higher. It also lets you show off collections or add seasonal touches without taking up valuable counter space. Deciding what to put on top of kitchen cabinets involves balancing aesthetics with practicality.
Improving Visual Height
When cabinets stop short of the ceiling, there is an awkward gap. Decorating this area helps bridge that distance. It creates a smooth visual line that makes the entire kitchen seem grander. Good kitchen cabinet top decor ideas focus on height and scale. Tall items or layered arrangements work best here.
Adding Personality and Flair
This area is perfect for showcasing items you love but don’t use daily. Think about your hobbies or favorite styles. Styling above kitchen cabinets allows you to introduce color and texture that might be missing elsewhere. It’s a low-commitment way to update your look seasonally.
Creating a Finished Look Above Cabinets
A well-decorated area above the cabinets stops the eye abruptly. It gives the room a tailored, custom feel. This helps in creating a finished look above cabinets. If you have high ceilings, this space begs to be filled in. If you have low ceilings, smart decoration can draw the eye up without making the area feel cramped.
Assessing Your Space: Cabinet Gaps and Height
Before choosing decorations, you must look closely at the space you have. The size of the gap dictates what kind of décor works best.
Narrow Space Above Cabinets: A Common Challenge
Many standard kitchens have a small gap, maybe only 6 to 12 inches, between the cabinet tops and the ceiling. This decorating narrow space above cabinets requires thoughtful choices. Large, bulky items will look stuffed and messy. Smaller, vertically oriented items are better here.
Tall Spaces and High Ceilings
If your cabinets don’t reach the ceiling and you have a large void (over 18 inches), you have more freedom. This space is excellent for utilizing space above kitchen cabinets with larger statement pieces. However, too much empty space above even large items can still look awkward.
Table: Deciphering Your Cabinet Top Space
| Gap Measurement | Best Decor Approach | Items to Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 inches | Very minimal, focus on low profile | Small framed art, shallow baskets |
| 6 to 12 inches (Narrow) | Vertical alignment, slim profiles | Tall vases, narrow pitchers, small plants |
| 12 to 18 inches (Medium) | Layering and grouping of 3 or 5 items | Cookbooks, baskets, faux greenery |
| Over 18 inches (Tall) | Larger scale items or building height | Statement pottery, antique signage, light fixtures |
Top Kitchen Cabinet Top Decor Ideas
Now that you know your space limitations, you can choose your décor. The goal is to select items that are visually interesting but easy to clean. Remember, these spots gather dust quickly!
Utilizing Greenery and Faux Plants
Plants instantly bring life to any room, and the space above cabinets is no exception. If you choose real plants, pick low-light, trailing varieties, though maintenance can be tricky this high up. Faux options are very popular for good reason.
- Trailing Ivy or Pothos: These cascade nicely over the cabinet edges, softening the hard lines.
- Tall, Slim Faux Trees: Perfect for high ceilings to fill vertical space.
- Groupings of Small Succulents (in decorative pots): Use these if the space is shallow; place them on risers for better visibility.
Displaying Collections and Antiques
This is a prime spot for displaying items above kitchen cabinets that hold sentimental value. It keeps them safe from daily kitchen traffic while still being visible.
- Vintage Kitchenware: Old enamelware, copper pots, or antique mixing bowls add charm. These are fantastic kitchen cabinet display ideas.
- Pottery and Ceramics: Display unique vases, pitchers, or ceramic canisters. Grouping items by color or material creates a cohesive look.
- Art and Signage: Small, framed pieces of art or rustic wooden signs can inject theme or color. Ensure they are sturdy and weather-resistant if your kitchen gets steamy.
Practical Yet Pretty Storage
Sometimes, the best décor is functional. What to put on top of kitchen cabinets can often be something useful, like attractive storage.
- Woven Baskets: Use sturdy, attractive baskets. They hide less attractive items or simply add great texture. They are excellent for utilizing space above kitchen cabinets for things like seasonal linens.
- Cookbook Stacks: If you have a large collection, stack a few beautiful, hardback cookbooks. Use bookends to keep them neat.
- Decorative Jars and Canisters: Fill large glass jars with colorful dried beans, pasta, or decorative filler like corks.
The Power of Symmetry and Repetition
When styling above kitchen cabinets, repetition is your friend, especially in small spaces. Repeating an item three or five times creates rhythm without clutter.
- Three matching antique clocks.
- Five identical white vases of varying heights.
- A row of matching copper mugs hung from small hooks attached to the cabinet tops (if structurally possible).
Addressing the Gap: Kitchen Cabinet Cornice Alternatives
If the gap above your cabinets is wide and you dislike the look of items sitting up there, you might consider permanently closing the space. Standard crown molding is the usual solution, but sometimes it doesn’t fit the existing style or budget. These are great kitchen cabinet topper ideas.
Building a False Bulkhead
This involves building a simple frame or box structure that extends from the existing cabinet top up to the ceiling.
- Pros: Creates a perfectly seamless, custom look. Hides all clutter potential.
- Cons: Requires carpentry skills or hiring a professional. It visually lowers the ceiling slightly.
Installing Open Shelving Above Cabinets
If the gap is very large, instead of boxing it in, you can install shallow floating shelves across the top.
- Pros: Adds more accessible display space. Feels modern and airy.
- Cons: Requires drilling into the wall above the cabinets, which might be hard if the wall surface isn’t ideal.
Using Decorative Trim or Molding
If the gap is small, you can add trim directly to the cabinet top edge to make them appear taller. This acts as a kitchen cabinet cornice alternative.
- Adding a Wider Top Trim: Attach a piece of simple, tall wood trim (like a 1×4 or 1×6) directly to the top edge of the cabinet boxes. Paint it to match the existing trim or the cabinets. This makes the cabinets look taller instantly.
- Applying Flexible Molding: For curved or unusual cabinet tops, flexible foam molding can be adhered directly to the top edge for a quick trim update.
Decorating Techniques for Visual Appeal
How you arrange the items matters as much as what you choose. Good arrangement prevents the display from looking like storage.
The Rule of Odds and Height Variation
When arranging items, stick to odd numbers (three, five, or seven pieces). This grouping is naturally more appealing to the eye. Also, ensure there is variation in height within each grouping. Tallest in the middle, stepping down on the sides, usually works well for styling above kitchen cabinets.
Color Cohesion is Key
To avoid a cluttered look, limit the color palette for items displayed above the cabinets.
- Monochromatic Scheme: Stick to whites, creams, and natural wood tones. This looks sophisticated even with many items.
- Accent Color Pop: Choose one or two accent colors pulled from your existing kitchen textiles (like towels or rugs) and use those colors in your décor pieces.
Lighting Matters
The area above cabinets is often dark. Adding subtle lighting can turn your display into a focal point. This is a great tip for displaying items above kitchen cabinets beautifully.
- Stick-on Puck Lights: These battery-operated LED lights are easy to install under the cabinet overhang or hidden behind a tall vase. They cast a nice upward glow.
- LED Strip Lighting: If you have an open space above, run a simple, flexible LED strip along the top edge of the cabinets facing upward toward the ceiling. This highlights the entire display area.
Maintaining Your Cabinet Top Display
The biggest drawback to decorating narrow space above cabinets is dust accumulation. These spots are high up and easily forgotten during routine cleaning.
Making Dusting Easier
Choose items that are easy to wipe down. Highly textured or intricate items trap more dust and require careful feather dusting.
- Smooth Surfaces: Pottery, smooth metal, and glass are easy to clean with a damp cloth.
- Minimize Fabric: Avoid using fabric items like small runners or curtains in this area. They act like dust magnets.
Rotation Strategy
To keep the display fresh and manage dust buildup, adopt a rotation system.
- Seasonal Swaps: Change out items every three months. Store the off-season décor neatly in a box.
- Deep Clean Twice a Year: Twice a year (perhaps spring and fall), take everything down, wash the items, and thoroughly dust the cabinet tops before putting everything back up. This ensures you keep utilizing space above kitchen cabinets effectively without it becoming a grime trap.
Kitchen Cabinet Display Ideas for Specific Styles
Different kitchen styles suit different décor choices for the space above the cabinets.
Modern and Minimalist Kitchens
This style demands restraint. Clutter is the enemy.
- Focus: Clean lines, neutral colors, and a few high-quality statement pieces.
- Try This: Three identical, sleek white ceramic objects or one very large, simple piece of abstract art leaning against the wall. Less is definitely more for styling above kitchen cabinets in a modern home.
Farmhouse and Rustic Kitchens
This style embraces texture and vintage finds.
- Focus: Natural materials, aged finishes, and cozy textures.
- Try This: Woven baskets mixed with aged wooden crates or galvanized metal containers. This embraces the country feel when displaying items above kitchen cabinets.
Traditional and Transitional Kitchens
These styles allow for more layering and classic elements.
- Focus: Symmetry, classic silhouettes, and deeper colors.
- Try This: Stacks of leather-bound books, classic blue and white porcelain, or small topiaries. These look intentional and elevate the space, enhancing the kitchen cabinet top decor ideas.
Final Thoughts on What to Put On Top of Kitchen Cabinets
Decorating above your kitchen cabinets is a fantastic way to personalize your space. Whether you opt for dramatic height additions or simple, elegant accents, the key is thoughtful placement and material choice. By treating this area as an extension of your kitchen’s overall design, you can successfully move beyond the awkward gap and start creating a finished look above cabinets that you truly enjoy. Don’t let the height intimidate you; think vertical, keep it cohesive, and enjoy the extra visual interest!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Decorating Above Kitchen Cabinets
Q1: Is it okay for kitchen cabinet décor to touch the ceiling?
Yes, it often looks best if taller items reach close to the ceiling, especially if you have high ceilings. This helps draw the eye up and makes the space look intentional rather than just awkwardly filled. If you are using kitchen cabinet topper ideas like a decorative trim or bulkhead, they are designed to meet the ceiling.
Q2: Should I use real plants or artificial plants above kitchen cabinets?
For most people, artificial (faux) plants are better. Real plants require watering, which is difficult and messy at that height. Plus, the heat and humidity fluctuations in the kitchen might not suit many houseplants. Faux greenery is excellent for utilizing space above kitchen cabinets without the upkeep.
Q3: How do I clean dust from items displayed above my cabinets?
Since this area is hard to reach, choose items that are easy to wipe down, like smooth ceramic or metal. For intricate items, use a feather duster or an extendable microfiber duster once a month. If you have a large gap, consider kitchen cabinet cornice alternatives like boxing the space in to eliminate the cleaning hassle entirely.
Q4: What if my cabinets are very short and the gap is huge?
If the gap is large (over 18 inches), you need larger-scale items or you need to build up height. Consider using large, lightweight decorative elements like oversized faux topiaries or tall, dramatic urns. Alternatively, installing shallow floating shelves is a popular way to utilize that space as part of your kitchen cabinet display ideas.
Q5: Can I hang things from the top of the cabinets?
Generally, it’s best to avoid drilling into the cabinet tops unless you are installing a permanent kitchen cabinet cornice alternative or a finished topper. However, for very narrow spaces, some people use decorative hooks screwed into the side of the cabinet box facing forward, or they use tension rods spanning the gap if the gap is very small.