What should you put above kitchen cupboards? You can use this space for storage, decoration, or both. Many people use it for storing less-used items, displaying pretty objects, or simply closing the gap between the cabinets and the ceiling.
The space above kitchen cabinets often looks empty or dusty. It is a big, often forgotten area in the kitchen. Many homeowners wonder how to fill this spot best. Do you let it gather dust? Or do you turn it into a useful or beautiful part of your kitchen design? The answer is to make it work for you. Good choices help organize your kitchen. They also add style to your room. We will look at many ways to handle this area, from simple storage to fancy decor. This helps you decide what fits your needs and style best.
The Challenge of the Cabinet Top Space
The height between the top of your kitchen cabinets and the ceiling can vary a lot. Sometimes it’s just a small gap. Other times, it’s a large, awkward space. This area presents a unique design problem.
- Dust Magnet: Open spaces above cabinets easily collect grease and dust. Cleaning this area can be tough.
- Visual Clutter: If you put too many random things up there, the kitchen can look messy fast.
- Ceiling Height Issues: Low ceilings make the space look smaller. High ceilings can make the objects you place up there look tiny or out of scale.
The key is smart planning. You need to decide if function (storage) or looks (decor) is more important for your kitchen. Thinking about utilizing space above kitchen cabinets wisely is the first step.
Creative Ideas for Kitchen Cabinet Tops: Decorating First
If your main goal is to boost your kitchen’s look, focus on kitchen cabinet top decor. This area is perfect for adding personality without taking up valuable counter space.
H4: Displaying Decor Above Kitchen Cupboards
Displaying items above kitchen cupboards should be done carefully. You want items that match your kitchen’s theme. Choose pieces that are sturdy and easy to dust, or things you don’t mind cleaning often.
H5: Using Plants and Greenery
Plants bring life to any room. They work well above cabinets, especially if the space is high.
- Faux Greenery: Fake plants need no water or light. They stay green all the time. This is the easiest option for decorating open space above cabinets.
- Vines and Trailing Plants: If you use artificial trailing plants, they can spill over the edges slightly. This softens the hard lines of the cabinets.
- Potted Herbs (Near a Window): If you have a small window above the cabinets, real herbs might survive. Think about rosemary or small succulents.
H5: Showcase Collections and Antiques
If you have collections, this spot is a great display area. It keeps them safe from daily kitchen activity. This is a great way of displaying decor above kitchen cabinets.
- Vintage Dishes or Teapots: Old china or brightly colored ceramic pieces look charming. They add a touch of classic style.
- Cookbooks: Stack attractive, colorful cookbooks neatly. Use bookends to keep them straight.
- Baskets: Woven baskets add texture. Choose matching sets for a unified look. They can also hide some clutter.
H5: Lighting Features
Lighting draws the eye upward, making the ceiling seem higher.
- Fairy Lights or LED Strips: Place battery-operated lights along the top edge. This adds a warm, subtle glow at night.
- Small Lanterns or Vases: Grouping three different-sized glass items together looks very intentional.
H4: Stylish Kitchen Cabinet Toppers: Creating a Finished Look
Sometimes, the best decoration is making the space look finished. This is often needed for what to put above high kitchen cabinets when the gap is very large.
- Crown Molding: Adding custom crown molding connects the cabinets seamlessly to the ceiling. This is the most permanent and upscale solution. It makes the cabinets look custom-built.
- Faux Cabinets or Cabinets to the Ceiling: If you have the budget, hire a carpenter to add matching cabinets above your existing ones. This instantly solves storage and looks modern.
- Decorative Trim or Friezes: If adding full cabinets is too much, a decorative wooden trim piece can bridge the gap attractively.
| Decor Style | Best For | Maintenance Level | Visual Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faux Plants | High Gaps, Low Light | Very Low | Softening |
| Antique Dishes | Themed Kitchens | Medium (Dusting) | Personality |
| Grouped Vases | Modern/Minimalist | Low | Structure |
| Crown Molding | Permanent Fix | None | High-End Finish |
Kitchen Storage Solutions Above Cabinets: Function First
For many people, the goal is maximizing space. Utilizing space above kitchen cabinets for storage is highly practical, especially in smaller homes. This addresses kitchen storage solutions above cabinets directly.
H4: Choosing the Right Containers for Storage
If you choose to store items up there, containment is everything. You must use attractive containers so the area doesn’t look like junk storage.
- Matching Baskets: Use sturdy, matching baskets. Wicker, wire mesh, or woven fabric bins work well.
- Clear Canisters (For Dry Goods): If you store things like dried beans or pasta, use large, clear, airtight canisters. They look good and keep pests out.
- Labeled Tins: Decorative metal tins are great for storing less-used baking supplies or seasonal items. Make sure the labels are neat and match each other.
H4: What to Store in the Space Above Cabinets
This area is best for items you rarely need. Accessibility is difficult, so don’t store your daily coffee mugs up there!
- Seasonal Serving Ware: Holiday platters, extra-large punch bowls, or bulky summer serving trays.
- Extra Linens: Tablecloths, cloth napkins, or rarely used extra towels.
- Bulk Paper Goods: Extra paper plates or napkins bought in bulk.
- Small Appliances (Rarely Used): Things like a specialized juicer or a deep fryer that only comes out once a year.
Utilizing awkward space above cabinets requires thinking about how you will get the items down. A sturdy step stool is essential. Plan for this access before loading the space up.
H4: Open Shelving as an Alternative
If the gap is large enough, installing open shelving above the existing cabinets is a great way to blend storage and display. This maximizes the vertical space beautifully.
- Deep Shelves: If you can install shelves, make them deep enough to hold medium-sized items securely.
- Uniform Items: Keep items uniform on these shelves. For example, all white bowls or all clear glass jars. This prevents the area from looking chaotic.
Design Considerations for Decorating Open Space Above Cabinets
How you decorate depends heavily on your kitchen’s existing design style. The top of your cabinets acts like a picture rail for the room.
H4: Matching Kitchen Style
The decor must complement the overall feel of the kitchen.
- Farmhouse Style: Works well with rustic wooden crates, galvanized metal bins, and aged enamelware.
- Modern/Minimalist: Requires clean lines. Stick to white ceramics, clear glass, or black/metal objects grouped in odd numbers (threes or fives). Avoid clutter completely.
- Traditional/Tuscan: Perfect for copper pots, deep-colored glazed pottery, or faux grapes/olives in urns.
H4: Dealing with Different Cabinet Heights
What to put above high kitchen cabinets is different from what to place above standard ones.
- Standard Height (12-18 inches gap): This gap is perfect for decorative items or neatly stacked, matching storage bins. Items like plants or medium vases fit well here.
- Very High Gaps (2 feet or more): Using tall objects is necessary so they don’t look dwarfed. Consider faux, tall birch logs, tall decorative screens, or installing shelves for books or dishes. Avoid small items, as they will disappear.
H4: The Rule of Three and Visual Balance
When displaying decor above kitchen cabinets, visual balance is key.
- Grouping: Group items in odd numbers (three or five). This is more pleasing to the eye than even groupings.
- Varying Heights: Ensure the objects in your group have different heights. A tall vase, a medium stack of books, and a short bowl create a dynamic look.
- Symmetry: If you have many cabinets in a row, consider mirroring the decor on either end. For example, a tall plant on the left end and a matching tall plant on the right end.
Practical Tips for Keeping the Cabinet Top Clean
Even the prettiest display needs maintenance. Since this area is hard to reach, prevention is better than constant scrubbing.
H5: Cleaning Strategies
If you opt for kitchen cabinet top decor, plan for regular dusting.
- Use a Duster with an Extension Pole: These are vital for reaching high spots without moving a ladder daily.
- Wipe Down Cabinets First: Before placing items up top, ensure the cabinet tops are perfectly clean. Use a degreaser if necessary.
- Use Trays or Mats: If displaying items above kitchen cupboards, place them on a large, decorative tray. When it’s time to clean, you only move one tray instead of several small objects.
H5: Choosing Low-Dust Decor
For minimal effort, choose items that don’t attract dust easily or are simple to wipe.
- Metal or Glass: These surfaces can be quickly sprayed and wiped down with a cloth attached to an extension pole.
- Avoid Fabric or Highly Textured Items: Things like woven baskets or fake flowers with many small leaves trap dust and grease easily, making cleaning very difficult.
Integrating Storage and Style When Utilizing Awkward Space Above Cabinets
The best solution often blends beauty and utility. This is where creative ideas for kitchen cabinet tops really shine.
H4: Ladder Shelving Solutions
If you have a tall gap, a decorative leaning ladder shelf can be placed against the wall above the cabinets.
- Purpose: These shelves can hold attractive storage boxes on the lower levels and display items higher up.
- Aesthetics: Choose a ladder material (wood, metal) that matches your kitchen hardware (handles, faucet).
H4: Hidden Storage Behind Fascia Panels
If you want storage but hate visible clutter, discuss with your contractor installing a thin false fascia panel right below the ceiling line.
- How It Works: This panel can be hinged or screwed in. It hides a shallow storage space behind it.
- Use Case: Excellent for what to put above high kitchen cabinets when the ceiling is far away, hiding infrequently used items like travel mugs or seasonal cookie cutters.
H4: The Integrated Look: Paint and Color
If you decide to leave the space empty or just use simple trim, paint is your tool.
- Matching Color: Paint the exposed wall area above the cabinets the exact same color as the cabinets themselves. This creates a seamless, taller look, making the ceiling seem higher.
- Contrasting Color: If your cabinets are dark, painting the area above a light, bright color can draw the eye up and make the kitchen feel airier.
Finalizing Your Cabinet Top Plan
Deciding what goes above your cabinets involves weighing several factors: the height of the gap, your storage needs, and your decorating preference. The goal is always intentional design, not accidental clutter.
Whether you are looking for stylish kitchen cabinet toppers or functional kitchen storage solutions above cabinets, every choice should feel deliberate. A little effort in this often-ignored space can significantly boost your kitchen’s overall appeal and functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is it bad to put anything above kitchen cabinets?
No, it is not inherently bad. It is only problematic if the items stored or displayed look messy, or if they attract too much grease and dust without regular cleaning. If you keep it organized and attractive, it’s a great use of space.
Q2: How do I clean items that are placed high above my kitchen cabinets?
The best way is to use a long-handled duster or a microfiber cloth wrapped around an extension pole. For heavier cleaning, you will need a sturdy step ladder. It is best to clean these spots every three to four months, even if items look clean.
Q3: Should I match the decor on top of the cabinets to my dining room decor?
It is generally best to match the decor to the kitchen style first. However, if the kitchen opens directly into the dining room, ensure there is a unifying element—like a shared color palette or material (e.g., using the same type of wood or metal accents) to create flow between the spaces.
Q4: What is the safest material to use for displaying above cabinets?
Glass and metal items are generally the safest because they are easiest to wipe clean of grease and dust. If you use ceramic or wood, ensure they have smooth, sealed surfaces. Avoid porous or very textured materials.
Q5: Can I use this space for extra pantry overflow storage?
Yes, you can. This is a perfect spot for overflow, but it must be contained in attractive, matching, lidded bins or baskets. This helps hide bulk items and keeps the look cohesive when utilizing space above kitchen cabinets for storage.