10 Decor Above Kitchen Cabinets
Decorating the area above kitchen cabinets is one of the most overlooked opportunities in home design. Many kitchens have unused space above the upper cabinets, and while this gap may appear insignificant, it holds incredible potential for styling that adds beauty, personality, and function. Whether you have a modern kitchen, a farmhouse themed space, or a classic traditional setup, above cabinet decor can improve the atmosphere, provide storage, and create a refined, finished appearance. Homeowners often wonder how to make this space look intentional rather than random. The secret lies in choosing the right materials, colors, textures, and arrangement that blend smoothly with the rest of the kitchen. This blog post explores ten detailed and practical ideas for decorating above kitchen cabinets. Each idea includes preparation steps, material suggestions, and styling instructions explained thoroughly. By the end, you will have a complete understanding of how to transform this unused area into an attractive design feature that reflects your personal taste. These ideas work for both small and large kitchens, and they can fit any budget. With the right guidance, you can turn this empty space into a meaningful part of your kitchen decor.
1. Displaying Decorative Baskets
Using decorative baskets above kitchen cabinets is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to fill and enhance the empty space. Baskets add warmth, texture, and a natural aesthetic that fits perfectly with farmhouse, rustic, bohemian, or even modern kitchens if chosen correctly. Preparation begins by measuring the space between the ceiling and the top of the cabinets to ensure the baskets fit comfortably without looking cramped. Choose baskets made of materials such as wicker, rattan, seagrass, or bamboo. Neutral colors work well, but darker baskets create contrast if your cabinets are white or light toned. Before placing them, clean the top surfaces to remove dust. Arrange the baskets in varying sizes but in a balanced layout. This creates visual interest while keeping the design cohesive. You can keep the baskets empty for purely decorative purposes or use them for hidden storage of seldom used kitchen tools such as seasonal trays or extra linens. To maintain the decor, dust the baskets regularly and ensure they stay upright and evenly spaced. Baskets provide both beauty and function, making them an excellent choice for decorating above kitchen cabinets.
2. Arranging Greenery and Plants
Placing greenery above kitchen cabinets adds freshness, life, and a calming atmosphere to the entire room. The key is selecting plants that either thrive in indirect light or choosing high quality artificial varieties. Preparation starts with assessing the lighting conditions in your kitchen. If the space above your cabinets receives natural light, consider pothos, ivy, or snake plants that are easy to maintain. If not, artificial greenery is a better option and still creates the same aesthetic appeal without the need for watering. Clean the cabinet tops before placing the plants and ensure they have a stable surface. You may use long trailing vines to cascade down the cabinet edges, which softens the lines and adds movement. For a more structured look, use potted plants placed at regular intervals. Choose pots that match your kitchen color scheme or neutral ones that blend seamlessly. Plants also help reduce the stark empty feeling that commonly exists in the gap between the cabinet and the ceiling. They add natural texture and reduce visual heaviness. Maintenance involves occasional dusting and checking that vines do not grow uncontrollably. Greenery is timeless and works with nearly any kitchen style.
3. Adding Artwork and Framed Prints
Artwork above kitchen cabinets offers a refined and personal touch that can elevate your kitchen from simple to sophisticated. Begin by selecting artwork that complements your kitchen theme. This could include food inspired prints, botanical illustrations, abstract designs, or black and white photography. Measure the space to determine the correct frame size and shape. It is better to choose lightweight frames to avoid pressure on the cabinet tops. Before placing the artwork, wipe the surfaces clean and apply small anti slip pads under the frames to prevent sliding. Arrange the frames either symmetrically for a polished look or asymmetrically for an artistic and casual effect. Mixing horizontal and vertical frames adds dimension. You can also incorporate canvas art if you prefer texture. Artwork above the cabinets draws the eye upward and creates a sense of height and elegance. It also fills the space in a meaningful way rather than using random objects. Maintenance is minimal, requiring occasional dusting and ensuring the frames remain stable. This approach works particularly well in minimalist, contemporary, or traditional kitchens where style consistency is important.
4. Styling with Cookbooks
Cookbooks are both functional and decorative, making them ideal for styling above kitchen cabinets. Preparation begins by selecting cookbooks with attractive covers or those that hold personal value. Consider grouping books by theme, cuisine, or color. Hardbound cookbooks with elegant spines add a sense of sophistication. Before arranging them, clean the cabinet tops and ensure the surface is even. Stack books horizontally to create small towers or arrange them vertically for a library style layout. You may use bookends made of wood or metal to keep the books secure. Cookbooks add personality to your kitchen and create a warm, homey feeling. They also make the space above the cabinets look intentional and thoughtfully designed. Additionally, using cookbooks allows you to free up counter space and keeps your most used recipes accessible, though you may need a small step stool. To prevent dust buildup, dust the books occasionally and avoid placing them too close to sources of heat or moisture. This decor idea is perfect for kitchens with a classic, farmhouse, or eclectic theme.
5. Creating a Decorative Lighting Display
Using lighting as decor above kitchen cabinets not only improves the room’s ambiance but also creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Start by choosing the type of lighting you want to install. LED strip lights are popular due to their energy efficiency and ease of installation. Battery operated puck lights are another simple option. Preparation includes cleaning the cabinet tops and ensuring you have access to a nearby electrical outlet if needed. Once the lighting is in place, you can chose to keep the area minimally decorated or combine the lights with baskets, plants, or artwork. The purpose of lighting is to highlight the space and create a layered design effect. Soft lights make the ceiling appear higher and add depth to the kitchen. Avoid using overly bright lights that may create glare. Warm white tones usually work best for kitchens because they produce a cozy and natural glow. Maintenance is simple, requiring occasional battery checks or bulb replacements. A lighting display adds elegance and modern style, making it suitable for contemporary and transitional kitchens.
6. Using Decorative Ceramics and Pottery
Ceramics and pottery add cultural charm and artistic beauty to your kitchen decor. Begin by selecting pieces that reflect your style such as handmade bowls, pitchers, vases, or clay pots. Choose colors that either match or contrast with your cabinets. For example, white ceramics stand out beautifully against dark wood cabinets while colorful pottery enhances neutral toned kitchens. Clean the tops of your cabinets before placing the pieces. Arrange the ceramics in groups of different heights to create visual interest. Avoid overcrowding the space as pottery needs breathing room to appear elegant. You may place items on risers to create layers. Ceramics work especially well in traditional, Mediterranean, farmhouse, or rustic kitchens. They bring authenticity and craftsmanship into the space. Maintenance includes dusting and ensuring the pieces remain stable. Heavy items should be placed further back for safety. Pottery is timeless and adds character that mass produced decor cannot match. It makes the space above your kitchen cabinets look curated and meaningful.
7. Displaying Vintage or Antique Items
Vintage decor adds nostalgia and charm to the kitchen. Look for antique scales, metal tins, old recipe boxes, rustic lanterns, or historic kitchen tools. Before placing them, measure the cabinet depth to ensure larger items fit securely. Clean the objects thoroughly to remove any residue and to preserve their condition. Arrange vintage items in a balanced layout, mixing large and small pieces. This creates a story like arrangement that draws attention. Vintage decor is ideal for farmhouse, cottage, and rustic themed kitchens. It adds character that modern decor cannot replicate. These items can be passed down from family members or found in antique stores. Their imperfections add authenticity and charm. Maintenance involves dusting and occasionally polishing metal items to prevent tarnishing. Vintage pieces make the space above the cabinets look unique and filled with personality rather than generic. They also create a timeless connection between past and present in your kitchen design.
8. Installing Open Shelves Above Cabinets
Open shelves above kitchen cabinets provide both storage and decorative opportunities. Begin by measuring the space and choosing shelves that match your cabinet material or kitchen theme. Wood shelves add warmth while metal shelves create a modern industrial look. Before installation, ensure the wall can support the weight of the shelving. Once installed, style the shelves with a combination of cookbooks, plants, ceramics, or glassware. Open shelves create a more structured look than placing items directly on top of cabinets. They also allow you to curate the space more intentionally. Shelves make the kitchen appear taller by extending the design upward. This is especially helpful in small kitchens with limited storage. Maintenance includes dusting both the shelves and the items on display. Keep the arrangement uncluttered to avoid a crowded look. Open shelves above cabinets blend function and style, making them ideal for modern, Scandinavian, or farmhouse kitchens.
9. Using Decorative Glassware and Vases
Glassware and decorative vases reflect light and add elegance to the kitchen. Choose items such as clear glass bottles, decorative jars, colored vases, or crystal pieces. Glass decor works especially well in kitchens with limited natural light because it enhances brightness. Preparation includes cleaning the cabinet tops and ensuring the glass items are placed securely to prevent accidents. Arrange glassware in groups of similar colors or shapes for a cohesive look. Tall vases add height while smaller jars add detail. You may also mix glass with subtle greenery to soften the appearance. Glass decor suits modern, classic, and transitional kitchens due to its versatility. Maintenance includes regular dusting and careful cleaning to prevent fingerprints or smudges. Glass decor adds a polished, upscale feel and makes the space above the cabinets look refined and purposeful.
10. Creating a Themed Display
A themed display is a creative way to give the space above your cabinets a strong personality. Choose a theme that aligns with your lifestyle or kitchen design. For example, a coastal theme may include seashells, driftwood, and nautical decor. A farm inspired theme could incorporate milk jugs, wooden crates, and rooster figurines. Once you select your theme, gather items that fit cohesively. Preparation involves measuring the space and cleaning the cabinet tops. Arrange the items in a structured layout that tells a story. Avoid mixing unrelated decor, as themed styling should appear intentional and unified. A themed display works best in kitchens that already follow a strong design direction. Maintenance involves dusting and occasionally updating items to keep the display fresh. Themed decor makes the kitchen feel unique and personalized rather than plain or generic, and it transforms the unused space into a focal point.
