Look up at your kitchen cabinets right now. See that gap between the top and your ceiling? You’re probably wondering what to do with it.
I get it. That space feels awkward. Too high to reach easily, but too visible to ignore. Most of us either leave it bare or toss up whatever fits, hoping it looks intentional.
Here’s what I’ve learned: that space can actually make or break your kitchen’s whole look. Fill it wrong, and you’ve got a dust-collecting eyesore.
Do it right, and suddenly your kitchen feels finished and pulled together.
You don’t need a big budget or design degree. You just need to know what actually works up there.
Let’s get started.
How to Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets
Start by measuring the space you’re working with. Grab a tape measure and check the gap between your cabinet tops and ceiling. This tells you what sizes will actually fit.
Think about your kitchen’s style. Is it modern and sleek? Cozy farmhouse? Your decor needs to match that vibe, not fight against it.
Decide between storage and display. Both work, but pick items you can actually reach and clean. Dusty decor defeats the purpose.
Stick to colors that already exist in your kitchen for a cohesive look.
List of 11 Ideas to Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets
Not sure where to start? These 11 ideas work for different styles and budgets. Pick what speaks to you and your space.
1. Display Decorative Baskets and Woven Textures
Baskets bring instant warmth to any kitchen. The woven texture adds depth without feeling heavy. They work great in farmhouses or rustic spaces.
Mix different sizes and shapes for interest. Natural tones blend with almost any color scheme. Plus, they’re lightweight and easy to arrange however you like.
2. Use Greenery and Faux Plants
Plants make your kitchen feel alive. Real ones need regular watering, which gets tricky up high. Faux plants solve that problem while still adding color and life.
Eucalyptus, ivy, and succulents look realistic and stay fresh. Group a few together or spread them out between other decor pieces for a natural vibe.
3. Showcase Vintage or Antique Finds
Old pitchers, crocks, and tins tell a story. They add characters that new items just can’t match. This works perfectly in traditional or country kitchens.
Hunt for pieces at thrift stores or flea markets. The worn patina and aged colors create instant charm. Just a few well-chosen vintage pieces make a big impact.
4. Add Statement Vases and Sculptural Pieces
Bold vases or sculptural objects catch the eye without creating clutter. Go for varied heights to create visual movement. Stick with two or three pieces rather than crowding the space.
Choose colors that tie into your existing palette. Ceramic, glass, or metal all work. The goal is interest, not excess.
5. Line Up Cookbooks or Decorative Boxes
Cookbooks serve double duty as storage and style. Stand them vertically or stack them in small piles. Decorative boxes hide odds and ends while looking intentional.
Color-coordinate spines for a cohesive look. This option is both practical and pretty. It makes the most of the vertical space you already have.
6. Install Soft Accent Lighting
LED strips or puck lights change everything. They highlight your decor and create ambiance. Installation is easier than you’d think. Most options are battery-operated or plug-in.
Warm white works for cozy kitchens. Cool white suits modern spaces. The soft glow makes your whole kitchen feel more inviting after dark.
7. Use Art, Signs, or Framed Prints
Personal touches matter. Signs with quotes, small paintings, or prints add personality. Choose pieces that match your kitchen’s scale. Too small looks lost.
Too large feels overwhelming. Lean frames casually or use small easels. This approach lets you swap things out easily when you want a fresh look.
8. Create a Cohesive Color Story
Colors make or break your display. Pull shades from your cabinets, walls, or backsplash. Neutral palettes feel calm and classic. Bold colors make a statement.
Stick to three main colors for harmony. Repeat those colors across different items. This creates flow and makes everything feel intentional rather than random.
9. Decorate with Ceramic or Stoneware Collections
Plates, bowls, and jars displayed together create impact. The repetition looks deliberate and collected. This style fits classic and cottage kitchens perfectly.
You can find affordable pieces at home stores. White or cream works with anything. Colored pottery adds personality. Stack or lean pieces for dimension and visual weight.
10. Go Minimal with Modern Decor
Less really is more in modern kitchens. Choose one or two sleek items with clean lines. A single large vase or sculptural piece makes a statement.
Avoid busy patterns or too many objects. White, black, or metallic finishes work best. The empty space itself becomes part of the design in contemporary settings.
11. Fill the Space with Seasonal Decor
Switching decor with the seasons keeps your kitchen feeling fresh. Fall brings pumpkins and warm tones. Winter calls for evergreen branches.
Spring means florals and pastels. Summer loves bright colors and light textures. You don’t need much. A few seasonal pieces mixed with year-round basics does the trick perfectly.
Decorating Tips for Small vs Large Kitchens
- Small kitchens need careful editing. Stick to one or two well-chosen pieces that don’t overwhelm the space.
- Large kitchens can handle more items. Group decor in odd numbers and spread arrangements across the cabinet length.
- High ceilings need taller pieces to fill vertical space. Stack items or use tall vases to draw the eye upward.
- Low ceilings work better with flat or horizontal arrangements. Keep everything under six inches tall to avoid a cramped feeling.
- Compact spaces benefit from light colors and minimal patterns. This keeps the area feeling open instead of cluttered and closed in.
Conclusion
You’ve got plenty of options now. Baskets, plants, vintage finds, lighting, or seasonal swaps. Pick what feels right for your kitchen and your style.
Don’t be afraid to try things out. Move pieces around. Swap items. See what looks good from different angles in your space.
Here’s my final tip: less beats more every time. A few well-placed pieces always look better than a crowded display.
Ready to give that space above your cabinets some attention? Start with one idea today and see how it changes your kitchen’s whole feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I put on top of my kitchen cabinets?
Plants, baskets, vintage pieces, or cookbooks all work well. Choose items that match your kitchen style and are easy to clean.
How do I keep decor above cabinets from getting dusty?
Use a long-handled duster or extendable microfiber cloth monthly. Skip intricate items with lots of crevices that trap dust.
Should I decorate above the kitchen cabinets in a small kitchen?
Yes, but keep it minimal. One or two simple pieces prevent the space from feeling cluttered or cramped.
What colors work best for above-cabinet decor?
Pull colors from your existing cabinets, walls, or backsplash. Neutral tones are safe, while accent colors add personality.
Can I leave the space above my cabinets empty?
Absolutely. Empty space looks clean and modern in contemporary kitchens. It’s a valid design choice if that suits your style.
