Looking to spruce up that empty space above your kitchen cabinets? That awkward gap between your cabinets and ceiling doesn’t have to be a dust collector. With these above kitchen cabinet decor ideas, you can transform this often overlooked area into a stylish focal point that complements your kitchen’s overall design.
Adding decorative elements above your kitchen cabinets is a simple way to personalize your space without major renovations. You might be surprised at how much character and warmth the right decorative touches can bring to your kitchen. From vintage finds to plants and practical storage solutions, there are plenty of options to make that space work for you.
1) Display Vintage Cookbooks
Vintage cookbooks are a great way to add charm to your kitchen’s upper cabinets. These colorful books bring personality while filling that awkward space above your cabinets.
Try arranging your cookbooks in different ways to create visual interest. You can stack them horizontally, line them up vertically, or mix both styles for a casual, collected look.
Don’t worry about having a huge collection. Even a few special cookbooks can make an impact. Look for ones with beautiful covers or those that have special meaning to you.
You can find vintage cookbooks at thrift stores, yard sales, or online marketplaces. Look for those with colorful spines or interesting titles that catch the eye from below.
For extra style points, use decorative bookends to keep your cookbook display neat. Vintage kitchen items like small ceramic bowls or jars work perfectly as bookends too.
If you use your cookbooks regularly, place the favorites in easy-to-reach spots. This way, your decor is both beautiful and functional!
2) Add Potted Greenery
Plants are a perfect way to liven up the space above your kitchen cabinets. According to Pinterest trends, this is one of the most searched decor ideas, with 54 people looking specifically for above cabinet plant ideas.
You can mix different types of plants for visual interest. Try placing small potted herbs, succulents, or trailing plants like pothos or ivy that will gracefully spill over the edges.
If you’re worried about maintenance, fake plants work great too! They’ll stay green forever and you won’t need to climb up to water them.
Consider using different pot sizes and materials to create dimension. Terracotta, ceramic, or woven baskets all add unique texture to your kitchen.
For a cohesive look, group plants in odd numbers – threes and fives usually work best. You can also mix in a few decorative items between plant groupings.
The greenery will soften the hard lines of your cabinets and ceiling. It’s an easy way to bring some natural elements into your kitchen without taking up valuable counter space.
3) Install Accent Lighting
Adding LED strip lighting above your kitchen cabinets creates a warm, inviting glow that transforms your kitchen’s atmosphere. This simple upgrade can make your space feel more luxurious and highlight the area between your cabinets and ceiling.
You have several options for installing accent lighting. Adhesive LED strip lights are popular because they’re easy to install and often come with remote controls to adjust brightness and sometimes even color.
Before buying, measure the length of your cabinets to determine how much lighting you’ll need. Look for power sources nearby since you’ll need to plug in your lights.
Some LED strips can be connected to smart home systems, letting you control them with your phone or voice commands. This makes it easy to adjust the mood when entertaining guests.
The soft illumination draws attention upward, making your kitchen feel larger and more open. It’s particularly effective if you have decorative items displayed above your cabinets, as the lighting will showcase them beautifully.
Installation is usually straightforward – most strips have adhesive backing. Just clean the surface, peel, and stick. If you’re not comfortable with electrical work, many battery-operated options are available too.
4) Use Stylish Baskets
Baskets are a perfect way to add warmth and texture above your kitchen cabinets. They bring a natural element to your space while serving as practical storage solutions.
You can arrange different sizes and shapes of baskets for visual interest. Woven baskets in natural tones work well with farmhouse or rustic kitchens, while painted or colored baskets can complement modern designs.
Try placing baskets at varying heights to create dimension. You can leave them empty for a clean look or use them to store items you don’t need daily but want to keep accessible.
Mixing basket materials adds character to your kitchen. Consider combining seagrass, water hyacinth, and bamboo baskets for a textured display that draws the eye upward.
For a cohesive look, choose baskets that match your kitchen’s color scheme. Light-colored baskets brighten the space, while darker ones add drama and contrast.
Remember that baskets collect dust, so select ones that are easy to clean or reach. Flat-bottomed baskets are more stable for above-cabinet placement than round-bottomed ones.
5) Hang Art Prints
Art prints can transform that empty space above your kitchen cabinets into a stylish focal point. You don’t need to stick to traditional kitchen themes either! Choose prints that match your personality and the overall style of your home.
Consider leaning framed artwork against the wall rather than hanging it. This casual approach adds depth and creates a relaxed, layered look that’s easy to change whenever you want.
Size matters when selecting art for this space. Make sure your prints are tall enough to be visible from below but not so large that they overwhelm the area. A collection of smaller prints can work just as well as one larger piece.
Try mixing different art styles for visual interest. Combine abstract pieces with botanical prints or black-and-white photos with colorful illustrations. The contrast will make your display more eye-catching.
Remember that kitchen environments can be harsh on artwork. Consider using prints rather than originals, and avoid valuable pieces that might be damaged by heat, moisture, or cooking residue.
6) Place Decorative Vases
Decorative vases can transform the look of your kitchen by filling that awkward space above your cabinets. Many people search for vase ideas for this area, and it’s easy to see why—they add instant style without much effort.
You can go with a collection of matching vases for a clean, uniform look. Or mix different sizes, shapes, and colors for a more eclectic vibe. Ceramic vases are especially popular since they’re easy to clean and add a vintage touch.
Try arranging your vases in groups of three with varying heights. This creates visual interest and follows the designer’s rule of odd numbers.
If you change your seasonal decor, vases are perfect because you can easily swap them out or fill them with different items throughout the year.
Be mindful that items above cabinets can collect greasy dust from cooking. Choose vases that are simple to wipe down and don’t have too many crevices where dust can hide.
Clear glass vases work well in smaller kitchens as they don’t visually weigh down the space. For larger kitchens, bold colored or patterned vases can make more of a statement.
7) Show Off Collectible Plates
Plates aren’t just for eating! They can be beautiful decorative pieces that add color and personality above your kitchen cabinets. If you have pretty plates gathering dust in your cupboards, it’s time to bring them out where everyone can see them.
Start by choosing plates with interesting patterns or colors that match your kitchen’s theme. Vintage plates, hand-painted ceramics, or family heirlooms work wonderfully for this purpose.
You can arrange them on plate stands of varying heights to create visual interest. This method is great because you can easily change the display whenever you want.
Another option is to hang the plates directly on the wall above your cabinets. Use plate hangers that won’t damage your special pieces. Try creating a pattern or grouping similar styles together.
Mix and match different sizes for a more dynamic look. You might place larger plates in the back and smaller ones in front.
This decor idea works especially well if you have high ceilings or a gap between your cabinets and the ceiling. Your pretty plates deserve to be seen, not hidden away!
8) Include Seasonal Decor
Changing your above-cabinet decor with the seasons is a fun way to keep your kitchen looking fresh. You can swap items out for each season or holiday to bring a festive touch to your space.
For spring, try adding some artificial greenery, pastel-colored vases, or Easter-themed decorations. Summer calls for bright colors, seashells, or tropical elements that bring warmth to your kitchen.
Fall is perfect for pumpkins, wheat stalks, and items in warm oranges and browns. Winter and holiday seasons work well with twinkling lights, pinecones, or festive ornaments displayed in glass containers.
Consider storing your seasonal items in plastic bags inside decorative baskets as suggested in one of the search results. This keeps them clean and dust-free between uses.
Don’t go overboard with too many pieces. Even just 2-3 seasonal items can make a big impact without creating visual clutter. Remember that seasonal decor should complement your existing kitchen style.
The best part about seasonal decorating is that it gives you a chance to refresh your space regularly without committing to permanent changes.
9) Stash Wine Bottles
Wine bottles make great decorative pieces above your kitchen cabinets. You can line them up to create an elegant display that adds color and interest to your space.
Try arranging bottles of different colors and shapes for a more dynamic look. Green, blue, and amber bottles can add a pop of color to your kitchen.
You don’t need to use expensive wines. Empty bottles work just as well! Clean them thoroughly and remove labels if you prefer a cleaner appearance.
For a more organized look, place the bottles in small wine racks. Some people even use three wine racks to prop up a board, creating an extra shelf above the cabinets.
You can also alternate wine bottles with other kitchen-themed items. Mix in some small plants, decorative plates, or baskets to create visual interest.
If you have tall ceilings, you can even create two layers of display using wine bottles on the bottom and lighter decorative items on top.
This decor idea works especially well in kitchens with a vineyard or Italian theme. It’s a practical way to show off special bottles or create a bistro atmosphere in your home.
10) Line Up Cutting Boards
Cutting boards are not just useful tools, they’re also beautiful decor items. Try lining them up above your kitchen cabinets for a rustic yet practical display.
Different sizes and shapes create visual interest. Place taller boards in the back and shorter ones in front for a layered look that adds depth to your space.
Mix materials for extra charm. Combine wooden boards with marble or slate ones to create contrast. The different textures will make your display more dynamic.
This decor idea works especially well in farmhouse-style kitchens. The natural wood tones bring warmth to the space and highlight the homey feel you’re going for.
You can even rotate your collection seasonally. Use holiday-themed cutting boards during special times of year for an easy decor refresh without much effort.
When arranging your boards, lean them against the wall rather than standing them up straight. This creates a more casual, lived-in look that feels inviting and cozy.
Understanding Above Kitchen Cabinet Space
That awkward space between your cabinets and ceiling offers hidden potential for both style and function. With some creativity, you can transform this often neglected area into a highlight of your kitchen design.
Maximizing Vertical Space
That empty space above your cabinets is valuable real estate in your kitchen. You can use it for items you don’t need daily but still want accessible.
Consider adding decorative baskets or bins to store seasonal items, rarely used appliances, or extra kitchen supplies. These containers keep things organized while adding visual appeal.
Large serving platters, special occasion dishware, or decorative bowls can be displayed at an angle for an elegant look. This approach keeps these items dust-free and within reach when needed.
If you’re short on cookbook storage, this space works perfectly. Arrange them by color or size for an organized look that adds character to your kitchen.
Incorporating Color and Texture
The space above your cabinets offers a perfect opportunity to add personality to your kitchen without overwhelming the space.
Plants are an excellent choice for this area. Consider trailing pothos, snake plants, or fake greenery if the light isn’t great. Plants add life and soften the transition between cabinets and ceiling.
Add visual interest with textured items like woven baskets, ceramic vases, or wooden bowls. Mix materials to create depth and dimension in your display.
Color coordination is key! Choose items that complement your kitchen’s color scheme. This creates a cohesive look rather than a random collection of objects.
For a cohesive look, stick to a specific theme or color palette. Too many different items can look cluttered rather than intentional.
Creative Styling Tips
Transforming the space above your kitchen cabinets requires both imagination and practical thinking. The key is finding pieces that reflect your personality while maintaining a cohesive look that complements your kitchen’s overall design.
Balancing Aesthetics and Function
When styling above cabinets, consider both beauty and practicality. Choose items that are easy to clean, as this area tends to collect dust. Larger pieces work better than small ones, which can look cluttered from a distance.
Create visual groups of three to five items rather than spreading them evenly. This creates more interesting focal points that draw the eye naturally.
If your kitchen lacks storage, use decorative baskets or vintage containers that look good while hiding seasonal items or rarely-used appliances.
Consider the viewing angle too. Most people will see your above-cabinet decor from below, so make sure items look good from that perspective.
Rotate seasonal decor to keep the space fresh and interesting without requiring complete redesigns.
Personalizing Your Decor
Your kitchen should tell your story. Display family heirlooms like vintage pitchers or your grandmother’s cookie jars to add character and meaning.
Color coordination doesn’t mean everything must match perfectly. Choose items that complement your kitchen’s palette while adding gentle contrast or texture.
Plants work wonderfully in this space. Consider trailing varieties like pothos or artificial greenery if natural light is limited.
Display your cookbook collection with decorative bookends, or showcase pretty serving pieces you love but don’t use daily.
Frame family recipes or food quotes that make you smile. These personal touches add warmth and conversation starters.
Don’t be afraid to mix styles. A few modern pieces alongside vintage finds creates depth and shows your unique personality.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Keeping your above-cabinet decorations looking their best requires regular attention. Dust and kitchen grease can quickly turn your beautiful display into a maintenance headache.
Dust Prevention Tips
Dust loves to settle on high surfaces like the tops of kitchen cabinets. Try applying a thin layer of wax paper beneath your decorative items. This simple trick makes cleaning easier—just replace the paper when it gets dirty!
Consider using museum putty to secure items. This not only prevents accidents during cleaning but also means fewer things to move when dusting.
Clean your above-cabinet area at least once a month. A microfiber extendable duster works wonders for reaching these spaces without climbing on counters.
For hard-to-reach areas, a handheld vacuum with extension wand can pull dust from corners and behind objects.
Keeping Decor Fresh
Rotate your decorative items seasonally to prevent fading and keep your kitchen looking interesting. Items exposed to sunlight may need to be moved more frequently to prevent color damage.
Wipe ceramic and glass pieces with a damp cloth and mild soap every few months. Wooden items benefit from occasional dusting with lemon oil to maintain their shine and prevent drying.
Plants placed above cabinets need special attention. Opt for faux plants or very hardy varieties if natural light is limited. Check real plants weekly for watering needs.
Kitchen grease can form a sticky film on decorations over time. Use a degreaser on washable items twice a year, or more often if you cook frequently.
