So, what can you put above kitchen cabinets? You can put decorative items, plants, lights, open shelving, or even artwork. Decorating the space above kitchen cabinets is a fantastic way to add personality and style to your kitchen. It’s often a forgotten area, but with a little creativity, it can become a focal point that ties your entire kitchen design together. This guide will explore various chic ideas and practical tips for transforming that often-empty expanse into something truly special.
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Embracing the Vertical: Why Decorating Above Cabinets Matters
The area above your kitchen cabinets, often referred to as the “cabinet top,” is prime real estate for design. Ignoring it can leave your kitchen feeling unfinished. Conversely, thoughtfully styling kitchen cabinet tops can:
- Add Visual Interest: Break up monotonous lines and draw the eye upward, making the kitchen feel larger and more dynamic.
- Express Your Personality: Showcase your favorite items, collections, or even seasonal decorations.
- Enhance Functionality: In some cases, adding shelves can provide much-needed storage for less-frequently used items.
- Complete the Look: Tie together your backsplash, countertops, and overall kitchen aesthetic.
Let’s dive into the ideas for space above kitchen cabinets that will make your kitchen pop!
Choosing Your Aesthetic: A Foundation for Success
Before you start placing items, consider the overall style of your kitchen. Are you going for modern, farmhouse, minimalist, eclectic, or traditional? Your chosen aesthetic will guide your decorative choices.
- Modern Kitchens: Often benefit from clean lines, geometric shapes, and a limited color palette. Think sleek vases, minimalist sculptures, or simple floating shelves with carefully curated items.
- Farmhouse Kitchens: Embrace rustic charm. Consider galvanized metal containers, wooden crates, vintage kitchenware, or potted herbs.
- Minimalist Kitchens: Focus on simplicity and negative space. A single striking piece of art or a beautifully crafted ceramic vase can make a statement without overwhelming the area.
- Eclectic Kitchens: Allow for a mix of styles and textures. You might combine vintage finds with modern art or colorful ceramics.
- Traditional Kitchens: Often feature classic elements. Consider faux greenery, decorative plates, or ornate display pieces.
Chic Ideas for Decorating Above Kitchen Cabinets
Here are a variety of kitchen cabinet top decor options to inspire you:
1. The Artful Display: Wall Decor Above Kitchen Cabinets
The wall space directly above your cabinets is a blank canvas.
Framed Artwork and Prints
- What to choose: Select pieces that complement your kitchen’s color scheme and style. Consider landscape prints, still life paintings, or even abstract art.
- Styling tips:
- Group a few smaller framed pieces together for a gallery wall effect.
- A single large piece can be a dramatic statement.
- Consider weather-resistant frames if your kitchen tends to get humid.
- Backsplash above cabinets can sometimes extend upwards to meet artwork, creating a cohesive look.
Decorative Plates
- What to choose: Vintage ceramic plates, themed decorative plates, or even modern artistic plates can add color and pattern.
- Styling tips:
- Use plate stands to prop them up at an angle.
- Mount them on the wall using plate hangers for a more permanent display.
- Mix and match patterns and colors for an eclectic feel.
Mirrors
- What to choose: Decorative mirrors with interesting frames can reflect light, making the kitchen feel brighter and larger.
- Styling tips:
- An ornate vintage mirror can add a touch of elegance.
- A simple frameless mirror can lean into a modern aesthetic.
- Position a mirror to reflect a window for maximum light enhancement.
Wall Sculptures and Metal Art
- What to choose: Metal cutouts, wire sculptures, or ceramic wall hangings can add texture and dimension.
- Styling tips:
- Choose pieces that are relatively shallow to avoid protruding too far.
- Consider botanical motifs, abstract shapes, or even themed kitchen items like utensils.
2. The Greenery Approach: Plants Above Cabinets
Adding plants can bring life and freshness to your kitchen.
- What to choose:
- Potted Herbs: Basil, mint, rosemary, and thyme thrive in bright kitchen environments and are also functional.
- Trailing Plants: Pothos, ivy, or string of pearls look beautiful cascading down.
- Succulents and Cacti: Low-maintenance options that add a touch of modern or desert charm.
- Faux Plants: If natural light is limited or you have a “black thumb,” high-quality faux plants are an excellent alternative.
- Styling tips:
- Use attractive pots and planters that match your kitchen’s decor.
- Ensure plants have adequate light. If not, consider rotating them or using grow lights.
- Group plants of varying heights and textures for visual interest.
- Place them on a tray to catch any drips or soil.
3. The Functional Elegance: Shelving Above Kitchen Cabinets
Adding shelves provides both storage and display opportunities.
Floating Shelves
- What to choose: These offer a clean, modern look and can be installed in various lengths and depths.
- Ideas for space above kitchen cabinets with floating shelves:
- Display Cookbooks: Keep your favorite recipes within easy reach.
- Showcase Decorative Items: Vases, pottery, small sculptures.
- Store Kitchenware: Beautiful ceramic bowls, mugs, or even canisters.
- Add Lighting: Small LED strip lights can be mounted underneath the shelf for ambient lighting.
Open Shelving (Built-in or Add-on)
- What to choose: If you have the opportunity during a renovation, consider incorporating open shelving directly into your cabinet design. Alternatively, you can install freestanding open shelves.
- What to put above kitchen cabinets on open shelves:
- Matching Canisters: For a cohesive look, store flour, sugar, pasta, etc., in matching containers.
- Decorative Glass Jars: Fill with colorful items like dried beans, pasta, or even fairy lights.
- Ceramics and Pottery: Display your favorite bowls, pitchers, or decorative pieces.
- Small Appliances: If aesthetically pleasing, a stylish stand mixer or coffee maker can be displayed.
Ladder Shelves
- What to choose: Leaning ladder shelves offer a rustic or bohemian vibe.
- Styling tips:
- Perfect for displaying plants, decorative baskets, or small framed photos.
- Ensure it’s securely leaned and stable.
4. The Ambient Glow: Lighting Solutions
Lighting can transform the atmosphere of your kitchen.
- What to choose:
- LED Strip Lights: These are versatile and can be easily attached to the underside of cabinets or the top edge to cast a soft glow upwards.
- Pendant Lights: If your ceiling height allows, a pair of stylish pendant lights can act as a decorative feature.
- Picture Lights: Small, discreet lights can highlight artwork or decorative objects.
- Fairy Lights: Drape battery-operated fairy lights for a whimsical touch.
- Styling tips:
- Consider dimmable options for adjustable ambiance.
- Warm white light is generally more inviting in a kitchen setting.
- Ensure the lights don’t create glare on your cabinet fronts.
5. The Decorative Objects Collection
This is where you can truly inject your personality.
- What to choose:
- Vases and Urns: Ceramic, glass, or metal vases in various shapes and sizes.
- Baskets: Woven baskets can store linens, cookbooks, or even serve as planters.
- Decorative Boxes and Trunks: Offer a place to hide less attractive items while adding visual appeal.
- Figurines and Sculptures: Choose pieces that resonate with you.
- Vintage Kitchenware: Old mixing bowls, canisters, or watering cans can add charm.
- Seasonal Decor: Swap out items for holidays or different seasons (e.g., pumpkins in fall, greenery in winter).
- Styling tips:
- The Rule of Three: Grouping items in threes often creates a pleasing visual composition.
- Vary Heights and Textures: Combine tall items with short ones, and smooth surfaces with rough ones.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Less is often more. Allow some negative space to prevent the area from looking cluttered.
- Consider Accessibility: If you’re placing items you need to access occasionally, ensure they are within reach.
6. Architectural Accents: Kitchen Cabinet Molding
While not a decorative item placed above cabinets, kitchen cabinet molding itself is a way to enhance the space.
- What it is: Molding, also known as crown molding or cabinet trim, is a decorative trim piece installed at the top of your cabinets where they meet the ceiling.
- Benefits:
- Seamless Transition: It bridges the gap between cabinets and ceiling, creating a more finished and professional look.
- Adds Elegance: Can elevate the style of your kitchen, making it appear more custom and high-end.
- Hides Imperfections: Can cover any unevenness where the cabinets meet the ceiling.
- Types: From simple cove molding to more ornate profiles, there’s a style to match any kitchen.
7. The DIY Approach: DIY Above Cabinet Decor
Get creative and personalize your space!
- DIY Ideas:
- Painted Vases: Decorate plain vases with acrylic paints, stencils, or metallic finishes.
- Decoupage Boxes: Cover old boxes with decorative paper or fabric.
- Painted Signs: Create custom wooden signs with kitchen-themed quotes or family names.
- Framed Wallpaper Samples: Use attractive wallpaper remnants to create unique wall art.
- Washi Tape Designs: Apply decorative washi tape to existing objects or even directly onto the wall for temporary accents.
- Upcycled Items: Repurpose old tins, jars, or crates into decorative pieces.
Practical Considerations and Tips
- Ceiling Height: Taller ceilings offer more flexibility for larger items and more vertical displays. Lower ceilings might require more delicate or scaled-down decor.
- Cabinet Depth: The depth of your cabinets will influence how far out you can place items. Ensure nothing protrudes excessively.
- Cleaning: Think about how easy it will be to clean the items and the cabinet tops themselves. Dusty decor can become a chore. Consider items that are easy to wipe down or are contained within closed shelves.
- Lighting: Ensure your decorative choices don’t block essential ceiling lights or create harsh shadows.
- Safety: Avoid placing heavy or unstable items where they could fall. Secure any wall-mounted items properly.
- Theme Consistency: While you want to express personality, try to maintain a consistent theme or color palette with the rest of your kitchen for a harmonious look.
What NOT to Put Above Kitchen Cabinets
- Anything too heavy: Risk of falling and injury.
- Items that are difficult to clean: Grease and dust can accumulate quickly.
- Anything flammable: Keep away from heat sources.
- Clutter: Avoid just piling random items up there. Be intentional with your choices.
- Items that block ventilation: If your cabinets have vents, ensure they aren’t obstructed.
Styling Kitchen Cabinet Tops: A Visual Guide
Let’s visualize how some of these ideas can come together.
| Style | Primary Decor Elements | Color Palette Examples | Overall Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modern | Geometric vases, minimalist sculptures, floating shelves | Whites, grays, blacks, metallics, muted blues/greens | Clean, sleek, sophisticated |
| Farmhouse | Galvanized buckets, wooden crates, vintage kitchenware, herbs | Whites, creams, natural wood tones, muted greens, black accents | Cozy, rustic, charming |
| Bohemian | Macrame plant hangers, colorful ceramics, woven baskets | Earth tones, jewel tones, vibrant patterns | Eclectic, free-spirited, warm |
| Minimalist | Single statement piece (vase or art), clean-lined shelves | Neutrals, monochrome, very limited pops of color | Serene, uncluttered, intentional |
| Industrial | Metal accents, exposed brick wallpaper, wire baskets | Grays, blacks, browns, metallic finishes | Edgy, raw, utilitarian |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How high should I place items above my kitchen cabinets?
A1: This depends on your ceiling height and cabinet size. Generally, you want to fill at least two-thirds of the vertical space. Avoid placing items so high that they are impossible to reach or clean, unless they are purely decorative and very lightweight.
Q2: Is it okay to put plants above kitchen cabinets?
A2: Yes, absolutely! Plants add a lovely touch of nature and color. Just ensure they receive adequate light and that you choose appropriate pots to manage watering. High-quality faux plants are also a great option if natural light is an issue.
Q3: What are the best materials for kitchen cabinet top decor?
A3: Consider materials that are durable and easy to clean. Ceramic, glass, metal, wood, and high-quality faux plants are excellent choices. Avoid materials that are overly porous or easily stained by grease and dust.
Q4: Should the decor above my cabinets match my backsplash?
A4: While it doesn’t have to match exactly, your decor should complement your backsplash above cabinets and the overall kitchen color scheme. You can pull colors from your backsplash into your decorative items for a cohesive look.
Q5: How do I prevent dust buildup on items above my cabinets?
A5: Regular dusting is key. Consider items that are easy to wipe down. Enclosing items on shelves with cabinet doors (if you have glass fronts) or using decorative boxes can also help. Placing items on trays can make cleaning easier, as you can lift the tray and dust the shelf underneath.
Q6: What if I have very tall cabinets with a lot of space above?
A6: For very tall spaces, consider using taller decorative items, stacking decorative boxes, or installing a shelf or two. You could also opt for larger pieces of wall art or a dramatic statement piece. If the space feels too vast, consider adding more substantial kitchen cabinet molding to create a more visually balanced transition.
Decorating the space above kitchen cabinets is a rewarding endeavor that can significantly elevate your kitchen’s aesthetic. By carefully selecting items that reflect your personal style and considering practical aspects like lighting, cleaning, and safety, you can transform this often-overlooked area into a stylish and inviting part of your home. Whether you opt for curated art, lush greenery, functional shelving, or a mix of elements, the ideas for space above kitchen cabinets are plentiful and ready to inspire your next kitchen makeover.