What can I put above kitchen cabinets? You can place decorative items, storage solutions, plants, art, or even lighting above kitchen cabinets to enhance your kitchen’s style and functionality.
The space above kitchen cabinets is often a forgotten frontier in home décor. Many kitchens have a gap between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling, a zone that can easily become a dust collector or, worse, an eyesore. However, with a little creativity and some thoughtful planning, this area can be transformed into a stylish and functional extension of your kitchen. This guide will walk you through various kitchen cabinet decor ideas to help you make the most of this often-neglected space.
Why Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets?
Decorating above your cabinets serves multiple purposes. It can:
- Enhance Aesthetics: It adds visual interest and personality to your kitchen, making it feel more complete and cohesive.
- Improve Functionality: It provides opportunities for above cabinet storage solutions or a place to display items you love.
- Create a Focal Point: Well-styled items can draw the eye upwards, making a smaller kitchen feel larger and more spacious.
- Hide Imperfections: If you have less-than-perfect ceilings or decorating kitchen soffits, items can strategically conceal them.
What to Put Above Kitchen Cabinets: A Comprehensive Guide
The possibilities for what to put above kitchen cabinets are vast. The best choice depends on your kitchen’s style, the height of the space, and your personal preferences.
1. Decorative Items
This is perhaps the most common use of the space above kitchen cabinets.
Vintage Finds and Collectibles
Do you have a passion for vintage kitchenware, antique signs, or ceramic pieces? The space above cabinets is perfect for showcasing your collection.
- Ceramic Jars and Canisters: Classic and functional, these can add a touch of farmhouse charm or modern elegance.
- Antique Bakeware: Think old rolling pins, mixing bowls, or even vintage cookie cutters.
- Enamelware: Particularly white enamelware with blue trim, it offers a country feel.
- Old Signs: Wooden or metal signs with kitchen-related phrases or graphics can add character.
Artwork and Wall Hangings
Consider this vertical space as an extension of your wall art.
- Small Paintings or Prints: Choose pieces with a kitchen theme or colors that complement your décor.
- Metal Wall Sculptures: These can add a contemporary or industrial touch.
- Woven Baskets: Displaying decorative woven baskets can add texture and warmth, often seen as creative kitchen cabinet surrounds.
- Artificial Greenery or Flowers: Lifelike plants can bring a touch of nature indoors. Ensure they are UV-resistant if exposed to sunlight.
Personal Touches
Make your kitchen truly your own.
- Family Photos: Framed photos can add a personal and sentimental touch.
- Handwritten Recipes: Frame a beloved family recipe for a charming, nostalgic display.
2. Functional Storage Solutions
If your kitchen is short on space, the area above cabinets can be a prime spot for above cabinet storage solutions.
Open Shelving
Adding open shelves above your cabinets can be both decorative and practical.
- Floating Shelves: These offer a clean, minimalist look.
- Open Cabinet Units: Consider installing small, open-fronted cabinets to keep items visible and accessible.
What to store on open shelves:
- Less Frequently Used Cookware: Beautiful pots, pans, or mixing bowls that you want to display.
- Decorative Storage Bins or Baskets: Use these to hide smaller items like snacks, cleaning supplies, or linens.
- Canned Goods or Pantry Staples: If aesthetically pleasing, these can be a part of the décor.
- Cookbooks: Stack them or place them upright for easy access.
Built-in or Wall-Mounted Cabinets
If your budget allows, extending cabinets to the ceiling or adding a smaller cabinet unit above existing ones is a great way to maximize storage. This is a more integrated approach to kitchen cabinet top ideas.
Decorative Baskets and Bins
Even without shelves, you can place attractive baskets or bins on top of cabinets.
- Wicker or Rattan Baskets: Add natural texture and a relaxed feel.
- Metal Wire Baskets: Offer an industrial or farmhouse vibe.
- Fabric Bins: Can be used to store lighter items and add a pop of color.
3. Lighting Elements
Lighting can dramatically change the ambiance of your kitchen and highlight your above cabinet shelf styling.
Under-Cabinet Lighting Extension
If you have under-cabinet lighting, you can sometimes extend it upwards to illuminate the space above. This is a sophisticated way to enhance the look.
Accent Lighting
Small, strategically placed lights can create a warm glow.
- LED Strip Lights: These are flexible, easy to install, and can be hidden to cast a soft, ambient light.
- Spotlights: Small directional spotlights can highlight specific decorative items.
- Battery-Operated Fairy Lights: For a whimsical touch, especially during holidays.
4. Architectural and Structural Elements
Sometimes, the best way to deal with the space above cabinets is to enhance the structure itself.
Kitchen Cabinet Molding Ideas
Adding molding to the top of your cabinets creates a finished, custom look.
- Crown Molding: This classic choice adds elegance and can make cabinets appear taller and more integrated with the ceiling.
- Decorative Trim: Various types of decorative trim can be applied to create unique creative kitchen cabinet surrounds.
Creating a Soffit
If the space above your cabinets is awkward or you want a more streamlined look, consider adding a soffit. This is a decorative structure that encloses the gap and can be painted or paneled to match your cabinets. This is key for decorating kitchen soffits when the space feels unmanageable.
Extending Cabinets to the Ceiling
This is the most integrated solution. It eliminates the awkward gap entirely and provides maximum storage.
5. Plants and Greenery
Bringing nature indoors can liven up any space.
Faux Plants
For areas with limited natural light or if you have a less-than-green thumb, high-quality faux plants are a great option.
- Potted Faux Ferns or Pothos: Drape them over the edges for a cascading effect.
- Faux Succulents: Small and chic, they add a modern touch.
Real Plants
If you have good natural light, consider these options:
- Small Potted Herbs: Basil, rosemary, or mint can add both visual appeal and fragrance.
- Spider Plants or Snake Plants: These are hardy and can tolerate lower light conditions.
Important considerations for plants:
- Watering: Think about how you will water them without making a mess on top of your cabinets. A watering can with a long spout is helpful.
- Sunlight: Ensure the plants you choose can thrive in the amount of light the area receives.
- Weight: Be mindful of the weight of potted plants, especially if placing them on shelves or a soffit.
Styling Your Above Cabinet Space: Tips for Success
Once you’ve decided what to put above your cabinets, the next step is to style it effectively.
Less is More
Avoid clutter. Too many items can make the space look messy and overwhelming. Aim for a curated display.
Consider the Scale
The items you choose should be proportionate to the space. Large, bulky items might overwhelm a smaller gap, while tiny trinkets can get lost.
Create a Focal Point
Choose one or two statement pieces that draw the eye. This could be a large piece of art, an attractive vintage item, or a cluster of decorative baskets.
Balance and Symmetry
While not always necessary, some level of balance can create a pleasing visual effect. Consider arranging items symmetrically or creating a visual weight balance across the length of the cabinets.
Color Coordination
The items you display should complement your kitchen’s color scheme. You can introduce pops of color or stick to a more neutral palette.
Texture and Dimension
Mixing textures can add depth and interest. Combine smooth ceramic with rough woven baskets, or metal accents with greenery.
Lighting is Key
As mentioned earlier, good lighting can transform the space. Even a simple string of fairy lights can create a magical effect.
Maintain Accessibility
If you’re using the space for storage, ensure items are relatively easy to access. Consider using a small step stool for items placed higher up.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Remember that this space will collect dust. Choose items that are easy to wipe down or clean. If using real plants, ensure they don’t drip water or soil.
Inspiration for Different Kitchen Styles
Kitchen cabinet decor ideas can vary greatly depending on your kitchen’s overall aesthetic.
Modern Kitchens
- Sleek, geometric vases: In metallic finishes or matte black.
- Minimalist art prints: Abstract designs or black and white photography.
- Small, potted succulents: For a touch of organic form.
- Hidden LED strip lighting: To create a soft, ambient glow.
Farmhouse Kitchens
- Vintage enamelware: Crocks, pitchers, and canisters.
- Woven baskets: For storing linens or decorative items.
- Wooden signs: With inspirational kitchen quotes or farm imagery.
- Galvanized metal accents: Buckets or tiered trays.
- Faux or real greenery: Such as eucalyptus or small potted herbs.
Traditional Kitchens
- Ceramic cookie jars or decorative tins.
- Copper pots or pans: If you have a collection.
- Small decorative plates or platters: Hung or propped up.
- Classic crown molding: To give a finished, built-in look.
Industrial Kitchens
- Metal baskets or wire crates.
- Vintage metal signs.
- Exposed Edison bulbs: In pendant lights that hang lower.
- Concrete planters: For small greenery.
DIY Kitchen Cabinet Decor Ideas
For those who love a hands-on approach, here are some DIY projects:
1. DIY Open Shelving
- Materials: Wooden planks, shelf brackets, screws, drill, level, sandpaper, paint or stain.
- Process: Cut wood to size, sand smooth, paint or stain. Attach brackets securely to the wall above the cabinets using a level. Mount the shelves onto the brackets.
2. Painted or Wallpapered Soffits
- Materials: Paint or wallpaper of your choice, primer (if needed), painter’s tape, roller or brush.
- Process: Clean the soffit surface. Apply painter’s tape to protect the cabinets and ceiling. Apply primer if using wallpaper or painting a dark color over a light one. Paint or apply wallpaper according to product instructions.
3. DIY Decorative Risers
- Materials: Wood scraps, MDF, or even thick cardboard, saw, glue, paint or decorative paper.
- Process: Cut pieces to create tiered risers. Assemble with glue. Paint or cover with decorative paper or fabric. These can be used to elevate smaller items on top of cabinets for better visibility.
4. Customizing Existing Cabinets with Molding
- Materials: Molding pieces (e.g., crown molding), miter saw, wood glue, finish nails, nail gun, caulk, paint.
- Process: Measure the top edge of your cabinets. Cut molding pieces to size using a miter saw for clean corners. Apply wood glue and secure with finish nails. Fill nail holes and gaps with caulk, then paint to match your cabinets. This enhances kitchen cabinet molding ideas by making them look custom.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is it a good idea to put things above kitchen cabinets?
Yes, it can be a great idea! It’s an excellent opportunity to add personality, store items, or simply complete the look of your kitchen. However, avoid clutter and choose items that are easy to clean.
Q2: What should I avoid putting above kitchen cabinets?
- Overly cluttered displays: Too many small items can look messy.
- Items that are difficult to clean: Dust magnets or delicate items are not ideal.
- Heirloom or valuable items: Unless you have a very secure and clean environment, it’s best to avoid placing irreplaceable items in a high, potentially dusty spot.
- Things that can easily fall: Ensure stability, especially if you have children or pets.
Q3: How do I clean the space above kitchen cabinets?
Regular dusting is key. Use a long-handled duster or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. For heavier grime, use a damp cloth with a mild cleaning solution. If you have real plants, ensure no water or soil residue is left behind.
Q4: Can I put shelves above my kitchen cabinets?
Absolutely! Adding open shelves or even small closed cabinets above your existing ones is a popular and practical solution for above cabinet storage solutions and displaying items above kitchen cabinets.
Q5: What if I have a very high ceiling?
For high ceilings, consider larger statement pieces, taller decorative items, or even installing artwork or decorative panels. You could also install cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling for maximum storage and a seamless look.
By thoughtfully considering the space above your kitchen cabinets and applying these stylish tips, you can transform a neglected area into a functional and aesthetically pleasing feature of your home. Whether you opt for a minimalist display, functional storage, or a bit of both, the key is to personalize the space to reflect your style and needs.