Wondering what to put above kitchen cabinets? You can fill this often-forgotten space with a variety of decorative items to add style, personality, and even function to your kitchen.
The space above kitchen cabinets is a prime spot to elevate your kitchen’s look. It’s an area that, when styled thoughtfully, can transform a plain kitchen into a truly stunning and inviting space. Many people overlook this area, leaving it bare and feeling incomplete. But with a few simple kitchen cabinet decor ideas, you can make a significant impact. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about decorating above kitchen cabinets, offering easy and stylish solutions for cabinet topper decor.
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Why Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets?
This vertical real estate offers a fantastic opportunity to inject personality into your kitchen. It’s a chance to showcase your style, add visual interest, and create a more cohesive look. Well-chosen items can:
- Enhance Aesthetics: Make your kitchen feel more finished and professionally designed.
- Reflect Your Style: Display items that speak to your taste, whether it’s rustic charm, modern minimalism, or eclectic flair.
- Add Color and Texture: Introduce pops of color, interesting shapes, or unique materials to break up the monotony of cabinets.
- Create Ambiance: Set a mood for your kitchen, making it feel more welcoming and lived-in.
- Showcase Collections: Display treasured items, vintage finds, or hobby-related pieces.
Key Considerations Before You Start Decorating
Before diving into specific ideas, take a moment to assess your kitchen and your goals.
Assessing Your Kitchen Space
- Height of Cabinets: How much vertical space do you have? Taller cabinets can accommodate larger items or collections, while shorter spaces might be better suited for flatter pieces or smaller vignettes.
- Kitchen Style: Is your kitchen modern, traditional, farmhouse, or something else? Your decor should complement the existing style.
- Color Palette: Consider the existing colors in your kitchen. You can either introduce complementary colors or stick to a more neutral palette.
- Lighting: How is your kitchen lit? If it’s a darker space, you might opt for lighter-colored decor or items that reflect light.
Setting a Budget
Decorating doesn’t have to be expensive. You can find beautiful items at thrift stores, flea markets, or even DIY them. Decide how much you want to spend before you start shopping.
Practicality and Maintenance
- Dusting: Consider how easy it will be to dust the items you choose. Items with intricate details or multiple small pieces can be more challenging to clean.
- Safety: Ensure that any items you place are secure and won’t easily fall, especially if you have children or pets.
Top Kitchen Cabinet Decor Ideas
Now, let’s explore some of the most popular and effective kitchen cabinet decor ideas. These suggestions offer a great starting point for styling above kitchen cabinets.
1. Art and Wall Hangings
Art is a fantastic way to add personality and color.
Paintings and Prints
- Subject Matter: Choose pieces that resonate with you. Landscapes, still lifes, abstract art, or even whimsical kitchen-themed prints can work well.
- Framing: Select frames that match your kitchen’s style. Simple black or white frames offer a modern look, while distressed wood frames suit a farmhouse aesthetic.
- Arrangement: You can hang a single, larger piece or create a gallery wall with a few smaller prints.
Wall Sculptures and Metal Art
- Dimensionality: These add texture and visual interest. Think metal cutouts of kitchen utensils, abstract metal shapes, or wire sculptures.
- Placement: Position them strategically to catch the light.
2. Plants and Greenery
Bringing the outdoors in can liven up any space.
Potted Plants
- Types: Consider low-maintenance options like snake plants, ZZ plants, or succulents. Faux plants are also a great choice for a no-fuss approach.
- Containers: Use decorative pots or planters that complement your kitchen’s color scheme. Terracotta, ceramic, or metallic pots can all work.
- Arrangement: Grouping a few plants of varying heights can create a dynamic display.
Hanging Planters
- Utilizing Vertical Space: Hanging planters draw the eye upward and are perfect for smaller items.
- Types of Plants: Trailing plants like Pothos or Spider Plants look beautiful cascading down.
3. Decorative Baskets and Trays
These are both stylish and functional.
Woven Baskets
- Material: Natural materials like wicker, rattan, or seagrass add warmth and texture.
- Use: They can hold faux greenery, decorative spheres, or even small, frequently used items like tea towels.
- Style: Great for farmhouse, bohemian, or coastal kitchens.
Decorative Trays
- Material: Metal, wood, or ceramic trays can hold a curated collection of items.
- Purpose: Use them to group smaller decorative items, making them look more organized and intentional.
4. Kitchenware and Serveware Displays
Showcase your beautiful dishes and serving pieces.
Vintage Finds
- Items: Old rolling pins, antique teapots, ceramic pitchers, or decorative tins can add a touch of nostalgia.
- Display: Arrange them on a shelf or directly on the cabinet top for a rustic feel.
Decorative Plates
- Hanging Plates: Consider plate hangers to display beautiful ceramic or vintage plates on the wall above the cabinets.
- Standing Plates: Small plate easels can hold decorative plates upright.
5. Shelving for Above Kitchen Cabinets
Adding shelves opens up a world of shelf ideas for above kitchen cabinets.
Floating Shelves
- Clean Look: These offer a minimalist and modern appearance, making items appear to float against the wall.
- Material: Wood, metal, or acrylic shelves can suit different styles.
- Styling: Perfect for displaying cookbooks, small plants, or decorative accents.
Open Shelving
- Display Focus: If you have particularly attractive dishes or serveware, open shelves are an excellent way to showcase them.
- Arrangement: Mix in other decorative elements like jars, canisters, or small art pieces.
Corner Shelves
- Maximizing Space: If you have awkward corners, corner shelves can be a practical and stylish addition.
6. Mirrors and Reflective Surfaces
Mirrors can make a small kitchen feel larger and brighter.
Decorative Mirrors
- Frame: Choose a frame that complements your kitchen’s decor. Ornate, rustic, or sleek modern frames are all options.
- Placement: Position a mirror to reflect light from windows or pendant lights.
7. Lighting Elements
Ambiance is key, and lighting plays a significant role.
String Lights
- Soft Glow: Fairy lights or Edison bulb string lights can create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
- Placement: Drape them along the top of the cabinets or tuck them into display shelves.
Small Lamps
- Task Lighting or Accent: A small, stylish lamp can add a cozy feel and provide subtle illumination.
8. Themed Collections
If you have a passion, display it!
Cookbooks and Recipes
- Practical and Pretty: Stack a few favorite cookbooks or display a framed recipe card.
- Vintage Books: Old, well-loved cookbooks can add a charming, vintage touch.
Seasonal Decor
- Holiday Spirit: Rotate items to match the season or holidays. Think pumpkins for fall, greenery for winter, or bright florals for spring.
9. Architectural Elements
Adding decorative trim or corbels can enhance the cabinetry itself.
Decorative Corbels
- Support and Style: These add a classic architectural detail and can support decorative shelving if needed.
- Materials: Wood, metal, or even stone corbels are available.
Crown Molding
- Finished Look: Adding crown molding along the top of your cabinets creates a more polished, custom look.
Styling Above Kitchen Cabinets: Tips and Techniques
Here are some effective kitchen cabinet styling tips for creating a balanced and appealing look.
The Rule of Three
When arranging items, grouping them in threes often creates a visually pleasing composition. Vary the heights and textures within each group.
Vary Heights and Textures
Avoid placing items of the same height all in a row. Mix tall items with shorter ones, and incorporate different textures like smooth ceramic, rough wood, or shiny metal.
Create Vignettes
Instead of scattering items randomly, create small, curated scenes or “vignettes.” This could be a plant, a framed picture, and a decorative object grouped together.
Don’t Overcrowd
Less is often more. Too many items can make the space look cluttered and busy. Leave some negative space to allow each piece to stand out.
Consider Scale
Ensure the items you choose are proportionate to the space above your cabinets. Very small items might get lost, while overly large items can overwhelm the area.
Balance and Symmetry (or Asymmetry)
You can create a sense of balance either by using symmetrical arrangements (e.g., two identical items on either side of a central piece) or by creating visual balance through asymmetrical arrangements.
Incorporate Color Strategically
Use color to draw the eye or to tie into your kitchen’s existing color scheme. You can use colorful items directly or use neutral items on a colorful shelf.
Consider Functionality
Even decorative items can have a secondary purpose. A beautiful ceramic jar can hold utensils, or a stack of cookbooks is both decorative and useful.
What to Put Above Kitchen Cabinets: Specific Ideas
Let’s get more granular with display ideas for kitchen cabinets and decorative items for kitchen cabinet tops.
For Modern Kitchens:
- Sleek Art: Abstract prints or graphic art in simple frames.
- Geometric Objects: Metal or ceramic geometric sculptures.
- Minimalist Vases: Clean-lined vases, perhaps with a single faux stem.
- Floating Shelves: Displaying a few curated, modern pieces.
- Metallic Accents: Polished chrome or brushed nickel decorative items.
For Farmhouse Kitchens:
- Galvanized Metal: Buckets, pitchers, or decorative signs.
- Wooden Accents: Vintage rolling pins, crates, or wooden signs with rustic lettering.
- Woven Baskets: Filled with faux greenery or dishtowels.
- Shiplap or Beadboard: Consider adding this to the backsplash area that extends upwards.
- Mason Jars: Filled with flowers or fairy lights.
For Traditional Kitchens:
- Ceramic Pieces: Decorative plates, vases, or planters.
- Oil Paintings or Prints: Still lifes or landscapes.
- Decorative Bowls: Ceramic or metal bowls.
- Antique Finds: Old kitchen tools or decorative tins.
- Gilded Accents: Mirror frames or decorative objects with gold or brass finishes.
For Coastal Kitchens:
- Seashells and Coral: Displayed in bowls or shadow boxes.
- Nautical Accents: Ship wheels, anchor motifs, or rope details.
- Blue and White Pottery: Classic ceramic pieces.
- Driftwood: Natural pieces of driftwood.
Styling with Shelving: Shelf Ideas for Above Kitchen Cabinets
Shelving offers a structured way to display items and is a popular choice for cabinet topper decor.
Floating Shelves
- What to Display: A few books, a small plant, a decorative vase, and perhaps a framed photo.
- Arrangement: Keep it simple. Aim for balance between the items and the empty space on the shelf.
Open Shelves
- What to Display: A mix of everyday dishes (if beautiful), decorative canisters, cookbooks, small bowls, and plants.
- Arrangement: Stack dishes, group canisters, and vary the height of your displays. Think of it as a curated pantry display.
Ledge Shelves
- What to Display: Ideal for leaning framed art, smaller decorative objects, or displaying cookbooks.
- Arrangement: Lean art against the wall and place smaller items in front.
Practical Solutions for the Top of Kitchen Cabinets
Beyond pure decoration, consider practical additions.
Storage Canisters
- For Items: Flour, sugar, coffee, tea.
- Style: Choose canisters that match your kitchen’s aesthetic – ceramic, glass, or stainless steel. They look much better than original packaging.
Cookbooks
- For Ease of Access: Keep your most-used cookbooks within easy reach.
- Style: Stack a few attractive cookbooks or place them upright on a shelf.
Decorative Jars
- For Storage: They can hold snacks, utensils, or even small pantry staples.
- Style: Glass jars with lids look great and are practical.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is it necessary to decorate above kitchen cabinets?
A: No, it’s not strictly necessary, but it’s a great way to enhance your kitchen’s overall look and feel, adding personality and completing the design.
Q: What are the best decorative items for kitchen cabinet tops?
A: This depends on your kitchen style, but popular choices include plants, art, decorative baskets, vintage kitchenware, cookbooks, and mirrors.
Q: How do I clean items displayed above kitchen cabinets?
A: Regular dusting is key. Use a feather duster or a microfiber cloth. For more thorough cleaning, you may need to take items down occasionally.
Q: Can I put lights above my kitchen cabinets?
A: Yes, string lights or small accent lights can create a lovely ambiance. Ensure they are safely installed and plugged in.
Q: What if I have very high ceilings?
A: For high ceilings, consider larger statement pieces, taller plants, or a series of framed art. Adding shelves can also help fill the vertical space effectively.
Q: Should I match my decor to my backsplash?
A: While it’s not a strict rule, coordinating your decor with your backsplash can create a harmonious look. You can either pick colors from the backsplash or choose complementary styles.
Q: What kind of kitchen wall decor above cabinets works best?
A: This depends on your wall space. Consider hanging art, mirrors, decorative plates, or even open shelving units.
By implementing these ideas and tips, you can transform the often-neglected space above your kitchen cabinets into a stylish and personalized extension of your home. Happy decorating!