Can you put decor above kitchen cabinets? Yes, you absolutely can! Decorating the space above kitchen cabinets is a fantastic way to enhance your kitchen’s aesthetic, add personality, and even boost functionality. This often-overlooked area presents a great opportunity to inject style, whether you’re aiming for a cozy, curated look or a more minimalist feel.
The area above kitchen cabinets, often referred to as the “cabinet top” or “soffit space,” can be a bit of a styling puzzle. Many homeowners wonder what to do with this vertical real estate. Is it just a dust magnet, or can it be a design feature? The answer is definitively the latter! Mastering the art of kitchen cabinet top decor can transform a bland kitchen into a stunning culinary space.
This guide will delve into a variety of above cabinet styling ideas and practical tips for making the most of this area. We’ll explore different approaches, consider common challenges, and offer solutions for various kitchen styles and budgets. From practical storage to purely decorative displays, there’s a perfect solution for everyone.
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Why Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets?
Decorating the space above your kitchen cabinets offers several compelling advantages. It’s not just about aesthetics; it can also address practical needs.
- Aesthetic Enhancement: This is the most obvious reason. It can unify your kitchen design, add visual interest, and fill an otherwise empty or awkward space.
- Personalization: You can use this area to showcase your personality through art, collectibles, or sentimental items.
- Visual Height: Displaying items that draw the eye upward can make your kitchen feel taller and more spacious, especially beneficial in smaller kitchens.
- Functionality: In some cases, this space can be adapted for practical small kitchen storage solutions or display.
- Hiding Imperfections: It can be a clever way to disguise ceiling imperfections or the top of cabinets themselves if they are dated or not perfectly finished.
Getting Started: Key Considerations Before You Decorate
Before you start shopping for decorative items, take a moment to assess your kitchen and your goals. Careful planning ensures a cohesive and satisfying result.
Assessing Your Space
- Height: How much vertical space do you have? This will determine the scale of items you can use.
- Cabinet Style: Are your cabinets modern, traditional, rustic, or farmhouse? Your decor should complement their style.
- Color Palette: What are the dominant colors in your kitchen? Choose decor that harmonizes with or provides a pleasing contrast to your existing scheme.
- Lighting: How is your kitchen lit? Good lighting can highlight your decor. Consider adding under-cabinet lighting that can spill upwards, or strategically placing small spotlights.
- Functionality Needs: Do you need extra storage, or is this purely a decorative endeavor?
Defining Your Style
Decorating above kitchen cabinets is a chance to reflect your personal taste. Think about the overall vibe you want to create:
- Minimalist: Clean lines, a few carefully chosen items, often monochromatic. Think a single striking piece of art or a minimalist vase.
- Farmhouse/Rustic: Baskets, galvanized metal items, faux greenery, vintage finds like enamelware or wooden crates.
- Modern: Geometric shapes, metallic accents, sleek vases, or perhaps minimalist art prints.
- Traditional: Ceramic pieces, antique-style decor, framed photos, or even small decorative plates.
- Eclectic: A mix of styles, colors, and textures that reflect your diverse tastes and travels.
Practicalities: Dust and Accessibility
Let’s face it, the space above cabinets can become a dust haven. Consider these points:
- Ease of Cleaning: Opt for items that are easy to wipe down. Smooth surfaces are better than intricately detailed ones.
- Accessibility: If you plan to store items up there, ensure you can reach them safely. A small stepladder or a decorative stool might be necessary.
- Weight: Avoid overly heavy items that could be a hazard if they fall.
Creative Above Cabinet Styling Ideas
Now for the fun part! Here are various approaches and items you can use to style the space above your kitchen cabinets.
1. The Curated Collection Approach
This involves grouping a few complementary items together. Think of it like creating a mini-gallery.
- Vases and Pottery: Grouping several ceramic or glass vases of varying heights and textures can create a dynamic display. Consider a mix of colors or stick to a monochromatic scheme.
- Decorative Bowls: Similar to vases, a collection of decorative bowls can add color and shape.
- Ornate Trays: A beautiful metal or wooden tray can anchor a collection of smaller items.
Example Display:
Three ceramic vases in varying shades of blue, a small brass tray, and a faux potted plant.
2. Greenery Galore
Adding plants, whether real or faux, brings life and color to the kitchen.
- Potted Plants: Small to medium-sized potted plants can soften the look of your cabinets. Choose varieties that thrive in indirect light if your kitchen doesn’t get much sun. Snake plants, ZZ plants, and Pothos are good low-maintenance options.
- Hanging Plants: If you have the capability, small hanging baskets can add a whimsical touch.
- Faux Greenery: High-quality faux plants can offer the same visual appeal without the maintenance. Look for realistic-looking stems and leaves.
Considerations for Plants:
* Watering: If using real plants, ensure you have a plan for watering them without making a mess on your cabinets or ceiling.
* Light Needs: Match plants to your kitchen’s light conditions.
3. Artwork and Wall Hangings
This is a direct way to add personality and color.
- Framed Prints or Photos: Choose artwork that resonates with you. Consider botanical prints, abstract pieces, or even family photos. Keep the frames consistent for a more cohesive look.
- Decorative Plates: Vintage or artisanal decorative plates can add a touch of charm, especially in a farmhouse or traditional kitchen.
- Metal Wall Art: A piece of metal wall art can add a modern or industrial flair.
- Woven Hangings: Macrame or other woven pieces can add texture and a bohemian feel.
Tip: Ensure artwork is securely mounted, especially if it’s heavy.
4. Baskets and Storage Solutions
This is where practicality meets style. Baskets are incredibly versatile.
- Woven Baskets: Ideal for farmhouse, rustic, or bohemian styles. They can hold anything from extra dish towels to cookbooks or even decorative faux fruit.
- Wire Baskets: Offer a more modern or industrial look and are great for displaying items like produce or small kitchen gadgets.
- Decorative Boxes: Can be used to store less attractive items while keeping the space looking tidy.
Tip: Choose baskets that are easy to clean.
5. Lighting Accents
Subtle lighting can make a big difference.
- Uplighting: Small, directional spotlights can illuminate your decor and create a warm ambiance. Many are battery-operated and easy to install.
- String Lights: Fairy lights or globe lights can add a cozy, festive feel, especially for holidays.
Important: Ensure any electrical items are safely installed and away from water sources.
6. The “Less is More” Approach
Sometimes, the most impactful look is achieved with restraint.
- Single Statement Piece: A large, striking vase, a piece of sculptural art, or a prominent decorative object can command attention without clutter.
- Clean, Minimal Surfaces: If your cabinets are very tall or the space is awkward, sometimes leaving it relatively bare with just one or two small, well-chosen items is best.
7. Functional Displays
Think about items you use that can also be decorative.
- Cookbooks: A stack of beautiful cookbooks can be a stylish display.
- Decorative Jars: Fill nice glass jars with colorful ingredients like dried pasta or beans.
- Small Appliances: If you have a particularly stylish stand mixer or coffee maker that you store elsewhere, consider displaying a similar, smaller decorative item.
Specific Kitchen Cabinet Top Decor Ideas by Style
Let’s break down some ideas tailored to popular kitchen aesthetics.
Farmhouse/Rustic Kitchens
- Baskets: Woven wicker or galvanized metal baskets filled with faux greenery, seasonal decor, or rolled-up tea towels.
- Wooden Crates: Small vintage-style wooden crates can hold small plants or decorative items.
- Enameled Ware: Pitchers, canisters, or bowls with an enamel finish add a country charm.
- Galvanized Accents: Metal planters, watering cans, or even a decorative galvanized bucket.
- Faux Produce: A bowl of faux apples or lemons can add a pop of color.
- Wooden Signs: Small decorative wooden signs with kitchen-themed sayings.
Modern Kitchens
- Sleek Vases: Tall, slender vases in glass, metal, or matte finishes.
- Sculptural Objects: Minimalist art pieces, geometric shapes, or abstract metallic sculptures.
- Clean-Lined Planters: Simple ceramic or concrete planters with succulents or small, architectural plants.
- Framed Art: Black and white photography, abstract prints, or graphic designs.
- Metallic Accents: Chrome, brushed nickel, or brass decorative items that match your hardware.
Traditional Kitchens
- Ceramic Urns or Vases: Classic shapes in neutral or complementary colors.
- Decorative Plates: Displayed on small easels or mounted.
- Antique-Style Finds: Small decorative clocks, brass candlesticks (unlit for safety), or old-fashioned pitchers.
- Framed Artwork: Still life paintings, floral prints, or landscape scenes.
- Wicker Baskets: For a slightly softer, more country-traditional feel.
Industrial Kitchens
- Metal Accents: Exposed metal pipes (decorative, not functional), metal letters, or gear-shaped decor.
- Reclaimed Wood Elements: Small wooden boxes or shelves made from reclaimed wood.
- Vintage Industrial Finds: Old factory lights (non-functional), metal signage, or old tools mounted decoratively.
- Concrete Planters: For a raw, urban feel.
Dealing with Awkward Spaces
Sometimes the space above cabinets is deep, narrow, or irregularly shaped.
- Deep Spaces: These are great for displaying larger items like taller vases, framed pictures, or even small decorative ladders. You can also create depth by layering items.
- Narrow Spaces: Focus on items that are tall and slender, like narrow vases or stacked books. Avoid anything too wide that might stick out.
- Irregularly Shaped Spaces: Consider custom solutions like floating shelves or strategically placed artwork to fill odd nooks. For very uneven spaces, a collection of smaller, varied items can work well.
Alternative Solutions: What If Decor Isn’t for You?
Not everyone wants to fill the space above their cabinets with decor. Here are some alternatives.
1. Extend Cabinets to the Ceiling
This is the most seamless solution.
- Pros: Creates a monolithic look, maximizes storage, reduces dust accumulation significantly, and makes the ceiling appear higher.
- Cons: Can be expensive if retrofitting, might require custom cabinetry.
2. Install Above Cabinet Shelving
This adds practical storage and display space.
- Pros: Increases storage for infrequently used items, decorative items, or cookbooks. Can be customized to your style.
- Cons: Can make the kitchen feel more cluttered if not styled carefully. Dust can still accumulate on shelves and items.
3. Utilize Kitchen Cabinet Soffit Decor
If you have soffits, you can decorate them directly.
- Pros: Soffits are often built-in, providing a more finished look than open space. They can be painted, wallpapered, or have shelves installed within them.
- Cons: Soffits can sometimes make a kitchen feel dated if they are bulky or obstruct the visual line to the ceiling.
4. Add Kitchen Backsplash Alternatives Above Cabinets
While not directly on the cabinet tops, this is a related decorative idea for the wall space. Consider unique tile patterns or materials that extend upwards to create a focal point.
5. Painted or Wallpapered Walls
If the space above your cabinets is simply wall, consider painting it a contrasting color or applying a stylish wallpaper. This adds visual interest without adding physical objects that collect dust.
Renters Kitchen Upgrades: Decorating Above Cabinets
If you’re renting, you need non-permanent solutions.
- Command Strips/Hooks: Use these for hanging lightweight artwork or decorative items.
- Freestanding Decor: Place items directly on the cabinet top without adhesives.
- Removable Wallpaper: If allowed by your lease, a stylish removable wallpaper can transform the area.
- Temporary Shelving: Consider tension rod shelves or small, freestanding tiered shelves that can be easily removed.
- Baskets: Easily placed and removed, offering a stylish storage solution.
DIY Kitchen Cabinet Top Ideas for Renters:
* DIY Faux Plants: Create your own greenery from craft supplies.
* Decorated Boxes: Cover plain cardboard boxes with attractive paper or fabric to use as decorative storage.
* Stenciled Designs: If painting is allowed, stencils can add patterns without covering the whole wall.
Maintenance Tips for Your Cabinet Top Decor
Keeping your styled space looking its best requires a little effort.
- Regular Dusting: Dust items and the surfaces around them at least once a month. A microfiber duster with an extendable handle is invaluable.
- Wipe Down Surfaces: Use a damp cloth to wipe down vases, shelves, and other non-porous items.
- Rotate Decor: Change out your decor seasonally or annually to keep your kitchen feeling fresh. This also provides an opportunity for a deeper clean.
- Inspect for Pests: While rare, check occasionally for any unwanted visitors, especially if you have real plants.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Over-Cluttering: Too many items can make the space look messy and overwhelming. Stick to a few well-chosen pieces.
- Ignoring Scale: Using items that are too small will make them look insignificant, while items that are too large can overpower the space.
- Poor Lighting: If your decor is in a dark corner, it won’t be appreciated. Ensure adequate lighting.
- Ignoring Dust: While we’ve discussed it, it bears repeating: don’t choose decor that will be incredibly difficult to clean.
- Inconsistent Style: Ensure your decor complements the rest of your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is it okay to put decorative items above kitchen cabinets?
A: Yes, it’s perfectly fine and a great way to enhance your kitchen’s style and personality.
Q2: What is the best way to clean above kitchen cabinets?
A: A duster with an extendable handle, a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment, or a damp microfiber cloth are all effective tools. Regular dusting is key to preventing buildup.
Q3: Can I put plants above my kitchen cabinets?
A: Yes, you can! Both real and faux plants work well. If using real plants, ensure they have adequate light and a plan for watering.
Q4: What if my cabinets go all the way to the ceiling?
A: If your cabinets extend to the ceiling, you’ve already maximized your storage and created a clean look. You might consider adding decorative trim or molding at the top for a more finished appearance, or perhaps a subtle lighting feature.
Q5: How do I choose the right size items for above my cabinets?
A: Measure the available space. Hold items up to the space before committing to see how they look. Consider the visual weight and scale relative to your cabinets and kitchen size.
Q6: Can renters decorate above kitchen cabinets?
A: Yes, renters can decorate using non-permanent methods like Command strips, freestanding items, decorative baskets, or removable wallpaper.
Q7: What are some good small kitchen storage solutions related to cabinet tops?
A: Baskets, decorative boxes, and small tiered shelves can be placed on cabinet tops to store or display items like cookbooks, tea towels, or small kitchen gadgets.
Q8: Are there alternatives to decorating the actual cabinet top?
A: Yes, consider extending cabinets to the ceiling, installing above cabinet shelving, decorating soffits, or using wall decor like art or patterned wallpaper on the wall space above the cabinets.
By following these guidelines and ideas, you can transform the often-neglected space above your kitchen cabinets into a stylish and engaging feature of your home. Happy decorating!