Can you put things on top of kitchen cabinets? Yes, absolutely! Decorating the top of kitchen cabinets is a fantastic way to add personality and polish to your kitchen. It’s a prime opportunity to elevate your kitchen’s aesthetic, especially if you have taller cabinets that leave a significant blank space. What to put on top of kitchen cabinets can range from practical storage to purely decorative items, offering a chance to showcase your style.
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Styling Kitchen Cabinet Tops: A Creative Canvas
The space above your kitchen cabinets is often overlooked, yet it holds immense potential for enhancing your kitchen’s overall design. Whether you have traditional cabinets with gaps or modern, floor-to-ceiling units, styling these areas can make a significant difference. It’s a chance to create visual interest above cabinets and tie your kitchen’s theme together.
The Purpose of Kitchen Cabinet Toppers
Before diving into specific decor ideas, let’s consider the purpose of these kitchen cabinet toppers. They can serve several functions:
- Aesthetic Enhancement: Adding decorative elements softens the hard lines of cabinetry and can introduce color, texture, and personality.
- Filling Space: They can fill the often awkward gap between cabinets and the ceiling, making the kitchen feel more complete and less stark.
- Storage Solutions: In some cases, the tops can be used for less-frequently used but still accessible storage.
- Displaying Collections: They offer a platform to showcase favorite items, from pottery to plants.
Assessing Your Kitchen Space
Before you start gathering display items for kitchen cabinets, take a moment to assess your kitchen. Consider the following:
- Cabinet Height: Are your cabinets standard height, or do they reach closer to the ceiling? This will determine the scale of items you can use.
- Ceiling Height: A high ceiling might accommodate larger, more dramatic pieces, while a lower ceiling might benefit from more delicate arrangements.
- Kitchen Style: Is your kitchen modern, farmhouse, traditional, bohemian, or something else? Your decorations should complement the existing style.
- Color Palette: Think about the colors already present in your kitchen and how new items will fit in.
- Lighting: Good lighting can highlight your decorations, making them a focal point.
Decorating Above Kitchen Cabinets: Key Style Principles
When decorating above kitchen cabinets, a few core principles will guide you to create a cohesive and appealing look:
1. Scale and Proportion
This is crucial. Overly large items can make the space feel cluttered and overwhelming, while tiny items can get lost.
- For taller cabinets: Consider larger statement pieces like decorative baskets, taller vases, or even framed art.
- For shorter cabinets: Opt for smaller groupings of items, perhaps a series of small decorative boxes or a collection of framed photos.
- Balance is key: Don’t put one huge item on one side and nothing on the other. Try to create a balanced visual weight across the expanse.
2. Symmetry vs. Asymmetry
You can achieve different looks with these approaches:
- Symmetry: Placing identical items on either side of a central point (like a range hood) creates a formal, balanced feel. Think two identical vases or two matching decorative baskets.
- Asymmetry: This involves grouping items of varying heights and sizes in a pleasing, balanced arrangement. It often feels more natural and relaxed. For instance, a taller vase on one side, a smaller plant and a decorative box on the other, creating a dynamic composition.
3. Creating Visual Interest Above Cabinets
The goal is to make this area a deliberate design choice, not an afterthought.
- Vary Heights: Combine items of different heights to draw the eye upwards and create depth.
- Texture Play: Mix materials like metal, wood, ceramic, and woven fibers to add tactile interest.
- Color Integration: Use your decorative items to introduce pops of color or to reinforce your kitchen’s existing color scheme.
- Focal Points: Create one or two areas of interest rather than scattering too many small things.
4. Practical Considerations
- Dusting: Items placed here can collect dust. Consider how easy they are to clean. Plants, for instance, need regular care.
- Safety: Ensure items are securely placed and won’t easily fall, especially in a busy kitchen environment. Avoid placing anything flammable near heat sources.
- Accessibility: If you’re using items for occasional storage, ensure they are still reachable.
What to Put on Top of Kitchen Cabinets: Popular Choices
Let’s explore some of the most popular and effective items for styling kitchen cabinet tops.
1. Decorative Baskets
Baskets are incredibly versatile and work well in many kitchen styles.
- Materials: Woven seagrass, rattan, wicker, metal wire, or fabric baskets all offer different looks.
- Uses:
- Storage: Perfect for stashing away less attractive items like extra paper towels, cleaning supplies, or even children’s toys out of sight.
- Filler: They fill space effectively and add a natural, textural element.
- Arrangement: Group a few baskets of varying sizes for a dynamic display.
2. Vases and Pottery
Vases and ceramic pieces can add color, shape, and artistic flair.
- Types: Tall, slender vases; squat, round bowls; colorful ceramic pieces; or even antique jugs.
- Styling Tips:
- Single Statement Piece: A large, striking vase can be impactful on its own.
- Groupings: Cluster 2-3 vases of different sizes and shapes for a more curated look.
- With Greenery: Add faux or real greenery (like eucalyptus or trailing plants) to a vase for a touch of life.
- Color Pops: Use brightly colored pottery to inject personality into a neutral kitchen.
3. Plants (Real or Faux)
Plants bring life and a natural element into any space.
- Considerations for Real Plants:
- Light: Ensure the area receives enough light for the plant to thrive.
- Watering: How will you water them? You’ll need a ladder for access.
- Drainage: Use pots with drainage or place a tray underneath to catch excess water.
- Plant Types: Succulents, snake plants, or pothos are generally low-maintenance and can tolerate varying light conditions.
- Faux Plants: A great alternative if you don’t have the time or light for real plants. High-quality faux plants can look very realistic.
4. Decorative Bottles and Jars
These can add a touch of vintage charm or modern sleekness.
- Ideas: Old apothecary jars, colorful glass bottles, or even stylish oil and vinegar dispensers.
- Styling: Group a few together, perhaps with different colors or heights. They can also hold dried flowers or decorative twigs.
5. Framed Art or Photos
Personalize your kitchen with art that speaks to you.
- Selection: Choose pieces that are kitchen-appropriate in theme or color. Smaller framed prints or even family photos work well.
- Protection: Consider the kitchen environment. If your kitchen is prone to steam or grease, opt for pieces that are easy to clean or protected behind glass.
- Arrangement: A small gallery of 2-3 framed pieces can create a sophisticated look.
6. Decorative Boxes and Trunks
These offer both style and hidden storage.
- Materials: Wood, metal, leather, or fabric boxes can add texture and color.
- Function: Use them to store away small, unsightly items. Larger decorative trunks can make a bold statement.
7. Kitchen Cabinet Filler Ideas
Sometimes, you just need something to fill a small gap or create a more complete look.
- Small decorative objects: Think ceramic figures, small sculptures, or pretty paperweights.
- Seasonal Decor: Small pumpkins in the fall, festive baubles during holidays, or floral arrangements in spring.
8. Lighting
While not strictly a “decoration,” strategic lighting can highlight your chosen items.
- LED Strip Lights: Discreetly placed under the upper cabinets can illuminate the items on top, creating a warm glow in the evening.
- Picture Lights: Small, battery-operated picture lights can be mounted above your cabinet decorations.
Incorporating Kitchen Cabinet Crown Molding and Decorative Shelves
For a more integrated and polished look, consider adding kitchen cabinet crown molding or decorative kitchen cabinet shelves above your existing cabinets.
Kitchen Cabinet Crown Molding
Crown molding is a decorative trim that bridges the gap between the top of your cabinets and the ceiling.
- Benefits:
- Finished Look: It creates a seamless transition, making your cabinets look more custom and expensive.
- Hides Imperfections: It can cover uneven ceiling lines or gaps.
- Adds Architectural Detail: It introduces a classic architectural element that enhances the overall kitchen design.
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Kitchen Cabinet Molding Styles:
- Simple & Clean: Modern kitchens often benefit from minimalist, straight molding.
- Ornate & Traditional: Larger, more detailed molding can suit classic or Victorian-style kitchens.
- Riser Molding: Sometimes, a simple piece of wood is placed above the cabinet before the molding to create a layered effect.
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Installation: While it can be a DIY project for experienced individuals, professional installation is often recommended for a flawless finish.
Decorative Kitchen Cabinet Shelves
Installing shelves above your cabinets transforms the space into a functional and attractive display area.
- Types of Shelves:
- Floating Shelves: These offer a clean, minimalist look as the hardware is hidden.
- Bracket Shelves: Traditional shelves with visible brackets can add a rustic or industrial touch, depending on the bracket style.
- Open Shelving: This allows for a more flexible display of items.
- Styling Shelves:
- Mix and Match: Combine decorative items, books, small plants, and even cookbooks.
- The Rule of Odds: Grouping items in threes or fives often creates a more visually appealing arrangement.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Leave some empty space on the shelves to prevent them from looking too busy.
- Color Coordination: Arrange items by color or use a consistent color palette across the shelves.
Combining Molding and Shelves
You can even combine crown molding with decorative shelves for a truly customized look. Install a shelf unit that incorporates molding elements, or add molding above a standard shelving unit for an enhanced aesthetic.
Designing with Kitchen Cabinet Toppers: Specific Styles
Let’s look at how to decorate the top of kitchen cabinets for different kitchen styles.
Modern Kitchens
- Decor: Sleek, minimalist items. Think geometric vases, polished metal sculptures, or a few well-chosen ceramic pieces in matte finishes. Faux succulents or snake plants in minimalist planters work well.
- Color Palette: Often neutral with pops of black, metallic (chrome, stainless steel), or a single accent color.
- Avoid: Clutter, overly ornate items, or anything that looks too “country” or “traditional.”
- Example Arrangement: Two identical matte black cylindrical vases on either side of a central minimalist sculpture.
Farmhouse Kitchens
- Decor: Rustic, natural materials. Woven baskets, vintage-style pottery, enamelware pitchers, or decorative wooden crates. Faux greenery like eucalyptus or cotton stems are popular.
- Color Palette: Whites, creams, natural wood tones, muted greens and blues.
- Avoid: Shiny metals, overly modern shapes, or bright, artificial colors.
- Example Arrangement: A grouping of three woven baskets of varying sizes, perhaps with one holding a few faux eucalyptus stems.
Traditional Kitchens
- Decor: Classic pieces. Ceramic vases with floral motifs, decorative tureens, polished brass or antique gold accents, possibly small framed still-life prints.
- Color Palette: Rich colors like deep reds, greens, blues, and creams, often complemented by wood tones.
- Avoid: Anything too casual or overly trendy.
- Example Arrangement: Two matching ceramic vases with a subtle floral pattern flanking a decorative serving bowl or platter.
Bohemian Kitchens
- Decor: Eclectic and personal. Colorful patterned ceramics, macrame plant hangers with trailing plants, woven baskets, vintage finds, or even small collections of interesting objects.
- Color Palette: A vibrant mix of colors and patterns.
- Avoid: Strict uniformity or overly matchy-matchy arrangements.
- Example Arrangement: A colorful Moroccan-style vase with a faux trailing plant, a small patterned ceramic bowl, and a vintage-inspired decorative box.
Maintenance and Cleaning Above Kitchen Cabinets
Keeping the area above your cabinets looking its best involves regular cleaning.
Dusting and Wiping
- Frequency: Aim to dust the items and the cabinet tops at least once a month.
- Tools: Use a microfiber cloth, a duster with an extendable handle, or a soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner.
- Cleaning Products: For stubborn grime on cabinet tops, use a mild all-purpose cleaner or a solution of dish soap and water. Always test in an inconspicuous area first.
- For Decorative Items: Check the care instructions for your specific items. Some ceramics can be wiped with a damp cloth, while others may require special cleaners.
Dealing with Grease and Grime
Kitchens, especially those with gas stoves, can accumulate grease.
- Cleaning Solutions: A degreaser or a solution of baking soda and water can be effective for removing greasy buildup from cabinet tops.
- Caution: Be careful when cleaning decorative items, as harsh chemicals can damage finishes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is it a good idea to put things on top of kitchen cabinets?
Yes, it can be a great way to add style and personality to your kitchen, fill unused space, and complete the overall look of your cabinetry.
Q2: What if I don’t like the look of the space above my cabinets?
If the space is visually unappealing or difficult to access, consider installing kitchen cabinet crown molding to create a more finished look, or opt for closed kitchen cabinet toppers that disguise the space.
Q3: How do I choose the right scale for items placed above cabinets?
Consider the height of your cabinets and the ceiling. Larger items work for taller spaces, while smaller groupings suit shorter cabinets. Balance is key – avoid items that are too small they get lost or too large they overwhelm the space.
Q4: Can I use real plants on top of kitchen cabinets?
Yes, but consider the light, watering needs, and potential for water damage. Low-maintenance plants like succulents or snake plants are good options. Ensure you have a plan for watering and drainage.
Q5: How do I prevent dust buildup?
Regular dusting is essential. You can also choose items that are easier to wipe clean, like smooth ceramic or metal objects. Regularly cleaning the cabinet tops themselves will also help.
Q6: What are some good kitchen cabinet filler ideas?
Small decorative objects, seasonal decor, decorative boxes, or small framed photos are excellent kitchen cabinet filler ideas to add charm and fill empty spaces.
Q7: What is kitchen cabinet crown molding?
Kitchen cabinet crown molding is a decorative trim installed where the top of the cabinets meets the ceiling. It provides a finished, custom look and adds architectural detail.
Q8: Are decorative kitchen cabinet shelves a good option?
Yes, decorative kitchen cabinet shelves are a fantastic way to create a stylish and functional display area above your cabinets, allowing you to showcase various items.
By thoughtfully selecting display items for kitchen cabinets and considering elements like kitchen cabinet molding styles, you can transform the often-neglected space above your cabinets into a beautiful and intentional part of your kitchen’s design. Experiment with different arrangements and pieces to find what best reflects your personal style and enhances your culinary space.