How To Fill The Space Above Kitchen Cabinets: 5 Smart Decor & DIY Ideas

Filling the space above kitchen cabinets can be a practical and stylish way to improve your kitchen’s look and functionality. What is the space above kitchen cabinets called? This area is often referred to as the “cabinet gap,” “soffit area,” or simply the “space above cabinets.” Can I fill this space myself? Yes, with many of the ideas presented, DIY is absolutely achievable! Who uses this space? It’s typically utilized for storage, decoration, or by incorporating specialized kitchen cabinet extensions to create a more seamless look.

How To Fill The Space Above Kitchen Cabinets: 5 Smart Decor & DIY Ideas

The area above kitchen cabinets is a common design challenge. It’s that awkward, often dusty, expanse of wall that can make your kitchen feel unfinished or even dated. Leaving it bare can be a missed opportunity for both style and storage. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to fill this space, transforming it from a dust-gathering void into a purposeful and attractive feature. This guide will walk you through five smart decor and DIY ideas to tackle that empty wall space, from simple decorative touches to practical storage solutions.

1. Embrace Decorative Shelving for Display and Storage

One of the most popular and versatile ways to fill the space above kitchen cabinets is by adding open shelving. This approach not only fills the vertical space but also provides accessible storage and a platform for showcasing your favorite kitchen items.

Why Choose Open Shelving?

Aesthetic Appeal: Open shelves can break up the solid block of cabinets, creating visual interest and a lighter feel in the kitchen.
Accessibility: Frequently used items like spices, oils, or decorative jars can be kept within easy reach.
Display Opportunities: Showcase cookbooks, attractive dinnerware, plants, artwork, or sentimental pieces.

Types of Shelving to Consider

Floating Shelves: These offer a clean, modern look with no visible brackets. They create a streamlined appearance and are ideal for displaying lighter items.
Bracket Shelves: Traditional shelves with visible brackets offer a more robust look and can support heavier items. They come in various styles, from industrial metal to decorative wood.
Wood Shelves: Unfinished wood can be stained or painted to match your kitchen’s existing decor. Consider reclaimed wood for a rustic touch.
Glass Shelves: These can make the space feel larger and more open, and they are easy to clean.

Installing Open Shelving: A DIY Approach

Materials You’ll Need:

Shelving boards (wood, MDF, or pre-made shelves)
Brackets (if not using floating shelves)
Screws and wall anchors (ensure they are appropriate for your wall type)
Drill and drill bits
Level
Measuring tape
Stud finder
Pencil

Steps:

Plan Your Layout: Decide on the number of shelves, their spacing, and how they will align with your cabinets. Measure the available space carefully.
Locate Wall Studs: Use a stud finder to locate wall studs. This is crucial for securely mounting shelves, especially if you plan to store heavier items. Mark the stud locations with a pencil.
Mark Shelf Placement: Using your measuring tape and level, mark the desired positions for your shelves and brackets on the wall. Ensure your marks are level.
Install Brackets (if applicable): If using bracket shelves, pre-drill pilot holes into the wall at your marked locations, especially where studs are present. Securely attach the brackets to the wall with screws and anchors. If not hitting a stud, use appropriate heavy-duty wall anchors.
Attach Shelves: Place your shelves onto the brackets or prepare them for floating installation according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Secure the shelves to the brackets from underneath with screws. For floating shelves, follow the specific mounting system provided.
Decorate and Organize: Once securely in place, arrange your chosen items on the shelves. Consider grouping items by color, texture, or function.

Tip: For a cohesive look, ensure your shelving material and style complement your kitchen cabinets.

2. Add Molding for a Finished, Custom Look

Molding is a classic and effective way to bridge the gap between your upper cabinets and the ceiling. It creates a sense of completion and can elevate the overall aesthetic of your kitchen, giving it a more custom and high-end feel. This is a fantastic method for concealing cabinet gaps.

Types of Molding for Kitchens

Crown Molding: This is the most common choice for this area. It’s a decorative trim that angles outwards from the wall to the ceiling. It can be simple or ornate, depending on your kitchen’s style.
Cabinet Molding/Trim: In some cases, you might use molding that matches or complements your existing cabinet doors to create a seamless extension.
Dentil Molding: This type features a series of evenly spaced blocks, adding a decorative touch.
Egg and Dart Molding: A more traditional and intricate option.

DIY Molding Installation

Materials You’ll Need:

Crown molding or chosen trim
Miter saw (manual or power) for precise angle cuts
Measuring tape
Pencil
Caulking gun and paintable caulk
Painter’s tape
Nail gun or hammer and finishing nails
Wood filler
Sandpaper
Primer and paint (matching your cabinets or walls)

Steps:

Measure and Plan: Carefully measure the length of the wall space above each cabinet run. Determine how much molding you’ll need, accounting for cuts and waste.
Cut Molding: This is the most critical step. You’ll need to make angled cuts (miter cuts) where the molding pieces meet at corners. For inside corners, the angle is typically 45 degrees. For outside corners, it’s also 45 degrees. Practice cuts on scrap pieces first.
Dry Fit: Hold the cut pieces of molding in place against the wall and cabinets to check the fit and angles. Make any necessary adjustments.
Attach Molding:
- For nail gun users: Place the molding into position and use the nail gun to secure it to the wall studs or ceiling joists. Aim for nails to go into solid framing whenever possible.
- For hammer users: Carefully position the molding and hammer finishing nails through it into the wall. Sink the nails slightly below the surface.
Fill Nail Holes and Gaps: Use wood filler to fill any nail holes. Apply caulk along the top edge where the molding meets the ceiling and along the bottom edge where it meets the cabinets. This fills any small gaps and creates a smooth transition.
Sand and Paint: Once the filler and caulk are dry, lightly sand down any rough spots or excess caulk. Wipe away dust. Prime the molding if necessary, and then paint it to match your cabinets or walls for a seamless look.

Important Note on Kitchen Cabinet Extensions: If you desire a truly seamless integration, consider installing actual kitchen cabinet extensions that reach the ceiling. This is a more involved project, often best left to professionals, but it eliminates the gap entirely and provides maximized storage. Molding can often be added to the top of these extensions for an even more finished appearance.

3. Utilize Above Cabinet Storage Solutions Creatively

The space above cabinets is prime real estate for storage, but how you utilize it can make all the difference between a cluttered mess and a neatly organized system. This is where clever above cabinet storage solutions come into play.

Smart Storage Options

Decorative Baskets and Bins: These are excellent for hiding less aesthetically pleasing items. Opt for baskets that match your kitchen’s decor, such as wicker, wire, or fabric bins.
- What to store: Cleaning supplies, seldom-used appliances, extra paper towels, seasonal decor.
Matching Cabinet Risers: You can purchase or build cabinet riser ideas that act as risers or small cabinets themselves, extending your existing cabinet space upwards. This creates a more uniform look.
Glass-Fronted Cabinets: If you’re comfortable with a bit more DIY or custom cabinetry, installing glass-fronted upper cabinets that extend to the ceiling can add both storage and visual appeal, drawing the eye upwards.
Open Shelving (again!): As mentioned earlier, open shelving can be a stylish storage solution for frequently accessed items or decorative pieces.

DIY Cabinet Risers or Box Extensions

Materials You’ll Need:

Plywood or MDF (cut to size)
Wood glue
Screws or nails
Drill and drill bits
Measuring tape
Primer and paint (matching your cabinets)
Optional: Cabinet doors or glass panels

Steps:

Measure Accurately: Measure the height and depth of your existing upper cabinets and the space above them.
Cut Your Materials: Cut your plywood or MDF to create the sides, top, and back of your box extension. You can create simple boxes or design them with shelves.
Assemble the Box: Use wood glue and screws or nails to assemble the pieces into a box shape. Ensure all edges are flush.
Fit and Secure: Carefully place the assembled box onto your existing cabinets. Secure it to the wall and the existing cabinets using screws. It’s often best to secure it from the inside of the box into the cabinets and wall studs.
Finish and Match: Sand the assembled box smooth. Prime it and then paint it to perfectly match your existing upper cabinets. This is key for a cohesive look.
Add Doors or Open Shelving: You can attach custom-made cabinet doors or simply leave the boxes open for display.

Consideration: This is a more advanced DIY project. If you’re not comfortable with woodworking, hiring a carpenter for kitchen cabinet extensions is a good option.

4. Integrate Creative Kitchen Backsplash Elements

While backsplashes typically refer to the area behind the sink or stovetop, you can extend this concept upwards to fill the space above your cabinets, especially if you have a partial backsplash. This can add a unique design element and personality to your kitchen.

Extending Your Backsplash Design

Tile Upwards: If you have a tile backsplash that stops short of the ceiling, consider extending the same tile pattern upwards into the gap. This creates a continuous, sophisticated look.
- How to do it: You can tile the entire area, or use decorative tile as an accent. This is a great way to incorporate creative kitchen backsplash ideas into a new space.
Paint and Stencils: For a more budget-friendly approach, paint the area above the cabinets. You can use a contrasting color or apply stencils for a patterned effect. This can be a simple DIY filler for cabinets.
Wallpaper: Kitchen-specific wallpaper can add a pop of color, pattern, or texture. Choose something that is durable and easy to wipe clean.
Wall Panels or Beadboard: Beadboard or decorative wall panels can add architectural interest and a cottage-chic or farmhouse feel.

Tiling the Area Above Cabinets: A Guide

Materials You’ll Need:

Tiles of your choice
Tile adhesive or mastic
Grout
Tile spacers
Notched trowel
Sponge
Utility knife
Safety glasses
Gloves
Painter’s tape

Steps:

Prepare the Surface: Ensure the wall area is clean, dry, and free of any grease or debris.
Plan Your Layout: Decide on your tile pattern. Start from a central point or a visible edge for the cleanest look.
Apply Adhesive: Using the notched trowel, spread a thin, even layer of tile adhesive onto a small section of the wall.
Set Tiles: Place the tiles onto the adhesive, pressing them firmly. Insert tile spacers between each tile to ensure consistent gaps.
Cut Tiles (if needed): Use a utility knife or tile cutter for any cuts required at the edges or around obstructions. Always wear safety glasses and gloves when cutting tiles.
Grout: Once the adhesive has fully dried (usually 24 hours), remove the tile spacers. Mix the grout according to the package instructions and apply it to the tile joints with a grout float or sponge, working it into the gaps.
Clean Excess Grout: Wipe away excess grout from the tile surfaces with a damp sponge, rinsing the sponge frequently.
Polish: After the grout has set for a few hours, polish the tiles with a clean, dry cloth to remove any grout haze.

Tip: Consider installing LED strip lighting along the top edge of your cabinets to illuminate the tiled area, creating a beautiful ambiance. This also helps with concealing cabinet gaps by drawing the eye with light.

5. Decorative Objects and Statement Pieces

Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective. Filling the space above cabinets with carefully chosen decorative objects can add personality and warmth to your kitchen. This is a less about utility and more about upper cabinet styling.

What to Display

Decorative Plates: Vintage or themed plates can add a touch of nostalgia or color.
Artwork: Small framed prints or canvases can bring a artistic flair.
Ceramic Vases or Jars: Use attractive vases or colorful pottery.
Greenery: Faux plants or small potted herbs can add life and color. Ensure they are placed in areas that don’t require direct sunlight if they are real.
Cookbooks: Stacked or displayed cookbooks can be both functional and decorative.
Themed Decor: Seasonal decorations or items that reflect your personal style can be rotated throughout the year.

Arranging Decorative Items

Groupings: Cluster items in odd numbers (e.g., three or five) for a more dynamic arrangement.
Vary Heights and Textures: Combine tall and short items, and mix different materials (glass, metal, ceramic, wood) to create visual interest.
Color Coordination: Tie the colors of your decorative items into your existing kitchen color scheme for a cohesive look.
Don’t Overcrowd: Leave some negative space so the area doesn’t look cluttered. It’s better to have a few well-chosen pieces than too many items.
Secure Items: For taller or potentially unstable items, consider using museum putty or command strips to keep them in place and prevent them from falling.

DIY Filler for Cabinets with Decorative Items

This approach requires minimal DIY in terms of construction, but careful selection and arrangement are key. It’s a simple way to enhance your soffit decoration.

Repurpose Existing Items: Look around your home for items that could be repurposed. A collection of vintage tins, interesting ceramic pitchers, or even beautifully packaged specialty foods can work.
DIY Risers for Display: If your items are too small to fill the space effectively, you can create simple DIY risers from wood scraps or even sturdy boxes painted to match your cabinets. These can elevate smaller items to make them more visible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is it necessary to fill the space above kitchen cabinets?

A1: No, it’s not strictly necessary, but it’s highly recommended for both aesthetic and practical reasons. Filling the space can make your kitchen look more finished, reduce dust accumulation, and provide opportunities for storage or display.

Q2: What are the easiest ways to fill the space above cabinets?

A2: The easiest methods typically involve decorative items like baskets or plants, or the addition of molding if you’re comfortable with basic DIY. Open shelving is also relatively straightforward to install.

Q3: Can I put plants above my kitchen cabinets?

A3: Yes, you can, but consider the light and whether they are real or faux. Real plants may struggle if there isn’t adequate light, and you’ll need to water them. Faux plants are a low-maintenance option and can add a touch of greenery.

Q4: How do I clean the space above my cabinets?

A4: If you choose not to fill the space, regular dusting with an extendable duster is essential. If you fill it with baskets or shelves, you’ll need to dust those items and the wall space as needed.

Q5: What is the best way to match new molding to existing cabinets?

A5: You can often find molding that closely resembles your cabinet style. If not, painting the molding to match your cabinets will create a seamless look. Bring a cabinet door sample to the paint store to get the closest match.

By implementing these five smart decor and DIY ideas, you can transform the often-neglected space above your kitchen cabinets into a stylish and functional extension of your kitchen design. Whether you opt for decorative shelving, elegant molding, practical storage solutions, a creative backsplash extension, or curated decorative pieces, you can achieve a more polished and personalized look for your kitchen.