How To Decorate Above Cabinets In Kitchen: Easy & Stylish Ideas

Can you put things above kitchen cabinets? Yes, you absolutely can! Decorating above kitchen cabinets is a fantastic way to add personality, style, and even functionality to your kitchen. It’s often an overlooked space, but with a little creativity, it can become a focal point. Whether you have a lot of space or just a little, there are many ways to elevate this area.

Why Decorate Above Your Kitchen Cabinets?

The space above kitchen cabinets is often a blank canvas that can look bare and unfinished. Adding decor here serves several purposes:

Aesthetics: It completes the look of your kitchen, making it feel more put-together and intentional.
Personality: It’s a chance to showcase your style, hobbies, and what makes your house a home.
Height & Scale: It helps to fill the vertical space, making the room feel larger and more balanced.
Functionality: In some cases, you can add practical storage or display items that are used less frequently.

Getting Started: What to Consider

Before you start shopping for decorative items, take a moment to assess your space and your style.

Assessing Your Space

Height: How much vertical space do you have between your cabinets and the ceiling? This will dictate the size and type of items you can use.
Cabinet Style: Are your cabinets traditional, modern, rustic, or something else? Your decor should complement the existing style.
Kitchen Style: Consider the overall feel of your kitchen. Is it cozy and farmhouse-chic, sleek and minimalist, or colorful and eclectic?
Lighting: How is the area lit? Good lighting can make your decor pop, while shadows can hide it. You might consider adding LED strip lights.
Dust & Cleaning: This is a big one! Higher spaces can collect dust. Think about how easy it will be to clean your chosen items. Items with smooth surfaces or those that can be easily wiped down are often best.

Defining Your Style

Minimalist: Think clean lines, simple objects, and a neutral color palette.
Farmhouse/Rustic: Consider vintage finds, natural materials like wood and pottery, and perhaps some greenery.
Modern: Sleek vases, geometric shapes, and metallic accents can work well.
Eclectic: Mix and match items, colors, and textures for a personalized look.
Traditional: Classic pieces, perhaps some framed art or decorative plates.

Easy & Stylish Decorating Ideas for Above Kitchen Cabinets

Here are some of our favorite kitchen cabinet decor ideas to get you inspired for above cabinet kitchen styling.

1. Greenery: Bringing Life to Your Kitchen

Plants, whether real or faux, can add a refreshing touch to any space.

Real Plants

Pros: Add life, improve air quality, can be rewarding to care for.
Cons: Need light and water, can be messy if they overgrow or spill.
Best Choices: Low-light tolerant plants like Pothos, Spider Plants, or Snake Plants are good options if the area doesn’t get direct sun. Succulents also thrive in bright spots.
Tips: Use attractive pots that match your kitchen’s color scheme. Ensure they are in sturdy containers that won’t tip easily. Grouping a few plants can create a lovely display.

Faux Plants

Pros: No maintenance required, always look perfect, great for low-light areas.
Cons: Can sometimes look unnatural if not chosen carefully.
Best Choices: High-quality faux plants that mimic real greenery are readily available. Look for realistic textures and colors.
Tips: Mix faux plants with other decorative items to break up the “fakeness.” A single, well-placed faux plant can be very effective.

2. Kitchen Wall Decor Above Cabinets

This is where you can really personalize your space.

Framed Art or Photos

What to put above kitchen cabinets: Small to medium-sized framed pieces can add color and interest.
Style Tips: Choose prints that relate to food, nature, or abstract designs that complement your kitchen’s palette. Black and white photography can add a sophisticated touch.
Placement: Lean frames against the wall for a relaxed look, or use small easels. If you have enough depth, you can layer frames.

Decorative Plates

What to put above kitchen cabinets: Vintage or patterned plates can be charming.
Style Tips: Arrange them in a cluster or a line. Consider matching plates for a cohesive look, or mix and match for an eclectic feel.
Placement: Plate stands or small easels are perfect for displaying them upright.

Mirrors

What to put above kitchen cabinets: Mirrors can reflect light and make the space feel larger.
Style Tips: Choose mirrors with decorative frames that match your kitchen’s aesthetic, from ornate to simple.
Placement: A single statement mirror or a collection of smaller mirrors can work.

3. Shelf Ideas Above Kitchen Cabinets

If you have a gap between your cabinets and the ceiling, shelves can be a game-changer.

Floating Shelves

Pros: Modern and minimalist, clean look, versatile.
What to put above kitchen cabinets on floating shelves: Display cookbooks, small decorative items, canisters, or even small appliances you don’t use daily.
Style Tips: Use wood shelves to add warmth, or painted shelves to match your cabinets. Keep the arrangement balanced.

Open Shelving Units

Pros: Can provide significant storage and display space, adds an architectural element.
What to put above kitchen cabinets on open shelves: Mix practical items like cookbooks and nice-looking canisters with decorative pieces like vases, small sculptures, or potted plants.
Style Tips: Group items by color or theme. Don’t overcrowd the shelves; negative space is important.

4. Decorative Items for Kitchen Cabinets

These are the smaller pieces that add detail and character.

Vases and Urns

What to put above kitchen cabinets: Ceramic, metal, or glass vases in various shapes and sizes.
Style Tips: A single, large statement vase can be very impactful. Grouping a few smaller ones of varying heights can create visual interest. You can leave them empty or add faux flowers or branches.

Sculptures and Figurines

What to put above kitchen cabinets: Small artistic pieces that reflect your interests.
Style Tips: Choose items made from materials like metal, wood, or ceramic. A minimalist sculpture or a whimsical figurine can add a personal touch.

Baskets and Trays

Pros: Offer texture and can help organize smaller items.
What to put above kitchen cabinets: Woven baskets can hold faux plants or rolls of paper towels. Decorative trays can group smaller items together.
Style Tips: Natural materials like wicker, rattan, or seagrass add warmth. Metal or mirrored trays offer a more modern or glamorous feel.

5. Creative Kitchen Cabinet Solutions: Utilizing Height

Don’t let that space go to waste!

Kitchen Cabinet Toppers

What are kitchen cabinet toppers? These are decorative elements placed directly on top of cabinets, often to fill the gap between the cabinet and the ceiling.
Style Tips: This can include decorative moldings, crown molding, or even tiered displays.
DIY Option: You can purchase inexpensive wood molding and paint it to match your cabinets for a custom look.

Lighting Accents

What to put above kitchen cabinets: LED strip lights can cast a warm glow upwards.
Style Tips: This creates ambiance and highlights your decor. It also makes the ceiling appear higher.
Placement: These are usually discreetly placed along the top edge of the cabinets.

Stacked Cookbooks or Vintage Finds

What to put above kitchen cabinets: If you have a few beloved cookbooks or antique kitchenware, this is a great spot.
Style Tips: Stack them neatly, perhaps with a small decorative item on top. Vintage tins or canisters can also look charming.

Decorative Bottles or Jars

What to put above kitchen cabinets: Interesting glass bottles or jars, perhaps with a colored tint.
Style Tips: Group them together for a visually appealing collection.

6. Balancing Your Display: Shelf Styling and Arrangement

Once you have your items, how do you arrange them?

The Rule of Threes

Concept: Grouping items in odd numbers (usually three) often creates a more visually appealing and balanced arrangement.
Application: Arrange a tall vase, a medium-sized decorative item, and a small plant together.

Varying Heights and Textures

Concept: Mix items of different heights, sizes, and materials to create depth and interest.
Application: Combine a tall vase with a shorter sculpture and a framed picture. Use smooth ceramic with rougher wood or metal.

Creating a Focal Point

Concept: Decide if you want one standout piece or a collection that draws the eye.
Application: A large piece of art or a particularly striking vase can be your focal point.

Avoiding Clutter

Concept: Less is often more. Don’t overfill the space.
Application: Leave some empty space around your decorative items. This allows each piece to breathe and be appreciated.

Symmetry vs. Asymmetry

Symmetry: Arranging items in a mirrored fashion on either side of a central point can create a formal, balanced look.
Asymmetry: A more relaxed and dynamic look can be achieved by arranging items with visual weight distributed unevenly but still balanced.

Table: Decorating Above Cabinets – Item Types and Considerations

Item Type	Pros	Cons	Best For
Greenery (Real)	Adds life, improves air quality	Needs light/water, potential for mess	Brightly lit kitchens, plant lovers
Greenery (Faux)	Low maintenance, always looks good	Can look fake if low quality	All kitchens, especially those with low light
Framed Art/Photos	Personalization, adds color	Can be heavy, needs secure hanging/leaning	Any style kitchen, especially for personal touches
Decorative Plates	Charming, vintage appeal	Can be fragile, need stands for display	Traditional, farmhouse, or eclectic kitchens
Mirrors	Reflects light, makes space feel larger	Can be heavy, need careful placement	Smaller kitchens, or to add brightness
Floating Shelves	Modern, versatile for display/storage	Requires installation, can show clutter easily	Contemporary kitchens, for stylish display
Open Shelving Units	Adds storage, architectural interest	Requires installation, needs careful styling	Kitchens needing extra display/storage
Vases/Urns	Add height and shape, decorative element	Can be dusty, need cleaning	Modern, minimalist, or traditional styles
Sculptures/Figurines	Personal touch, artistic element	Can be dusty, might not fit all styles	Eclectic, modern, or artistic kitchens
Baskets/Trays	Add texture, help organize	Can collect dust, natural materials can be fragile	Farmhouse, bohemian, or casual kitchens
Cabinet Toppers	Fills gap, adds architectural detail	Can be permanent, requires DIY or custom work	Kitchens with significant vertical space
Lighting Accents	Creates ambiance, highlights decor	Requires electrical access, might need professional	Any kitchen for added mood

Putting It All Together: Examples and Inspiration

Let’s visualize some of these ideas.

Example 1: Modern Farmhouse Kitchen

Above Cabinets: A few high-quality faux eucalyptus branches in a tall, matte black vase. To the side, a cluster of three vintage-style metal tins stacked neatly.
On Shelves (if present): A leaning framed print of a black and white landscape. A couple of ceramic planters with succulents. A stack of antique cookbooks tied with twine.

Example 2: Sleek Minimalist Kitchen

Above Cabinets: A single, large, sculptural ceramic piece in a neutral tone. Perhaps a minimalist metal vase with a single, striking faux flower stem.
On Shelves (if present): A few perfectly aligned, minimalist white vases. A small, framed abstract art piece.

Example 3: Cozy Traditional Kitchen

Above Cabinets: A collection of decorative ceramic plates displayed on small easels. A charming vintage-inspired pitcher.
On Shelves (if present): A few small, framed botanical prints. A decorative basket holding neatly rolled kitchen towels.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is it okay to put actual items like food items or cleaning supplies above kitchen cabinets?

A1: While you can technically put anything up there, it’s generally best to stick to decorative items or things you use infrequently. Food items can attract pests, and cleaning supplies might not be the most aesthetically pleasing. If you must store items, use attractive baskets or canisters to contain them.

Q2: How often should I clean the decor above my kitchen cabinets?

A2: Dust accumulates quickly in higher spaces. Aim to dust these items at least once a month, or more often if you notice visible dust. Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth as needed.

Q3: What if I have very little space above my cabinets?

A3: Even a small gap can be enhanced. Consider a single, elegant vase or a small framed picture. For very tight spaces, consider adding a decorative trim or molding to the top of the cabinets themselves.

Q4: Should I match the decor above my cabinets to the rest of my kitchen decor?

A4: It’s ideal to have your decor complement your existing kitchen style and color scheme. However, this space also offers an opportunity to introduce a pop of color or a contrasting texture if desired. The key is a cohesive, intentional look.

Q5: Can I use lighting above my cabinets?

A5: Yes, adding LED strip lights is a popular and effective way to illuminate the space above cabinets. It creates ambiance and highlights your chosen decor, making the ceiling appear higher and adding a sophisticated touch.

Decorating above kitchen cabinets is a rewarding project that can significantly enhance your kitchen’s overall appeal. By considering your space, style, and the practicalities of dusting, you can transform that often-ignored area into a stylish and personalized extension of your home. Experiment with different kitchen cabinet decor ideas and find what works best for you!