So, you’re wondering what to put on top of kitchen cabinets or how to decorate the top of your kitchen cabinets? You’ve come to the right place! Decorating above kitchen cabinets is a fantastic way to add personality, style, and even extra function to your kitchen. Many people struggle with this often-overlooked space, but with a little creativity, you can transform it from a dust-collecting void into a stylish focal point. Let’s explore how to achieve stunning kitchen cabinet top decor.
Styling Above Kitchen Cabinets: A Creative Canvas
The space above your kitchen cabinets, often called the “soffit” or “bulkhead,” can be a challenge. It’s high up, often deep, and can sometimes feel awkward to reach. However, it offers a prime opportunity for showcasing your personal style and enhancing your kitchen’s overall aesthetic. This area is perfect for adding visual interest and pulling the room together.
Why Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets?
- Adds Personality: This is your chance to express yourself. Whether you love a minimalist look or enjoy displaying collections, the space above your cabinets is ideal.
- Enhances Ambiance: Thoughtful decor can make your kitchen feel warmer, more inviting, and complete.
- Fills Empty Space: Blank walls or ceilings can make a kitchen feel unfinished. Decorating above cabinets fills this void beautifully.
- Creates Visual Interest: It draws the eye upwards, making the room feel larger and more dynamic.
- Can Offer Practicality: While primarily decorative, some solutions can provide additional storage or display.
Things to Consider Before You Start
Before you dive into choosing decorative items, take a moment to assess your space:
- Height of Cabinets: How high are your cabinets? This will affect what you can safely reach and how you’ll need to place items. You might need a sturdy step stool for placement and dusting.
- Depth of the Space: Is there a significant overhang, or is it a narrow ledge? This will dictate the size and type of items you can display.
- Kitchen Style: Is your kitchen modern, farmhouse, traditional, bohemian, or something else? Your decor should complement the existing style.
- Lighting: Does the area get natural light? Do you have accent lighting that can highlight your chosen decor?
- Maintenance: How easy will it be to dust and clean the items you choose? Opt for items that are easy to wipe down.
- Safety: Ensure that any items you place are stable and won’t easily fall, especially if you have children or pets.
Kitchen Cabinet Top Decor Ideas: Unlocking Your Style
Let’s get to the fun part – the actual decorating! There are numerous kitchen cabinet top decor ideas to suit every taste.
1. Greenery Galore: Bringing Life In
Plants are a fantastic way to add color, texture, and a touch of nature to your kitchen.
- Faux Plants: For areas with low light or if you don’t have a green thumb, high-quality faux plants are an excellent choice. Look for realistic-looking varieties like snake plants, ferns, or even trailing pothos.
- Real Plants: If you have good natural light, consider low-maintenance real plants like ZZ plants, spider plants, or succulents. Ensure they don’t require constant watering, as reaching them might be a hassle.
- Hanging Planters: If your cabinets have a slight overhang, consider hanging planters. This adds a different dimension and can soften the hard lines of the cabinetry.
- Terrariums: Small, self-contained terrariums can be a charming and low-maintenance option.
Tips for Using Greenery:
* Vary the heights and textures of your plants for visual appeal.
* Use decorative pots or baskets to enhance the look.
* Group plants in odd numbers (e.g., three or five) for a more pleasing arrangement.
2. Collections and Curiosities: Showcasing Your Treasures
Do you have a passion for vintage finds, ceramics, or specific collectibles? The space above your cabinets is a perfect display area.
- Vintage Finds: Old tins, ceramic pitchers, enamelware, or antique cookbooks can add character and a sense of history.
- Ceramic Pieces: Display a collection of colorful or uniquely shaped ceramic vases, bowls, or figurines.
- Themed Collections: If you collect teacups, animal figurines, or anything else, arrange them artfully.
- Hand-Painted Signs: Rustic or modern hand-painted signs with witty kitchen sayings or family names can be a great addition.
- Artful Objects: Consider sculptures, decorative boxes, or interesting pottery.
Tips for Displaying Collections:
* Group Similar Items: Arrange items of the same type together for a cohesive look.
* Vary Heights and Sizes: Mix taller items with shorter ones to create visual interest.
* Consider Color Palette: Ensure the colors of your displayed items complement your kitchen’s overall color scheme.
* Don’t Overcrowd: Less is often more. Give each item space to breathe and be appreciated.
3. Baskets and Bins: Stylish Storage and Decor
Baskets and decorative bins offer a charming way to store less sightly items or simply add texture and warmth.
- Woven Baskets: Natural fiber baskets (wicker, rattan, seagrass) add a cozy, rustic touch. Use them to hold faux plants, decorative spheres, or even extra napkins.
- Metal Baskets: Wire or galvanized metal baskets can lend an industrial or farmhouse feel.
- Decorative Boxes: Stylish boxes can hide remotes, small kitchen gadgets, or other odds and ends while looking intentional.
Tips for Using Baskets and Bins:
* Mix and Match Textures: Combine different basket materials for added depth.
* Lining: Consider lining baskets with a simple fabric for a cleaner look.
* Purposeful Placement: Use them to break up large expanses of cabinetry or to house specific items.
4. Lighting Accents: Illuminating Your Style
Strategically placed lighting can highlight your decor and add ambiance to your kitchen.
- LED Strip Lights: Battery-operated LED strip lights can be discreetly placed under the cabinet fronts or along the top edge to cast a subtle glow.
- Small Lamps: If your cabinet top space is deep enough and there’s an outlet nearby, a small decorative lamp can provide task or ambient lighting.
- Battery-Operated Sconces: These can add a touch of elegance without requiring electrical work.
Tips for Lighting:
* Warm White Bulbs: Opt for warm white light (around 2700K) for a cozy atmosphere.
* Timers: Use timers for your accent lights so they automatically turn on in the evening.
* Dimmer Switches: If you have hardwired lighting, a dimmer can provide flexibility.
5. Decorative Objects and Art: Personal Touches
This is where you can truly inject your personality.
- Mirrors: A strategically placed mirror can reflect light and make the space feel larger. Choose a decorative frame to tie into your kitchen’s style.
- Vases and Urns: Tall, slender vases or decorative urns can create elegant vertical lines.
- Sculptures: Small sculptures or decorative figures can add artistic flair.
- Framed Photos or Art: Small framed prints or family photos can personalize the space. Consider kitchen-themed art.
- Bowls and Platters: Decorative serving bowls or platters can add color and shape.
Tips for Decorative Objects:
* Balance: Aim for a balance between solid items and more delicate pieces.
* Symmetry vs. Asymmetry: Decide if you prefer a symmetrical arrangement or a more organic, asymmetrical one.
* The Rule of Three: Grouping items in threes is often aesthetically pleasing.
6. Practical Yet Pretty: Above Cabinet Storage Solutions
While often decorative, the space above cabinets can also serve a purpose.
- Decorative Bins and Boxes: As mentioned earlier, these are great for stowing away items you don’t want on display, like extra cleaning supplies or seasonal items.
- Lidded Jars: Large, decorative lidded jars can hold pantry staples if your kitchen is short on space, or simply look nice as decorative elements.
- Trays: A decorative tray can corral smaller items, making the display look more organized and intentional.
Considerations for Storage:
* Accessibility: Only store items you can easily reach when needed.
* Aesthetics: Ensure the items you store are either decorative themselves or hidden within stylish containers.
7. Kitchen Cabinet Crown Molding Ideas: Enhancing the Structure
For a more integrated and finished look, consider adding crown molding to your existing cabinets. This can dramatically elevate the appearance of your kitchen.
- Simple Crown Molding: A clean, understated molding can add a touch of elegance without being overwhelming.
- Dentil or Egg-and-Dart Molding: For a more traditional or formal kitchen, more intricate molding can make a statement.
- Custom Built-ins: If you’re undertaking a larger renovation, consider custom cabinetry that extends to the ceiling or incorporates decorative top elements.
Benefits of Crown Molding:
* Creates a Finished Look: It bridges the gap between the cabinets and the ceiling, making the cabinetry appear more substantial and custom.
* Adds Architectural Detail: It introduces visual interest and a sense of craftsmanship.
* Hides Imperfections: It can cleverly conceal any unevenness where the cabinets meet the ceiling.
Styling Above Kitchen Cabinets: Mastering the Art
Styling is all about arrangement and composition. Here are some principles to guide you:
Groupings and Arrangements
- The Rule of Odds: As mentioned, arranging items in groups of three, five, or seven is generally more visually appealing than even numbers.
- Height Variation: Mix tall items (vases, plant stands) with medium items (baskets, smaller plants) and short items (figurines, decorative boxes). This creates a dynamic and layered look.
- Depth Variation: Place some items closer to the front and others further back to create depth and dimension.
- Symmetry vs. Asymmetry:
- Symmetrical: Two identical plants on either side of a central decorative item can create a balanced, formal look.
- Asymmetrical: A more organic, off-center arrangement can feel more relaxed and modern.
- Color Coordination: While you can use a mix of colors, try to tie your decor into your kitchen’s existing color palette. Use a few accent colors that repeat throughout your display.
- Texture Play: Combine different textures – smooth ceramics, rough weaves, glossy metals, soft greenery – to add interest.
What Not to Do
- Overcrowding: Too many items will make the space look cluttered and busy.
- Dust Magnets: Avoid items that are difficult to clean or accumulate dust quickly, unless you’re committed to frequent dusting.
- Too Heavy or Fragile: Be mindful of weight and fragility, especially if you have children or pets.
- Ignoring Your Style: Don’t just put things up there because they’re there. Choose items that reflect your taste and the kitchen’s overall vibe.
- Low-Quality Faux Plants: Unless they look convincingly real, faux plants can detract from the overall look.
Kitchen Cabinet Display Ideas: Inspiration Hub
Let’s look at some specific kitchen cabinet display ideas to spark your imagination.
The Minimalist Approach
- Clean Lines: Focus on a few, well-chosen, high-quality items.
- Neutral Palette: Think whites, creams, grays, and natural wood tones.
- Geometric Shapes: Simple vases, bowls, or decorative spheres.
- A Single Statement Piece: A tall, elegant vase or a modern sculpture.
- Example: Two sleek white ceramic vases of slightly different heights on one side, and a sculptural metal object on the other, with a low-profile faux plant in the center.
The Farmhouse Charm
- Natural Materials: Woven baskets, galvanized metal, distressed wood.
- Rustic Touches: Vintage tins, ceramic pitchers, wire egg baskets.
- Greenery: Faux or real plants in terracotta pots or woven planters.
- Example: A collection of vintage enamelware pitchers of varying sizes, interspersed with a few small potted herbs (real or faux), and a rustic wooden sign with a kitchen quote.
The Modern Eclectic
- Mix of Materials: Combine metal, glass, wood, and ceramic.
- Bold Colors and Patterns: Incorporate pops of color or interesting graphic elements.
- Artistic Objects: Sculptures, unique vases, or even small framed prints.
- Example: A sculptural metal piece on one side, a brightly colored ceramic vase in the middle, and a trailing faux plant on the other side, creating an asymmetrical and vibrant display.
The Traditional Elegance
- Classic Motifs: Consider pieces with intricate details or classical shapes.
- Mirrors: A decorative framed mirror can add a touch of glamour.
- Crystal or Glass: Elegant decanters or decorative glass pieces.
- Upholstered Boxes: Decorative storage boxes with fabric coverings.
- Example: A large, ornate mirror on one side, a pair of crystal vases on the other, and a decorative lidded box in the center.
Kitchen Shelf Styling: A Related Concept
While we’re focusing on the space above cabinets, it’s worth mentioning kitchen shelf styling as it shares similar principles. If you have open shelving in your kitchen, you can apply many of the same ideas:
- Layering: Place larger items in the back, medium items in the middle, and smaller items in the front.
- Vertical Elements: Tall vases, cookbooks, or canisters add height.
- Horizontal Elements: Trays, bowls, or platters add width.
- Color and Texture: Mix different colors, materials, and finishes.
- Negative Space: Don’t be afraid to leave some empty space on shelves for a less cluttered look.
The key difference is that shelves are more accessible, allowing for a wider range of items and more frequent rotation if you like to change your decor often.
Creative Kitchen Cabinet Toppers: Thinking Outside the Box
Beyond traditional decor, what else can you do?
- Wallpaper or Decals: For a bolder statement, consider wallpapering the back of the cabinet top space or using decorative decals. This is especially effective if the space is recessed.
- Lighting Fixtures: If you’re installing new cabinets or renovating, discuss incorporating subtle integrated lighting with your designer or contractor.
- Architectural Salvage: Beautiful antique pieces or architectural elements can be surprisingly effective.
- Personalized Touches: Consider displaying items that have sentimental value, like heirlooms or travel souvenirs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the purpose of the space above kitchen cabinets?
The space above kitchen cabinets is primarily an architectural element that allows for ceiling height variations and houses ventilation, plumbing, or electrical systems. However, it also presents an opportunity for decorative styling and, in some cases, storage.
Q2: Can I put anything I want on top of my kitchen cabinets?
While you can, it’s best to choose items that are proportionate to the space, complement your kitchen’s style, and are relatively easy to clean. Avoid items that are excessively dusty, too heavy, or pose a safety hazard.
Q3: How do I clean items on top of kitchen cabinets?
Use a long-handled duster or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment for regular dusting. For more thorough cleaning, use a damp cloth, mild soap if necessary, and ensure items are completely dry before returning them. For plants, faux plants can often be wiped down with a damp cloth, and real plants will need their usual care.
Q4: What if my cabinets don’t have much space above them?
If you have very little space above your cabinets, focus on very shallow items or skip decorating altogether. A single, slim decorative object or a very low-profile faux plant might work. Sometimes, the best approach is to leave the space bare if it’s too minimal to decorate effectively.
Q5: Should I use real plants or faux plants above my kitchen cabinets?
This depends on your preference and the amount of natural light available. Real plants add vibrancy and air purification benefits but require care and may not thrive in low-light, high-up locations. Faux plants offer a low-maintenance alternative and can look very realistic if you choose high-quality options.
Q6: How do I keep my kitchen cabinet top decor from looking cluttered?
The key is to edit your choices. Less is more. Focus on a cohesive color scheme, vary the heights and textures of your chosen items, and ensure there’s enough negative space between them. Grouping items in odd numbers also helps create a more pleasing visual arrangement.
Q7: What are some good above cabinet storage solutions?
Decorative baskets, attractive lidded boxes, and stylish bins are excellent for discreetly storing items. You can also use attractive lidded jars for pantry staples if your kitchen is lacking storage. The key is to choose containers that look intentional and complement your kitchen’s decor.
Q8: How do I make the top of my kitchen cabinets look intentional?
Ensure your decorations are cohesive in style and color. Vary the heights and textures of your items to create visual interest. Avoid overcrowding the space, and leave enough negative space between items so the display looks curated rather than random.
Q9: What are some creative kitchen cabinet toppers that aren’t just decorative items?
Consider adding a small, tasteful piece of art, a decorative mirror with an interesting frame, or even a collection of beautifully bound vintage cookbooks. If you’re feeling ambitious, you could even look into peel-and-stick wallpaper for the backsplash area above the cabinets for a unique visual element.
By thoughtfully styling the space above your kitchen cabinets, you can transform a forgotten area into a source of joy and personality in your home. Experiment with different ideas, and don’t be afraid to let your creativity shine!