How To Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets
The space above your kitchen cabinets is often overlooked, an empty, wasted area that can actually add charm, personality, and even functionality to your kitchen. Whether your cabinets reach the ceiling or leave a noticeable gap, decorating this space offers a unique opportunity to elevate your kitchen’s look without a major renovation. In this guide, you’ll discover how to assess this space, choose styles that enhance your existing décor, and pick from creative ideas that make your kitchen feel larger, cozier, or more stylish. Ready to transform that blank spot into a captivating feature? Let’s immerse.
Assessing The Space Above Your Cabinets
Before you grab any decorations, take a close look at the area above your kitchen cabinets. How much space do you have? Measure the height and depth carefully. Some kitchens have a small gap of just a few inches, while others offer a generous 12 inches or more. This will influence the size and type of accessories you can use.
Also, note whether your cabinets go all the way to the ceiling or if there’s a soffit or bulkhead that blocks access to this space. Lighting, ventilation, and the style of cabinets themselves can play a role in what decorations will work best. Finally, think about how visible this space is from common areas. If it’s easily seen, it might deserve more attention: if it’s tucked away, subtlety could be key.
Understanding the physical characteristics of this area sets the foundation for smart, practical decorating that complements both your kitchen’s function and aesthetic.
Choosing A Style That Complements Your Kitchen
Your kitchen likely has a distinct style, whether modern, farmhouse, traditional, or eclectic, and you want the area above the cabinets to harmonize with this look, not clash with it. Start by identifying the dominant colors, textures, and themes in your kitchen.
Are your cabinets sleek and minimalist? Then consider simple, clean-lined objects or a limited color palette. If your kitchen leans toward rustic or farmhouse, incorporating natural wood elements, vintage finds, or woven baskets can feel right at home.
Don’t forget about scale either. Oversized decorations might overwhelm a small kitchen or feel awkward in tight spaces, while tiny items could get lost in larger kitchens. Incorporating your kitchen’s character ensures that your additions feel intentional rather than an afterthought.
Popular Decorative Ideas For Above Cabinets
There are plenty of ways to bring the space above your cabinets to life. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
Selecting The Right Accessories
Accessories such as vases, decorative jars, or antique kitchen tools not only add visual interest but can also reflect your style and personality. Opt for pieces that have varying heights and textures to create a dynamic display. Consider grouping items in odd numbers, asymmetrical arrangements tend to be more visually appealing.
Incorporating Plants And Greenery
Adding live plants or high-quality faux greenery is a simple way to inject freshness into your kitchen. Trailing plants like pothos or ivy can cascade gracefully down the cabinet edges, softening hard lines. Succulents in colorful pots also add a modern, low-maintenance touch.
Using Artwork And Decorative Plates
Art doesn’t have to be confined to walls. Lean framed prints or mirrors above cabinets to add depth and personality. Decorative plates or platters add classic charm, consider mixing patterns and colors that tie back to your kitchen palette.
Adding Lighting For Ambiance And Highlighting
Lighting can transform this space after dark and add ambiance. Consider installing LED strip lights, puck lights, or spotlights that highlight your décor and create subtle mood lighting. Warm light tones work wonders for cozying up the area.
Displaying Collectibles And Kitchenware
If you collect unique items like vintage teapots, colorful mugs, or artisanal bowls, the space above your cabinets is perfect for displaying them. It turns your kitchen into a personalized gallery and gives otherwise hidden treasures a chance to shine.
Maximizing Storage With Functional Decor
If you’re short on storage, decorating above kitchen cabinets can serve double duty. Decorative baskets or attractive storage boxes can hold less-used kitchen tools, linens, or pantry overflow. Choose containers that blend with your style, wicker baskets for rustic kitchens or sleek metal bins for industrial looks.
Open shelving above cabinets can also provide a platform for frequently used items, making them both accessible and decorative. This approach balances form and function, helping to declutter your countertops and cabinets while enhancing the room’s visual appeal.
Tips For Maintaining A Neat And Cohesive Look
No matter what style or decorations you choose, keeping the space neat is crucial. Dust collects quickly up high, so regular cleaning prevents a neglected look. Rotate or refresh items seasonally to keep the display feeling fresh and intentional.
Also, avoid overcrowding, too many objects can create visual chaos. Stick to a palette that complements your kitchen and repeat certain colors or materials to tie everything together. Remember, less is often more, especially in a kitchen where clarity and clean lines contribute to a welcoming atmosphere.
Conclusion
Decorating above your kitchen cabinets is an easy yet impactful way to upgrade your kitchen’s style, add personality, and even increase storage. By thoughtfully assessing the space, choosing decor that complements your existing design, and maintaining a tidy display, you turn overlooked areas into focal points that invite admiration. With a bit of creativity and care, that empty space can become one of your kitchen’s most distinctive and functional features.
