What To Put On Top Of Kitchen Cabinets

If you’ve ever gazed up at the empty space above your kitchen cabinets and wondered what to do with it, you’re not alone. This overlooked area can actually become a charming extension of your kitchen’s style, adding personality, warmth, and even practical storage. But knowing what to put on top of kitchen cabinets isn’t always straightforward, balancing aesthetics, cleaning ease, and functionality takes some thought. In this guide, you’ll discover the benefits of decorating above your cabinets, considerations to keep in mind, and creative ideas that fit your style and needs. Ready to transform that neglected space into a standout feature? Let’s immerse.

Benefits Of Decorating Above Kitchen Cabinets

Adding decor above your kitchen cabinets offers several advantages beyond simple aesthetics. First, it helps fill empty space that can otherwise make your kitchen feel incomplete or neglected, creating a more cohesive and finished look. It also allows you to showcase your personality or style preferences, think of it as a high shelf gallery that guests notice with a little eye-catching charm.

Also, this space can act as additional storage or display area for items that aren’t often used but still deserve a spot, like special cookware or collectibles. Proper decoration here can also bring visual balance to tall kitchens where cabinetry stops short of the ceiling, making the ceiling appear higher or the room larger.

Finally, strategically placed decor above cabinets can soften harsh lines and add warmth, helping your kitchen feel more inviting and personalized.

Considerations Before Choosing Decor For Cabinet Tops

Before you start placing objects above your cabinets, think about a few key factors to ensure your choices enhance rather than clutter the space.

Ceiling Height and Cabinet Depth

The size of your kitchen and height of your ceilings influence what kind of decor will fit naturally. High ceilings with deep cabinets can handle larger or taller pieces, while modest spaces benefit from low-profile decor that won’t overwhelm.

Dust and Cleaning

This area tends to collect dust and grease from cooking, meaning your décor should be easy to clean or not require frequent maintenance. Avoid delicate items that could make cleaning a hassle.

Style Consistency

Keep your kitchen’s current style and color palette in mind. Decor that clashes with your cabinetry or overall design might look disjointed.

Safety

Make sure items are stable and not prone to falling during normal household vibrations or when closing cabinet doors.

Lighting

Consider if the area is visible only during the day or also at night: incorporating lighting or reflective items can enhance the look after dark.

Popular Decorative Items To Place Above Kitchen Cabinets

Wondering what kind of objects work well above kitchen cabinets? Here are several popular options that blend style and function:

• Baskets: Woven baskets add texture and warmth. They’re also practical if you want to stash lightweight, seldom-used items out of sight.
• Greenery: Faux or real plants, especially trailing vines or succulents in decorative pots, bring life and freshness to the space.
• Cookware: Vintage pots, copper pans, or colorful ceramics serve as a rustic, culinary-themed statement.
• Artwork or Framed Prints: Lightweight pieces add personality. Opt for frames that suit kitchen humidity.
• Decorative Plates or Platters: Displayed on stands, they introduce color and pattern.
• Books: Stacks of cookbooks can be both decorative and handy.
• Large Decorative Letters or Words: Spell out words like “EAT” or “HOME” for a playful touch.
• Seasonal Accessories: Items that rotate with seasons keep the look fresh (more on that later).

Creative Ideas For Styling The Space Above Cabinets

To truly elevate your kitchen, consider these creative styling tips for the space above your cabinets:

Layer Your Decor

Mix different sized objects, tall pieces paired with shorter items create depth. For example, nest baskets next to a tall vase or stack books beside a ceramic rooster.

Use Color Thoughtfully

Coordinate your decor with your kitchen’s color scheme. Neutral tones create a calm backdrop, while bold hues can act as accent pops.

Incorporate Texture

Blend smooth ceramics with natural wood and woven materials for a tactile contrast that is visually appealing.

Add Lighting

Installing LED strip lights or small puck lights can highlight your décor and add ambiance.

Create Themes

Try culinary themes like herbs and spices in vintage jars or coastal motifs with shells and sea glass.

Personal Touches

Include meaningful items like family heirlooms, collectible pottery, or souvenirs from travels.

By styling this high space intentionally, you turn it from an afterthought into a defining feature of your kitchen.

Seasonal And Rotating Decorations To Keep The Area Fresh

One way to keep your kitchen feeling lively and updated is to change what sits above your cabinets with the seasons:

• Spring: Brighten the space with pastel-colored vases, faux tulips, or bird figurines.
• Summer: Opt for nautical accents, lemons in bowls, or vibrant ceramic pitchers.
• Autumn: Swap in pumpkins, warm neutrals, faux leaves, or rustic wooden accents.
• Winter: Add pine cones, fairy lights, and holiday-themed decorations.

Rotating decorations not only maintain visual interest but also give you a chance to deep clean the area periodically, reducing dust build-up and keeping things tidy without much stress.

Practical Uses For The Space Above Kitchen Cabinets

Beyond decoration, the cabinet-top area can serve functional purposes:

• Additional Storage: Use decorative baskets or boxes to neatly store cookbooks, seldom-used kitchen gadgets, or seasonal dishware.
• Display Collection: If you collect vintage kitchenware or unique pottery, this is a great place to showcase them elegantly.
• Hide Imperfections: If the wall or ceiling line is uneven, taller decor or grouped objects can camouflage irregularities.
• Create Privacy or Block Drafts: Taller plants or objects can help in open-concept homes to subtly separate spaces or block airflow from vents.

Leveraging this space for both form and function maximizes your kitchen’s potential without sacrificing style.

Tips For Maintaining And Cleaning Items Above Cabinets

Since the area above cabinets is prone to collecting dust and kitchen grease, maintaining it requires a bit of effort. Here are tips to keep your décor looking fresh:

• Choose Easy-to-Clean Items: Prefer materials like glass, ceramics, or metal over fabric.
• Regular Dusting: Use a long-handled duster or microfiber cloth every two weeks to prevent heavy buildup.
• Use a Mild Cleaner: Every few months, carefully wipe down surfaces with a mild detergent solution to remove grease.
• Remove and Clean Decor Seasonally: Rotating seasonal décor gives you a chance to deep clean both items and space.
• Check Stability: Regularly ensure items haven’t shifted and remain securely placed to prevent accidents.

With these simple maintenance habits, your kitchen’s upper shelf will stay inviting rather than becoming a dust haven.

Conclusion

The space above your kitchen cabinets holds untapped potential, whether you’re aiming for extra storage, aesthetic enhancement, or a bit of both. By carefully considering your kitchen’s style and your lifestyle needs, you can transform this neglected zone into a stylish, functional part of your home. From rustic baskets and greenery to seasonal decorations and clever storage solutions, the choices are vast and can be tailored to your personality.

Remember to factor in ease of cleaning and safety as you select items, and enjoy the process of curating a space that truly feels yours. So go ahead, turn that overlooked cabinet-top area into a captivating focal point, your kitchen will thank you for it.