Empty cabinet tops? Not anymore! Explore creative decor ideas for the top of and above kitchen cabinets to refresh your space
We’ve put up a variety of creative ideas utilizing everything from stylish artificial plants and coastal baskets to vintage frames and eye-catching cookbooks, regardless of your preference for modern minimalism or rustic charm.
Plus, we’ll share essential tips on when it’s best not to decorate above your cabinets because sometimes less truly is more. Get ready for practical advice and fresh design concepts that will make your kitchen feel complete in no time.
Let’s start with how you can turn those high spaces into beautiful displays that reflect your unique style!
Decor Ideas for Top of Kitchen Cabinets
The area above your kitchen cabinets can really be made more interesting and unique with decor ideas for the top of kitchen cabinets. Picture a row of old wooden crates that are filled with colorful recipes and herbs in pots. They would look great and add a touch of warmth.
The area above your kitchen cabinets can really be made more interesting and unique with decor ideas for the top of kitchen cabinets. They would look great and add a touch of warmth. Here are some ideas that work for many different styles:
- Vases
- Planters
- Faux plants
- Fake flowers
- Dried flowers
- Wooden bowls
- Wicker baskets
- Cookbooks
- Cake stands
Design Ideas for top of Kitchen Cabinets
Think of presenting colorful potted herbs that not only look amazing but also add fresh flavors to your meals or filling those empty spots with an assortment of rustic wooden crates stacked artistically for a farmhouse atmosphere.
If you’re really into customization, think about putting on display a collection of whimsical figurines or vibrant vintage dishware. When friends stop over, this gives the place personality and conversation starters. If you enjoy the clean, contemporary look, consider adding discreet LED strip lighting around the upper edge.
Here are some mood boards showing ideas for how to decorate above kitchen cabinets for different design styles. Then, keep scrolling down for decor finds and more tips for arranging decor, depending on your cabinet layout.
Vintage Frames on Top of Kitchen Cabinets
Here’s a first idea if you want to give your kitchen an old-fashioned look. Thrift stores often have old picture frames that you can put on top of your kitchen drawers. You can spread them out evenly for a simpler look or change the sizes and heights to make them look like they belong together.
Pro tip: What if you like the look of some frames but not the color? You can change the metal tone with Rub ‘n Buff. I really like the way old brass frames look!
Coastal Basket Collection Top of Kitchen Cabinets
The second idea is for decorating above kitchen shelves in a coastal home. For a unified look, use a group of round boxes that are all the same color. If you want to see a style like this with baskets that go with it, go to idea #4.
Farmhouse Cutting Boards Above Kitchen Cabinets
Third, this is pretty top-of-cabinet decor for a country kitchen. Put breadboards or cutting boards made of wood on top of the cabinets to make the room feel warmer and more interesting. Again, for a simpler design, you could use boards that are all the same and space them out properly.
Minimalist Large Baskets on Top of Cabinets
Another way to decorate the tops of cabinets in a minimalist or hippie kitchen is with this idea. Put two very large baskets next to each other so that they are symmetrical. They can even be used to store holiday decorations that are wrapped in plastic bags.
What are the rules concerning decorating above cabinets?
It’s important to keep things balanced. Too many things on top of your cabinets can make the kitchen look messy instead of nice. You can be creative but remember these simple rules to make everything look good together.
Here are some simple tips for decorating above your cabinets that will help your kitchen look better without looking cluttered.
First, see how high your cabinets go. If they touch the ceiling, don’t pile up lots of stuff; keep it simple! You want it to look nice, not crowded.
Using things of different heights makes it more interesting. Maybe put a tall vase next to some books or a nice piece of art that catches the eye without being too loud.
And let’s be honest: don’t use fake plants that just collect dust unless you’re going to clean them regularly! Instead, use things that change with the seasons or special things that mean something to you.
Will placing artwork up above kitchen cabinets work?
See how those daring light fittings and the island would have taken center stage if we had placed anything else up there? The accessories would have been the focal point, drawing attention to themselves in the expanse of creamy white.
We kept the outside cabinets in the renovated kitchen, even though it has a new island and fresh finishes. In order to prevent these older cabinets from standing out or drawing attention, I tried to integrate the cabinetry with the wall color. These days, we typically take cabinets up to the ceiling or at least higher than this.
There are times when decorating above the cabinets can work.
My favorite kitchen cabinet styles are those that go all the way to the sky and those that are too big and tall to fit the new homes’ higher ceilings. It looks like the builders didn’t get the message that the cabinets and other things need to go if the ceiling is going to be raised!
Seriously, though… I don’t like the things people put up high just to fill a small space, and I think they overdo it in places where it’s not needed. But there are times and situations when decorating above a cabinet is important.
High ceilings and lots of space on top of cabinets
You can add your style to a kitchen with high ceilings and lots of room above the cabinets. It’s like walking into an empty canvas. You can’t help but look up and enjoy the room’s vast airiness, which makes you feel welcome and less confined right away.
The high ceilings make you think of hanging thin string lights or a beautiful arrangement of bright pots that dance in the sunlight coming in through the windows.
Not only does it look better, but it also feels like you have more space to breathe, which turns cooking into more of an adventure where anything is possible with those high walls.
Decorate With Larger Items up high.
Any kitchen with high ceilings and lots of room above the cabinets will feel more open and airier. Imagine walking into that room with tall windows that let in lots of light and make fun shadows on the walls. You could be looking at the pretty things you’ve put on top of those cabinets, like old cookbooks or strange plants that add a bit of personality.
The extra vertical real estate not only gives your eyes something to dance around but also allows for creative storage solutions, think stylish baskets, or even art pieces that draw the gaze upwards, almost asking guests to explore every nook.
It’s all about enjoying that open feeling where you can cook without feeling squished by low ceilings and a lot of things on the counter. Also, once you learn how to use that “high ceiling” magic, you’ll wonder how you ever got along without it!
Displaying Collections Above Cabinets
To spice up your kitchen cabinets, think of them as the perfect place to show off items that show off your style and personality. Imagine a cozy country style with old wooden cabinets topped with a bunch of different cookbooks stacked randomly next to cute ceramic mugs in earthy tones.
Or, think about sleek, modern cabinets that show off a carefully chosen collection of colorful glass jars filled with dried herbs and spices. It would give your space both style and function. If you want to be really creative, you could put pretty teacups on open shelves. Each one would tell a story and catch the light just right.
By adding plants or holiday decorations, you can make the space more interesting and warmer. It’s all about making the cabinets work harder for you while also being beautiful reminders of the things you love.
Conclusion
As we have seen, there are countless ways to decorate the top of kitchen cabinets and add character to your space. From using vases and planters to displaying vintage frames or collections, the possibilities are endless.
However, it is important to consider the size and height of your kitchen as well as any existing decor before styling above cabinets. With a little creativity and some design inspiration, you can turn this often-overlooked space into a unique focal point in your kitchen.
So go ahead, experiment with different items and see what works best for your style!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the kitchen cabinet trends for 2024?
Lower cabinets in dark tones are a bold and dramatic trend for 2024, bringing depth and richness to kitchen designs. Dark hues like navy blue, charcoal gray, and deep green are popular choices, adding a touch of sophistication and elegance to the space.
Is greenery on top of cabinets outdated?
The greenery above kitchen cabinets will never be outdated! Placing plants high above the cabinets creates a calming effect.
What decor to put on top of cabinets?
- Vases
- Planters
- Faux plants
- Fake flowers
- Dried flowers
- Wooden bowls
- Wicker baskets
- Cookbooks
- Cake stands
Should you put things on top of kitchen cabinets?
Even though it’s fine to decorate the tops of your kitchen cabinets just for looks’ sake, that space could be better used to store things you don’t use very often or don’t want your kids to obtain.