13 Decor Ideas For Above Kitchen Cabinets with High Ceilings

Empty space above kitchen cabinets with high ceilings often feels like a missed chance. That blank area just sits there, making kitchens look less finished and personal. Most homeowners struggle to decide what to put in that awkward gap without making it look cluttered or dated.

I’ve worked with many clients who faced this exact problem, and I’ve developed simple ways to fill this space beautifully. These ideas will help you change that empty spot into a highlight of your kitchen.

In this post, I’ll share 13 practical decor ideas for that tricky above-cabinet space. From plants to lighting options, these tips work with any kitchen style and budget.

Why You Should Focus on This Space?

Looking up at that empty space above your kitchen cabinets might not seem important, but it matters more than you think. This often-forgotten area can make or break your kitchen’s overall look.

When you fill this vertical space well, your kitchen feels complete instead of cut off. Tall ceilings need balance – leaving the tops bare makes rooms feel unfinished.

Adding your own touches here tells your story without words. The right decor makes your kitchen feel lived-in and warm, not just functional.

This spot does more than look good. It can hold those special dishes you only use for holidays, display family treasures, or store cookbooks within reach. With smart planning, this awkward gap becomes both useful and beautiful.

13 Creative Decor Ideas for Kitchen Cabinets with High Ceilings

1. Open Shelving for a Modern Touch

Open shelves add function and style above cabinets. They create spots for cookbooks, small plants, or fancy dishes. Floating shelves work well for clean lines.

Wood shelves bring warmth, while metal fits an industrial look. Install them at useful heights if you plan to grab items often. They open up the room and let you show off pretty kitchen items.

• Materials to Consider: Wood, metal, and glass options
• Styling Tips: How to arrange items without looking cluttered
• Weight Considerations: What your walls can safely support
• Maintenance Needs: Dust management solutions

2. Hanging Plants for Freshness

Plants soften the hard lines of kitchen cabinets. Trailing types like pothos or ivy look great from high spots. Hanging planters in ceramic, macramé, or metal add style while saving counter space.

Pick plants that match your light levels. Low-maintenance options need less climbing for care. Plants add color, life, and better air quality to your kitchen.

• Materials to Consider: Ceramic, terracotta, metal, macramé planters
• Styling Tips: Vary hanging heights, mix plant types, and group in odd numbers
• Weight Considerations: Use ceiling studs; consider water weight when full
• Maintenance Needs: Regular watering system, leaf dusting, and pot rotation

3. Statement Art or Mirrors

Large art pieces or mirrors fill tall spaces well. Art adds color and fits your style without clutter. Mirrors make kitchens look bigger and reflect light.

Choose pieces that handle kitchen heat and steam. Canvas prints, metal art, or glass-covered pieces work best. Scale matters – too small looks lost, too large feels heavy.

• Materials to Consider: Canvas, framed prints, metal art, beveled mirrors
• Styling Tips: Scale to wall size, create a focal point, and match kitchen colors
• Weight Considerations: Heavy mirrors need wall anchors; art can be lighter
• Maintenance Needs: Glass cleaning, dust removal, occasional repositioning

4. Antique or Vintage Collectibles

Old kitchen tools, vintage signs, or antique canisters tell stories above cabinets—group similar items for a bigger impact. Mix heights and shapes for interest.

Space items out so they don’t look crowded. Dust-proof displays work best. These items add charm and history to modern kitchens and work well with country or farmhouse styles.

• Materials to Consider: Enamelware, cast iron, wood items, vintage tins
• Styling Tips: Group by color or function, create visual stories
• Weight Considerations: Old metal items can be heavy, distribute weight
• Maintenance Needs: Gentle cleaning, anti-tarnish products, dust protection

5. Use of Baskets for Storage and Style

Baskets combine looks and function in high spaces. They hide rarely-used items while adding texture. Woven baskets warm up kitchens.

Choose similar styles in different sizes for a clean look. Label them for easy finding. They work well for seasonal items, extra linens, or special occasion pieces you don’t need daily.

• Materials to Consider: Wicker, seagrass, water hyacinth, fabric baskets
• Styling Tips: Stack or line up, use varied sizes, add tags for contents
• Weight Considerations: Filled baskets get heavy; check shelf capacity
• Maintenance Needs: Vacuum dust, wipe with cloth, reshape as needed

6. Layered Lighting (Recessed or Hanging Lights)

Lights above cabinets create mood and highlight decor. Strip lights behind crown molding give a soft glow. Small pendant lights add drama.

Puck lights spotlight favorite items. Many options are plug-in or battery-powered for easy setup. Dimmable lights let you change the feel from work time to dinner mood.

• Materials to Consider: LED strips, puck lights, mini pendants, sconces
• Styling Tips: Focus on tasks or features, create depth with light layers
• Weight Considerations: Electrical boxes for hanging lights, adhesive for strips
• Maintenance Needs: Bulb replacement, dust removal, clean glass shades

7. Architectural Elements (Crown Molding, Columns)

Crown molding fills the gap between cabinets and ceilings while adding class. Corbels or small columns create visual breaks in long cabinet runs. These touches make kitchens look custom-built and finished.

They can hide uneven ceiling lines. Paint them to match or contrast with the cabinets. They add depth without taking up space.

• Materials to Consider: Wood, MDF, polyurethane foam, composite
• Styling Tips: Match door trim style, consider ceiling height for scale
• Weight Considerations: Secure to studs; lighter options for high places
• Maintenance Needs: Dust removal, touch-up paint, check for gaps

8. Floating Glass Shelves for a Minimalist Look

Glass shelves seem to float, making spaces feel open. They show off items from all angles. Light passes through them, keeping the kitchen bright.

They’re perfect for colorful bottles or glassware that catches light. Lower maintenance than wood, and they wipe clean easily. Their thin profile works in tight spaces.

• Materials to Consider: Tempered glass, acrylic, bracket types, supports
• Styling Tips: Keep items minimal; use clear items for added light
• Weight Considerations: Use proper wall anchors and check glass thickness
• Maintenance Needs: Glass cleaner, fingerprint removal, weight limits

9. Rustic Wood Features (Wooden Beams, Shelving)

Wood elements bring nature and warmth to kitchens. Rough-hewn beams add character to plain ceilings. Reclaimed wood shelves tell stories through their marks and grain.

They fit perfectly in farmhouse and cottage styles. The contrast of natural wood against painted cabinets creates visual interest. They age well, looking better with time.

• Materials to Consider: Reclaimed wood, barn wood, timber, faux wood
• Styling Tips: Balance with smooth surfaces, highlight wood grain
• Weight Considerations: Solid beams need ceiling joist support
• Maintenance Needs: Sealing against moisture, dust removal, splinter checks

10. Custom Cabinets or Storage Units

Extra cabinets that reach the ceiling maximize storage and look built-in. Glass-front ones display special items while keeping dust away. They’re perfect for rarely-used items like holiday dishes.

Though costly, they add home value. Professional installation ensures proper fit. They solve the dust problem of open cabinet tops.

• Materials to Consider: Matching cabinet wood, veneer, glass fronts
• Styling Tips: Match existing cabinet style, add glass for display areas
• Weight Considerations: Must be attached to wall studs, ceiling support
• Maintenance Needs: Inside and outside cleaning, handle tightening

11. Bold Wallpaper or Wall Decals

Wallpaper or decals above cabinets create focus points without major changes. Bold patterns work well in small areas. They can tie together kitchen color schemes.

Removable options let you change your mind later. This spot is perfect for trying bold designs you might fear on larger walls. Patterns add depth to flat walls.

• Materials to Consider: Vinyl, peel-and-stick, traditional, washable papers
• Styling Tips: Use small patterns for distance viewing, bold colors for impact
• Weight Considerations: Minimal weight issues, proper wall preparation
• Maintenance Needs: Gentle cleaning, edge checking, humidity effects

12. Decorative Plates or Platters

Plate displays turn practical items into art. Use plate stands or hanging systems for security. Mix sizes, shapes, and patterns for interest. Choose themes that match your kitchen style.

Colorful plates add brightness to neutral kitchens. Family heirlooms or travel souvenirs make the display personal and meaningful.

• Materials to Consider: Ceramic, porcelain, decorative plastic, metal
• Styling Tips: Vary sizes and colors, use plate stands, create patterns
• Weight Considerations: Secure hangers, distribute weight across the wall
• Maintenance Needs: Dust removal, plate rotation, secure attachment checks

13. Creative Ceramic or Stoneware Display

Pottery collections look striking against wall backgrounds. Mix tall pitchers with wide bowls for varied shapes. White ceramics look clean and timeless.

Colorful pieces add fun pops. Group by color, size, or purpose for visual order. Stoneware’s earthy tones bring nature indoors. These pieces add texture without looking too busy.

• Materials to Consider: Pottery, clay items, glazed pieces, earthy ceramics
• Styling Tips: Group by color, vary heights, create visual movement
• Weight Considerations: Heavy pieces toward back, secure on non-slip mats
• Maintenance Needs: Careful dusting, occasional washing, and chip inspection

Essential Tips for Decorating Above Kitchen Cabinets

Learn essential tips for decorating above kitchen cabinets, from matching your kitchen style to optimizing storage, scale, and lighting, creating a functional and stylish space that improves your kitchen’s design.

Key Considerations	Description	Key Tips
Match Your Kitchen Style	Ensure the decor complements your kitchen’s style (modern, farmhouse, rustic, traditional) with items that ‘speak the same design language’.	Modern = clean lines, glass/metal accents; Farmhouse = wood, woven baskets; Rustic = rough textures; Traditional = classic, symmetrical shapes.
Think About Storage and Access	Consider if the items will be easily reachable for storage or cleaning purposes, and think about dust accumulation and item accessibility.	If it’s a high ceiling, use larger statement pieces. For lower spaces, use smaller grouped items and consider storage options.
Get the Size Right	Focus on the scale of items to avoid clutter. Use a mix of large and small items, varying their heights, and leave space to create a balanced, clean look.	Use larger items for big spaces, and smaller ones for tight spots. Always maintain height variation, and avoid overcrowding.

Conclusion

Your kitchen’s high spaces now have real purpose. From open shelving to pottery displays, these 13 ideas take empty spots and turn them into key parts of your kitchen’s story.

Remember to pick items that fit your style, think about how often you’ll need to access them, and pay attention to size. The right decor makes your kitchen feel finished and whole.

So what next? Start by looking at your kitchen today. What style do you have? How high are your ceilings? Pick one idea from this list and try it this weekend. You might be surprised how this small change affects how you feel about your kitchen.

Why not share a photo of your cabinet top decor in the comments?

I’d love to see what you create!