Practical Ideas on How to Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets
Most kitchens ignore the area above cabinets, assuming it has no purpose.
In practice, leaving it empty can make even a well-organized kitchen feel incomplete, as designers often notice in older layouts where tall cabinets meet bare walls.
Decorating above kitchen cabinets can bring a sense of balance and personality without cluttering countertops.
Here are ways to use the space above your cabinets thoughtfully.
Why Does the Space Above Cabinets Matter?
The space above kitchen cabinets is often overlooked but can add style and personality. Leaving it empty may make the kitchen feel unfinished, while small decor pieces can make it feel complete.
Adding items like plants, baskets, ceramic pieces, or a framed art piece brings color, texture, and balance.
This area can reflect your style, whether modern, farmhouse, or minimalist, and is also useful for seasonal decor or lightly used kitchen items.
Even modest touches above cabinets can transform the look of your kitchen, making it feel polished, inviting, and thoughtfully styled.
Simple Decor Ideas for Above Kitchen Cabinets
The space above kitchen cabinets can look empty if it has no decor. Small changes can help it feel more finished without adding too much visual weight.
1. Place Woven Baskets
Woven baskets are one of the easiest items to place above kitchen cabinets. They add texture and can also hide light items you do not use often, such as napkins, paper goods, or seasonal pieces. Use baskets in similar tones so the top of the cabinets does not look messy.
2. Add Faux Greenery
Faux greenery can soften the space above the cabinets. It is a good choice if the kitchen has many hard surfaces, such as tile, stone, or metal, or painted cabinets. Use a few small plants or one trailing plant, but avoid thick greenery that may collect dust.
3. Display Cookbooks
Cookbooks can make the kitchen feel more personal. You can stack them flat, stand them upright, or place them beside a small vase or bowl. Pick cookbooks with covers that match your kitchen colors so they feel like part of the decor.
4. Lean Wooden Cutting Boards
Wooden cutting boards are useful and decorative at the same time. Lean them against the wall above the cabinets to add warmth and shape. Mix one round board with one rectangular board to make the setup feel less flat.
5. Use Ceramic Bowls and Pitchers
Ceramic bowls, pitchers, and vases can fill the space without making it feel busy. They also feel natural in a kitchen because they connect to serving, cooking, and daily use. White, cream, clay, and soft gray pieces are easy to match with most cabinet colors.
6. Place Rattan Trays
Rattan trays are light, easy to move, and good for filling wide spaces. Lean them against the wall behind bowls, jars, or small plants. They add texture without making the area look heavy and help create a warm, natural, balanced kitchen display feel.
7. Try Glass Jars or Canisters
Glass jars and canisters give the space a practical kitchen look. You can fill them with dry pasta, beans, rice, or leave them empty if you prefer a lighter look. Use larger jars so they are easy to see from below.
8. Try Black Accent Pieces
Black decor can add contrast to light cabinets. Use a black vase, small bowl, tray, or frame to bring depth to the space. One or two black pieces are usually enough, especially in a small kitchen, helping create balance, visual grounding, and a modern design.
9. Add Crock Stoneware
Stoneware crocks have a solid shape that is easy to see from below. They work best in kitchens with warm wood, cream cabinets, or rustic touches. Use two or three crocks in similar tones for a neat, collected look.
10. Add LED Strip Lighting
LED strip lighting can add a soft glow above kitchen cabinets. Warm white light usually feels better in a kitchen than bright white light. Hide the strip behind the cabinet edge so only the light shows, creating a smooth, subtle ambient effect.
11. Display Colorful Art Plates
Use decorative plates to add color and personality above the cabinets. Arrange them in a line, or stagger them slightly, mixing patterns and colors for a lively look. This works well in kitchens with neutral cabinets, giving the upper area a playful yet organized feel.
12. Add a Decorative Clock
A clock can be a functional and stylish addition above the cabinets. Choose a clock that matches your kitchen style; metal, wood, or colorful designs work depending on the look, and place it in the center or slightly off-center.
13. Use Alphabet or Letter Stands
Letters or decorative words, like “EAT” or “HOME,” add a personal and playful touch. Use neutral for a clean look, or colorful letters for a cheerful accent. This adds personality to the space without cluttering it.
14. Add Chalkboard or Slate Panels
Chalkboard or slate panels above cabinets add both decoration and function. Draw simple sketches, write quotes, or label areas while keeping the design minimal. This works especially well in modern or monochrome kitchens for a casual, playful touch.
15. Paint the Wall Dark and Keep It Empty
Paint the space above the cabinets a deep, dark color and leave it free of decor. The color itself becomes the design element, making cabinets, countertops, and backsplashes stand out. This works best in kitchens with tall cabinets or bold color schemes.
16. Use One Large Art Piece
A single large framed artwork above the cabinets makes a bold statement. Choose a frame that spans most of the cabinet length and keep the artwork simple or neutral. This suits modern and minimalist kitchens best.
17. Add Small Sign Boards
A small sign can add a subtle touch above the cabinets without overcrowding the space. Choose one sign with short wording, simple font, or a basic shape like ” Welcome to the kitchen, ” ” Eat healthy. Hang it to keep the area balanced.
Mix-and-Match Above Cabinet Ideas
Combining different decor types can make the space above your kitchen cabinets more dynamic and personalized. Here are some simple pairings that work well together:
| Mix-and-Match Idea | Description |
|---|---|
| Plates + Small Vases | Colorful plates with neutral vases for balance and contrast. |
| Letters + Greenery | Word signs paired with greenery for focus and softness. |
| Baskets + Seasonal Decor | Woven baskets with seasonal accents for texture and freshness. |
| Ceramics + Wooden Boards | Ceramic pieces with wooden boards for warmth and height. |
| Chalkboard + Small Art | Chalkboard with artwork for texture and color contrast. |
| Oversized Utensils + Neutral Decor | Large utensils balanced with simple decor accents. |
| Plates + Clock | Decorative plates paired with a clock for function and style. |
These mix-and-match combinations make it easy to create a balanced, stylish, and personalized look above your kitchen cabinets.
What to Avoid Above Kitchen Cabinets
Decorating above cabinets can improve the look of your kitchen, but some choices may make it look messy, hard to clean, or unsafe. Here are common mistakes to avoid:
- Too Many Tiny Items: Hard to see, making the space look cluttered.
- Heavy Items: Risk of falling and hard to lift down safely.
- Decor That Collects Dust Fast: Fabric or intricate pieces are difficult to clean.
- Overfilling the space makes the area look cramped and messy.
- Clashing Colors: Too many colors can make the space feel disorganized.
Keeping these points in mind will help you maintain a clean, safe, and visually appealing space above your kitchen cabinets.
Conclusion
The space above kitchen cabinets is often overlooked, but small choices can have a noticeable effect on how a kitchen feels.
Using simple items like plates, greenery, or a single piece of art can bring balance, color, and personality without crowding the area.
Practical considerations, such as ease of cleaning and proportion to the cabinet height, help maintain a functional space. Even limited or high cabinets can benefit from thoughtful styling.
Tell us in the comments your favorite idea and how you would style your cabinet tops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Still in Style to Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets?
Yes, decorating above kitchen cabinets is still in style, especially in kitchens with high or open cabinets.
How to Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets for Christmas?
Place small Christmas accents, such as mini pine trees, garlands, or string lights, above cabinets. Add a few ornaments or festive decor to keep it cozy and seasonal without overcrowding.
How to Decorate Above High Kitchen Cabinets?
Use tall items like vases, baskets, or plants to fill the space and add visual interest without cluttering.
