10 Ways to Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets

Is decorating the top of kitchen cabinets even a thing in 2022 and beyond? Let’s find out!

How to Decorate the Space Between Kitchen Cabinets and the Ceiling

If you have a kitchen then you might be wondering what to put on the top of your cabinets. 

Or even if you should put anything up there.  

Is decorating above kitchen cabinets outdated??

These are valid questions. So let’s talk about it.

The answer:

It depends.  

But mostly, yes. 😉

Decorating the top of kitchen cabinets is still totally acceptable.

I’m going to share 9 stylish ways you can decorate up there and one big no-no, that I would recommend staying away from!

But as always, if you like something, then do it!

Let your own style and voice ring out through your home. You’re the one who lives there 🙂

What we’re covering:

1. Stylish storage
2. Floating shelf
3. Accent wall
4. Crown molding
5. Close it off
6. Use those books!
7. Display Dishes
8. Art Gallery
9. Do nothing!
10. Stay away from word signs and clutter
11. Other areas these tips can apply to

So let’s jump right into what to put on top of your kitchen cabinets.

Stylish Storage

This is a quick, easy way to add some additional storage to your kitchen and add some style! It’s a small space, but it can make a big impact. 

Use this space to store extra kitchen gadgets, pots and pans, kitchen tools, and other things.

Choose baskets that fit well in the space, are functional, but also pretty. You could choose wicker baskets that will be neutral PLUS add texture.  

A win-win in my book!

I love how Thrifty Decor Chick did this in her kitchen.

Floating Shelf

Depending on how large of a space you have in the gap between the cabinets and the ceiling, consider adding a floating shelf.

Accent pieces, artwork, and cookbooks can all be placed on a floating shelf above cabinets. 

This can optimize your counter space in a unique way, reducing clutter and providing room to store extra supplies or display decorative items. 

Whether you want bookshelves or not, this may be a practical way to utilize that extra space.

I love these shelves from Bigger Than The Three of Us.

Accent Wall

This is definitely my favorite option. 

Accent walls are great in any room of your home, but they can be especially fun above your kitchen cabinets. 

You can add pattern with wallpaper, or easily add color with paint.

These accents can flow away from the rest of the kitchen, or you can match your accent wall to specific elements in the room, such as the flooring or counters, to make it look like a part of the overall design. 

Either way, it’s an easy and relatively inexpensive way to spice up your kitchen decor.

I’m obsessed with what Bekah from Modern Day Design did in her kitchen.  

Use Crown Molding

Let’s talk about crown and molding.  

Adding crown molding can instantly add new life to your kitchen and your kitchen cabinets. 

Crown molding is a great way to add glamour and a custom-finished look to your kitchen.  

That’s one of the many benefits of this easy project; it doesn’t take too long and anyone—not just a skilled carpenter—can do it. 

The best part? It’s not super expensive, like replacing all your cabinets would be 🙂

Close it off

If you’re up for more of a project, you can simply close off the gap between the cabinets and the ceiling.  

Putting the finishing touches on your cabinets can be a quick, simple way to take the ordinary out of a space.

Plus you’ll eliminate that pesty gap altogether!

I love how this project turned out from Remodelando la Casa.

Use those books!

Each person will, of course, have to choose which books and which style works best for them when using this method. 

You can easily do this with all your cookbooks. 

Use books you already have or you could thrift books if you want a specific, cohesive look.

Or, you could even turn the spines to the back and get a unique look that way.

You can layer and stack them in different ways, to add interest.

Here’s how The Inspired Room displayed her books.  

Display Dishes

Displaying dishes is an easy and inexpensive way to decorate the top of your kitchen cabinets.

Think beyond plates: try using trays, platters, and pitchers as well, to get a variety of shapes and sizes.

Did you get beautiful dishes for your wedding? Try displaying them here, instead of hidden away in a cabinet.

This idea can be beautiful AND functional, particularly for smaller kitchens where counter or cupboard space is limited.

Here’s an idea from All Things Heart and Home.

Art Gallery

Having art above your kitchen cabinets is a great way to add a personal touch to your space. 

You don’t have to be a big art collector to have a gallery wall, either.  

There are so many places online where you can find beautiful, printable art.  

One shop I really love is BFF Print Shop.  

Find something you love and go ahead and display it! Even if you only have one small piece to hang up, it can be an incredible focal point in any kitchen.

Don’t underestimate the power of adding a new piece above your kitchen cabinets. 

When used in the right way, it can lend a whole new feel to your kitchen and even pull together some of your other items in the space.

(Picture something like this from House of Six, but over the cabinets.)

Doing an art gallery is also a great option if you have high ceilings. Have some fun and get really large pictures!  

Do Nothing

Sometimes we forget that this is even an option!  

If you have empty space above your kitchen cabinets, try doing nothing. 

Sometimes the space is awkward and very small. So save yourself the hassle and just leave it as is!

 Avoiding above-cabinet decor can keep your kitchen looking sleek and modern.

Nobody said you had to decorate above there if you don’t want to!

Love this kitchen from Almost Makes Perfect.

What to Avoid When Decorating Top of Kitchen Cabinets

Stop using word signs.

They were very trendy for a while, and I’m sorry to say this, but they are out.

If you are going for a modern look, don’t use them.

If you still love them, then don’t let me stop you!  

You do you.

But, if you want to have something framed above your cabinets, I would suggest doing the art gallery we talked about.

Avoid Clutter

When you’re decorating the top of kitchen cabinets, keep in mind that you don’t need to fill every little nook and cranny with something. 

Leave some space! 

If you don’t want it to look cluttered, it’s best to keep minimal decor above your kitchen cabinets. 

(And that goes for everything we’ve talked about.)  

Don’t overthink it – keep your kitchen looking clean and simple by keeping clutter out of the way. 

Other areas in your home these tips apply to

These ten tips can also be applied to other areas of your home.

Think beyond the kitchen cabinets!

Do you have an entertainment center that you also decorate above?  

What tips can you apply there?

What about bookshelves?

Now go beyond that:

are there other places in your home that could use stylish storage?

Could you add floating shelves somewhere?  

(Like above the toilet?)

What about an accent wall?  

There is always room for paint or wallpaper in my book!

Could you add some crown molding in your living room? What about on top of some bookcases?  

Where can you add an art gallery?

These tips are applicable in so many different ways, all throughout your home.

Related Articles

Kitchen Updates That Don’t Require Remodeling

An Easy Decorating Plan (for Your Whole House)

5 Decorating Mistakes You Might Be Making

Conclusion

As with any decorating project, it’s easier to start small and work your way up. 

Decide what you can’t live without and spend your time, money, and energy on those items that bring you the most joy. 

Now that you know how to go about the process of decorating above your kitchen cabinets, go get started!

Love your space, love yourself and be happy enjoying the beauty that is around you.

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