What To Put In Top Kitchen Cabinets

Pinterent Maret 03, 2024 Comment

If you have builder grade kitchen cabinets that do not go up to the ceiling, this post is for you. While some believe that top of kitchen cabinet decor is outdated, I personally have to disagree. With the right styling, you can absolutely decorate above kitchen cabinets in 2024!

This post will give you ideas for decorating the top of kitchen cabinets with baskets, vases, faux plants, cookbooks, and more. Keep reading for decor finds, plus a comparison of our kitchen before and after!

Let’s begin with a little backstory. Our builder grade kitchen doesn’t have quartz counters, a beautiful sink, or tall cabinets that extend to the ceiling. Sadly, I ignored this space for

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But more recently, instead of seeing what isn’t here, I decided to focus on what is. Lots of light, space, and functional appliances. In addition, I chose to make small but intentional changes!

A few months back I shared tips for upgrading a basic kitchen without renovating, and today I have a new idea for you. I decided to decorate the top of our kitchen cabinets, and I think you’ll be surprised at what a difference it makes!

The picture above shows our spring kitchen decor before I styled the cabinets. I really liked this look, but wanted to make it feel more warm and welcoming, with a bit of cottage charm.

Stylish & Practical Ideas For Your Top Of Cabinet Decor

Before you begin, gather a collection of decor from around your home to use on top of your kitchen cabinets. Here are some ideas:

You probably have many of these items already! But if you are starting from scratch, here are some of my favorite items for decorating above kitchen cabinets:

Now, some specific ideas for how to decorate above kitchen cabinets. Above all, you will want to group decor items together based on your cabinet layout.

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Since we have staggered kitchen cabinets, it was easy to decide where to place decor groupings. The tiered height of the cabinets divides up the space on top into sections!

First, I put planters on top of the corner cabinet section. I like the way the hanging plant trails down over one side and balances the stems on my island.

Next, I placed all of my extra vases on top of the center cabinet section (above the microwave). A large basket between these two sections keeps the design from feeling cluttered with small objects.

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Finally, I anchored the ends of the kitchen cabinets with items of a similar shape and color–a footed bowl and a woven basket. Balance is key! Try to mirror colors, textures, and shapes so that the design feels cohesive.

If you need encouragement, remember that styling a new space usually takes multiple tries. While decorating the top of our kitchen cabinets, I put together one design, lived with it for a few days, and then decided to make some changes. I am so happy with the final look!

I would not use the exact design from my kitchen for cabinets that are all one height, because the decor would look cluttered without the separation of the staggered cabinets.

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Instead, for kitchen cabinets that are straight across the top: try a large decor grouping at each end, and one grouping at the corner, leaving space in between. Or you could use one type of decor all the way across, for example a collection of vases or picture frames in a row.

I shared an Instagram reel about decorating above kitchen cabinets, and somehow it received millions of views? Still in shock about that!

Pretty dusty considering I had not cleaned them in… well, years 😉 But after a quick vacuum, I decided to go for it!

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Decorating is my creative outlet, so I know I will end up swapping the items before too long. I will be sure to clean and keep things mostly dust free. For me it is worth a little extra work, but it may not be for everyone, and that’s okay!

Here is a side by side comparison so that you can see before and after I decorated above the kitchen cabinets. Which look do you prefer?

If you have a similar kitchen layout and are wanting to add character to your space, I hope you found this post helpful. Be sure to tag me on Instagram if you try this, I would love to see what you do!We and our 1609 partners store and/or access information on a device, such as unique IDs in cookies to process personal data. You may accept or manage your choices by clicking below, including your right to object where legitimate interest is used, or at any time in the privacy policy page. These choices will be signaled to our partners and will not affect browsing data.

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Ashley Knierim has over a decade of experience in writing, editing, and content strategy. She held positions at Time Magazine, AOL, and JPMorgan Chase. She is also a home décor and DIY enthusiast who spends her free time decorating (and redecorating) her home.

If the space between your kitchen cabinets and the ceiling is collecting dust, it might be time to consider new options to make the room feel complete. Along with incorporating designer ideas like framed artwork, cookbook collections, and lively houseplants, this area in your home can also be prime real estate when it comes to storage solutions—especially in small kitchens.

How To Decorate The Top Of Your Kitchen Cabinets

Whether you're pulling out the paintbrushes for a quick weekend DIY project or installing built-in shelving to store your most essential kitchen accessories, decorating above your kitchen cabinets can help round out your space for an intentional look. And thanks to interior designers, there are plenty of different décor options that can suit styles from modern to traditional (and everything in-between).

Add a bit of visual interest to the empty space above your kitchen cabinets by choosing a few small pieces of décor that stand out against your wall color. We love the woven accents that draw the eye from the countertop to the ceiling in this white kitchen by tying the room together: Thanks to an earthy blend of neutral colors, the use of different textures helps blend these wood, woven, and floral pieces for an intentional finish that doesn't overwhelm the space.

Who doesn't need more room to store cookbooks? Consider using that space above your cabinets to store your lesser-used books that are just too pretty or sentimental to part with. Not only does the finished design look great and complement kitchen themes, but it's just the right amount of space to store a collection of cookbooks without feeling cluttered.

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You can never have too many vases, but finding a safe place to store these delicate items while not in use can be surprisingly difficult. Because vases are often aesthetically pleasing even without flowers in them, they can add an element of height to your kitchen while playing with scale. Bonus: They're less likely to get knocked around or broken when they're out of reach.

Opt for vases of different sizes, shapes, and patterns for a dynamic design, or display a matching set to complement a minimalist kitchen.

The top of your cabinets is a great placeto grow a trailing plant—like a philodendron, pothos, or ivy—especially if you have a lot of natural light with bright windows in your kitchen. Many trailing plants are adaptable and easy to care for, but it's also helpful to keep a step stool nearby for easy watering to ensure your kitchen garden stays lush and thriving. We're swooning over this bright, airy kitchen with small touches of greenery on the countertops that accent the cabinetry's vibrant leaves.

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For a clean, minimalist look, fill the space between your cabinets and ceiling by installing a tall variety of crown molding. This option works best in kitchens that have little room for décor, plants, or artwork, but still leave empty space to fill. It also brings a more elegant, traditional vibe to modern kitchen designs and makes the ceilings appear taller. Paint your trim the same shade as your cabinetry for a sleek style, or use it as an opportunity to introduce a pop of color for a more eclectic look.

Whether you have open shelving, closed cabinets, or a mix of the two, the space between your kitchen storage and the ceiling can make a big impact with the right textures. We love the weathered shiplap installed above the backsplash in this rustic kitchen that continues around the room to make shelving and open wall space fit seamlessly together. Styled with white bowls and coffee mugs, this textured option makes a distinction between the décor and its background while keeping to the all-white kitchen look.

If you don't want to commit to a more permanent fixture like shiplap, consider installing removable wallpaper that works well with the