That space between the ceiling and the top of the kitchen cabinets really is awkward. It’s a space that’s not quite storage but not quite display. However, it left empty ends up being a magnet for random tins, bottles, and unused kitchen appliances. That area on top of your kitchen cabinet doesn’t have to be dead space in your kitchen, it can be both functional and beautiful.
It’s a hidden design opportunity waiting for you to add your style to it. With a few simple tricks and some inspiration, you can start decorating above cabinets without clutter. Transform that kitchen dead space into a stylish and useful part of your kitchen.
The Golden Rules for Styling Above Cabinet Decor
- Embrace Negative Space
- You DON’T have to fill every inch of the space. Leaving a bit of breathing room makes the decor look more intentional. Less is more when knowing how to decorate on top of cabinets.
- Group in Odd Numbers
- Odd numbers in design scratch an itch that our brains love. The clusters of 1, 3, and 5 feel way more natural than pairs. It’s a core part of smart above cabinet styling rules.
- Mix Up the Heights & Textures
- Create a mini skyline by mixing up the heights of vases, baskets, and art while adding in some smaller or wider decor.
- Create Layers
- Layer items with the largest at the back and the smallest in front. Not only does this create depth, but it also ensures that everything can be seen from below.
- Follow the “One Foot” Rule
- If you can’t easily reach it to dust or bring it down, it doesn’t belong up there. This rule keeps your decor practical, clean and beautiful.
What To AVOID when Decorating Above Cabinets Without Clutter
These are some common above the cabinet deocrating mistakes that can instantly cheapen your kitchen’s look.
- Creating a Plastic Bin Graveyard
- All those mismatched plastic bins are for the garage or attic, not for display. They instantly create visual clutter and are the enemy to good above the cabinet decor.
- Having A knick-knack Explosion
- Dozens of tiny, unrelated figurines, mugs, and small trinkets very rarely look intentional. Instead, it often looks cluttered and like you don’t have a plan for how to decorate on top of the cabinets.
- Forgotten Greenery & Old Fake Plants
- We’ve all seen it either in our homes or others. The half-dead, withered plants and dusty fake plants that have gone that weird blue-green color. If you use faux plants as part of your above-cabinet decor, make sure they look realistic and are kept clean.
- Seasonal Overload
- While a few seasonal touches are lovely, avoid keeping holiday decorations up all year round. The key to good holiday decor above the cabinet is a stable base and rotating a few seasonal items in and out throughout the year.
13 Niche & Stylish Above Cabinet Decor Ideas
Now that you know the dos and don’ts. These above the cabinet decor ideas will give you some inspiration to help you turn that dead space in your kitchen into a stylish display or beautifully functional storage.
1. Display Your Brightest Colors
Gather a couple of your favorite colorful serveware and vases for a fun pop of color. It’s one of the most joyful above cabinet decor ideas, letting you show off your favorite pieces and add energy to the room.
2. Plants & Wire Baskets
This duo is a perfect start for how to decorate on top of the cabinets. Use wire baskets for stylish storage and pair them with fun plants like ivy or ferns. The mix of industrial and organic is perfection.
3. Wooden Bowls
Add organic texture with large wooden dough bowls. They bring warmth and a touch of nature. Making them a timeless choice to decorate your kitchen cabinets with.
4. Leaning Art
Not sure what to put on top of the kitchen cabinets? That fits into a modern or contemporary kitchen. Try leaning a large framed print or sign on the wall. It’s a laid back approach to above the cabinet decor that adds personality.
5. Cane Storage Baskets
Immediately upgrade your storage style by using wicker or cane baskets. They are functional, hold a lot, but add beauty and natural texture to your above the cabinet decor. Solving your kitchen’s dead space problem with style.
6. Complementary Decor
Sometimes, decor is just for the joy of it, not just hidden storage or to make use of a space. This approach for how to decorate on top of cabinets is all about choosing a couple of beautiful pieces that complement your kitchen’s style, purely because they make you happy to look at them.
7. Cookbook Library
As long as your cabinets aren’t too high. Use the space as a functional display of beautiful cookbooks. It’s a personal and practical answer to this kitchen dead space problem.
8. A Simple Single Sculpture
For a powerful minimal above the cabinet decor look, go for a single piece. A statement sculpture for the kitchen brings both height and interest without any clutter. Perfectly utilizing that vertical kitchen dead space.
9. A Cohesive Collection
This is how you get that high-end look. Replace random knick-knacks with a cohesive kitchen collection. Group similar vases, jars, baskets or antiques together for a bold and intentional look.
10. Plants, Plants & Plants
Never underestimate the style power greenery holds. Whether large or small, plants add life and instant aesthetics. For easy care in this hard to reach space, go for succulents or dry soil loving plants in cool pots to match your aesthetics.
11. Vintage Baskets & Metal Jugs
Perfect for rustic and cottage style kitchens. This combination of vintage items and textures gives a collected over time feel. The worn textures are perfect for decorating above cabinets without adding clutter, as they look intentional and special.
12. Warm Glow with A Lamp
One of the best above the cabinet decor ideas is to add ambient lighting to your kitchen with a lamp. Mixed in with other decor or by itself, a lamp creates a soft, warm glow. That makes the whole space feel cozy.
13. An Art Gallery
Who says you can’t use above the kitchen cabinets to display art? Simply place a small curated collection of art on the kitchen cabinets. It’s a sophisticated above the cabinet decor idea that adds elegance and interest. Plus, it’s easily changeable.
Your Turn to Transform That Space.
See? That space above your kitchen cabinets isn’t a problem; it’s a blank canvas. The goal isn’t to fill it but to style it with intention. Whether you go for a cohesive kitchen collection or fun, complementary decor, you have the inspiration to make it perfect.
So, take a look at that space above the cabinets with fresh eyes and inspiration. Which of the above cabinet decor ideas is best for you? Let us know in the comments