What can I put above my kitchen cabinets? You can place decorative items, storage solutions, lighting, plants, or artwork above your kitchen cabinets to add style and functionality to your kitchen. This often-neglected space presents a fantastic opportunity to enhance your kitchen’s aesthetic and even gain extra storage. Many kitchens feature a gap between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling, which can easily become a dust magnet or simply look unfinished. Fortunately, with a bit of creativity, this area can be transformed into a focal point. This guide explores a variety of kitchen cabinet top decor ideas, decorating above kitchen cabinets techniques, and ideas for kitchen cabinet space to help you maximize your kitchen’s potential. We’ll delve into kitchen upper cabinet styling, methods for maximizing kitchen cabinet height, and charming kitchen wall decor above cabinets. Get ready to discover creative kitchen cabinet overflow solutions, ways of displaying items above kitchen cabinets, and functional kitchen cabinet top ideas, along with inspiration for stylish kitchen cabinet extensions.
Image Source: images.squarespace-cdn.com
Transforming the Unused: Why Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets?
The area above kitchen cabinets often goes overlooked. However, it’s a prime spot to inject personality and practicality into your kitchen. This vertical real estate is perfect for adding visual interest, creating a sense of completeness, and even providing clever storage.
- Aesthetic Enhancement: This space can be used to tie your kitchen’s overall design together, adding a polished and intentional look.
- Visual Height: Decorating this area can draw the eye upward, making your kitchen feel larger and more spacious.
- Personalization: It’s a great place to showcase your style, whether through collected items, art, or greenery.
- Storage Solutions: For certain items, this space can offer convenient, albeit less accessible, storage.
- Dust Reduction: Properly filling the space can reduce the accumulation of dust and grease that often settles in hard-to-reach areas.
Creative Ideas for Kitchen Cabinet Top Decor
When considering kitchen upper cabinet styling, think about the overall theme and color palette of your kitchen. The items you choose should complement your existing decor.
1. Decorative Baskets and Containers
Baskets are a classic and versatile choice for decorating above kitchen cabinets. They come in various materials like wicker, rattan, metal, and fabric, offering different textures and styles.
- Wicker or Rattan Baskets: These add warmth and a natural, rustic feel. They are excellent for holding lightweight items like dishtowels, decorative faux fruit, or even small serving pieces.
- Metal Baskets: Galvanized metal or black wire baskets can lend an industrial or farmhouse charm. They are sturdy and can hold heavier decorative items.
- Fabric Bins: Soft fabric bins can add a pop of color or pattern, great for a more modern or bohemian look.
Tips for Using Baskets:
- Choose baskets of varying sizes to create visual interest.
- Group similar colored baskets or mix and match for a more eclectic feel.
- Use them to neatly organize seldom-used items you want to keep accessible but out of sight.
2. Showcase Fine China or Collectibles
If you have beautiful dishware, glassware, or sentimental collectibles that you rarely use but want to display, the space above your cabinets is ideal. This is a fantastic way of displaying items above kitchen cabinets.
- Plate Stands: Use decorative plate stands to prop up your finest china or antique plates.
- Glass Display Cabinets (Stylish Kitchen Cabinet Extensions): For a more integrated look, consider adding stylish kitchen cabinet extensions that include glass doors. This allows you to showcase your china while keeping it protected from dust.
- Figurines or Sculptures: Small decorative pieces can add a touch of personality and artistry.
Considerations:
- Ensure the items are not too heavy for your cabinet tops.
- Secure taller items to prevent them from falling, especially in earthquake-prone areas.
- Dust these items regularly.
3. Incorporate Greenery (Faux or Real)
Plants can bring life and color to any space, and the area above your cabinets is no exception.
- Faux Plants: For low-maintenance beauty, opt for high-quality faux plants like ferns, succulents, or trailing ivy. They offer the visual appeal of greenery without the need for watering or sunlight.
- Real Plants: If you have adequate natural light and are diligent with care, real plants like snake plants or spider plants can thrive. Ensure they don’t require direct, intense sunlight that might damage them.
Tips for Plant Decor:
- Use attractive planters that match your kitchen’s style.
- Vary the heights and types of plants for a more dynamic display.
- Be mindful of watering; avoid over-watering that could damage cabinet surfaces.
4. Add Decorative Lighting
Lighting can dramatically change the ambiance of your kitchen.
- LED Strip Lights: These are easily installed under shelves or along the top edge of cabinets, casting a warm glow upwards onto your ceiling or the items you display. They are a great way to add subtle ambiance and highlight your kitchen cabinet top decor.
- Small Pendant Lights: For a more dramatic statement, consider adding small, decorative pendant lights. Ensure they are safely wired and positioned to avoid obstruction.
- Battery-Operated Fairy Lights: These are a simple and effective way to add a magical touch, especially during holidays.
5. Artwork and Wall Decor
The wall space above your cabinets can be treated as an extension of your kitchen’s wall decor.
- Framed Prints: Small framed prints, quotes, or vintage advertisements can add character.
- Metal Wall Art: A piece of metal art can introduce a different texture and focal point.
- Kitchen-Themed Signs: Decorative signs with kitchen-related sayings can be charming and whimsical.
Important: Ensure that any artwork is secured properly to prevent it from falling.
6. The “Collection” Approach
If you have a hobby or a passion, the space above your cabinets can be a place to display your collections.
- Vintage Kitchenware: Display old mixing bowls, rolling pins, or canisters.
- Cookbooks: Stack a few attractive cookbooks for a scholarly look.
- Pottery or Ceramics: Showcase your favorite ceramic pieces.
7. Mirrors for Light and Space
Mirrors can visually expand a space and reflect light, making your kitchen feel brighter and larger.
- Decorative Mirrors: A uniquely framed mirror can be a stylish addition.
- Mirrored Tiles: Consider using mirrored tiles for a more modern and reflective surface.
Placement Tips:
- Position mirrors to reflect natural light sources.
- Ensure they don’t create distracting glare.
Functional Kitchen Cabinet Top Ideas and Creative Kitchen Cabinet Overflow Solutions
Beyond pure aesthetics, the space above your cabinets can offer practical benefits.
1. Smart Storage with Stylish Kitchen Cabinet Extensions
If your budget allows, consider investing in stylish kitchen cabinet extensions that reach closer to the ceiling. These can provide valuable extra storage space that is seamlessly integrated into your kitchen design.
- Glass-Fronted Cabinets: Ideal for displaying glassware or decorative items, as mentioned before.
- Solid-Front Cabinets: Perfect for storing less attractive items, helping to maintain a clean and organized look.
- Open Shelving Above: Some extensions can incorporate open shelving, offering accessible storage for frequently used items or decorative pieces.
2. Utilising Baskets for Practical Storage
Baskets are not just decorative; they are excellent for creative kitchen cabinet overflow solutions.
- Seasonal Items: Store holiday-specific decor or serving ware.
- Less Frequently Used Cookware: Keep extra pots, pans, or baking dishes out of the way but accessible.
- Party Supplies: Store extra napkins, tablecloths, or serving platters.
Table: Basket Types and Their Uses
| Basket Material | Aesthetic Style | Ideal For | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wicker/Rattan | Rustic, Natural, Boho | Lightweight items, faux plants, decorative items | Can be harder to clean, may snag delicate items |
| Metal (Wire) | Industrial, Farmhouse | Sturdier items, books, larger decorative pieces | Can collect dust, may rust if exposed to moisture |
| Metal (Solid) | Modern, Industrial | Tidy storage, heavier items | Can be heavy, may scratch cabinet tops |
| Fabric | Modern, Bohemian, Soft | Soft goods, towels, decorative accents | Can collect dust, may wrinkle or fade over time |
3. Utilizing the Space for Essential Extras
- Extra Serving Trays: Stack decorative serving trays vertically in a slim basket.
- Lids for Pots and Pans: If you have a collection of pot lids that don’t fit neatly inside cabinets, the space above can be a temporary or long-term solution.
4. Maximizing Kitchen Cabinet Height with Visual Tricks
Even if you can’t extend your cabinets, you can create the illusion of maximizing kitchen cabinet height.
- Vertical Lines: Use tall, slender decorative items or art with strong vertical lines to draw the eye upward.
- Color Consistency: Painting the wall space above your cabinets the same color as the cabinets can create a seamless look, making the cabinets appear taller.
- Strategically Placed Lighting: Uplighting can emphasize the height of the room.
Decorating Above Kitchen Cabinets: What to Avoid
While the possibilities are exciting, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your kitchen upper cabinet styling is effective and safe.
- Overcrowding: Too many items can make the space look cluttered and can be a safety hazard.
- Heavy Items: Avoid placing very heavy items that could shift or fall, especially if your cabinets are not secured to the wall.
- Flammable Materials Near Heat Sources: Be cautious if you have lighting fixtures or heat-producing appliances nearby.
- Difficult-to-Clean Items: Items that are hard to dust or clean will become unappealing over time.
- Grease Traps: Avoid placing items that will easily attract and hold grease, as this area can be difficult to clean regularly.
DIY Decorating Above Kitchen Cabinets: Simple Touches
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to make a big impact.
1. The Simple Stack of Books
A few beautifully bound cookbooks or vintage books can add a touch of sophistication. Arrange them by size or color for a pleasing visual.
2. DIY Painted Boxes or Crates
Upcycle old wooden crates by painting them in colors that complement your kitchen. These can then be used to hold smaller decorative items.
3. Washi Tape Accents
For a renter-friendly and temporary solution, use washi tape to create patterns or borders on the wall above your cabinets.
4. Repurposed Jars and Containers
Clean glass jars or attractive tins can be used to display small items or dried herbs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How high should decorative items be placed above kitchen cabinets?
Items should be placed at a height that is easily visible but not so high that they are difficult to dust or reach. Generally, the space between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling is the area to focus on.
Q2: Is it a good idea to store things above kitchen cabinets?
Yes, it can be a good idea for items you don’t use very often. Using decorative baskets or closed containers will keep the items clean and the look tidy.
Q3: What are the best materials for baskets above kitchen cabinets?
Wicker, rattan, metal, and fabric are all popular and effective materials. The best choice depends on your kitchen’s overall style and the items you plan to store or display.
Q4: Can I put real plants above my kitchen cabinets?
Yes, but only if there is adequate natural light and you are committed to caring for them. Faux plants are a lower-maintenance alternative.
Q5: How do I keep the space above my cabinets clean?
Regular dusting is key. If you use baskets, consider lining them or choosing materials that are easy to wipe down. Periodically, you may need a step stool to reach and clean the cabinet tops themselves.
Q6: What if my kitchen cabinets are very tall?
If your cabinets are close to the ceiling, you might consider stylish kitchen cabinet extensions or focusing on decorating the top few feet of the cabinets themselves. Alternatively, you could use tall, slender decorative items to fill the vertical space.
Q7: Should I match my decor above the cabinets to the rest of my kitchen?
While complementary decor is best, it doesn’t have to be an exact match. The goal is to create a cohesive look that enhances your kitchen’s style.
Q8: Are there any safety concerns when decorating above kitchen cabinets?
Yes, ensure that any items are stable and securely placed to prevent them from falling. Avoid placing flammable materials near heat sources or electrical components.
By thoughtfully considering these ideas for kitchen cabinet space, you can transform a forgotten area into a stylish and functional extension of your kitchen. Whether you opt for decorative displays or practical storage solutions, decorating above kitchen cabinets is a rewarding way to enhance your home.