What can you put above kitchen cabinets? You can put decorative items, plants, artwork, or even useful storage solutions above your kitchen cabinets to add style and personality to your space.
The area above kitchen cabinets often gets overlooked, but it presents a fantastic opportunity to inject personality and style into your kitchen. This often-forgotten zone can transform from a dusty, neglected space into a curated display of your taste. Whether you have a sprawling kitchen with high ceilings or a more compact area, there are numerous kitchen cabinet decor ideas to elevate your design. This guide will delve into how to approach styling above kitchen cabinets, offering practical advice and inspiring solutions for what to put above kitchen cabinets.
Image Source: caitlinmariedesign.com
Crafting a Cohesive Look: The Foundation of Styling
Before you start gathering decorative items for kitchen cabinets, it’s essential to consider the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. The goal is to create a harmonious flow between your upper cabinet decor and the rest of your kitchen design.
1. Consider Your Kitchen’s Style
- Modern/Minimalist: Opt for clean lines, simple forms, and a limited color palette. Think sleek metal sculptures, geometric vases, or a single, striking piece of minimalist art.
- Farmhouse/Rustic: Embrace natural materials like wood, galvanized metal, and ceramics. Woven baskets, antique jugs, vintage signs, or potted herbs fit perfectly.
- Traditional: Classic pieces like ceramic platters, framed botanical prints, or elegant candle holders can complement a more traditional kitchen.
- Bohemian: Don’t be afraid to mix and match! Macrame plant hangers, colorful pottery, woven wall hangings, and eclectic collections work well.
2. Color Palette Harmony
- Echo Existing Colors: Pull colors from your backsplash, countertops, or cabinet hardware to create a cohesive look.
- Introduce Accent Colors: Use this space to introduce a pop of color that complements your kitchen without overwhelming it.
- Monochromatic Scheme: For a sophisticated and calming effect, stick to variations of a single color.
3. Scale and Proportion
- High Ceilings: If you have significant vertical space, you can afford to use larger items or arrange items in a taller, more vertical fashion.
- Lower Ceilings: Avoid overcrowding. Opt for fewer, carefully chosen pieces that won’t make the space feel cramped. Consider leaning artwork or using slimmer decorative items.
- Cabinet Depth: The depth of your cabinets will influence how far out your decorative items can extend. Ensure pieces are stable and won’t easily topple.
What to Put Above Kitchen Cabinets: A Wealth of Options
There’s a vast array of kitchen wall decor above cabinets that can make a statement. Let’s explore some popular and effective choices.
4. Decorative Items for Kitchen Cabinets
This is where the fun begins! Think about items that are both visually appealing and reflect your personal style.
- Ceramics and Pottery: Vases, bowls, pitchers, and decorative plates can add texture and color. Consider a mix of vintage finds and modern pieces.
- Artwork: Framed prints, abstract art, or even your own creations can bring personality. Opt for pieces that are moisture-resistant if your kitchen tends to be humid.
- Plants: Real or faux plants bring life and freshness. Trailing plants like Pothos or Spider Plants look beautiful cascading down.
- Baskets and Woven Goods: These add warmth and texture, especially in rustic or farmhouse kitchens. Use them to hold utensils, tea towels, or simply as standalone decor.
- Glassware: Elegant wine glasses, decorative bottles, or colored glass pieces can catch the light and add a touch of sparkle.
- Metal Accents: Sculptures, candle holders, or even antique tins can provide a metallic sheen and contrast.
- Themed Collections: If you have a love for something specific, like vintage kitchenware, cookbooks, or even teacups, consider displaying a curated collection.
5. Showcase Items Above Cabinets
This is about personalizing your space. What are your favorite things? What tells a story about you?
- Family Photos: Framed photos of loved ones can add a warm, personal touch.
- Travel Souvenirs: Small items from your travels can be a beautiful reminder of past adventures.
- Hand-Painted Items: Any handcrafted pieces, whether made by you or a loved one, bring unique charm.
- Cookbooks: Visually appealing cookbooks can be stacked or displayed open to a favorite recipe.
6. Creating Visual Interest Above Cabinets
The key here is to avoid a cluttered look while still making the space feel intentional and styled.
- Vary Heights: Group items of different heights to create a dynamic display. Place taller items towards the back and shorter ones in front.
- Groupings: Instead of scattering single items, create clusters of two or three pieces. This looks more organized and intentional.
- Negative Space: Don’t feel the need to fill every inch. Leaving some empty space allows the eye to rest and appreciate the items you’ve chosen.
- Symmetry vs. Asymmetry: Decide if you prefer a perfectly balanced, symmetrical arrangement or a more relaxed, asymmetrical one. Both can be effective.
Kitchen Cabinet Shelf Decor: Maximizing Vertical Space
If you have open shelving above your cabinets, or if you’re considering adding shelves, this is an excellent opportunity for further kitchen cabinet shelf decor.
7. Styling Above Kitchen Cabinets with Shelves
Open shelves offer a prime opportunity for displaying beautiful items.
- Tiered Displays: Use shelves to create levels, stacking books or placing taller items behind shorter ones.
- Matching Sets: Displaying a set of matching canisters or decorative jars can create a clean, cohesive look.
- Mixing Textures: Combine smooth ceramic with rougher wood or woven materials for tactile interest.
- Lighting: Small LED strip lights installed under the shelves can highlight your decor and add ambient lighting to the kitchen.
DIY Kitchen Cabinet Styling: Budget-Friendly Beautification
You don’t need to spend a fortune to decorate above kitchen cabinets. Many affordable kitchen cabinet adornments can be found or made yourself.
8. Budget-Friendly Decor Ideas
- Paint: A fresh coat of paint on the wall above your cabinets or on existing decorative items can make a huge difference.
- DIY Art: Create your own abstract paintings, stencil designs, or frame beautiful fabric scraps.
- Repurposed Items: Old jars, tin cans, or even vintage teacups can be repurposed as decorative holders or vases.
- Printables: Many free printable artworks are available online. Simply print them on good quality paper and frame them.
- Thrift Stores: These are goldmines for unique and affordable decorative items for kitchen cabinets. Look for interesting vases, pottery, or framed art.
9. DIY Kitchen Cabinet Styling Projects
- Mason Jar Vases: Decorate mason jars with paint, twine, or lace and fill them with fresh or faux flowers.
- Woven Baskets: Decorate plain baskets with stencils or by adding ribbon.
- Painted Signage: Create custom wooden signs with inspiring quotes or kitchen-themed sayings.
- Terrariums: Small, self-contained terrariums can add a touch of green without requiring much maintenance.
Strategic Arrangement Techniques
How you place your items is as important as what you choose. Let’s explore some ways to arrange your finds.
10. Arranging Items Above Cabinets
- The Rule of Three: Grouping items in odd numbers, typically three, often creates a more pleasing visual arrangement than even numbers.
- Creating a Focal Point: Place your most striking piece in a central location to draw the eye.
- Backdrops: Consider a piece of art or a textured wallpaper as a backdrop for your displayed items.
- Layering: Place items in front of others to create depth. For example, a smaller vase in front of a framed picture.
11. Showcasing Items Above Cabinets Effectively
- Cleanliness: Regularly dust and clean your displayed items. A tidy display always looks better.
- Rotation: Don’t be afraid to swap out items seasonally or when your mood changes. This keeps your decor fresh and exciting.
- Stability: Ensure all items are securely placed. Use museum putty or non-slip mats for taller or more precarious items.
Specific Ideas for Styling Above Kitchen Cabinets
Let’s dive into some concrete examples of kitchen cabinet decor ideas.
12. Popular Kitchen Cabinet Decor Ideas
- Galvanized Metal Bins: Perfect for a farmhouse look, use them to hold cookbooks or decorative sprigs.
- Ceramic Platters: Lean decorative ceramic platters against the wall for a sophisticated touch.
- Vintage Signs: A charming addition, especially for kitchens with a vintage or farmhouse theme.
- Potted Herbs: Basil, mint, or rosemary not only look good but can also be useful for cooking.
- Framed Botanical Prints: Add a touch of nature and elegance with floral or plant-themed art.
- Decorative Trays: Group smaller items on a decorative tray to keep them contained and stylish.
- Glass Jars with Lids: Fill with colorful dried beans, pasta, or potpourri for visual appeal.
13. Styling Above Kitchen Cabinets: Creative Solutions
- Tall Vases with Greenery: A single tall vase with a few long branches or faux eucalyptus can create a dramatic statement.
- Stacked Books: Arrange a few attractive cookbooks or decorative hardcovers to add height and color.
- Small Mirrors: Strategically placed mirrors can reflect light and make the space feel larger.
- Lanterns: Decorative lanterns, especially those with a rustic or industrial feel, add a cozy glow.
- Ceramic Fruit Bowls: A bowl of faux or real fruit can add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness.
Considerations for Different Kitchen Layouts
The space available will heavily influence your choices.
14. Adapting Decor to Your Kitchen
- Narrow Spaces: Opt for slimmer, taller items like narrow vases or leaning artwork. Avoid anything too bulky.
- Wide Spaces: You have more flexibility. Consider a larger piece of art, a collection of smaller items, or a decorative garland.
- Kitchens with Hoods: If you have a prominent kitchen hood, the space above it can be treated as a central focal point. A striking piece of art or a decorative arrangement can draw attention here.
- Kitchens without Upper Cabinets: If your kitchen has open walls, consider floating shelves to display your items or create a gallery wall.
Maintenance and Practicality
While aesthetics are important, practicality should also be considered.
15. Keeping Your Decor Tidy
- Easy to Clean: Choose items that are easy to dust and wipe down.
- Secure Placement: Ensure items are stable and won’t fall easily, especially in busy kitchens.
- Allergy Considerations: If you or someone in your household has allergies, be mindful of dust-collecting items like faux plants or intricate decor. Opt for materials that are easy to clean.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Should I fill the space above my kitchen cabinets?
A1: It’s a matter of personal preference and your kitchen’s style. Some people prefer a clean, uncluttered look, while others enjoy using the space to display items. If you do fill it, aim for curated groupings rather than overwhelming clutter.
Q2: What if I have very high ceilings?
A2: High ceilings are a great opportunity! You can use larger decorative items, taller vases, or even hang artwork or decorative pieces from the ceiling (with secure fixtures). Consider a tall, statement piece or a series of items arranged vertically.
Q3: Can I put lights above my kitchen cabinets?
A3: Yes, absolutely! LED strip lights or puck lights can be installed under cabinets to highlight your decor and provide ambient lighting. It’s a fantastic way to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Q4: What if I don’t like anything specific?
A4: If you’re unsure about specific decorative items, start with a few neutral, textural pieces like woven baskets or simple ceramic vases. You can always add more as you discover what you like. Consider functionality as well – a few attractive storage canisters can serve as decor.
Q5: How do I prevent dust build-up above cabinets?
A5: Regular dusting is key. If dust is a major concern, consider items that are easy to wipe clean, or opt for fewer, larger pieces that are less likely to collect dust in crevices. Sealed items like decorative jars also help.
By following these tips, you can transform the often-ignored space above your kitchen cabinets into a stylish and personalized extension of your kitchen’s overall design. Happy decorating!