What can I put on top of kitchen cabinets? You can put a variety of decorative items on top of kitchen cabinets, including plants, baskets, decorative jars, framed art, cookbooks, vintage pieces, and themed collections. The key is to choose items that fit your style and don’t overwhelm the space.
The area above your kitchen cabinets often goes unnoticed, a blank canvas just waiting for a touch of personality. This often-overlooked space is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your kitchen’s aesthetic, adding depth, style, and a sense of completion to your design. Decorating above kitchen cabinets can transform a plain area into a focal point, reflecting your personal taste and elevating the overall ambiance of your home. From kitchen cabinet topper ideas that are simple and chic to more elaborate displays, there’s a method to suit every style and budget.
Image Source: caitlinmariedesign.com
Embracing the Vertical Space: Styling Kitchen Cabinet Tops
The vertical space above your cabinets is prime real estate for adding visual interest. When considering what to put on top of kitchen cabinets, think about balance, scale, and how the items will complement your existing kitchen décor. Whether you have high ceilings or standard ones, there are ways to make this area work for you.
Defining Your Kitchen’s Style
Before you begin placing items, take a moment to consider your kitchen’s overall style. Is it modern, farmhouse, traditional, eclectic, or minimalist? Your décor choices above the cabinets should harmonize with the rest of the room.
- Modern Kitchens: Often benefit from clean lines, geometric shapes, and a limited color palette. Think sleek vases, sculptural pieces, or minimalist planters.
- Farmhouse Kitchens: Can embrace rustic charm with woven baskets, ceramic jugs, antique finds, or galvanized metal containers.
- Traditional Kitchens: May feature classic items like ceramic platters, decorative bowls, or even framed botanical prints.
- Eclectic Kitchens: Offer the freedom to mix and match, combining vintage finds with contemporary art or personal mementos.
Scale and Proportion are Key
The size of the items you choose is crucial. Overcrowding the space can make it look cluttered, while items that are too small can get lost.
- For high ceilings: Consider taller items like floor vases, larger baskets, or even a collection of varying height decorative jars. A grouping of items can create a more impactful display.
- For standard ceilings: Opt for items that are more moderate in size. A few well-chosen pieces will be more effective than many small, insignificant items.
Top Kitchen Cabinet Topper Ideas: A Curated Selection
Let’s dive into some specific kitchen cabinet topper ideas that are both easy and stylish. These suggestions aim to inspire and provide practical solutions for decorating above kitchen cabinets.
1. The Greenery Approach: Plants and Faux Foliage
Plants bring life and color into any space, and the area above your cabinets is no exception.
Live Plants:
- Consider low-light tolerant plants: If the area doesn’t receive much natural light, choose plants like snake plants, ZZ plants, or pothos. These are hardy and can thrive in less-than-ideal conditions.
- Watering considerations: Think about how you’ll water them. Hanging planters or plants in self-watering pots can be convenient.
- Vase or Pot Selection: Choose pots that match your kitchen’s style. Ceramic, terracotta, or even stylish modern planters work well.
Faux Plants:
- Realistic options: High-quality faux plants can look incredibly lifelike and require no maintenance. Look for good texture and color variation.
- Versatility: Faux plants are perfect for those without a green thumb or for areas with very little light. They offer the same visual benefit without the care commitment.
- Styling tip: Mix real and faux plants to create a natural-looking display.
2. Basket Bonanza: Woven Storage and Display
Baskets are a versatile and charming way to add texture and warmth to your kitchen cabinet tops.
Types of Baskets:
- Woven Baskets: Seagrass, rattan, wicker, and jute baskets add a natural, rustic feel.
- Wire Baskets: Offer a more industrial or modern farmhouse look.
- Metal Baskets: Can provide a sleek, contemporary touch.
What to Store/Display in Baskets:
- Decorative items: Small vases, ceramic figures, or colorful baubles.
- Kitchen essentials (out of sight): Lighter items like tea towels, reusable shopping bags, or even cookbooks.
- Themed displays: Group seasonal items or small kitchen gadgets within the baskets.
3. The Ceramic Charm: Jars, Vases, and Bowls
Ceramics offer a timeless appeal and can be used to create a sophisticated display.
Decorative Jars:
- Glass Jars: Fill with dried beans, colorful pasta, or potpourri for a touch of visual appeal. Vintage mason jars also work beautifully.
- Ceramic Jars: Opt for glazed jars in classic white, earthy tones, or bold accent colors. Lids can add a polished look.
Stylish Vases:
- Empty Vases: A collection of vases in varying shapes and sizes can be a statement in themselves.
- With Faux Flowers or Greenery: Add a pop of color and life.
- Consider texture: Look for vases with interesting textures like ribbed, speckled, or matte finishes.
Decorative Bowls:
- Accent Bowls: Choose bowls in unique shapes or materials.
- Fruit Bowls: If your ceiling height allows, a decorative bowl filled with faux fruit can add a welcoming touch.
4. The Bookish Touch: Cookbooks and Decorative Books
Cookbooks are not just for the kitchen counter; they can also be stylishly displayed above cabinets.
Styling Cookbooks:
- Vertical Stacking: Stack a few cookbooks vertically, perhaps with a smaller decorative item on top.
- Horizontal Arrangement: Lay a few books flat, creating a more grounded look.
- Color Coordination: Choose books with attractive covers that complement your kitchen’s color scheme.
- Vintage Finds: Old, decorative cookbooks can add a unique charm.
5. Framed Art and Photos: Personalizing the Space
Injecting personality is easy with framed artwork or cherished photographs.
Artwork:
- Small Canvas Prints: Choose pieces that reflect your style, whether it’s abstract art, landscapes, or still life.
- Vintage Prints: Old advertisements or botanical illustrations can add a classic touch.
- Gallery Wall Effect: If you have a longer stretch of cabinet top, consider a small collection of similarly sized frames.
Photographs:
- Family Photos: Display cherished memories in stylish frames.
- Kitchen-Themed Photos: Consider framed images of food, herbs, or vintage kitchen scenes.
6. The Vignette Approach: Creating a Themed Display
A vignette is a small, artfully arranged collection of objects that tells a story or creates a specific mood.
Ideas for Vignettes:
- Seasonal Decor: Swap out items with the seasons – pumpkins in the fall, greenery in winter, flowers in spring, or summery trinkets.
- Color-Themed Display: Group items in a specific color palette to create a cohesive look.
- Hobby Showcase: If you have a particular hobby, like baking or gardening, display related items.
- Holiday Cheer: During holidays, these spaces are perfect for small Christmas villages, Easter bunnies, or spooky Halloween decorations.
7. The Minimalist’s Dream: Less is More
For those who prefer a clean and uncluttered look, the minimalist approach is ideal.
Minimalist Styling:
- Single Statement Piece: A single, well-chosen vase or sculpture can be incredibly impactful.
- Limited Color Palette: Stick to neutral colors or a monochromatic scheme.
- Focus on Form and Texture: Choose items with interesting shapes or subtle textural details.
- Negative Space: Allow plenty of empty space around your chosen items to emphasize their presence.
8. DIY Kitchen Cabinet Top Decor: Get Creative!
Embrace your creative side with these DIY ideas for DIY kitchen cabinet top decor.
Easy DIY Projects:
- Painted Terracotta Pots: Buy inexpensive terracotta pots and paint them in colors that match your kitchen.
- Decoupaged Jars: Use decorative paper or fabric to cover glass jars for a custom look.
- Wreath Displays: Small, lightweight wreaths can be hung or propped up.
- Herb Garden Arrangement: Plant small herbs in attractive pots and arrange them for a fresh, functional display.
- Repurposed Items: Old tins, wooden crates, or even decorative ladders can be repurposed for stylish storage and display.
Modern Kitchen Cabinet Top Styling: Sleek and Sophisticated
Modern kitchen cabinet top styling often emphasizes clean lines, geometric shapes, and a sense of order.
Key Elements for Modern Styling:
- Sleek Materials: Think brushed metal, glass, smooth ceramic, and polished wood.
- Geometric Forms: Look for items with sharp angles, circular shapes, or linear designs.
- Monochromatic or Limited Color Palettes: Black, white, gray, and metallic tones are common.
- Strategic Lighting: If possible, consider adding small LED strip lights under the cabinets for an added modern touch.
Modern Kitchen Cabinet Display Ideas:
- Tall, slender vases: In matte black, white, or metallic finishes.
- Sculptural pieces: Abstract art or minimalist figures.
- Mirrored or glass boxes: Add a touch of reflection and light.
- Organized groupings: Perfectly aligned decorative boxes or a curated set of ceramic pieces.
Vintage Kitchen Cabinet Topper Ideas: Timeless Charm
Vintage kitchen cabinet topper ideas bring a sense of nostalgia and history into your kitchen.
Elements of Vintage Styling:
- Antiques and Flea Market Finds: Look for old tins, ceramic pitchers, antique books, or decorative plates.
- Retro Color Palettes: Pastels, muted tones, or bold vintage prints.
- Textured Materials: Aged metal, crackled ceramic, and distressed wood.
- Personal Mementos: Old family photos or heirloom pieces.
Vintage Kitchen Cabinet Display Ideas:
- A collection of antique kitchen tins: Filled with faux flowers or left empty.
- Ceramic jugs and pitchers: With a rustic or floral pattern.
- Old scales or mixing bowls: For a functional and decorative touch.
- Framed vintage advertising: For a touch of retro flair.
Budget-Friendly Kitchen Cabinet Top Decor: Style Without Breaking the Bank
You don’t need to spend a lot to achieve a beautiful look. These budget-friendly kitchen cabinet top decor ideas prove that style can be affordable.
Smart Shopping Strategies:
- Dollar Stores and Discount Retailers: Often have surprisingly stylish vases, baskets, and decorative items.
- Thrift Stores and Flea Markets: Treasure troves for unique, vintage finds at low prices.
- Repurpose and Upcycle: Give old items new life with a coat of paint or a creative twist.
- DIY Projects: As mentioned earlier, DIY is a fantastic way to save money.
- Sales and Clearance Sections: Keep an eye out for deals at home decor stores.
Affordable Decor Ideas:
- Painted mason jars: A classic DIY that’s very cost-effective.
- Woven baskets from discount stores: Perfect for adding texture.
- Small potted herbs from the grocery store: Affordable and functional.
- Printing and framing your own photos or artwork: A personal touch that’s easy on the wallet.
- Grouping inexpensive ceramic pieces: Create a cohesive display by buying similar items on sale.
Practical Considerations for Styling Kitchen Cabinet Tops
Beyond aesthetics, think about the practicalities of styling kitchen cabinet tops.
Dust and Cleaning:
- Choose easy-to-clean items: Glass, metal, and smooth ceramics are generally easier to wipe down than porous materials or intricate designs.
- Regular dusting: Make it a habit to dust these items and the cabinet tops themselves when you clean your kitchen.
- Consider enclosed displays: If dust is a major concern, look for items that can be displayed within glass-fronted cabinets or decorative boxes.
Accessibility:
- Placement for Safety: Avoid placing heavy items precariously where they could fall.
- Ease of Removal: If you plan to change your décor seasonally or periodically, ensure the items are easy to reach and rearrange. A small step stool might be necessary for higher cabinets.
Lighting:
- Natural Light: If your kitchen has good natural light, use it to your advantage. Place lighter items or those with reflective surfaces to catch the light.
- Artificial Light: Consider adding small spotlights or LED strips beneath the cabinets to illuminate your display, especially in darker kitchens. This can create a dramatic and sophisticated effect.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How often should I dust the top of my kitchen cabinets?
A: It’s best to dust the top of your kitchen cabinets and any decorative items at least once a week, or whenever you do your regular kitchen cleaning. This prevents dust build-up and keeps your decor looking its best.
Q2: Can I put food items on top of my kitchen cabinets?
A: While you can technically place food items there, it’s generally not recommended. They can attract pests, be exposed to dust, and may not be stored at the correct temperatures. Decorative, sealed jars filled with dry goods like beans or pasta are an exception and are purely for display.
Q3: What if I have very high ceilings? What are good kitchen cabinet display ideas for tall spaces?
A: For very high ceilings, embrace the height! Consider taller, more dramatic pieces like large floor vases, tall sculptural elements, or a collection of items with varying heights. You can also create a tiered display using decorative risers or larger baskets to fill the vertical space more effectively.
Q4: How do I prevent items from falling off the top of my cabinets?
A: Ensure items are placed securely and aren’t too close to the edge. For heavier or taller items, consider using museum putty or a small amount of non-damaging adhesive to keep them in place, especially in homes with children or pets, or in earthquake-prone areas.
Q5: Should the decor on top of my kitchen cabinets match my kitchen exactly?
A: It should complement your kitchen, but not necessarily match exactly. Think about creating a cohesive look that harmonizes with your existing color scheme and style. Sometimes, a contrasting color or a unique piece can add an interesting focal point.
Q6: Is it okay to use open shelving above my kitchen cabinets?
A: Yes, open shelving above kitchen cabinets can be a stylish and practical solution. You can use these shelves for displaying cookbooks, decorative bowls, jars, or even small plants, similar to decorating the cabinet tops. Ensure the shelves are sturdy and well-secured.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Kitchen with Thoughtful Decor
Decorating the top of kitchen cabinets is a simple yet impactful way to enhance your kitchen’s style and personality. By considering your kitchen’s aesthetic, playing with scale and proportion, and choosing items you love, you can transform this often-empty space into a beautiful and intentional design element. Whether you lean towards modern chic, vintage charm, or a budget-friendly DIY approach, there are countless kitchen cabinet topper ideas to explore. So, take a fresh look at the space above your cabinets – it’s an opportunity to add that perfect finishing touch to your culinary sanctuary.