I spend a lot of time noticing kitchens and how they feel when you walk in. One thing I always see is empty space above the cabinets that feels forgotten. When I started decorating my own kitchen, I realized how much this area can change the whole room.
Small details made my kitchen feel warmer and more complete. That experience inspired me to explore creative ways to use this space.
Why Above Kitchen Cabinet Matters
When you leave the area above kitchen cabinet empty, your kitchen can feel unfinished. That open space often breaks the visual flow and pulls attention upward in an awkward way. By decorating above kitchen cabinet areas, you help guide the eye smoothly around the room.
Decorating this zones also helps balance tall cabinets. When cabinets stretch close to the ceiling, that upper space can look heavy. Thoughtful decor softens the look and makes the kitchen feel more welcoming.
What to Consider Before Decorating
Ceiling Height and Cabinet Proportions
Before you decorate above cabinet areas, look at your ceiling height.
- High ceilings allow larger items and layered decor.
- Lower ceilings call for simpler choices so the space does not feel crowded.
The height of your cabinets also matters. If cabinets stop far below the ceiling, you have more freedom. If they nearly touch the ceiling, use fewer and lighter items to keep things balanced.
Color Harmony and Visual Flow
Above kitchen cabinet decor should work with your cabinet color and wall tone. When colors clash, the space feels messy. When colors connect, the kitchen feels calm and intentional.
You can repeat wood tones, metals, or neutral shades already used in your kitchen. This makes above kitchen cabinet decor feel like a natural extension of the room.
Cleaning and Practicality
Dust collects above kitchen cabinet surfaces faster than you expect. Choose decor that is easy to wipe or does not require frequent cleaning. Large items are easier to maintain than many small ones.
Avoid items with deep textures if you want low maintenance. Simple shapes and smooth surfaces work best for everyday homes.
15 Above Kitchen Cabinet Decorating Ideas
1 Greenery That Brings Life
Plants are one of the easiest ways to decorate above kitchen cabinet spaces. Greenery softens sharp cabinet lines and adds freshness.
You can use faux plants if light is limited. Trailing plants work well because they add movement without taking up too much space.
2 Woven Baskets for Warmth
Woven baskets add texture and a cozy feeling above kitchen cabinet areas. They work beautifully in farmhouse and relaxed kitchens.
Choose baskets in similar tones to keep the look clean. Vary the size slightly for visual interest.
3 Decorative Vases with Simple Shapes
Vases are timeless decor pieces for above kitchen cabinet styling. They work well alone or in small groups.
Stick to neutral colors or clear glass for a calm look. Tall vases help fill vertical space without clutter.
4 Cookbooks That Show Personality
Displaying cookbooks above kitchen cabinet areas adds color and character. It also tells a story about how you use your kitchen.
Stack books horizontally and limit the number to avoid a heavy look. Choose covers that match your color palette.
5 Vintage Kitchen Items
Vintage pieces bring charm to above kitchen cabinet decor. Old jars, bowls, or kitchen tools create a collected feel.
Use only a few items so the space does not feel crowded. Let each piece stand out.
6 Framed Art for Visual Interest
Art can work above kitchen cabinet areas when used carefully. Lean frames instead of hanging them to keep things casual.
Simple prints or food related artwork work best. Keep frames lightweight and minimal.
7 Ceramic and Pottery Collections
Ceramic pieces add softness and craftsmanship above kitchen cabinet spaces. They work well in both modern and traditional kitchens.
Keep the color range tight so the collection feels intentional rather than random.
8 Wooden Cutting Boards
Wooden boards bring natural texture and warmth. Layering them above kitchen cabinet areas adds depth without clutter.
Choose boards in similar wood tones for a cohesive look.
9 Sculptural Objects for Modern Kitchens
If you prefer a modern style, sculptural decor works well above kitchen cabinet surfaces. Clean lines keep the look refined.
Use one or two statement pieces instead of many small objects.
10 Seasonal Decor Rotation
Seasonal decor keeps above kitchen cabinet styling fresh. You can change items a few times a year without redecorating the whole kitchen.
Stick to subtle seasonal touches so the kitchen stays timeless.
11 Glass Bottles and Jars
Glass reflects light and makes above kitchen cabinet areas feel lighter. This works especially well in smaller kitchens.
Clear or lightly tinted glass keeps the look airy. Avoid bold colors if the space feels tight.
12 Metal Accents for Contrast
Metal decor adds contrast and interest above kitchen cabinet spaces. Copper and brass feel warm while silver feels modern.
Use metal sparingly so it does not overpower the room.
13 Simple Decorative Words
Decorative words can work above kitchen cabinet areas if kept minimal. Short phrases feel lighter than long quotes.
Choose neutral finishes and simple fonts for a timeless look.
14 Matching Storage Boxes
Matching boxes create a clean and organized appearance above kitchen cabinet spaces. They are perfect if you like a tidy look.
Neutral colors help the boxes blend seamlessly with cabinets.
15 A Lightly Styled Look
Sometimes the best above kitchen cabinet decor is less. A few well chosen items can feel more polished than a full display.
Focus on balance and breathing room. This approach works well in modern and small kitchens.
How to Arrange Decor Areas
Create Balance Across the Cabinets
Balance is key when decorating above kitchen cabinet spaces. Spread visual weight evenly across the top of the cabinets.
Avoid placing all tall items on one side. This keeps the kitchen from feeling lopsided.
Use Layering for Depth
Layering adds dimension above kitchen cabinet surfaces. Place taller items toward the back and smaller items in front.
This creates a natural flow and keeps decor from looking flat.
Keep Spacing Consistent
Even spacing helps above kitchen cabinet decor feel intentional. Do not overcrowd one section while leaving another empty.
Consistent spacing creates calm and order in the kitchen.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people overfill the space above kitchen cabinet areas. Too many items create visual noise and make the kitchen feel smaller.
Another mistake is ignoring scale. Very small decor pieces get lost above tall cabinets. Choose items that match the size of the space.
Using colors that clash with cabinets is also common. When decor does not connect with the rest of the kitchen, it feels out of place.
Finally, avoid decor that requires constant cleaning. High maintenance items quickly become frustrating.
