12 Above Kitchen Cabinet Ideas (Decorating Guide)

Dusty boxes and mismatched decor items sit on top of your cabinets right now. You look at that awkward gap and feel like your kitchen is missing something special.

Most people shove random vases up there and hope for the best. That clutter just traps grease and makes your entire room feel messy instead of finished.

You will see how to turn that empty space into a clean design feature today. We will clear the mess and add character to your home with these 12 above kitchen cabinet ideas.

Woven Baskets for Simple Storage

Baskets look great because they hide the clutter while adding texture to your kitchen. You can choose natural rattan or seagrass to bring a warm feel to the space.

Find baskets that reach near the ceiling to draw the eye upward. This trick makes your walls look taller and your kitchen feel much bigger than it really is.

Fill them with items you do not use often like extra towels or seasonal party supplies. Keep the style consistent so the look stays calm and not too busy.

• Use natural textures to warm up the room.
• Pick sizes that fill the vertical gap.
• Hide bulky items inside to remove visual mess.
• Keep the colors neutral for a clean look.

Green Plants for Fresh Vibes

Trailing ivy or hardy pothos plants bring life into a kitchen that feels too sterile. You can place them in pretty pots and let the leaves hang down slightly.

Real plants need light so check your kitchen windows before buying a plant. If your kitchen stays dark, high-quality fake plants look just as good without the daily care.

Group a few different plant sizes together to create a tiny indoor garden. That touch of nature makes the whole space feel energized and welcoming for your guests.

• Choose trailing plants for a soft look.
• Match your pot colors to the cabinets.
• Buy fake plants if your kitchen lacks light.
• Mix different leaf shapes for extra interest.

Framed Art for Personal Style

Hang framed prints above your cabinets to create a small gallery in your kitchen. You can choose black frames for contrast or wood frames for a softer feeling.

Avoid placing art too close to the stove because steam can ruin the paper prints. Instead, pick a spot near your dining area where the air stays cleaner and dry.

Lean the frames against the wall to give the display a relaxed and modern vibe. This simple change turns a boring shelf into a place that shows your personality.

• Lean frames instead of using nails.
• Keep art away from greasy stove air.
• Match frame colors to your cabinet hardware.
• Use black and white photos for elegance.

Ceramic Pitchers in Even Rows

Ceramic pitchers look classic when displayed in a perfect line above your cabinetry. You can hunt for antique white pieces at garage sales or local thrift shops.

Group them by color or size so the collection looks intentional and well planned. The empty space between each pitcher creates a calm rhythm that pleases the eye.

Wash them often because kitchen grease tends to collect on smooth surfaces over time. This approach works best if your kitchen has a farmhouse or traditional style.

• Collect pitchers in similar white tones.
• Space them evenly for a clean look.
• Wipe them down during your weekly cleaning.
• Choose odd numbers for a better design.

Modern Metal Sculptures for Impact

Choose metal objects if you want a bold look that stands out in your kitchen. Copper or brass shapes catch the light and make the room feel expensive.

Stick to one type of metal throughout the space to keep the look unified. You can use geometric wire sculptures or abstract shapes to add a modern touch.

These pieces do not collect as much dust as fabric items or small trinkets. Wipe them with a soft cloth once a month to keep the metal shining.

• Use copper for a warm metallic glow.
• Stick to one metal finish throughout.
• Place items toward the front for visibility.
• Pick bold shapes that handle high ceilings.

Antique Kitchen Tools for Character

Old wooden rolling pins or metal sifters tell a story in your kitchen space. You can stack them in clear glass jars to protect them from the grease.

These vintage items add history that you cannot buy at a normal furniture store. Choose pieces that match the wood tones in your existing cabinetry or floor.

Keep the display simple because too many tools will make the area look messy. One or two carefully chosen items are enough to show off your unique taste.

• Stack vintage rolling pins in glass.
• Match wood tones to your kitchen floors.
• Limit the number of tools on display.
• Clean items thoroughly before putting them up.

Wooden Crates for Rustic Charm

Wooden crates provide a sturdy base for your decor and add a cozy vibe. You can stack them sideways to create small compartments for books or boards.

Paint the crates to match your walls if you want a subtle, blended look. Keep the wood raw and natural if your kitchen needs a farmhouse style pop.

Ensure the crates sit flat against the back wall so they do not fall. This solution works perfectly if you have extra deep cabinets with wide tops.

• Use crates to hold thick cookbooks.
• Paint them to blend into the wall.
• Ensure the base stays flush and level.
• Add labels to the fronts for style.

Glass Jars with Dry Goods

Glass jars filled with pasta or beans look colorful and functional on high shelves. You can use clear canisters to show off the textures of your dry food.

Place the jars in a single line to keep the visual weight feeling light. Labels on the front of the jars add a professional look to your pantry.

Choose matching lids to keep the style cohesive and very easy on the eyes. This idea turns your extra storage space into a beautiful part of your kitchen.

• Fill jars with pasta and dried beans.
• Use matching lids for a uniform look.
• Label the front for a store feel.
• Keep the display limited to one layer.

Woven Trays for Added Depth

Large round trays lean perfectly against the wall to add interest above your cabinets. You can layer a smaller tray in front for a professional designer look.

Natural fibers bring warmth into a room that might feel too cold or white. Make sure the trays are wide enough to be seen from the kitchen floor.

These pieces do not hold dust easily so you will save time on cleaning. The round shapes soften the sharp edges of your cabinets and ceiling lines.

• Lean trays against the back wall.
• Layer different sizes for more depth.
• Pick natural materials like sea grass.
• Use round shapes to soften cabinet edges.

Colorful Bowls for Bright Pops

Bowls in bright colors create a focal point in an otherwise neutral kitchen area. You can find pottery that matches your dish towels or your rug colors.

Stack them in groups of three to add height and variety to the space. Ensure the bowls are heavy enough that they do not tip over easily.

Change the bowls based on the season to keep your decor feeling very fresh. Use warm colors in the winter and light tones during the summer months.

• Stack bowls to create necessary height.
• Match colors to your existing decor.
• Choose heavy pottery for better stability.
• Rotate colors to suit the changing seasons.

Books for a Kitchen Library

Cookbooks belong in the kitchen where you can reach them while you are cooking. Line them up neatly to create a colorful spine display that looks smart.

Use bookends to keep the books standing straight if you do not have many. You can stack a few books horizontally to act as a stand.

This idea keeps your counters clear of clutter while putting your collection on display. It also makes your kitchen feel like a place where you really cook.

• Keep your most used books nearby.
• Use bookends to prevent them sliding.
• Mix vertical and horizontal book stacks.
• Place cookbooks in easy reach spots.

Lighting for a Dramatic Glow

Install strip lights to highlight the items you have placed above your cabinetry. This soft light makes your ceiling look higher and adds a warm atmosphere.

You can hide the cords behind your decor so only the light shows up. Pick a warm white bulb to make your kitchen feel cozy at night.

Turn the lights on when you want to create a relaxing mood for dinners. This final touch makes your kitchen look custom designed and very high end.

• Hide power cords behind your decor.
• Use warm bulbs for a cozy mood.
• Focus light on your favorite objects.
• Install strips along the back edge.

Final Thoughts

I hope you found a perfect way to clear that empty gap above your cupboards. You do not need to spend much money to make your kitchen look finished. Just pick one of these ideas and start moving things around until it feels right. You have the skills to make your home look beautiful. You have got this, so enjoy your updated and cozy kitchen space today.

Feature	Best For	Cleanup Effort
Woven Baskets	Hidden storage	Low
Green Plants	Fresh vibes	Medium
Framed Art	Personal style	Low
Ceramic Pitchers	Traditional look	High
Metal Sculptures	Modern edges	Low
Wooden Tools	Rustic charm	Medium
Wooden Crates	Sturdy storage	Low
Glass Jars	Pantry style	High
Woven Trays	Layered depth	Low
Colorful Bowls	Bright pops	Medium
Cookbooks	Kitchen utility	Low
Strip Lights	Dramatic glow	Low
Dusting	Maintenance	Weekly
Spacing	Balance	Fixed
Styling	Design	Monthly

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it hard to keep the area above cabinets clean?

Cleaning that area takes a little effort but it stays simple if you keep items organized. You should wipe the tops down with a damp cloth every few weeks. If you keep your decor in baskets or jars, you only have to wipe those containers.

Can I put heavy items above my cabinets?

You can place heavy items there as long as your cabinets are securely mounted to the wall. Do not load too much weight on the very edge. Always put the heaviest things toward the back where the wood is strongest and most stable.

Are fake plants better than real ones for this spot?

Fake plants work better because they do not need water or specific sunlight. Real plants can be messy if you spill water or if leaves start to drop. High quality silk plants look very real and stay perfect for many years without any trouble.

Do I need to light the space above the cabinets?

You do not need lights, but they add a professional look that makes the room feel larger. Lighting draws the eye up to the ceiling. If you have a small kitchen, a small LED strip can really help the room feel bright and inviting.

Should I cover the entire length of the cabinets?

You do not have to fill every single inch of that space. Leaving small gaps actually helps the room look less cluttered and more airy. Focus on styling small sections rather than creating a long wall of items that will look like a shelf.

Does the style need to match my kitchen counters?

Your decor should match the general vibe of the room, but it does not have to match the counters exactly. Pick colors that pull from your rugs or your wall paint. This keeps the look balanced and connects the high ceiling to the floor.

Will placing decor there make my kitchen look smaller?

Decorating the space above cabinets will actually make your room feel taller if you pick the right items. Use vertical pieces like tall vases or thin frames to pull the eye up. Avoid heavy, dark objects that could make the space feel crowded.

Can I mix and match different decor styles?

You can mix items as long as you keep the colors somewhat similar. Do not put a rustic crate next to a shiny metal sculpture if they do not share a color tone. Keeping the color palette consistent makes the collection look like a set.