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10 Above Kitchen Cabinet Ideas (That Really Change Rooms)
ByRayan
Sometimes, you look at your kitchen, and you feel like something is just, well, off. You see that dusty, dark gap between your upper cabinets and the ceiling, and it drives you crazy, doesn’t it. I have been there, staring at that dead space, wondering why builders ever thought an empty ledge was a good design choice. It is basically a magnet for grease, and sad, forgotten knickknacks.
Most people try to fix this by cramming fake plants up there, which is a total mistake. Please, stop buying plastic vines that look like they belong in a doctor office waiting room. It makes your home look cheap, and it gathers even more dust than the bare ledge did. You deserve better, and your kitchen deserves to actually look finished, intentional, and clean.
In this guide, I will show you how to use 10 above kitchen cabinet ideas to turn that eyesore into a highlight. We are going to make that space useful, pretty, and smart. Forget the store-bought junk, and let us focus on stuff that actually brings life to your home. You will be surprised at how easy these changes are, and how much they change the look of your whole house.
Add Crown Molding to Close the Gap
The easiest way to kill that dead air is to just close it up for good,, using wood trim. Most homes leave a gap, but you can build a bridge, with some simple crown molding. It makes your cabinets look custom, tall, and very expensive. I did this in my first house, and it instantly stopped the dust from settling where I could never reach.
You should pick a style that matches your existing cabinet doors,, to keep things looking flowy. If you have plain, flat doors, go for simple, sharp lines. If your kitchen is fancy, get the curly, decorative stuff. Just remember to paint it to match perfectly, otherwise, it sticks out like a sore thumb. Do not try to fake a wood tone, because it never, ever matches the cabinets.
Hire a pro if you are not great with a saw, but it is a fun weekend project. Once that gap is sealed, your kitchen feels taller, wider, and much more like a high-end space. It is a classic look for a reason, and it never goes out of style. You will stop worrying about the top of the cabinets, and start loving how clean everything looks.
- Use wood trim to hide the gap.
- Match your existing cabinet style.
- Paint the molding to match perfectly.
- Make the room look much taller.
Put Large Woven Baskets On Top
If you need storage, you should absolutely use that space for big, textured baskets. Most people buy tiny, plastic bins that look messy, and that is a waste of time. Get two or three large, matching woven baskets, and line them up across the top. It adds a soft, warm vibe, and it is perfect for hiding stuff you do not use every single day.
Think about storing your seasonal items, like holiday tablecloths or paper plates. You want things that are light, so you can pull them down without a huge ladder. I keep my extra rolls of paper towels up there, because they are light and take up way too much room in my pantry. Just make sure the baskets are big enough to look right, rather than small and lonely.
Avoid wire baskets here, as they just show off the clutter inside, which defeats the purpose. Woven seagrass or jute works wonders for adding texture to a white kitchen. It looks purposeful, tidy, and very chic. If you want a clean look, just keep the baskets uniform. It is a simple trick that keeps your kitchen feeling organized, airy, and very welcoming to guests.
- Pick large, uniform woven baskets.
- Hide bulky or seasonal items easily.
- Use light materials for easy access.
- Add texture to a plain kitchen.
Install Warm Under Cabinet Lights
Lighting is the secret weapon for making a room pop, and the top of the cabinet is the perfect spot. If you tuck an LED strip behind the front edge, you get this beautiful, soft glow that hits the ceiling. It makes your kitchen feel cozy at night, rather than like a cold, bright lab. I swear by this, because it changes the whole mood instantly.
You want a warm light, not that harsh, blue-ish white light that feels like a hospital. Get a strip that you can dim, so you can turn it down low for a late night snack. Hide the power cords well, because seeing wires is a total deal breaker. You can buy kits that plug in, or get the ones that use a remote, for a super clean look.
Do not be cheap with the quality here, as the cheap ones flicker or turn weird colors. Buy a good brand, and enjoy that expensive, custom glow every single night. It highlights your ceiling height, and makes the kitchen feel so much bigger. It is the best way to add drama without doing a total remodel. You will wonder why you waited so long.
- Use LED strips for soft light.
- Choose warm tones for a cozy feel.
- Hide all wires behind the cabinets.
- Get dimmable lights for the mood.
Display Your Best White Plates
There is something so classy about showing off your nice dishes, instead of hiding them away. If you have a collection of white ceramic plates, or cool bowls, line them up on a plate rack or just stand them against the wall. It creates a clean, classic, and high-end look that never goes out of style. I did this with my grandmother's platters, and it feels special.
Do not crowd them together, because that just looks like a garage sale, not a home display. Give each piece some room to breathe, so you can see the shape and detail. If you want, add a small piece of greenery between the pieces to break up the white. Just keep it simple, and stick to one color palette, so it does not look like a chaotic mess.
Cleaning is the only downside, so make sure these are items you actually use and wash. If you just leave them there for years, they will get a layer of grease. It is a great way to rotate your decor, so the kitchen feels new every season. It shows off your personality, your taste, and your love for beautiful things in your home.
- Show off nice ceramic plates.
- Give each piece some space.
- Keep the colors simple and uniform.
- Rotate your items every few months.
Build Glass Front Cabinet Extensions
If you have the money, adding glass boxes on top of your cabinets is the ultimate move. This makes it look like you have floor to ceiling cabinets, which is a dream for most homeowners. You can store your pretty stuff inside, and add small lights to make it sparkle. It is a permanent fix, and it looks like it was always meant to be there.
Talk to a carpenter about matching your cabinet wood and paint. You do not want these to look like an afterthought, so take your time with the build. Using glass front doors keeps the room feeling open, while still giving you a place to show off your goods. I love this idea, because it solves the dust issue, and adds huge value to the house.
If the custom build is too pricey, look for ready-made glass cabinets that fit your kitchen size. It is a big project, but the payoff is huge for how your kitchen feels. You will gain storage, style, and a sense of completion. It is a classic move that makes your kitchen look like it belongs in a magazine. It is worth every single penny spent.
- Add glass cabinets for extra height.
- Match the wood to your base.
- Install lights inside the glass.
- Store pretty items to show off.
Use Large Oversized Art Prints
People always forget that the wall above the cabinet is a massive, blank canvas. Instead of clutter, lean a really big piece of art against the wall up there. It adds color, personality, and a huge dose of style to a boring kitchen. I found a giant, abstract print once, and it completely changed the vibe of my cooking space, making it feel artsy.
Go for something wide and short, so it fits nicely in that horizontal space. You don't want it to feel like it is falling off, so keep it secure if you have kids. Abstract paintings work better than portraits or photos, because they add color without looking too busy. It is a bold move, but it pays off when people walk in and ask about your taste.
Avoid frames that are too heavy or fragile, because you do not want to worry about them falling. Use a sturdy print on a board, or a canvas that is light and easy to prop up. It is a great way to add a pop of color to a white kitchen, without painting the walls. It is fun, it is modern, and it is honestly so much better than plastic fake plants.
- Lean a large, horizontal print.
- Pick abstract art for better flow.
- Keep the frame light and safe.
- Add color without painting walls.
Place Vintage Jars in a Row
There is a certain charm to old, glass jars that you just cannot beat. If you have a collection of antique mason jars or vintage canisters, group them along the top of your cabinets. They catch the light and look beautiful, especially if they are different sizes or shades of blue or green. It gives your kitchen a warm, farmhouse feel that is actually authentic and lovely.
Group them in sets of three, because odd numbers always look better to the human eye. You can put things inside them, like dried flowers or wheat, or just leave them empty. I prefer them empty, because it keeps the look clean and doesn't get too dusty inside. It is a very simple look, but it feels collected, thoughtful, and very, very cozy.
Watch out for overdoing it, though, because too many jars start to look like a science lab. Keep it to one side, or spread them out with some distance between groups. It is an easy way to use what you already have, and it feels much more personal than buying new plastic decor. It is a classic way to decorate that keeps your space feeling really homey.
- Use vintage jars for farmhouse charm.
- Group items in odd numbers.
- Leave them empty for a clean look.
- Avoid making it look like a lab.
Add Trailing Green Potted Plants
Listen, I know I said plastic plants are the devil, but real, trailing plants are a totally different story. If you have enough natural light, get some pothos or trailing ivy and let them grow across the tops. They bring life, oxygen, and that beautiful green pop that every kitchen needs to feel fresh. It is the only way to do plants in the kitchen.
You will need to water them, so keep them in pots that you can easily move or reach. I use a little step stool, and it takes me five minutes to water all of them at once. It makes the kitchen feel alive, and it softens the hard lines of the cabinets. It is a healthy choice, and it looks much more expensive than the fake stuff.
Do not try this if you have zero windows, because your plants will die, and that is just sad. Be honest about your light, and if it is dark, pick a different idea from this list. Real plants are a commitment, but they change the air and the mood of a room. It is a bold, fresh look that makes a kitchen feel vibrant and clean.
- Use only real, trailing plants.
- Check your light before buying.
- Water them on a set schedule.
- Keep pots easy to move around.
Style a Collection of Wood Boards
If you have a bunch of cutting boards, do not hide them in a dark drawer where you forget them. Lean them against the wall above your cabinets, in different shapes and sizes. It adds a natural, warm element to the kitchen, and it fills that empty space with things you actually use. I love the look of dark wood against white or gray walls.
Mix the shapes, from round pizza boards to long, skinny bread boards, to create interest. You can layer them slightly, so they look like a styled shelf instead of just random wood. It feels rustic, purposeful, and very professional. Plus, it is free, assuming you already have the boards. You are just moving them from a drawer to a place where they look like art.
Make sure they are clean, because you don't want old food spots showing up on your wall. It is a very practical way to store things, and it looks like something a chef would do. It is simple, it is smart, and it is a great way to add texture without spending a single dollar. It is a favorite trick of mine for a reason.
- Lean wood boards against the wall.
- Use different shapes and sizes.
- Layer them for a styled look.
- Keep them clean and oil them.
Use Sculptural Decor Pieces
Sometimes, you just need a few really cool, structural pieces to make a space feel finished. Think about large, geometric shapes or metal sculptures that look like modern art. These items add interest without being too busy, which is perfect for high up spaces. You want things that stand out, even from the floor, so go for a bit of scale and size.
I like using matte black or brass items, because they catch the eye and look very sophisticated. Avoid anything with tiny, fiddly details, as you will never be able to dust them. Go for clean, bold shapes that look good from a distance. It is about creating a focal point, rather than just filling a hole. It makes your kitchen look curated and very high end.
Keep the collection tight, and don’t scatter things all over the place. Pick a theme, maybe all metallic, and stick with it. It should feel like a display in a gallery, not a collection of items you found at a discount store. It is the best way to show off your style and make the kitchen feel like your own, unique space.
- Choose bold, modern sculptures.
- Pick matte colors for style.
- Avoid tiny details for easy cleaning.
- Keep the display tight and themed.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel ready to tackle that empty space above your cabinets now. It is a small change, but it makes a huge difference in how your home feels. Don’t let that space stay dusty and sad any longer. Pick one of these 10 above kitchen cabinet ideas, get to work, and enjoy the new look. You’ve got this.
| Idea | Difficulty | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Crown Molding | Hard | High |
| Woven Baskets | Easy | Low |
| LED Lighting | Medium | Medium |
| White Plates | Easy | Low |
| Glass Boxes | Hard | High |
| Large Art | Easy | Low |
| Vintage Jars | Easy | Low |
| Real Plants | Medium | Low |
| Wood Boards | Easy | Low |
| Sculptural Art | Medium | Medium |
| Paint Wall | Medium | Low |
| Wicker Trays | Easy | Low |
| Chalkboard Art | Easy | Low |
| Metal Bowls | Easy | Low |
| Book Display | Easy | Low |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Okay to Leave the Top of My Kitchen Cabinets Empty?
It is perfectly fine to leave them empty, but you must keep them clean. If you leave the space bare, dust and grease will pile up, which looks bad and smells over time. If you like the clean, modern look, keep it empty but commit to wiping it down every single month.
Can I Put Fake Plants Above My Cabinets?
You can, but I highly advise against it. Fake plants in high places are dust magnets, and they almost always look plastic and cheap. If you want greenery, use real plants that can handle the environment, or pick a different decor option like wood boards or pottery.
Are LED Lights Safe for the Top of My Cabinets?
LED strips are very safe, as they do not get hot like the old bulb lights used to. They are perfect for this spot, because they are thin and easy to hide. Just make sure you use a quality power supply, so you do not have any issues with the wiring.
Do I Need to Match the Decor to My Cabinet Color?
You do not have to match the color, but you should think about the overall flow. If your kitchen is very bright and white, adding warm wood or metallic pieces creates a nice balance. If your kitchen is already busy, keep the items above the cabinets simple and very uniform.
Can I Store Heavy Kitchen Appliances Up There?
Do not store heavy appliances like stand mixers or big blenders up there. It is dangerous to pull them down, and the cabinets might not be built to hold that much weight over time. Only put light, non-essential items up there that you can reach easily with a small step stool.
Should I Paint the Wall Above My Cabinets?
Painting that wall a darker or accent color is a great way to make the decor pop. It frames the space and adds depth to your kitchen. If you have plain white walls, a soft gray or deep blue back there can make your accessories look much more expensive and intentional.
Will These Ideas Work for a Small Kitchen?
These ideas are actually perfect for small kitchens, because they draw the eye up. This makes your ceilings feel taller and your room feel more open. Just be careful not to clutter the space, as too many items can make a small room feel crowded and very messy.
Does Crown Molding Increase My Home Value?
It adds a finished, custom feel that buyers love. While it might not double the price of your home, it definitely makes your kitchen look much more expensive and well-cared for. It is one of those small, smart investments that helps your home stand out when you finally decide to sell.
