10 Creative Ideas for Decorating Above Kitchen Cabinets: My Favorite Styling Tricks for That Empty Space Above the Cabinets

One time, a client asked me if we could turn the top of her cabinets into a mini library — for cookbooks and a few "trendy" succulents. I laughed, but then realized it actually made sense! I’ve seen so many kitchens where that awkward gap just gathers dust, but when used well, it can add instant personality. Small spaces have a way of forcing creativity, and I’ve used these tricks in real projects to make kitchens feel taller, warmer, and more alive. Today, I’ll share 10 decoration ideas to inspire you.

1. Greenery That Touches the Ceiling

Plants are my go-to for softening any space. A cascading pothos or faux trailing ivy instantly brings life above cabinets without overwhelming the room. If you’re worried about watering, choose realistic faux options that still give lush texture — I actually coordinate plant placement in my room planner projects so they interact with cabinet lines perfectly.

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2. Statement Art Pieces

Tall artwork or framed prints can bridge that gap between cabinet and ceiling. I once sourced vintage food illustrations for a retro-style kitchen, and it was the perfect conversation starter. Just make sure the height works so nothing looks squished.

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3. Seasonal Displays

Rotating decor for holidays or seasons keeps the area fresh year-round. In one apartment, I set up woven baskets in summer and switched to ceramic houses for winter. The challenge is storing the off-season pieces without cluttering another space.

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4. Extra Storage in Style

Use matching baskets or bins to hide items you don’t need daily. It’s stylish yet practical, especially for tiny kitchens. The key is consistency — mismatched containers can make it look messy.

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5. Oversized Decorative Bowls

Those extra-large bowls you rarely use for cooking can make sculptural statements above cabinets. Just be mindful of weight when placing them up high, and avoid stacking too precariously.

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6. Wine Bottle Display

If you’re a wine lover, arrange bottles horizontally in a custom rack above the cabinets. I’ve used digital layouts with a free floor plan creator to make sure everything fits without blocking ventilation.

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7. Unique Lighting

LED strip lights or puck lights add a subtle glow to highlight whatever you display. One client said it made her whole kitchen feel like a boutique restaurant at night.

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8. Cookware as Sculpture

Vintage copper pots or brightly colored enamelware arranged above the cabinets can make the kitchen feel curated. The trick is balancing the arrangement so it looks intentional, not like random storage.

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9. Rustic Wooden Crates

Stacked crates can hold herbs, bottles, or even recipe cards. This idea works beautifully in farmhouse or industrial kitchens and offers flexible display height — I plan them carefully in my kitchen layout planner for easy access and symmetry.

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10. Mini Indoor Garden

For kitchens with more sunlight, create a mini herb garden in pots above the cabinets. It smells amazing and looks beautiful, though you’ll need a sturdy step stool for harvesting.

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FAQ

1. How much space do you need above cabinets to decorate?

Ideally at least 12–24 inches. Anything less can look cramped and limit decor options.

2. Should I decorate above cabinets if my ceilings are low?

Probably not — it may make the space feel crowded. In low ceilings, consider extending cabinets to the ceiling instead.

3. What’s the easiest way to keep decor dust-free?

Use items that can be easily wiped, and dust every few weeks. Closed baskets work best for hiding dust-prone items.

4. Are fake plants tacky for above cabinets?

No, high-quality faux plants are ideal here, as real plants can be hard to water at that height.

5. Can I use the space above cabinets for heavy storage?

It’s not ideal — heavy objects are unsafe to lift from that height. Stick to light, decorative items.

6. How do I style above cabinets for a modern look?

Choose clean lines, monochrome palettes, and minimal decor — think one or two statement items rather than a collection.

7. Do LED lights get hot above cabinets?

Most modern LEDs stay cool, but always check manufacturer specs before installing near decor.

8. Should the decor above cabinets match the rest of my kitchen?

It doesn’t need to match exactly, but it should complement your colors and style for harmony. According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), cohesive color flow improves perceived spaciousness.