10 Stylish Ideas for the Space Above Kitchen Cabinets: Creative ways to decorate the top of your kitchen cabinets without clutter

Once, during a kitchen remodel for a client, I left the space above the cabinets completely bare, thinking the minimalist look would shine. Two weeks later, she sent me a picture of that gap filled with random cereal boxes. That’s when I realized—unused space above cabinets is either a design opportunity or a clutter trap. Today, I want to share 10 ideas from my own projects that prove small spaces like this can inspire big creativity.

In one project, I used a 3D room planner to visualize exactly how a few well-placed baskets could look from different angles—it made all the difference.

1. Greenery for a Fresh Touch

A row of trailing plants or faux greenery can instantly make your kitchen feel alive. Real plants add freshness, but watch out for dust and hard-to-reach watering.

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2. Statement Artwork

I once framed vintage food prints in slim frames and leaned them above cabinets—result: a gourmet touch without taking counter space.

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3. Decorative Baskets

Perfect for stashing seasonal kitchen gadgets. Just remember to label them so you don’t forget what’s inside.

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4. Accent Lighting

LED strip lights can turn that forgotten space into an ambient glow zone. I tested warm vs. cool tones with a virtual floor plan setup before committing.

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5. Display Cookbooks

If you’ve got a cookbook collection, arrange a few special ones upright. Avoid placing them near vents to prevent heat damage.

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6. Rotating Seasonal Decor

From mini pumpkins in autumn to fairy lights in winter, keep the space feeling fresh all year.

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7. Wine Bottle Storage

Horizontal racks can turn above-cabinet space into a mini wine gallery—just be mindful of direct sunlight.

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8. Sculptural Pieces

In a modern kitchen, a few bold sculptural accents can add drama and height variation.

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9. Styled Storage Jars

Oversized glass jars with dried pasta or colorful beans look both practical and pretty. I sketched a few ideas using a kitchen layout planner to match jar heights to cabinet spacing.

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10. Architectural Elements

Add faux crown molding or reclaimed wood panels for an elevated, built-in look. It requires a bit more DIY skill, but the results are stunning.

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FAQ

1. Should I leave the space above cabinets empty? Leaving it empty creates a minimal look, but decorating adds personality and function if done intentionally.

2. What’s the best low-maintenance option? Faux greenery or simple baskets are easiest to clean and maintain.

3. Can I put real plants above cabinets? Yes, but choose plants that tolerate low light and be mindful of watering needs.

4. How can I avoid a cluttered look? Stick to a limited color palette and repeat textures for cohesion.

5. Is lighting above cabinets energy efficient? LED strip lighting is low-energy, affordable, and easy to install.

6. What about rental kitchens? Use lightweight, removable decor like baskets or framed prints to avoid permanent changes (source: Apartment Therapy).

7. Can I store heavy items above cabinets? It’s possible if the structure is strong, but avoid overly heavy loads for safety.

8. Will crown molding make my kitchen look smaller? Not necessarily—if matched to ceiling color, it can actually make the space feel taller.