10 Upper Kitchen Cabinet Ideas: Smart, Stylish Upper Kitchen Cabinet Ideas for Small and Large Spaces

Last year, I almost gave myself a heart attack over an upper kitchen cabinet. My client wanted glass doors, LED lights, and—wait for it—a built-in wine rack in a space barely big enough for a breadbox. I thought it was impossible, but it ended up becoming one of my favorite projects. Small kitchens have this superpower: they force you to get creative. So today, I’m sharing 10 upper kitchen cabinet ideas that I’ve used in real projects, with a mix of style, function, and a few honest confessions along the way.

1. Glass-Front Display Cabinets

Perfect for showing off beautiful dishes without the dust of open shelving. They make the kitchen feel lighter. The challenge? You actually have to keep things organized—no hiding chipped mugs in here. I once drafted the display layout using a room planner so we could visualize exactly what would fit.

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2. Double-Stacked Cabinets

Going up to the ceiling adds storage and looks custom. Great for tall ceilings, but you might need a small ladder for seasonal items. In my own kitchen, the top row hides all my baking gadgets I touch twice a year.

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3. Open Shelving Hybrid

Mixing open shelves with upper cabinets gives a casual, airy look. It’s budget-friendly since you’re using fewer doors. I recommend keeping open shelves for your most-used or prettiest items and the rest behind doors.

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4. Bold Color Upper Cabinets

A deep teal or forest green can make the uppers the star of the kitchen. Be prepared for them to influence the mood of the whole space. Color-rich cabinets look amazing under warm lighting.

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5. Mirrored Cabinets

They bounce light around and make small kitchens feel bigger. However, fingerprints are more noticeable, so keep a microfiber cloth handy. I once had a client who insisted on these—and they turned out stunning.

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6. Vertical Lift Doors

Instead of swinging out, the doors lift up—great for tight spaces where a swinging door would hit something. They feel high-tech and smooth, though the hardware can be pricier. I designed a compact apartment kitchen with these using a free floor plan creator to ensure clearance worked.

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7. Integrated Lighting

Adding LED strips under your uppers makes meal prep easier and gives the kitchen a soft evening glow. It’s a small upgrade that feels high-end. Just be sure to hide the wiring.

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8. Two-Tone Combinations

Painting uppers one color and lowers another keeps the look dynamic. Lighter uppers prevent the space from feeling heavy. It’s an easy way to add personality without overwhelming the room.

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9. Open Corner Units

Instead of boxing in a corner, keep it open with curved shelves or cut-out cabinets. It avoids the dreaded hard-to-reach corner cabinet. In a small condo, I solved an awkward corner this way after testing layouts in a kitchen layout planner.

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10. Minimalist Handle-Free Doors

Push-to-open or recessed handles keep the look sleek and uncluttered. They’re great in modern kitchens but can show fingerprints, so pick a finish that’s easy to clean.

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FAQ

1. What are the best upper kitchen cabinet styles for small spaces?

Glass-front and mirrored cabinets are top picks to make rooms feel larger while maximizing storage.

2. How high should upper kitchen cabinets be?

Generally, 18 inches above the countertop is standard, but adjust for your height and appliances.

3. Are open shelves better than upper cabinets?

It depends—open shelves create openness but need more upkeep to stay tidy.

4. What lighting works best with upper cabinets?

Under-cabinet LED strips are functional and add ambiance. Warm LEDs work well for a cozy feel.

5. Can I add uppers to a kitchen without removing existing units?

Yes, as long as the wall is structurally sound and there’s room for door swing or lift clearance.

6. Which colors make upper cabinets feel lighter?

Soft whites, pale grays, and pastel blues reflect more light and make a kitchen feel airy.

7. Are vertical lift doors durable?

High-quality mechanisms last for years. According to Blum hardware specs, most are tested for over 80,000 cycles.

8. How do I plan the layout for upper cabinets?

Using an online planner helps visualize spacing and style combinations before committing.