5 Creative Ways to Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets: Personal tips and creative inspiration for transforming the space above your cabinets

One time, I designed a kitchen for a client who insisted on putting a small aquarium above her cabinets. Believe me, carrying buckets of water on a chair was not her brightest idea! That strange request, though, reminded me how often we overlook this area. Small spaces can spark big creativity, and the top of your kitchen cabinets is a perfect example. Today, I’ll share five decorating ideas that I’ve personally tried or seen in action.

1. Greenery That Stays Fresh

I love using faux or preserved plants up there—it’s clean, no watering mess. The lush leaves add warmth and soften the hard lines of cabinetry. Just be careful with sizing; too tall can look cramped. Sometimes I use realistic-looking trailing vines to create a gentle cascade, and for planning them I often sketch in kitchen layout planner tools before making purchases.

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2. Display Your Favorite Collections

That dusty peninsula from my first small-apartment remodel taught me: if you have a beloved ceramic or vintage teapot collection, the cabinet tops are a safe stage. Group by color or theme, keep spacing balanced. Budget tip—thrift stores are great for finding matching pieces without breaking the bank. Collections tell a personal story, but make sure they’re easy to clean. I like to plan the display scale using my free floor plan creator so proportions work.

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3. Accent Lighting Drama

Add LED strip lights or small spotlights above cabinets to highlight décor. In my own kitchen, I wired warm LEDs—at night, it’s like having a gentle gallery glow. It’s surprisingly inexpensive, but you’ll need a clean way to hide cables. The challenge is ensuring the light doesn’t glare directly into your eyes when standing nearby.

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4. Statement Artwork

Framed prints or oversized canvases can work wonderfully if your ceiling height allows. I once used large, vertical botanical prints to draw the eye upward, visually expanding a compact kitchen. The drawback—artwork needs protection from grease, so keep it in enclosed frames. For scale testing, nothing beats a quick mockup in 3d floor planner so I know exactly how it fits.

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5. Seasonal Decor Rotation

Rotating decorations keeps things fresh. In winter, maybe a string of snowflake lights; in summer, wicker baskets with seashells. I’ve had clients smile each season when they notice subtle changes. The only caution—avoid overpacking; leave some breathing space for your eyes to rest.

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FAQ

Q1: What’s the easiest décor option for above kitchen cabinets?

A: Faux greenery is simple and forgiving—it stays fresh-looking and only needs occasional dusting.

Q2: How do I keep décor dust-free?

A: Use enclosed containers, frames, or wipe items weekly. A handheld vacuum with a soft brush is useful.

Q3: Can lighting above cabinets be installed without an electrician?

A: Battery-operated or plug-in LED strips can be installed by yourself, but hardwiring should be done by a professional.

Q4: What if my ceiling is too low?

A: Go for slimmer décor like small framed art or horizontal greenery to avoid making the space feel crowded.

Q5: Are there budget-friendly ways to decorate?

A: Certainly—thrifted items, DIY art, and simple string lights are cost-effective yet beautiful.

Q6: Should I match the above-cabinet décor with my kitchen style?

A: Yes, tie in colors and textures with existing finishes for a unified look.

Q7: Do I need to secure items?

A: Absolutely—especially in seismic zones or if items are lightweight; museum putty works well.

Q8: Any authoritative tips for safe décor placement?

A: The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) advises keeping décor clear of heating elements and ensuring it does not obstruct ventilation.