Ideas for Decorating Above Kitchen Cabinets

The space above kitchen cabinets often goes unused and neglected. However, this area presents ample opportunity to incorporate stylish decor that adds visual interest to your kitchen. From storing frequently used items to displaying cherished keepsakes, the tops of your cabinets can become a functional and eye-catching focal point.

When decorating this previously overlooked space, consider your kitchen's existing style and dimensions to choose options that enhance--rather than overwhelm--the room. A few simple touches can transform those boring cabinet crowns into an artistic feature that makes your kitchen truly one-of-a-kind.

Assessing Your Kitchen Cabinet Area

Before decorating, take some time to evaluate your kitchen cabinets to determine the best approach. Carefully measuring the area and accounting for functionality will ensure your new decor blends seamlessly with the existing layout.

Taking Measurements

Grab a tape measure and note the linear footage of cabinetry you have to work with. Mark down the depth from the wall to the cabinet front, as well as the height between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling. These measurements will allow you to choose pieces sized perfectly for the space.

Evaluating Lighting

Make note of any existing lighting fixtures above your cabinets, such as pendant lights or recessed lighting. Decorating around these fixtures can create a cohesive look. However, if the area seems dark, consider adding lighting to properly highlight your decorative displays.

Considering Functionality

While aesthetically enhancing your kitchen, functional storage and organization should also be kept in mind. Measure the depths of your cabinet tops to see if there's room for practical baskets or containers. Even a few cookbooks stacked vertically can add function and a decorative touch.

Types of Decorations for Above Cabinets

From eye-catching arrangements to handy storage solutions, there are endless options when it comes to decorating above kitchen cabinets. Consider what best suits your personal style and storage needs.

Artwork and Wall Decor

Incorporate artwork, such as framed prints, photos, or painted canvases to infuse your own unique style. Floating wall shelves also allow you to display vases, plants, or other cherished knick-knacks. Wrought iron work, wall tapestries, or decorative plates can offer beautiful and textured focal points.

Lighting Fixtures

Draw the eye upward with stylish lighting fixtures such as pendant lamps, chandeliers, or sconces. This will not only enhance the existing lighting but also create visual interest with different shapes, materials, and colors.

Storage Solutions

Bring in storage baskets, pretty canisters, or cubbies to corral loose items like spices, cooking utensils, or baking essentials. Clear acrylic boxes and matching lidded bins keep items visible but neatly organized. For a homier display, incorporate stacks of colorful cookbooks, fruit bowls, or decorative ceramic pieces.

Greenery and Plants

Liven up the space with a burst of freshly planted herbs, succulents, or trailing vines. Macrame or wire hangers allow you to display an assortment of greenery above your cabinets for a nature-inspired showpiece. During the colder months, artificial botanicals, poinsettias, or winter berry stems infuse seasonal charm.

Design and Style Ideas for Cabinet Tops

When deciding how to style your kitchen cabinet tops, draw color and design inspiration from the existing elements throughout your kitchen. Maintaining a cohesive style enhances the room's overall aesthetic.

Rustic Farmhouse

A rustic farmhouse look instantly warms up any kitchen. Incorporate elements like galvanized metal buckets, woven baskets, chalkboard labels, and vintage-inspired ceramics. Dried botanicals in vintage milk bottles and stacked antique cookbooks carry through the cozy, countryside vibe.

Sleek Modern

For contemporary kitchens, keep things clean and simple. Floating wood shelves lined with colorful ceramic planters have an organic touch. Stainless steel containers and lidded bins add function. Frame out modern art prints for an artistic element. The minimalist look allows your colorful ingredients to become the star of the space.

Traditional Elegance

Implement traditional style with crystal stemware inverted on silver trays, gleaming china platters in decorative holders, or ornately framed floral art. For added sophistication, install recessed lighting on dimmers to showcase your treasures. The soft glow against these striking accents creates dramatic but elegant appeal.

Eclectic Mix of Styles

Don't feel confined to just one look. The cabinet space welcomes creativity, so combine favorite elements from varying aesthetics. Try pairing rustic ceramic chickens with bright acrylic storage canisters or formal silver trays with assorted macrame hangers. Let your personal tastes shine through to develop a signature style.

Tips for Decorating Your Kitchen Cabinet Crowns

To seamlessly incorporate cabinet top decor into your existing layout, keep scale and functionality in mind. A few clever adjustments allow you to maximize every inch of available space.

Work Around Vent Hoods and Microwaves

The area directly surrounding essential appliances can still be utilized. Adorn hardworking vent hoods with floral garlands or installations. Microwaves tucked among plate displays, cookbooks, or fruit bowls cleverly conceal unsightly necessities.

Account for Ceiling Height

To avoid a cluttered feeling, tailor your decor's height to the ceiling and cabinets. Oversize pieces dwarf the room. For standard eight to nine-foot ceilings, keep items below six inches tall. In rooms with dramatic two-story ceilings, incorporate statement pieces over 12 inches.

Choose Items That Are Visible

The cabinet crown offers the perfect platform to exhibit cherished items you want to enjoy daily. Pretty vases, colorful ceramic pieces, or family photos displayed at eye level become an artistic focal point.

Group Items Together

Build visual impact by clustering pieces in threes. Creating vignettes ties the collection together. Try combining hanging eucalyptus, stacked chef's books, and a ceramic utensil holder. The odd numbers create an asymmetric yet balanced composition.

Allow for Easy Cleaning

While clearing surfaces simplifies wiping up grime and grease splatter, open shelves welcome dust bunnies. Minimize maintenance with washable baskets and containers. When incorporating display pieces, place them far enough back to avoid pesky splatters during meal preparation.

Seeing how others have transformed plain cabinet crowns sparks exciting possibilities. Peruse home design sites, catalogs, or interior design Instagram feeds to discover creative ways to elevate your own kitchen cabinet tops. From a few simple touches to full-fledged displays, a blank canvas awaits your personal stamp.

The space above your kitchen cabinets becomes a creative outlet with a bit of planning. By incorporating eye-catching focal points, handy storage solutions, or cherished collections, you can infuse personality into a previously underutilized area.