12 Stunning Ways to Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets (Transform That Wasted Space)
That awkward gap between your kitchen cabinets and ceiling? It’s basically begging for a glow-up. Whether you’re working with a farmhouse vibe or leaning into sleek modern vibes, decorating ideas for above kitchen cabinets can turn that forgotten space into a stunning focal point.
According to interior designers, 72% of homeowners overlook vertical space in kitchens — which means you’re about to get ahead of the curve. Let’s fill that gap with personality, not dust bunnies ✨.
Contents
- 1 Design Insight: The Art of Vertical Balance
- 2 The Fun Begins: 12 Decorating Ideas For Above Kitchen Cabinets
- 2.1 1. Woven Baskets for Instant Texture
- 2.2 JMvicyroam Woven Blanket Basket,65L Large Rope Storage Bin with H…
- 2.3 HOYCYA6 11x11in Wicker Storage Basket Set of 2 Collapsible Hyacin…
- 2.4 Goodpick Woven Storage Basket for Shelves, Small Wicker Baskets f…
- 2.5 2. Trailing Greenery That Softens Everything
- 2.6 3. Vintage Crocks and Stoneware Collections
- 2.7 4. Minimalist White Pitchers for Clean Lines
- 2.8 5. Cookbook Collection Display
- 2.9 Beautiful Cookbook Stand for Your Kitchen Counter – Solid Wood St…
- 2.10 PUERSI Cookbook Stand for Kitchen, Recipe Book Holder for Kitchen…
- 2.11 6. Lanterns for Ambient Warmth
- 2.12 7. Large-Scale Decorative Bowls and Trays
- 2.13 Sanbege 16″ Large Ceramic Decorative Tray, Long Boat Shaped Cente…
- 2.14 LIN CHUAN Large Decorative Bowl for Home Decor – Long Dough Bowl …
- 2.15 Dneuoir Large Decorative Bowl Fruit Bowl for Kitchen Counter, Res…
- 2.16 8. Seasonal Decor Rotation Station
- 2.17 9. Ironstone and White Ceramics Collection
- 2.18 10. Faux Beams and Architectural Elements
- 2.19 11. Glass Apothecary Jars and Bottles
- 2.20 MaxMau 24PCS 10ml Glass Bottles Mini Vials with Cork Stoppers for…
- 2.21 Small Clear Glass Apothecary Diffuser Decorative Bottles Vase Hom…
- 2.22 CUCUMI 12pcs 3.4oz Small Glass Jars with Lids, 100ml Candy Jars P…
- 2.23 TBWIND 12 Pack 8oz Glass Potion Bottles with Cork, Small Apotheca…
- 2.24 4 Pack, 1 oz Thick Dark Amber Glass Dropper Bottles with 1 Funnel…
- 2.25 12. Monochromatic Gallery Wall Extension
- 3 Transform Your Kitchen, One Shelf at a Time
- 4 FAQs
Design Insight: The Art of Vertical Balance
Before we jump into the fun stuff, here’s the secret sauce: above cabinet decor works best when you balance height, texture, and negative space. Think of it like accessorizing an outfit — you wouldn’t wear every piece of jewelry at once, right?
Same energy here. Mix tall statement pieces (like vases or lanterns) with low-profile items (baskets, books), and leave some breathing room. They say less is more — and honestly, your ceiling agrees.
How do I keep the top of my kitchen cabinets dust-free?
Choose dust-free cabinet top decor like sealed baskets, glass containers, or faux plants that can be easily wiped down. Avoid open fabric or intricate items that trap dust.
The Fun Begins: 12 Decorating Ideas For Above Kitchen Cabinets
Fair warning: These top of kitchen cabinet decor ideas may cause an uncontrollable urge to hit up HomeGoods this weekend. But hey, that’s just good home therapy talking.
1. Woven Baskets for Instant Texture
Picture this: a collection of decorative baskets for above cabinets in warm honey tones, stacked casually like they’ve always lived there. Woven textures add depth without visual clutter, and the natural fibers bring an organic, lived-in feel. It’s farmhouse above cabinet decor meets minimalist chic — the kind of setup that whispers “I have my life together” even if you don’t.
Styling Tip:
Mix basket sizes and weave patterns for visual interest. Stack two large baskets on one side, balance with a single tall one on the other. Asymmetry = effortlessly cool.
Pro Tip:
Look for seagrass or rattan baskets on Amazon — they’re lightweight (so you’re not creating a falling hazard) and come in sets that look curated without the designer price tag.
2. Trailing Greenery That Softens Everything
There’s something magical about greenery for cabinet tops cascading down like it’s auditioning for a botanical garden. Pothos, string of pearls, or faux eucalyptus vines soften hard cabinet lines and add movement to the space.
The gentle drape of leaves catches light differently throughout the day — it’s living art that doesn’t need watering (if you go faux, no judgment).
Styling Tip:
Use varying pot heights to create dimension. Place taller planters in corners, let vines spill naturally toward the center. For renters or the botanically challenged, realistic faux plants work just as beautifully.
3. Vintage Crocks and Stoneware Collections
Channel your inner antique hunter with a lineup of vintage stoneware crocks, ceramic pitchers, or aged pottery. The beauty here is in the imperfection — chips, faded markings, and varying heights create a story. Rustic cabinet decor ideas like this bring warmth and history to even the most modern kitchens. It’s like your cabinets went thrifting and came back with personality.
Styling Tip:
Stick to a cohesive color palette (creamy whites, soft grays, muted blues) so the collection feels intentional, not chaotic. Odd numbers (3, 5, 7 pieces) photograph better and feel more balanced to the eye.
Pro Tip:
Scour thrift stores or Etsy for authentic vintage finds — they’re often cheaper than new décor and infinitely more interesting. If you love this earthy, layered aesthetic, our guide to DIY Wall Art Ideas explores similar budget-friendly ways to add character throughout your home.
4. Minimalist White Pitchers for Clean Lines
If your aesthetic leans toward minimalist kitchen styling, a row of simple white pitchers is your answer. Clean, crisp, and timeless — they reflect light beautifully and make your kitchen feel taller. This modern kitchen cabinet top decor approach works in small spaces because it doesn’t compete for attention; it just quietly elevates everything.
Styling Tip:
Choose pitchers in varying heights but the same finish (all glossy or all matte). Space them evenly for a gallery-like effect, or cluster them on one side for asymmetrical modern vibes.
5. Cookbook Collection Display
Who says cookbooks belong hidden in a drawer? Stack your favorite recipe books on top of kitchen cabinets for a personal, lived-in touch. The spines add pops of color, and it’s a conversation starter when guests inevitably ask, “Wait, have you actually made those recipes?” (The answer can be whatever you want it to be 😉.)
Styling Tip:
Organize by color for a rainbow effect, or stick to neutral-toned spines for a more sophisticated look. Add a small potted herb or decorative object on top of each stack to break up the lines.
6. Lanterns for Ambient Warmth
Decorative lanterns bring instant coziness — especially when you tuck battery-operated LED candles inside. The metallic finishes (think brass, matte black, or weathered bronze) catch kitchen lighting and create subtle reflections. This is what to put on top of kitchen cabinets when you want warmth without commitment; lanterns work year-round and transition beautifully between seasons.
Styling Tip:
Vary the heights and finishes. A tall black lantern pairs beautifully with a shorter brass one. During holidays, swap the candles for seasonal fillers (pinecones, ornaments, faux florals).
Pro Tip:
IKEA and Target carry affordable lantern sets that look way more expensive than they are. Add a timer to the LED candles for automatic evening ambiance.
7. Large-Scale Decorative Bowls and Trays
Oversized wooden bowls, ceramic platters, or woven trays propped against the wall make bold statements without overwhelming the space. These pieces add sculptural interest and work as above cabinet organization ideas too — think decorative and functional. The key is choosing items with interesting textures: carved wood, hammered metal, hand-thrown pottery.
Styling Tip:
Lean larger pieces at an angle instead of laying them flat. It adds dimension and makes the arrangement feel curated, like you knew exactly what you were doing (even if you were just winging it).
8. Seasonal Decor Rotation Station
Treat the space above kitchen cabinets like a mini gallery that changes with the seasons. Fall brings faux pumpkins and copper accents, winter calls for frosted branches and mercury glass, spring blooms with florals, summer shines with coastal vibes. It keeps your kitchen feeling fresh without a full renovation. If you’re into seasonal decorating, our 15 Pumpkin Decorating Ideas post offers creative ways to style autumn touches throughout your home.
Styling Tip:
Keep a storage bin with seasonal swaps so transitions take 10 minutes max. Stick to a consistent color story (like whites and greens) so pieces can mix between seasons.
9. Ironstone and White Ceramics Collection
A collection of decorative jars and containers in creamy whites and soft ivories creates a serene, cohesive look. Ironstone pieces (antique or reproduction) have this subtle, almost chalky finish that photographs beautifully. This approach to styling kitchen cabinet tops feels European countryside — elegant without trying too hard.
Styling Tip:
Mix shapes and sizes but keep the color palette tight. A tall pitcher next to a squat sugar bowl next to a medium vase = visual rhythm. Group in odd numbers for balance.
10. Faux Beams and Architectural Elements
If you’re dealing with extended cabinet height decor and a seriously tall gap, consider adding faux wood beams or decorative molding. This is a bigger project, sure, but it transforms the space from “awkward void” to “custom architectural feature.” The beams add horizontal lines that ground the room and give you built-in styling ledges.
Styling Tip:
Paint beams in a contrasting color (dark walnut against white cabinets, or vice versa) for maximum impact. Style the new ledges with smaller décor items that don’t block the visual weight of the beams.
11. Glass Apothecary Jars and Bottles
Clear glass jars in varying heights bring a touch of vintage apothecary charm. Fill them with dried beans, pasta, or leave them empty for a cleaner look. The transparency keeps things light and airy — perfect for dust-free cabinet top decor since you can actually see if they need cleaning (which, let’s be honest, is half the battle).
Styling Tip:
Group jars in clusters of 3-5. The varying heights create visual interest, and the glass reflects kitchen lighting beautifully. For a modern twist, mix in some amber or green glass pieces.
Pro Tip:
Thrift stores are goldmines for vintage glass containers. A quick soak in warm soapy water, and they’re ready to style.
12. Monochromatic Gallery Wall Extension
Why stop at the walls? Extend your gallery wall concept upward by leaning small framed prints, vintage signs, or even mirrors against the wall on top of cabinets. This unexpected move draws the eye up and makes ceilings feel taller.
It’s kitchen soffit decorating meets art gallery vibes — and it works especially well in open-concept spaces where the kitchen is on display. For more creative ways to personalize your spaces with art and décor, check out our post on Decorating Ideas for a Teenage Girl Bedroom, which explores similar gallery wall techniques.
Styling Tip:
Keep frames in a cohesive finish (all black, all natural wood, all white). Lean them at slight angles and overlap for a casual, collected-over-time look.
Transform Your Kitchen, One Shelf at a Time
The beauty of decorating top of cabinets is that it’s low-commitment, high-impact. You’re not painting walls or replacing countertops — you’re just adding personality to a space that’s been sitting empty.
Whether you go full farmhouse with baskets and greenery or lean into modern minimalism with white ceramics, the goal is the same: make that gap work for your kitchen, not against it.
Try one of these ideas this weekend — because your kitchen deserves a little glow-up, and honestly, so do you ✨.
FAQs
What is the best decor for above kitchen cabinets?
The best above cabinet decor depends on your style, but woven baskets, greenery, and ceramic collections are universally loved. They add texture and warmth without overwhelming the space.
Should I decorate above my kitchen cabinets in a small kitchen?
Absolutely! In small kitchens, decorating above kitchen cabinets draws the eye upward, making the space feel taller. Stick to lighter colors and fewer items to avoid visual clutter.
What are some farmhouse ideas for decorating above kitchen cabinets?
For farmhouse above cabinet decor, try vintage crocks, woven baskets, galvanized metal pieces, and trailing greenery. The key is mixing natural textures with a neutral color palette.
How can I make my above-cabinet decor look cohesive?
Stick to a consistent color story (like whites and naturals, or all metallics) and vary heights for visual interest. Group items in odd numbers and leave some negative space — balance is everything when styling kitchen cabinet tops.
