How to Decorate the Empty Space Above Kitchen Cabinets
Most kitchens have one awkward, often ignored area: the space above the cabinets. While some people leave it bare, this little “dead zone” can actually become a brilliant design opportunity.
Whether you want to add personality, storage, elegance, or warmth, decorating above your kitchen cabinets can instantly elevate the entire room.
Here’s a complete guide to turning that unused space into something beautiful, functional, and uniquely yours.
1. Add Greenery for a Fresh, Natural Look
One of the easiest ways to decorate above your cabinets is by adding plants. Greenery instantly brightens the room and adds a sense of life.
Best options include:
- Trailing plants like pothos or ivy
- Faux eucalyptus or olive branches
- Small potted herbs (real or artificial)
Why it works: Plants soften hard cabinet lines and add freshness to the space. If the area doesn’t get natural light, high-quality faux plants work perfectly.
2. Display Stylish Baskets for Hidden Storage
If you want beauty and practicality, baskets are your best friend. Choose woven, fabric, or rattan baskets and line them up above the cabinets.
Benefits:
- Adds warmth and texture
- Provides extra storage for rarely used items
- Keeps the space looking neat and intentional
Choose identical-sized baskets for a clean, organized look.
3. Use Oversized Decor Pieces for a Statement Style
Instead of cluttering the area with small objects, focus on fewer but larger pieces.
Try:
- Large vases
- Sculptures
- Lanterns
- Chunky pottery
- Tall candle holders
Pro Tip: Oversized pieces make the space feel designed, not crowded.
4. Create a Mini Library of Cookbooks
If you love cooking, display your most beautiful or sentimental cookbooks above your cabinets.
To elevate the look:
- Organize them by color
- Use bookends
- Mix books with small decor elements like wooden beads or ceramic bowls
This adds charm and makes the kitchen feel thoughtful and lived-in.
5. Showcase Vintage or Family Heirlooms
The space above cabinets is perfect for items you love but don’t use daily.
Ideas:
- Vintage bowls
- Antique jars
- Old teapots
- Collectible tins
- Grandma’s ceramics
These pieces add personality and tell a story, something modern kitchens often lack.
6. Add Soft, Ambient Lighting
Lighting is a game-changer.
Options include:
- LED strip lights
- Warm under-cabinet uplights
- Hidden puck lights
- Battery-operated candle lanterns
Lighting draws the eye upward and makes your kitchen feel cozy, polished, and magazine-worthy.
7. Use Artwork or Decorative Frames
Yes, your kitchen can have art too! Place framed prints, small canvases, or typography art above the cabinets.
Popular themes:
- Food & culinary artwork
- Botanical prints
- Modern abstract frames
- Family recipe art
Lean the frames instead of hanging them for a casual, stylish look.
8. Display Your Favorite Kitchen Collections
If you collect something, showcase it proudly.
Popular collections include:
- Wooden cutting boards
- Glass jars
- Wine bottles
- Cake stands
- Copper pots
- Ceramic pitchers
Repetition of similar items creates a cohesive, intentional design.
9. Keep It Minimal for a Clean, Modern Look
If your style leans modern or Scandinavian, simplicity might be your best option.
Try:
- A single long wooden piece
- A few geometric vases
- Neutral-toned pots
- A minimalist plant
A clean, uncluttered look makes the kitchen feel calm and airy.
10. Add Texture with Wood, Wicker, or Metal
Textures can make the space feel warm and professionally decorated.
Mix and match:
- Wooden trays
- Black iron decor
- Wicker baskets
- Metallic vases (gold, bronze, or matte black)
Texture adds depth, especially in kitchens with plain cabinets.
11. Seasonal Decor for a Festive Touch
This is a great area to rotate decor throughout the year.
Examples:
- Spring: florals, pastel ceramics
- Summer: coastal elements like rope baskets and seashells
- Fall: pumpkins, warm-toned vases
- Winter: mini evergreen trees, fairy lights
It keeps the kitchen fresh and exciting all year long.
Final Tips for Decorating Above Kitchen Cabinets
- Avoid clutter—choose larger items instead of many small ones.
- Stay in harmony — make sure your decor matches your kitchen style.
- Think vertically — tall items help fill the height gracefully.
- Mix heights and shapes — this keeps the styling interesting.
- Maintain dusting access — choose items that are easy to clean.
When done right, the space above your cabinets can become a beautiful extension of your kitchen aesthetic, reflecting your personality while enhancing the overall design.
