How to Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets: Creative Ideas to Elevate Your Space
The space above your kitchen cabinets is often overlooked—a blank canvas that tends to gather dust or become a cluttered storage zone. Should you leave it untouched? Decorate it with purpose? Or simply ignore it? With a bit of creativity, this tricky area can be transformed into a stylish design feature that ties your kitchen together.
Stylish Ways to Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets
Not sure where to start? Decorating above your kitchen cabinets doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right approach, you can turn this often-overlooked space into a stunning design feature. From adding greenery and artwork to cookbooks and baskets, these ideas will inspire you to make the most of the blank space and bring new life to your kitchen.
Curate an Artful Display
The space above your cabinets is perfect for showcasing art that adds personality and charm to your kitchen. A set of smaller framed pieces, such as paintings, photographs, or illustrations, can create a gallery-like effect, adding depth and character to the room. Grouping them together or leaning them casually against the wall keeps the look relaxed and approachable.
In this beautiful kitchen by Danielle Colding Design, three small, thoughtfully chosen paintings are displayed above the cabinets, adding a subtle yet impactful touch. The curated pieces introduce color and texture, giving the space a personal, artistic vibe.
Bring in Greenery
Nothing brightens up a kitchen like a touch of greenery. Adding plants above your cabinets instantly makes the space feel fresh and vibrant. Go for trailing plants like pothos or ivy for a lush look that softens up the hard lines of your cabinets. If natural plants aren’t practical, faux greenery can work just as well.
This concept comes to life in this project by Dyer Studio, where cascading greenery above the cabinets adds a delightful organic touch to the neutral-toned kitchen. The plants bring warmth and soften the kitchen cabinetry.
Style it with Decorative Baskets
If you love a warm, cozy kitchen, woven baskets are your answer. Not only do they add texture and charm, but they’re also functional for storing items you don’t use often. Use baskets of varying sizes and shapes to create a layered, casual look. Natural materials like seagrass or rattan work beautifully in a farmhouse or boho-style kitchen, while darker or more structured designs can add a modern, polished touch.
In this kitchen by NeedBased, the woven baskets above the cabinets add a rustic yet refined touch. The baskets provide extra storage and enhance the space's welcoming feel.
Show Off Your Cookbooks
Why hide your cookbook collection when you can show it off? The space above your cabinets is the perfect spot to display your favorite culinary reads. Stack them horizontally or line them up vertically for a clean, organized look. Pair them with a few decorative items like vintage kitchen tools, a small plant, or a ceramic pitcher to create a cozy, lived-in feel.
A beautifully styled example can be seen in this kitchen featured on The Design Files, where a curated selection of cookbooks is displayed above the cabinets. The books add a personal touch to the warm and inviting kitchen design.
Highlight with Accent Lighting
Adding lighting above your cabinets can completely transform the space. LED light strips or puck lights create a soft glow that highlights your decor while giving your kitchen a warm, inviting look. For a more dramatic vibe, try color-changing LEDs that can shift depending on your mood. Accent lighting not only makes the area above your cabinets more interesting but also adds depth and dimension to the entire room.
A good example is this project by Robert Greg Shand Architects, a luxurious holiday retreat in Singapore designed for a multi-generational family. Subtle accent lighting is used above the sleek, modern cabinets to enhance the kitchen's warm and inviting ambiance. The lighting highlights the clean lines and rich materials, while also creating a sense of depth that elevates the overall design. The sophisticated use of lighting perfectly complements the luxurious feel of the home.
Use Wallpaper or Peel-and-Stick Tiles
Transform the space above your cabinets by applying bold wallpaper or peel-and-stick tiles to the wall. This is an easy way to introduce patterns, textures, or colors that complement your kitchen's design. Look for options like geometric prints, floral patterns, or faux brick for added character. This approach is especially effective if you want to make the area a standout feature without adding physical decor items.
In this chic kitchen by Eberlein Design Consultants, a striped wallpaper is used above the cabinets to create a focal point that ties the entire space together. This clever use of wallpaper elevates the kitchen’s design without overcrowding the space.
Add an Oversized Clock
An oversized clock above your cabinets can be both functional and decorative. It adds height to the space while serving as a practical addition to your kitchen. Look for clocks with unique designs that tie into your overall aesthetic—whether it’s a rustic farmhouse style, an industrial vibe, or a sleek modern look.
In this charming kitchen by The Creative Kitchen Co., an oversized clock is placed above the cabinets, becoming a focal point. The white clock complements the neutral color palette of the kitchen, and adds a touch of elegance and character to the space.
Switch It Up with Seasonal Decor
If you love decorating for the seasons, the area above your cabinets is a great place to get creative. Picture faux pumpkins and autumn garlands in the fall, twinkling lights and festive greenery during the holidays, or pastel florals for spring. Seasonal decorations are an easy way to keep your kitchen feeling fresh and fun without making big changes. Swapping out items a few times a year can make the space feel new and exciting.
We really like how Nicole Boyle from Fancy Fix Decor styled her home for Halloween. Her design brought seasonal charm to the kitchen, and has playful yet cohesive holiday look.
Showcase Glassware or Bottles
If your kitchen has a bar or entertaining vibe, why not display your prettiest glassware or bottles above the cabinets? Arrange wine bottles, decanters, or cocktail glasses in a way that feels intentional and polished.
An example can be seen in this kitchen featured on Apartment Therapy, where a collection of bottles is displayed above the cabinets. The grouping creates a bold and striking focal point, giving the kitchen a lively and celebratory atmosphere.
Customize Your Kitchen
When designing a kitchen from the ground up, one way to eliminate the need for decorating above the cabinets is by opting for custom cabinetry that extends all the way to the ceiling. This not only makes the most of your vertical space but also creates a clean, cohesive design that feels intentional and polished. Plus, you can use the extra storage for items you don’t need every day, like seasonal decorations or specialty cookware.
Louis Duncan-He Designs showcased this concept in one of their projects, where they used extended cabinets to create a streamlined and elegant look while maximizing storage. Their design not only added extra storage but also gave the space a clean and modern look.