Styling the space above your kitchen cabinets isn’t just about filling an awkward gap. Done right, it’s an opportunity to add warmth, personality, and even functionality to your kitchen.
With a few thoughtful touches, you can turn that empty space into a design feature that feels polished and intentional.
Whether your kitchen is small and cozy or spacious and airy, this guide will walk you through clever ways to decorate above your cabinets (and mistakes to avoid) so you can create a space that feels beautifully complete.
Why Style Above Your Kitchen Cabinets?
The area above your cabinets often goes unnoticed, but it has the potential to elevate your entire kitchen. Leaving it bare can make a room feel unfinished, while a little styling can add depth and character.
In compact kitchens, using vertical space cleverly can even make the room appear taller. And for larger kitchens, a few well-placed accents can help soften the sharp lines of cabinetry, making the space feel warmer and more inviting.
Clever Decorating Ideas for the Top of Kitchen Cabinets
Greenery for a Fresh and Airy Feel
Plants instantly bring life into the kitchen, and cascading vines above cabinets create a natural, relaxed look. Whether you choose pothos, ivy, or quality faux plants, greenery adds softness and movement to the space.
Cascading Greenery Brings the Kitchen to Life
Trailing plants soften sharp lines and draw the eye upward, making the whole room feel brighter and more welcoming.
Tip: Faux plants are perfect for this hard-to-reach spot. Choose high-quality ones with realistic leaves to avoid a plastic feel.
Woven Baskets Add Texture and Functionality
Woven baskets are a practical and stylish way to use the space above your cabinets. They keep lesser-used items tucked away while bringing warmth and texture to your kitchen’s design.
Simple Baskets Keep the Space Neat and Stylish
A row of matching baskets above cabinets creates a clean, curated look while hiding clutter out of sight.
Tip: Use baskets in neutral tones for a cohesive look and add subtle labels so everything stays organized.
Elegant Displays Make a Statement
For a purely decorative touch, try a small, curated collection of artwork and objects. Botanical prints leaning casually against the wall, paired with sculptural vases or heirloom teapots, can transform the space into an artful display.
A Curated Display Brings Personality
Framed prints and a few decorative pieces styled together add a sophisticated, lived-in feel above cabinets.
Tip: Arrange objects in odd numbers for a balanced and natural composition.
Soft Lighting Adds Warmth and Depth
Lighting above cabinets adds dimension and creates a cozy glow in the evenings. Hidden string lights or LED strips can make the space feel taller and more inviting.
Warm Lighting Elevates the Whole Kitchen
A soft glow from above the cabinets instantly makes the kitchen feel warm and welcoming without adding clutter.
Tip: Opt for battery-powered string lights for easy installation and no messy wires.
Quick Tips for Small Kitchens
In a compact kitchen, minimal styling is key. Use fewer, taller pieces to keep the look clean and avoid crowding the space. Stick to light, neutral tones to maintain an airy feel.
Minimal Styling Keeps Small Kitchens Airy
A simple display of two vases and one small basket above cabinets keeps the design open and fresh.
Tip: Reflective accents, like glass or mirrors, can help bounce light and make the kitchen appear larger.
Mistakes to Avoid When Styling Above Cabinets
Crowding too many objects into a small space can make it look chaotic. Bulky décor can feel top-heavy, and neglecting dusting can turn your décor into a maintenance headache.
Thoughtful Styling Makes a Big Difference
A few well-chosen pieces give the kitchen a polished appearance, while overcrowding creates visual clutter.
Tip: Pick pieces that are easy to wipe down and avoid overloading the space for a more refined look.
Seasonal Accents Refresh the Look
Switching up cabinet-top décor seasonally keeps things interesting. Faux autumn leaves, festive garlands, or lanterns in warm tones make a small update feel impactful.
Seasonal Touches Keep Things Fresh
A hint of greenery in spring or copper lanterns in autumn instantly changes the vibe above your cabinets.
Tip: Keep a “seasonal décor box” nearby so swapping items is quick and effortless.
Style the Space and Love Your Kitchen Again
What you put on top of your kitchen cabinets can make all the difference between a room that feels incomplete and one that’s perfectly styled. With a few thoughtful choices and creative touches, you can transform that blank space into a design highlight that’s both beautiful and functional.