The space above your kitchen cabinets is often overlooked when it comes to decorating. But this valuable area provides the perfect opportunity to showcase your style, add visual interest, and take your kitchen design to the next level. From eye-catching floating shelves to colorful accent walls, the decor options for this forgotten spot are endless. Read on as we share clever and creative ways to transform the top of your cabinets into a functional and stylish focal point.
Benefits of Decorating Above Kitchen Cabinets
Decorating the top of your kitchen cabinets offers many advantages. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Adds warmth, texture, and personality to your kitchen
- Conceals the often dusty tops of your cabinets
- Creates a focal point and draws the eye upwards
- Makes use of what is typically wasted vertical space
- Allows you to display dishes, collectibles and decorative objects
- Provides extra storage options for appliances and accessories
The space above the cabinets is prime real estate for adding visual interest in your kitchen. Take advantage of this blank canvas to exhibit your style, collections and organizational solutions. Now let’s look at how to properly measure and plan your design.
Measuring Above Kitchen Cabinets
Before decorating, it’s important to take accurate measurements so your items fit the space properly. Here are some tips:
- Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs above your cabinets. You’ll need to secure floating shelves and other heavy objects into the studs.
- Measure the distance from the ceiling to the top of the cabinets. This will give you the maximum height for your decor.
- Account for proper clearance around light fixtures. Leave several inches of space so decor does not obstruct the lights.
- Mark off the center point between each set of cabinets. This will help you align and space out multiple floating shelves.
Having these measurements on hand will make it easier to choose shelf sizes and hanging heights as you plan your design. Now let’s look at techniques for securely installing your decor.
Best Practices for Hanging Items Above Cabinets
Proper mounting and hanging methods are key to creating a safe and stylish cabinet top display. Follow these best practices:
- For floating shelves, use heavy duty metal brackets with at least a 150 lb weight capacity.
- Hang curtains or valances using rod pockets or tabs, not adhesive hooks.
- Use sturdy picture wire, D-rings or cleat hangers when displaying framed art, plates and wall hangings.
- Always drill screws directly into studs for a secure mount. Toggle bolts work for drywall without studs.
With careful measuring, level hanging, and secure brackets, you can decorate this space with confidence. Now let’s explore some eye-catching ways to fill the area above your cabinets.
Stylish and Functional Shelving Ideas
Floating shelves offer a versatile way to add storage and style above your cabinets. Consider these shelf types and styling tips:
- Rustic wood or sleek metal shelves for an industrial vibe
- Tempered glass shelves for an airy, open look
- Spice racks or corner shelves for additional storage
- Open cubbies for displaying cookbooks and decor items
- Enclosed cabinet storage for hiding small appliances
- Style shelves with greenery, accent lighting and decorative objects
Mix up the shapes, sizes and finishes of your shelves for visual interest. Then artfully arrange your treasures to showcase your style.
Creative Shelf Display Ideas
- A collection of vintage cookbooks and ceramic canisters
- Mini succulent terrariums and string lights
- Colorful glassware interspersed with fresh flowers
- Stacked decorative bowls and baskets
- Meaningful travel souvenirs and framed family photos
Eye-Catching Accent Walls Above Cabinets
Another way to spice up your cabinet top decor is with a bold accent wall. This colorful backdrop will make your displays really stand out. Here are accent wall ideas and tips:
- Choose a hue that complements your cabinet color without matching exactly.
- Bright pops of color work well. Try emerald green, deep navy or fire engine red.
- Go neutral with soft whites, warm grays and earthy beiges for a calming vibe.
- Add interest with an ombre color gradient or geometric paint technique.
- Consider removable wallpaper for pattern and texture without the commitment.
- Or extend your backsplash tile or mural above the cabinets for a seamless look.
Painting or applying wallpaper above your cabinets transforms the space into a focal feature. For a coordinated look, echo your wall colors with matching dishes, artwork and decor.
Accent Wall Inspiration
Check out these stunning examples of painted, wallpapered and tiled accent walls:
- Spice up plain cabinets with a splashy Moroccan tile pattern above.
- Use removable scenic wallpaper to bring the outdoors inside your kitchen.
- Paint a bold black and white chevron stripe or geometric design.
- Opt for an unexpected pastel shade like lilac, mint or lemon yellow.
Displaying Collections Creatively
The cabinet top space is perfect for elegantly exhibiting your favorite collectibles and treasures. Here are unique ways to showcase your sets:
- Plate Collections: Mount decorative plate holders or floating shelves to artfully display your prettiest plates and saucers.
- Vintage Cookbooks: Organize by color and stack books upright and diagonally for visual appeal.
- Teacups: Hang a glass fronted cabinet or shelving to showcase delicate china. Add LED lighting for drama.
- Travel Souvenirs: Arrange small mementos from trips into cohesive vignettes.
Some tips for curating an eye-catching collection display:
- Edit down to your very favorite pieces for a cohesive look.
- Organize by color, theme or style for creative impact.
- Rotate items seasonally to keep your displays looking fresh.
- Spotlight special one-of-a-kind items.
Showcasing meaningful keepsakes and heirlooms above your cabinets adds warmth and personality to your kitchen.
Inventive Ways to Utilize Vertical Space
Don’t limit yourself to standard decor items and shelves. Get creative with these unique ways to use the vertical space:
- Repurpose a ladder, vintage crate or fruit basket as stylish shelving.
- Install sliding shelves or rollout cabinets for easy-access storage.
- Mount magnetic strips for knife storage or pot lid organization.
- Hang delicate terrariums, macrame art or pendant lights.
Here are more unexpected items you can creatively incorporate above your cabinets:
- Framed chalkboard for leaving family messages
- Hanging herb garden or planter boxes
- Rustic barn wood open shelving
- Wine glass rack for frequently used stemware
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. You’ll be amazed at what you can do with a little creativity and innovation.
Unique Storage Solutions
Maximize your space by adding functional storage in unexpected ways:
- Install pegboard for hanging kitchen tools.
- Mount a magnetic knife strip for quick access.
- Use wall-mounted spice racks to free up shelf space below.
- Add a mini-file system for recipe organization.
Decor Mistakes to Avoid Above Cabinets
While decorating your cabinet tops opens up many possibilities, there are a few pitfalls to steer clear of:
- Clutter from too many small items competing for space.
- Dust-catchers like open baskets or fabrics that require frequent cleaning.
- Items that obstruct cabinet and drawer access when opened.
- Anything requiring maintenance like watering or reorganizing.
- Over-themed word signs or kitschy decorative items.
Edit carefully, keep your functional needs in mind, and stick with a minimalist approach to keep your cabinet top decor looking fresh and tidy.
Tips for a Cohesive Look
Follow these guidelines to help your cabinet top decor look polished and purposeful:
- Repeat colors, textures and materials throughout the space.
- Ensure proper weight distribution so shelving doesn’t sag or fall.
- Curate until each item has an intentional place and purpose.
- Incorporate task and accent lighting to spotlight displays.
Your cabinet top decor will appear more like a complete design scheme when there is continuity. Resist the urge to make this area a random art project. A little thoughtful editing goes a long way.
Harmony Tips
- If your lower cabinets are white, stick with white shelving on top.
- Echo a color from your backsplash or wall paint somewhere above the cabinets.
- Choose metallic finishes like nickel or brass to match your fixtures.
- Incorporate natural wood tones to complement counters or floors.
Lighting Above Kitchen Cabinets
Proper lighting is key to showcasing your beautiful cabinet top decor. Consider adding:
- Task Lighting: Under-cabinet lights illuminate prep areas and highlight displays. Go for LED tape lighting.
- Accent Lighting: Mini pendant lights over shelves create a focal point. Opt for warm bulb types like Edison.
- Rail Lighting: Slim LED rails installed on top cabinets provide ambient lighting and illuminate dishes.
- Cabinet Lighting: Puck lights inside glass cabinets keep collectibles visible.
Dimmable lighting gives you flexibility to set the perfect mood. Timer switches make it easy to turn cabinet top lighting on and off as needed. Position lighting to avoid glare on glass fronts or shelves.
Lighting Tips
- Choose finish colors like bronze, nickel or brass that coordinate with your overall decor.
- Look for energy efficient LED lights to save on your electricity bill.
- Install lighting on a separate switch than lower kitchen lights.
- Sync lighting with smart home technology for voice or app controls.
The overlooked space above your kitchen cabinets is primed for transformation into a creative display area. Use it to exhibit your collections, add extra storage, make a bold decorative statement or highlight your personal style. The possibilities are endless!
Be bold and take risks as you experiment to find a look you love. Change up your cabinet top decor seasonally to keep things looking fresh. Most importantly, decorate in a way that reflects your taste and brings you joy, not passing trends. We hope these clever ideas have inspired you to unleash the potential in this often forgotten area. Your kitchen makeover starts with the space above your cabinets!
