how to decorate above kitchen cabinets is a question on lots of people’s minds when they finally notice that awkward, empty gap gathering dust up there. You’re not alone if you stare at it and think, “What am I supposed to even put up there? Plants? Baskets?” Trust me, everyone’s been there—me too, at least three times. If you want more inspo for how to decorate above kitchen cabinets before diving in, peep some great starter ideas here at creative ways to decorate space above kitchen cabinets. Let’s stop the blank cabinet stare together, and turn it into something you actually love walking into.
Should You Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets?
So, okay, I’m gonna be honest. The answer’s usually “yes,” but sometimes it’s “eh, maybe skip it.” If you’re chasing that clean modern farmhouse vibe, you probably don’t want a mountain of random stuff up there. But if you’re like me and love a little quirky personality in your space, decorating above kitchen cabinets totally works.
That empty spot can look like wasted real estate—like missing a chance to show off your style. Add too much, though? Suddenly it feels cluttered or (worse) looks like you’re hiding old Tupperware. Find your sweet spot: enough to be interesting, not enough to collect every dust bunny within a ten-mile radius.
Heard from a friend last month, “It was just a huge echoey space until I chucked up some plants and baskets. Way cozier now.” So, you do you, but I say go ahead and play decorator.
What Decorations To Put On Top Of Kitchen Cabinets
Alright, here’s where people get stuck. Don’t overthink it. You only need a handful of things to jazz up the top:
- Baskets or bins: Perfect for storage, trust me, nobody’ll know there’s a bag of marshmallows hiding in there.
- Greenery (faux or real): Nothing perks up a kitchen like a leafy plant tumbling down.
- Vintage finds: Old jugs or chunky pottery give character in a snap.
- Cookbooks: Especially the ones too pretty to stay hidden in a drawer.
I once plopped two big woven baskets and a fake trailing pothos up there—went from “meh” to “did I hire a designer?” real fast. Easy peasy for modern farmhouse flair or just a little touch of “you.”
Decor Ideas for Above Kitchen Cabinets
Ever see a friend’s kitchen and think, “Wait, why does theirs look so put together?” Usually it’s those little touches above the cabinets.
Try mixing heights, like one tall plant next to a short stack of cookbooks. Clutter-phobe? Line up a couple of matching baskets. If you’re into seasonal stuff, pop a pumpkin or two up there in fall, maybe some twinkly fairy lights at the holidays.
I love rotating what’s up there. Sometimes cookie jars, sometimes a bold ceramic vase, sometimes just baskets. Don’t forget color! A splashy pitcher breaks up a white wall real nice.
The whole point is to make it look intentional, not like you just ran out of cabinet space or hid your groceries. Make it wild, make it simple, whatever feels “home” to you.
“After I styled my cabinet tops with some old copper pans and trailing ivy, guests started asking if I’d had an interior decorator redo my kitchen. Nope, just a morning of experimenting!” – Karen P.
Design Ideas for Above Kitchen Cabinets
Design-wise, think about your whole kitchen. If you’re working that modern farmhouse look, wood and white always win. If you like bold, go for pops of color with bright vases or funky art prints.
Layering is your best friend here—it breaks up the straight lines. Prop up a framed print at the back (just lean it, no hammering!), then scoot a smaller basket or plant in front. Maybe two or three spots along the run; doesn’t have to be every inch.
Got a really high ceiling? Go with some chunkier decor to make a statement. Tall vases, a wild trailing plant, or a cool old bread box. It draws your eyes up without feeling lost in empty space. And yeah, dust—they’ll need a swipe now and then, but honestly, not much more than the rest of the house.
All about balance, not perfection. Sometimes things end up off-center or not matching. So what? That’s what makes it feel lived-in.
Above Kitchen Cabinets Decor: Before and After
Want a real picture of how much this changes a space? I used to have nothing but grimy air up there. Then one weekend, added three bold baskets and a leafy monstera—suddenly, boom, the whole kitchen looked purposeful.
Before: Cold. Like a rental straight out of college. After: Inviting, with a hint of “stop by for coffee” charm.
Home decor blogs love a before-and-after shot because, legit, it’s a five-minute transformation. The trick is to step back and squint. If it feels too busy? Pull something off. Too bare? Add. You don’t need to channel a five-star restaurant, but trust me, you’ll feel like you did.
And if you’re after more inspo on spiffing up your kitchen, check out these 7 fun ways to decorate large kitchen island for ideas that go hand-in-hand with decorating tops of cabinets.
Common Questions
How do you keep stuff from getting greasy or dusty up there?
Honestly, just pick easy-wipe items like glazed ceramics or wipeable plastic baskets. Give the area a quick dust every couple months.
Does decorating above kitchen cabinets make my kitchen look cluttered?
If you overdo it, maybe. Stick with two or three groupings and make sure they match your kitchen’s style.
What if my ceilings are too low?
Go slim! Pick short decorative boxes, low trays, or line up pretty plates.
Is it weird to put artwork up there?
Not at all! Lean framed prints against the wall for a casual, artsy pop.
Can I use the space for storage, too?
You bet. Just use nice-looking baskets or boxes so it feels intentional, not messy.
Go Ahead, Give It a Try
There are so many ways to answer that how to decorate above kitchen cabinets question, and honestly, once you start, you’ll get hooked. Take it slow, experiment, and see what makes you smile every morning on your way to the coffee pot. A few simple items, maybe a plant or basket, can totally transform your whole vibe.
For fresh ideas, you can always check out the 43 Best Above cabinets ideas in 2025 | above kitchen cabinets … collection. Or, if you’re still on the fence, maybe browse Are we doing tops of cabinets anymore? : r/DesignMyRoom and see what real people are doing. Don’t be afraid to play decorator in your own home—the only “right” answer is what feels good to you.
