Decorating Ideas For Top Of Kitchen Cabinets refers to enhancing the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the upper section of kitchen cabinets, which are often overlooked during the design process. By introducing decorative elements or practical storage solutions to this often-neglected area, homeowners can create a more cohesive and visually appealing kitchen space. For instance, adding stylish open shelving or decorative molding to the tops of cabinets can elevate the overall look and feel of the kitchen.
In addition to aesthetics, decorating the top of kitchen cabinets also provides an opportunity to maximize storage space and keep frequently used items within easy reach. Utilizing vertical space effectively becomes particularly crucial in small kitchens, where every inch counts. Whether it’s installing floating shelves to store cookbooks and kitchenware or using decorative baskets to organize spices and herbs, there are many creative ways to make the most of this often-neglected area.
From adding decorative accents to incorporating functional storage solutions, decorating the top of kitchen cabinets offers a range of possibilities to enhance both the aesthetic and practical aspects of the kitchen. In the following sections, we will explore various inspiring ideas and design strategies that can help homeowners transform the tops of their kitchen cabinets into stylish and functional spaces.
Transform bland cabinets into stylish focal points with these decorating ideas:
- Open shelving for display and storage
- Floating shelves for a modern touch
- Decorative molding for architectural interest
- Baskets and bins for organized storage
- Plants and flowers for a touch of nature
- Cookbooks and kitchenware for easy access
- Artwork and photos for personal style
- Lighting for ambiance and task lighting
- Seasonal decorations for a festive touch
With creativity and a few simple touches, the tops of your kitchen cabinets can become a beautiful and functional part of your kitchen design.
Open shelving for display and storage
Open shelving is a popular choice for decorating the tops of kitchen cabinets, offering both style and functionality. By replacing traditional cabinet doors with open shelves, homeowners can create a more spacious and airy feel in the kitchen, while also showcasing their favorite dishes, glassware, and decorative items.
- Display your best dishware: Open shelves provide the perfect platform to display your finest dishware, glassware, and serving pieces. Arrange your items carefully to create a visually appealing display that reflects your personal style.
- Keep frequently used items within reach: Open shelves are ideal for storing items that you use on a regular basis, such as coffee mugs, glasses, and spices. This makes them easy to grab when you need them, without having to open and close cabinet doors.
- Add a touch of greenery: Bring life to your kitchen by adding a few potted plants or fresh herbs to your open shelves. This will create a more inviting and natural atmosphere in the kitchen.
- Create a coffee and tea station: If you’re a coffee or tea lover, consider dedicating a section of your open shelves to your favorite beverages. Store your coffee maker, tea kettle, mugs, and favorite blends on the shelves, making it easy to prepare your morning brew.
Open shelving is a versatile and stylish way to decorate the tops of your kitchen cabinets. With a little creativity, you can create a display that is both functional and visually appealing.
Floating shelves for a modern touch
Floating shelves are a sleek and modern alternative to traditional wall-mounted cabinets. They offer a minimalist look that can help to create a more spacious and airy feel in the kitchen. Floating shelves can be used to display decorative items, store frequently used kitchenware, or even create a small herb garden.
- Maximize vertical space: Floating shelves make the most of vertical space, which is especially beneficial in small kitchens. They can be installed at different heights, allowing you to create a customized storage solution that meets your specific needs.
- Create a seamless look: Floating shelves have a clean and streamlined design that can help to create a more cohesive look in the kitchen. They can be painted to match the color of your cabinets or walls, or you can choose a contrasting color to add a pop of interest.
- Display your favorite items: Floating shelves are a great way to display your favorite kitchen items, such as cookbooks, decorative bowls, or potted plants. Arrange your items carefully to create a visually appealing display that reflects your personal style.
- Easy to install and remove: Floating shelves are relatively easy to install and remove, making them a flexible storage solution. This means you can easily change the look of your kitchen by rearranging the shelves or removing them altogether.
Floating shelves are a versatile and stylish way to decorate the tops of your kitchen cabinets. They can help to create a more modern and spacious feel in the kitchen, and they provide a great way to display your favorite items and maximize vertical space.
Decorative molding for architectural interest
Add depth and dimension: Decorative molding can be used to add depth and dimension to the tops of kitchen cabinets, creating a more visually interesting and sophisticated look. Molding can be applied to the front edges of cabinets, along the top, or even to the sides, depending on the desired effect. Crown molding, for example, is a popular choice for adding a classic and elegant touch to the tops of cabinets.
Create a focal point: Decorative molding can also be used to create a focal point in the kitchen. By adding molding to a specific area of the cabinets, such as above the sink or stove, homeowners can draw the eye to that particular area and create a sense of balance and symmetry in the kitchen design.
Enhance the overall style of the kitchen: Decorative molding can be used to enhance the overall style of the kitchen. For example, intricate molding with ornate details can help to create a traditional or Victorian-inspired look, while simple and clean molding can contribute to a more modern or minimalist aesthetic. By choosing molding that complements the existing style of the kitchen, homeowners can create a cohesive and harmonious design.
Conceal gaps and imperfections: Decorative molding can also be used to conceal gaps and imperfections between cabinets and the ceiling. This is especially useful in older kitchens where the cabinets may not have been installed perfectly level or where there may be gaps due to settling over time. By adding molding to the tops of cabinets, homeowners can create a more polished and finished look, while also hiding any unsightly gaps or imperfections.
Easy to install and maintain: Decorative molding is relatively easy to install and maintain. It can be attached to cabinets using nails, screws, or adhesive, and it can be painted or stained to match the color of the cabinets or the overall kitchen dcor. With proper care and maintenance, decorative molding can last for many years, adding beauty and architectural interest to the kitchen.
Baskets and bins for organized storage
Baskets and bins are versatile and stylish storage solutions that can help to keep the tops of kitchen cabinets neat and organized. They come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and materials, making it easy to find the perfect ones to suit your needs and dcor.
Benefits of using baskets and bins for organized storage:
- Contain clutter: Baskets and bins can be used to contain a variety of items, such as kitchen utensils, spices, snacks, and cleaning supplies. This helps to reduce clutter and keep the tops of cabinets looking neat and tidy.
- Easy access: Unlike traditional cabinets with doors, baskets and bins allow for easy access to stored items. This makes them ideal for items that you use on a regular basis, such as spices, cooking oils, or frequently used kitchen gadgets.
- Add a decorative touch: Baskets and bins can also be used to add a decorative touch to the tops of kitchen cabinets. Choose baskets and bins in colors and styles that complement your kitchen dcor, and arrange them in a visually appealing way to create a cohesive and stylish look.
Tips for using baskets and bins for organized storage:
- Choose the right size and shape: Consider the size and shape of the items you plan to store when choosing baskets and bins. You want to make sure that the baskets and bins are large enough to accommodate your items, but not so large that they take up too much space.
- Group like items together: Group like items together in different baskets and bins. This will make it easier to find what you’re looking for and keep the tops of cabinets organized.
- Label baskets and bins: Labeling baskets and bins can help you to easily identify what is stored inside, especially if you have multiple baskets and bins of similar size and shape.
- Use clear baskets and bins: Clear baskets and bins allow you to easily see what is stored inside, making it easier to find what you’re looking for. This is especially useful for items that you use on a regular basis.
- Add a liner: Adding a liner to baskets and bins can help to protect them from spills and stains. Liners can also be used to add a splash of color or pattern to the tops of cabinets.
Baskets and bins are a practical and stylish way to keep the tops of kitchen cabinets organized and clutter-free. With a little creativity, you can use baskets and bins to create a customized storage solution that meets your specific needs and enhances the overall look of your kitchen.
Plants and flowers for a touch of nature
Adding plants and flowers to the tops of kitchen cabinets is a wonderful way to bring a touch of nature and freshness into the kitchen. Not only do plants and flowers add visual interest and beauty, but they can also help to improve air quality and create a more inviting atmosphere.
When choosing plants and flowers for the tops of kitchen cabinets, it is important to consider the amount of light that the area receives. Some plants, such as succulents and cacti, can tolerate low light conditions, while others, such as herbs and flowering plants, require more sunlight. It is also important to choose plants that are non-toxic, as some plants can be harmful if ingested.
One popular way to incorporate plants and flowers into the kitchen is to use hanging planters. Hanging planters can be hung from the ceiling or from hooks on the cabinets themselves. This is a great way to add greenery to the kitchen without taking up valuable counter or cabinet space. Another option is to use windowsill planters. Windowsill planters are ideal for herbs and other plants that require a lot of sunlight. Finally, plants and flowers can also be placed on top of cabinets in pots or containers. This is a good option for larger plants or plants that need to be moved around occasionally.
In addition to adding beauty and freshness to the kitchen, plants and flowers can also help to improve air quality. Studies have shown that plants can help to remove toxins from the air, such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. Plants can also help to increase humidity levels in the air, which can help to reduce the risk of respiratory problems.
Overall, adding plants and flowers to the tops of kitchen cabinets is a great way to bring a touch of nature and freshness into the kitchen. Plants and flowers can add visual interest, improve air quality, and create a more inviting atmosphere. When choosing plants and flowers for the kitchen, it is important to consider the amount of light that the area receives and to choose non-toxic plants.
Cookbooks and kitchenware for easy access
Cookbooks and kitchenware are essential tools for any home cook. By storing them on top of kitchen cabinets, you can keep them within easy reach while also adding a decorative touch to your kitchen.
When choosing cookbooks and kitchenware to display on top of your cabinets, consider the following factors:
- Functionality: Choose cookbooks and kitchenware that you use on a regular basis. This will make them easy to grab when you need them, without having to search through cabinets or drawers.
- Style: Choose cookbooks and kitchenware that match the style of your kitchen. For example, if you have a modern kitchen, you might choose sleek and minimalist cookbooks and kitchenware. If you have a traditional kitchen, you might choose cookbooks and kitchenware with a more classic look.
- Size: Consider the size of your kitchen cabinets when choosing cookbooks and kitchenware to display. You don’t want to overcrowd the cabinets or make them look cluttered.
Once you have chosen the cookbooks and kitchenware that you want to display, arrange them in a visually appealing way. You can group them by type, color, or size. You can also use baskets, bins, or shelves to create different levels and add visual interest.
Here are some additional tips for displaying cookbooks and kitchenware on top of kitchen cabinets:
- Use a variety of sizes and shapes: This will create a more dynamic and interesting display.
- Add some greenery: A few potted plants or fresh herbs can add a touch of life and color to your display.
- Change your display seasonally: This is a great way to keep your kitchen looking fresh and updated.
By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and functional display of cookbooks and kitchenware on top of your kitchen cabinets.
Artwork and photos for personal style
Artwork and photos can add a personal touch to your kitchen and make it a more inviting space. When choosing artwork and photos for the tops of your kitchen cabinets, consider the following factors:
- Choose pieces that reflect your personal style:
Your kitchen is a reflection of your personal style, so choose artwork and photos that you love and that make you feel happy. Whether you prefer abstract paintings, landscapes, or family photos, choose pieces that speak to you and that you will enjoy looking at every day.
- Consider the size and scale of the artwork:
Make sure that the artwork and photos you choose are the right size for the space above your kitchen cabinets. You don’t want to overcrowd the space or make it look cluttered. If you have a small kitchen, choose smaller pieces or a single large piece that will make a statement.
- Hang artwork and photos at eye level:
When hanging artwork and photos above your kitchen cabinets, make sure that they are hung at eye level. This will make them easier to see and appreciate. If you have a high ceiling, you may need to use a step stool or ladder to hang the artwork or photos.
- Use a variety of frames:
Don’t be afraid to mix and match different frames when displaying artwork and photos on top of your kitchen cabinets. This can add visual interest and create a more dynamic display. You can use frames of different colors, materials, and styles to create a unique and personal look.
By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and personal display of artwork and photos on top of your kitchen cabinets. This will add a touch of style and personality to your kitchen and make it a more inviting space.
Lighting for ambiance and task lighting
Proper lighting is essential for creating a functional and inviting kitchen. When it comes to the tops of kitchen cabinets, lighting can serve two main purposes: ambiance and task lighting.
Ambiance lighting sets the mood and atmosphere in the kitchen. It can be used to create a warm and inviting space for cooking, dining, and entertaining. Ambient lighting can be achieved through a variety of sources, such as pendant lights, chandeliers, or recessed lighting. When choosing ambient lighting, consider the overall style of your kitchen and the type of atmosphere you want to create.
Task lighting is used to provide focused illumination for specific tasks, such as cooking, food preparation, and cleaning. Task lighting can be achieved through a variety of sources, such as under-cabinet lights, track lighting, or spotlights. When choosing task lighting, consider the specific tasks that you will be performing in the kitchen and the amount of light that is needed.
In addition to providing functional lighting, lighting can also be used to highlight decorative elements on top of kitchen cabinets. For example, you can use spotlights to highlight a collection of cookbooks or artwork. You can also use under-cabinet lights to create a warm glow that showcases your favorite kitchenware.
By carefully considering the type and placement of lighting, you can create a kitchen that is both functional and stylish. Proper lighting can make your kitchen a more inviting and enjoyable space to cook, dine, and entertain.
Seasonal decorations for a festive touch
Adding seasonal decorations to the tops of your kitchen cabinets is a wonderful way to bring a festive touch to your kitchen and celebrate the changing seasons. Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, Halloween, or Thanksgiving, there are many ways to decorate your kitchen cabinets to reflect the season and create a festive atmosphere.
Christmas:
During the Christmas season, you can decorate the tops of your kitchen cabinets with a variety of festive items, such as miniature Christmas trees, Santa figurines, reindeer ornaments, and garlands. You can also hang Christmas stockings from the cabinet handles or knobs. If you have a window above your kitchen cabinets, you can hang a wreath or string lights in the window to add to the festive atmosphere.
Easter:
For Easter, you can decorate the tops of your kitchen cabinets with pastel-colored eggs, bunnies, and chicks. You can also use spring flowers, such as tulips and daffodils, to add a touch of color and freshness to your kitchen. If you have a window above your kitchen cabinets, you can hang a spring-themed wreath or wind chimes in the window.
Halloween:
During Halloween, you can decorate the tops of your kitchen cabinets with spooky items, such as mini pumpkins, witches’ hats, and spider webs. You can also use orange and black streamers and balloons to create a festive atmosphere. If you have a window above your kitchen cabinets, you can hang a Halloween-themed wreath or wind chimes in the window.
Seasonal decorations are a great way to add a festive touch to your kitchen and celebrate the changing seasons. By using a little creativity, you can create a beautiful and festive display on top of your kitchen cabinets that will bring joy to your family and friends.
