Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets: Stylish Storage and Display Ideas

Decorating above kitchen cabinets is an essential aspect of kitchen design that can greatly enhance the overall look and feel of the space. Above-cabinet decoration involves adding visual interest and personality to the blank space above the kitchen cabinets, which often goes neglected. By incorporating various elements such as floating shelves, decorative items, or even lighting fixtures, homeowners can create a cohesive and stylish kitchen design that reflects their personal taste and style.

Floating shelves, for example, provide a practical and visually appealing way to display a collection of decorative objects, plants, or cookbooks. They add depth and dimension to the kitchen while creating additional storage space. Decorative items such as vases, sculptures, or artwork can add a pop of color and personality to the kitchen, making it feel more inviting and homey. Furthermore, properly placed lighting fixtures can highlight the decorative elements above the cabinets and create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

In the following sections, we will explore various ideas and tips for decorating above kitchen cabinets. From choosing the right decorative items to arranging them harmoniously, we will guide you through the process of creating a stylish and functional kitchen design that maximizes the potential of the space above your cabinets.

Achieve a stylish and functional kitchen by decorating above cabinets.

Choose cohesive theme
Incorporate floating shelves
Display decorative items
Hang artwork or mirrors
Add greenery with plants
Install task lighting
Create a gallery wall
Utilize empty space wisely

With careful planning and creativity, you can transform the space above your kitchen cabinets into an aesthetically pleasing and functional area that reflects your personal style.

Choose cohesive theme

When decorating above kitchen cabinets, selecting a cohesive theme is essential for creating a harmonious and visually appealing look. The theme should complement the overall kitchen design, color scheme, and personal style. Whether you prefer a modern, traditional, rustic, or eclectic style, choosing a theme will help you select decorative items and arrangements that work well together and create a unified look.

For a modern kitchen, consider sleek and minimalist decorative items with clean lines and simple shapes. Floating shelves made of glass or metal can provide a modern display space for books, plants, or decorative objects. Geometric-shaped vases or sculptures can add a touch of contemporary flair. Opt for neutral colors and metallic accents to complete the modern look.

If you have a traditional kitchen, choose decorative items with classic designs and intricate details. Wooden floating shelves with ornate carvings or distressed finishes can add a touch of warmth and elegance. Display vintage glassware, ceramic figurines, or antique cookware to enhance the traditional charm. Consider using floral patterns or soft pastel colors to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

For a rustic kitchen, incorporate natural materials and textures into your above-cabinet dcor. Floating shelves made of reclaimed wood or distressed metal can provide a rugged and authentic look. Display items that evoke a rustic feel, such as mason jars, wooden bowls, or antique tools. Choose warm and earthy colors like brown, beige, and green to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

By selecting a cohesive theme and choosing decorative items that complement each other and the overall kitchen design, you can create a stylish and functional space above your kitchen cabinets that reflects your personal taste and style.

Incorporate floating shelves

Floating shelves are a versatile and stylish way to add storage and display space above kitchen cabinets. They can be used to display a variety of items, from decorative objects and plants to cookbooks and kitchenware. Floating shelves can also be used to create a focal point in the kitchen or to highlight a particular collection.

When choosing floating shelves for your kitchen, consider the following factors:

Material: Floating shelves can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and glass. Choose a material that complements the overall design of your kitchen and the items you plan to display.
Size and shape: Floating shelves come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Choose shelves that are the right size for the space above your cabinets and that will accommodate the items you want to display.
Installation: Floating shelves are typically installed using brackets that are mounted to the wall. Make sure to choose a mounting system that is strong enough to support the weight of the shelves and the items you plan to display.

Once you have chosen the right floating shelves for your kitchen, you can start arranging them above your cabinets. Here are a few tips for arranging floating shelves:

Start with a focal point: If you have a particular item or collection that you want to highlight, place it on a shelf that is centered above your cabinets. This will create a focal point in the kitchen and draw the eye to the items on display.
Group items together: Group similar items together on the shelves. This will create a more cohesive look and make it easier to find the items you need.
Vary the height of the shelves: Staggering the height of the shelves will add visual interest to the display. It will also make it easier to display a variety of items, from tall vases to small decorative objects.

By following these tips, you can use floating shelves to create a stylish and functional display space above your kitchen cabinets.

Floating shelves are a great way to add extra storage and display space to your kitchen. They are also a versatile design element that can be used to create a variety of looks, from modern and minimalist to traditional and rustic. With a little planning, you can use floating shelves to create a stylish and functional space above your kitchen cabinets that reflects your personal taste and style.

Display decorative items

When selecting decorative items to display above kitchen cabinets, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Scale: Choose items that are appropriately sized for the space above your cabinets. Oversized items can overwhelm the space, while items that are too small will get lost. Aim for items that are in proportion to the size of your cabinets and the height of the ceiling.
Color: Consider the color scheme of your kitchen when choosing decorative items. Choose items that complement or contrast with the colors of your cabinets, countertops, and backsplash. If you have a neutral color scheme, you can add pops of color with your decorative items. If you have a colorful kitchen, choose items that will blend in and not compete for attention.
Style: Choose decorative items that reflect your personal style and the overall design of your kitchen. If you have a modern kitchen, choose items with clean lines and simple shapes. If you have a traditional kitchen, choose items with more ornate details. If you have a rustic kitchen, choose items made from natural materials.

Once you have selected the right decorative items, you need to decide how to arrange them. Here are a few tips:

Create a focal point: If you have a particular item or collection that you want to highlight, place it on a shelf that is centered above your cabinets. This will create a focal point in the kitchen and draw the eye to the items on display.
Group items together: Group similar items together on the shelves. This will create a more cohesive look and make it easier to find the items you need.
Vary the height of the shelves: Staggering the height of the shelves will add visual interest to the display. It will also make it easier to display a variety of items, from tall vases to small decorative objects.
Use different levels: Don’t just place all of your decorative items on the shelves. Use different levels to create a more dynamic display. For example, you could place a vase on the shelf, a stack of books on the counter below the shelf, and a small sculpture on the windowsill above the shelf.

By following these tips, you can use decorative items to create a stylish and functional display space above your kitchen cabinets.

Displaying decorative items above kitchen cabinets is a great way to add personality and style to your kitchen. By choosing items that are the right size, color, and style, and arranging them in a visually appealing way, you can create a display that is both beautiful and functional.

Hang artwork or mirrors

Hanging artwork or mirrors above kitchen cabinets is a great way to add a personal touch to your kitchen and create a more inviting atmosphere. Artwork can reflect your personal style and interests, while mirrors can help to make the space feel larger and brighter.

When choosing artwork or mirrors to hang above your kitchen cabinets, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Size: Choose artwork or mirrors that are appropriately sized for the space above your cabinets. Oversized pieces can overwhelm the space, while pieces that are too small will get lost. Aim for pieces that are in proportion to the size of your cabinets and the height of the ceiling.
Color: Consider the color scheme of your kitchen when choosing artwork or mirrors. Choose pieces that complement or contrast with the colors of your cabinets, countertops, and backsplash. If you have a neutral color scheme, you can add pops of color with your artwork or mirrors. If you have a colorful kitchen, choose pieces that will blend in and not compete for attention.
Style: Choose artwork or mirrors that reflect your personal style and the overall design of your kitchen. If you have a modern kitchen, choose pieces with clean lines and simple shapes. If you have a traditional kitchen, choose pieces with more ornate details. If you have a rustic kitchen, choose pieces made from natural materials.

Once you have selected the right artwork or mirrors, you need to decide how to hang them. Here are a few tips:

Hang artwork at eye level: When hanging artwork above kitchen cabinets, aim to hang it at eye level. This will make it easier to appreciate the artwork and will prevent it from being hidden by the cabinets.
Use a variety of hanging methods: Don’t just hang all of your artwork or mirrors in the same way. Use a variety of hanging methods, such as picture hooks, sawtooth hangers, or d-rings, to create a more dynamic display.
Create a gallery wall: If you have a large collection of artwork or mirrors, you can create a gallery wall above your kitchen cabinets. A gallery wall is a collection of artwork or mirrors that is hung together in a cohesive way. Gallery walls can be created using a variety of different hanging methods and can be a great way to add personality and interest to your kitchen.

By following these tips, you can hang artwork or mirrors above your kitchen cabinets to create a stylish and functional display space.

Hanging artwork or mirrors above kitchen cabinets is a great way to add personality and style to your kitchen. By choosing pieces that are the right size, color, and style, and hanging them in a visually appealing way, you can create a display that is both beautiful and functional.

Add greenery with plants

Adding greenery to your kitchen with plants is a great way to bring life and freshness into the space. Plants can also help to purify the air and create a more inviting atmosphere.

Choose the right plants: Not all plants are suitable for growing above kitchen cabinets. Choose plants that are tolerant of low light conditions and that do not require a lot of water. Some good choices include pothos, snake plants, ZZ plants, and philodendrons.
Use the right containers: Choose containers that are the right size for your plants and that complement the overall design of your kitchen. You can use hanging planters, wall-mounted planters, or even repurposed containers like teacups or mason jars.
Water and fertilize your plants regularly: Even though the plants you choose are low-maintenance, they still need to be watered and fertilized regularly. Water your plants when the soil is dry to the touch, and fertilize them according to the package directions.
Prune your plants regularly: Pruning your plants will help to keep them healthy and looking their best. Pinch off any dead or dying leaves, and trim back any stems that are getting too long.

By following these tips, you can add greenery to your kitchen with plants and create a more inviting and stylish space.

Install task lighting

Task lighting is a type of lighting that is used to provide focused light on a specific area. In the kitchen, task lighting can be used to illuminate the countertops, sink, and stovetop. This makes it easier to see what you are doing when you are cooking or cleaning.

Choose the right lighting fixtures: When choosing task lighting fixtures for your kitchen, consider the following factors:
Brightness: The brightness of the light fixture should be appropriate for the task you are performing. For example, you will need a brighter light fixture for the countertop than you do for the sink.
Color temperature: The color temperature of the light fixture should be warm and inviting. Avoid harsh, white light, which can be fatiguing to the eyes.
Beam angle: The beam angle of the light fixture should be narrow enough to provide focused light on the task area. This will help to prevent glare.
Placement: The task lighting fixtures should be placed directly above the task area. For example, you should place a light fixture above the countertop and another light fixture above the sink.

By following these tips, you can install task lighting in your kitchen to create a more functional and stylish space.

Create a gallery wall

A gallery wall is a collection of artwork or mirrors that is hung together in a cohesive way. Gallery walls can be created using a variety of different hanging methods and can be a great way to add personality and interest to your kitchen.

Choose a theme: When creating a gallery wall, it is helpful to choose a theme. This will help you to select artwork or mirrors that work well together and create a cohesive look. Some popular themes for kitchen gallery walls include food, nature, travel, and family.
Select your artwork or mirrors: Once you have chosen a theme, you can start selecting artwork or mirrors for your gallery wall. When selecting artwork or mirrors, keep the following factors in mind:
- Size: Choose artwork or mirrors that are appropriately sized for the space you have available. Oversized pieces can overwhelm the space, while pieces that are too small will get lost.
- Color: Consider the color scheme of your kitchen when choosing artwork or mirrors. Choose pieces that complement or contrast with the colors of your cabinets, countertops, and backsplash.
- Style: Choose artwork or mirrors that reflect your personal style and the overall design of your kitchen.
Arrange your artwork or mirrors: Once you have selected your artwork or mirrors, you need to decide how to arrange them. There are many different ways to arrange a gallery wall, so be creative and experiment until you find a layout that you like. Some popular gallery wall arrangements include:
- Grid: Arrange your artwork or mirrors in a grid pattern. This is a classic and easy-to-follow layout that works well in any space.
- Salon: Arrange your artwork or mirrors in a salon-style layout. This layout is more eclectic and relaxed than a grid layout. It is a good choice for kitchens with a lot of personality.
- Asymmetrical: Arrange your artwork or mirrors in an asymmetrical layout. This layout is more modern and eye-catching than a grid or salon layout. It is a good choice for kitchens with a contemporary design.
Hang your artwork or mirrors: Once you have arranged your artwork or mirrors, you need to hang them on the wall. Use a variety of hanging methods, such as picture hooks, sawtooth hangers, or d-rings, to create a dynamic display.

By following these tips, you can create a gallery wall above your kitchen cabinets that is both stylish and functional.

Utilize empty space wisely

One of the most important things to keep in mind when decorating above kitchen cabinets is to utilize empty space wisely. This means making the most of the vertical space above your cabinets, without making the space feel cluttered or overwhelming.

There are a few different ways to utilize empty space wisely above kitchen cabinets. One way is to use floating shelves. Floating shelves are a great way to add extra storage and display space to your kitchen. They can be used to display a variety of items, from cookbooks and dishes to plants and decorative objects. Another way to utilize empty space wisely is to hang artwork or mirrors. Artwork and mirrors can add personality and style to your kitchen, and they can also help to make the space feel larger and brighter.

If you have a lot of empty space above your kitchen cabinets, you can also consider creating a gallery wall. A gallery wall is a collection of artwork or mirrors that is hung together in a cohesive way. Gallery walls can be a great way to add personality and interest to your kitchen, and they can also help to fill up empty space. Finally, you can also use empty space above kitchen cabinets to install task lighting. Task lighting is a type of lighting that is used to provide focused light on a specific area. In the kitchen, task lighting can be used to illuminate the countertops, sink, and stovetop. This makes it easier to see what you are doing when you are cooking or cleaning.

By utilizing empty space wisely above kitchen cabinets, you can create a more stylish and functional space. Floating shelves, artwork, mirrors, gallery walls, and task lighting are all great ways to make the most of this often-overlooked space.