While the space above kitchen cabinets is often not used to the fullest, it could be an ideal area to add some style to your kitchen. Doing the right things here will add freshness and personality to the room by visually linking other decorative components through the different wall colors, furnishing materials, light fixtures, etc.
Why Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets?
Decorating ideas for above kitchen cabinets can:
- Make the kitchen feel more present.
- Introduce color and texture.
- Show your taste and preferences.
- Utilize space that may have been underused.
For readers looking to explore ways to enhance other areas of your kitchen, our guide to small kitchen backsplash ideas can provide additional inspiration to create a cohesive look.
Best Ideas for Decorating Above Kitchen Cabinets
1. Plant Paradise

Plants always make our dreary homes look lively and colorful, boost our spirits, and improve our mental and physical health. They also purify the air in the living spaces by filtering out toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene. Green, leafy plants planted on top of the cabinets or elsewhere in the kitchen act as air purifiers and give a fresh feel to the kitchen.
To learn more about the health benefits of indoor plants, visit The National Garden Bureau’s guide on indoor plants here.
2. Basket Beauty

This storage solution is fun, refreshing, and straightforward if you have a small kitchen without enough shelving cupboards, playful tubs, and lidless baskets is an uncluttered approach to organizing the essentials in the kitchen while also decorating for the holidays.
An organized kitchen not only reduces stress but the absence of clutter can make every kind of chore, not just cooking and cleaning, more tolerable and sometimes even fun. They can fit any amount of stuff, so such baskets can not only declutter but will also be the best DIY accessory. Want to make your space even more efficient? Our small kitchen remodel ideas offer practical ways to maximize storage and make the most out of your kitchen.
3. Artistic Touch

Real-life kitchen art includes photos of family and vacation portraits, sketches, and paintings. A pop-art painting can refill colors and styles. If you don’t have a wall that is large enough to do this, you could consider getting some Modern art to hang in the living room and add a wall mirror to the wall above the console table. This can also be used to display the beautiful color of the kitchen.
For more creative ideas on decorating your kitchen walls with art, visit Architectural Digest’s guide on kitchen wall art.
Wall art can bring in our style, honing in comfort and creating a cohesive space. Framing tapestries can be used as an accent called feature art as they are uniquely filled with lots of different patterns and they can only be seen as a whole through this perspective. Interested in mixing modern and vintage styles? Check out our guide to modern and vintage decor mix for more ideas on integrating diverse art pieces.
4. Bottle Display

Displaying potion bottles or vines. will be not only an advantage to those who enjoy experimentation and artistic visualizations. but to those customers looking for a store with an evocative ambiance to buy from whether by generating an atmosphere of differentiation or a commoditized one if not the company wants to ensure the willingness of customers to experiment and create new experiences and the employees imagine by implementing the designs. Since it would no longer be just a space-defining item the customer’s sound preference should hold sway.
Having custom-shaped storage boxes enables your customers to discover and tell their own stories about your brand therefore making other customers take you as a hot brand. This is a display of rainbow-colored items. They are not simply color-hued goods. It is done in different color blocks so it makes a rainbow. Now it will be interesting and engaging for clients. For inspiration, see how this concept can fit into your brand with small space party ideas, where display items can create an evocative and stylish atmosphere.
5. Word Art

Sometimes we forget our initial goal and get lost in the monotonous and mysterious way these stories unfold. For those looking to enhance their home with more creative pieces, explore our cozy living room for New Year’s Eve ideas to get into the spirit of the season.
Modern vs. Traditional Above Cabinet Decor
These are the leading subjects that affect the decor type of the kitchen.
Modern Above Cabinet Decor

To bring a modern touch to a kitchen, you can go with these approaches:
- Make use of clean lines and simple shapes.
- Go for little to no color palettes such as black, white, or gray.
- Practice restraint with metals so as not to overwhelm the room.
- Incorporate veiled artworks into the space.
Traditional Above Cabinet Decor

For a traditional style, look over these possibilities:
- Add antiques or family mementos.
- Put up decorative dishes or platters.
- Wicker baskets to store.
- Candlesticks or mirrors in the classical style.
To stay on top of the latest design trends, check out our post on 2025 interior design trends for some modern and traditional inspiration.
How to Decorate the Top of Kitchen Cabinets Without Clutter
A cluttered look can easily ruin the whole picture. Here are the best secrets to keeping your kitchen space clean and stylish:
- Select a few big and striking pieces in place of multiple small ones.
- Try to stick to a unified color scheme.
- Avoid putting things in pairs, choose odd numbers to create visual interest.
- Don’t clutter the space with extra stuff and instead let these areas remain kt space.
- Always keep the area clean and dusted to achieve a fresh look.
For further organization tips, especially for small spaces, visit our post on how to maximize small living room space.
Creative Use of the Area above the Kitchen Cabinets for Decoration
The space above kitchen cabinets is the perfect location for various decorating possibilities. Here are some stylish ideas:
1. Floating Shelves

Making use of floating shelves that are arranged for your stylish accessories or storing those utensils that you don’t use frequently will create the look you want to see in your kitchen. This method provides both style and functionality to the area. For more storage solutions, be sure to check out our guide to small kitchen cabinet ideas.
2. Artistic Display

Consider art images such as prints[to gain color and personality to the kitchen. Choose art pieces that will blend well with your kitchen.
3. Greenery

Put potted greens or herbs above cabinets to give the kitchen a little life and freshness. Moreover, the light and water they receive should be enough.
4. Decorative Lighting

Install spotlights or decorative bulbs to set a warm tone and bully showcase the ornaments.
Creating a Modern Farmhouse above Kitchen Design Style Memo
Minimalist Styling

For a minimalist look suit a minimum of:
- Simple lines and plain shapes.
- Neutral colors.
- A small number of decoration items.
- Things that are utilitarian but also have fun elements are the ones that you need for it.
Farmhouse Styling

To have the farmhouse flair, see below:
- Wooden signs or vintage items may add a rustic touch.
- Colorful textured and textile products are great for your kitchen space, such as mason jars that you fill with flowers or kitchen gadgets.
- The use of tubs as both a wardrobe and also as the first step of a rustic arrangement is quite praising the interior scheme from any viewpoint.
- Age-look finishes and muting of the tones are the main features here.
Kitchen Decorating Guidelines
Here are some stylish ideas:
- Coordinate with the overall kitchen theme and color scheme of the kitchen room.
- The proportion of the pieces must fit the size space.
- The mix of a few materials together with smooth surfaces gives a richer image.
- Buy decor that reflects your status as a participant who is in good shape.
- Have the items rotated during the seasons so that the space would not feel boring.
Over-Cabinet Organization Ideas
Toss out the clutter and embrace an organized above space with the following guidelines:
- Put visually appealing storage boxes or baskets not only to enhance the look but to keep things organized and hidden away as well.
- Even the dishes that you rarely use can be displayed in a way that makes them look appealing and then all of a sudden they become the focal point of the kitchen.
- You can show respect to the group or person through a thematic display of the collection.
- A wine rack made especially for bottle storage can be attached.
If you’re looking for more storage inspiration, visit Wayfair’s storage solutions for kitchens.
Aesthetic Kitchen Shelf Decor
For the above-cabinet decoration that is both beautiful and functional:
- Divide and rule!/: Use three or five items as a group
- Vary the highs and widths of the objects
- Select a color palette that complements the kitchen
- Show the inner you by including elements like plants, painting, or a combination of both.
Trendy Kitchen Display Pieces
Here are some of the most trendy display items that you can use in the space above the kitchen cabinets, through this, you will be more updated all the time:
- Vintage signs or letterboards.
- Geometric shapes and patterns.
- Metallic accents like copper or brass.
- Woven baskets or textured ceramics.
- Artificial plants for low-maintenance greenery.
Storage Solutions for Above Cabinets
Explore all the possibilities beyond the surface space with this storage list:
- Use decorative boxes to store less-used items.
- Install pull-out drawers for easy access.
- Add wire baskets for a rustic look and extra storage.
- Use clear jars to store dry goods and add visual interest.
- Hang a small rod to display mugs or utensils.
For tips on organizing and optimizing space in other parts of your home, check out our post on pantry closet ideas.
Seasonal Decor Ideas
The cabinet above can be a spruce-up point around the seasons:
Spring

Bring a kind of rebirth with pastel colors, fresh flowers, and light fabrics in the room.
Summer

Integrate a bright palette of colors, parts with tropical themes, and the sandy vibe with the texture for the tourist atmosphere.
Fall

Gloomy place? Do away with it using warm tones, pumpkins, and fuzzy textures.
Winter

Flash the dark winter days with lights like evergreen garlands, twinkle lights, and metallic accents.
For more seasonal tips, including decor ideas for Thanksgiving, explore our guide on cozy Thanksgiving tablescape ideas.
DIY Decor Projects
Use your wildness and color these DIY ideas the way you want to be creative.
- Paint and distressed old frames for a shabby chic look.
- Create a chalkboard sign for daily messages or menus.
- Make paper flowers for a budget-friendly floral display.
- Upcycle wine bottles into vases or candle holders.
- Craft a wooden sign with an inspirational quote.
Lighting Ideas for Above Cabinet Decor
Setting up the display with these lighting options will deepen the effect:
- Install LED strip lights for a soft glow.
- Use battery-operated puck lights for targeted illumination.
- Add a small lamp for a cozy atmosphere.
- Incorporate string lights for a whimsical touch.
- Use candles (real or flameless) for a warm ambiance.
If you want more ideas for lighting to set a cozy or whimsical tone, see our post on small kitchen lighting ideas.
Conclusion
Decorating ideas for above kitchen cabinets is a joyride in artistic creativity and technological prowess, and it enables the kitchen’s style and functionality like no other addition.
Whether you like it, a modern, traditional, or eclectic look, you can select among the multitude of suggestions for the above cabinet place, that will go in your favor. These kitchen styling tips are the following, which are some of the best decorating ideas for kitchen cabinets in the above area.
You can make the area that is most often uninhabited into the most beautiful and stylish place in your kitchen. Always be sure that the design matches the theme of the kitchen, is free of confusion, and is positive in letting changes with the seasons keep the area up to date and warm.
FAQs: Decorating Ideas for Above Kitchen Cabinets
What can go above the cabinets in my kitchen?
You may put greenery, artwork, baskets, plates, or even you can add great lighting.
How do you design the upper space of modern kitchen cabinets?
Either limit to a minimalist preference with compact decorations, small pictures, and article lamps or use a hidden LED light to go with.
Should the space above the cabinets be left empty?
Deciding on whether a space will be empty or boosted by decorations thus creating a clean whole clean and practical look, will all depend on your style.
How can I prevent the build-up of dust on my kitchen cabinets?
Clean the area regularly with a damp cloth with a few drops of mild solution in water and use sealed baskets or containers
Is it possible to add storage above the kitchen cabinets?
Absolutely! You can use chic storage bins, shelves, or baskets for the same.