The space above your kitchen cabinets deserves a plan. Decorate it for added character, or close it off for a cleaner look and more storage.
The area above kitchen cabinets is easy to overlook during the design process. Yet this unused space can serve both functional and decorative purposes, helping shape the overall look and feel of the room. The best choice depends on your personal style and what your kitchen needs.
Leaving the cabinet tops open can make the kitchen feel light and airy, while closing them creates a more streamlined appearance and gives you extra storage. You can make the most of the space with thoughtful storage solutions or decor that works with the existing kitchen design.
High ceilings can make open cabinet tops feel especially spacious, which may also help a small kitchen appear larger. Closing the area provides a place for items you rarely use or prefer not to display. It can also give the kitchen a more cohesive look, so the right decision comes down to your preferred style and functional needs.
Open Cabinet-Top Placement
Open cabinet tops have both advantages and drawbacks, so they should be considered alongside closed cabinet tops when deciding how to use the space. They can create an airy feel that makes the kitchen appear more spacious, provide a place to display decorative items or artwork, and keep stored items visible and easy to reach.
The drawbacks involve upkeep and storage. With no cover in place, the area is exposed to dust and grease, which can build up over time and make the surface difficult to clean. Decorative items above the cabinets can also become outdated quickly, making the kitchen feel dated, while open cabinet tops reduce the additional storage available—a particular concern in small kitchens.
Cabinet-Top Decoration
The space above the cabinets can display creative items that add personality to the kitchen. Plants bring a natural, organic feel; choose varieties that require little maintenance and will not grow too tall. Artwork or photographs that complement the kitchen’s color scheme and style can add a personal touch, while decorative baskets and boxes provide texture, dimension, and storage for items that are not often used.
Overhead lighting can make decor above the cabinets stand out and give the kitchen a warm, inviting glow. LED strips or puck lights suit a modern look. A consistent theme or color scheme can connect the decor with the rest of the kitchen; in a beach-themed kitchen, for example, seashells could be displayed. Mirrors and mirrored tiles reflect light, make the kitchen appear larger, and create the illusion of more space. A decorative backsplash can add color and texture, especially when the space between the cabinet tops and the ceiling feels empty.
Cabinet-Top Storage
Limited kitchen storage makes every available area useful, including the space on top of and above the cabinets.
- Store infrequently used seasonal or specialty items in baskets and bins on top of the cabinets.
- Keep pantry staples such as flour, sugar, and coffee in decorative canisters or jars that can remain on display.
- Install shelves above the cabinets for cookbooks, decorative plates, and serving dishes.
- Use a mounted rack or rod on the wall above the cabinets to store pots, pans, and utensils. This practical space-saving solution is especially useful in smaller kitchens.
- Store infrequently used appliances, such as a slow cooker or stand mixer, on top of the cabinets to free up counter and cabinet space.
- Use shelf risers and inserts inside cabinets to create additional storage for dishes, cups, and bowls.
- Attach hooks to the underside of the cabinets for mugs, dish towels, and cooking utensils, freeing up drawer or cabinet space.
Keep items stored on top of the cabinets organized and tidy, and consider their weight to avoid potential safety issues.
Closed Cabinet Tops
Closing off the space above the cabinets can give the kitchen a streamlined, sleek appearance.
- Install cabinet doors above the existing cabinets to conceal mismatched or outdated items while creating a clean, cohesive look and additional storage.
- Install a short decorative valance above the cabinets to connect them visually with the ceiling. The panel can also conceal visible lighting fixtures or wiring.
- If you do not want to install cabinet doors or a valance, paint the space above the cabinets to match either the cabinets or the ceiling. This creates a cohesive look and can make the cabinets appear taller.
- Cover uneven gaps and areas above the cabinets with molding. Crown molding or another decorative treatment can create a finished look.
- Turn the space between the cabinet tops and ceiling into a display area with shelves. Install shelves or hang artwork to add visual interest while keeping the kitchen’s overall look streamlined.
A streamlined kitchen can still include personal touches when its materials and finishes work with the kitchen’s style and color scheme. Keep that balance in mind when selecting each treatment.
Small-Kitchen Storage
Because a small kitchen has limited square footage, efficient storage helps make the most of the available space. Wall storage leaves more room on the counter while keeping everyday items close by; install open shelves, magnetic knife strips, pot racks, or pegboards for hanging storage. Multipurpose furniture also makes limited space more useful, such as a kitchen island with built-in storage or a table with drawers and shelves.
Use the space above the cabinets for decoration or storage, placing infrequently used items in baskets and decorative boxes to keep the area organized. Inside cabinets and drawers, dividers, shelf risers, and other organizational tools maximize storage and help maintain order. Pull-out organizers and shelves under the sink provide useful storage for cleaning supplies and other items in this often-overlooked area. Personal needs and style should guide the storage solutions you choose, and strategic planning and creativity can help a small kitchen feel both spacious and functional.
Cabinet-Top Design
The area above the cabinets should work with the rest of the kitchen. Choose materials, colors, and textures that match the other elements, whether you decorate there or close it off, because a cohesive design can help achieve a polished, well-designed look.
A polished, finished look can come from the details above the cabinets. If the area is closed off with cabinet doors or a valance, matching the style and finish of the materials can help, while crown molding or other decorative trim adds a more finished appearance.
When decorating above the cabinets, choose items that match the kitchen’s color scheme and style. Vases, candles, and artwork can add decorative interest and a personal touch to the kitchen design, while lighting can highlight the decor and help create a warm, inviting, cohesive atmosphere.
Kitchen Cabinet-Top Displays
In the kitchen, the space above the cabinets can hold a decorative display that expresses personal style. Keep the arrangement minimalist or make it eclectic, depending on the look you want.
A decorative tray or basket can contain smaller items and help create a cohesive display, while greenery brings life and freshness to the cabinet tops. Choose low-maintenance plants, group items in threes, and vary their heights, textures, and colors.
Artwork, decorative plates, and serving pieces placed on top of the cabinet can add visual interest. Keep these items organized and tidy, and choose decorative pieces that match the kitchen design for a cohesive appearance; a vintage or beach-inspired theme can also help connect the display elements.
Kitchen Cabinet-Top Lighting
Lighting above the kitchen cabinets can create a warm, inviting atmosphere and add a soft layer of light to the room. LED strip lighting is easy to install and comes in different colors and styles, making it useful for highlighting cabinet tops. Small, round puck lights can run on batteries, allowing easy installation without a wired connection; use them above the cabinets for an ambient glow, with different colors and styles available.
Rope lighting is flexible and can be cut to size for cabinet tops, then installed with adhesive clips to highlight the space. Inside-cabinet lighting can also illuminate the area above the cabinets while creating a warm glow and making the kitchen feel more spacious. A dimmer switch provides more control over the ambiance, allowing the lighting to suit the desired mood and create a cozy atmosphere when needed. Choose fixtures that suit the kitchen’s design and your personal style.