22 Above Kitchen Cabinet Decor Ideas
When you stand in your kitchen and look up, what do you see? For many people, the answer is empty space above the cabinets.
It’s one of those awkward spots that seems like it should serve a purpose, but often ends up ignored.
The good news is, with a little creativity, that area can become one of the most charming and practical design features in your entire kitchen.
1. Display a Collection of Baskets
If you’ve ever shopped for baskets, you know how addictive they are. Woven textures add warmth to a kitchen that stainless steel appliances often can’t. Arranging different shapes and sizes of baskets above your cabinets creates an earthy, rustic look.
The trick here is to stick to a color palette—think natural tans, deep browns, or even painted baskets in white for a modern farmhouse vibe. Bonus: baskets can double as storage for things you rarely use, like seasonal cookie cutters or spare dish towels.
2. Add Greenery With Faux or Real Plants
Plants are like instant life-bringers in any space. Putting a cascade of greenery above your cabinets softens harsh lines and makes the room feel more welcoming. If you’re terrible at keeping plants alive (like me—I once managed to kill a cactus), faux plants are a lifesaver.
Trailing vines like pothos, ivy, or faux eucalyptus are particularly striking because they spill downward, drawing the eye up. For real plants, just make sure you have a watering plan.
3. Style With Large Decorative Vases
Big, bold ceramic or glass vases work wonders in filling vertical space. The area above your cabinets tends to be deep, so oversized pieces don’t look awkward there. Tall vases in matte finishes or muted colors give off a high-end designer feel.
Pro tip: Choose vases in odd numbers (like sets of three) to avoid a stiff, symmetrical look.
4. Showcase Vintage Kitchenware
That old copper pot you inherited from grandma? Or the quirky ceramic teapot you found at a flea market? This is the place to show them off. Vintage cookware not only tells a story but also adds character to your kitchen.
Even if you don’t have family heirlooms, antique shops are full of treasures that can give your kitchen a curated, timeless look.
5. Line Up Cookbooks
Cookbooks don’t always need to live on countertops or shelves. If you’re short on lower-level space, line them above your cabinets. It turns that forgotten area into a mini library of culinary inspiration.
The bonus? You’ll always have an audience of glossy covers cheering you on while you cook.
6. Incorporate Artwork
Above-the-cabinet space is a sneaky spot to show off framed prints or even small canvas paintings. Unlike the living room, where art can sometimes feel too formal, the kitchen is the perfect spot for playful or food-themed art.
Think about quirky food illustrations, vintage signs, or abstract pieces that bring color into the room.
7. Install Accent Lighting
One of the smartest ways to highlight above-cabinet decor is with LED strip lighting or puck lights. Lighting not only brightens a dim kitchen but also makes your display items shine (literally).
According to a 2024 survey by Houzz, nearly 41% of homeowners added under or over-cabinet lighting during a kitchen remodel because it dramatically changes the mood of the room.
8. Use Woven Trays or Platters
Oversized trays, platters, or charcuterie boards can look stunning when leaned against the wall above your cabinets. Their round shapes break up the boxy lines of cabinetry, and wood tones add warmth.
Mixing metal trays with wooden boards also adds texture variety.
9. Store Seasonal Decor
If you’re someone who goes all out for holidays, the above-cabinet zone is prime real estate. From Halloween pumpkins to Christmas garlands, you can rotate decor through the year without cluttering counters.
It’s like having a stage for your seasonal spirit.
10. Build a Mini Bar Display
Why keep your fancy bottles hidden when they can become decor? Arrange a few stylish liquor bottles, cocktail shakers, or even wine racks above your cabinets. Just be sure they’re secure—nobody wants a bottle of merlot crashing down mid-dinner party.
A bar-style display adds sophistication and makes the kitchen feel like part of your entertaining space.
11. Add a Chalkboard or Signage
A chalkboard sign with a witty quote, menu, or family motto can instantly personalize the space. It’s playful, casual, and adds a bit of humor where you least expect it.
Wooden letter signs or marquee lights also work beautifully if you’re aiming for farmhouse or industrial styles.
12. Stack Storage Boxes or Bins
For those who love a tidy kitchen, stylish storage boxes are both practical and attractive. Instead of leaving mismatched junk up there, use uniform bins to keep it looking intentional.
Label them neatly (think “baking supplies,” “party gear,” etc.), and you’ve got decor that secretly works as storage.
13. Add Statement Sculptures
Sculptural pieces—like abstract shapes, wood carvings, or even metallic figurines—are unexpected in kitchens, which makes them stand out even more.
The rule of thumb is to choose something bold enough to be seen from below but not so delicate that it disappears in the shadows.
14. Use Decorative Glass Bottles
Colored glass bottles, whether they’re vintage soda bottles or sleek wine carafes, bring light play and charm. Arranged in groups, they add color and sparkle, especially if positioned near a light source.
This trick works well in coastal or bohemian-style kitchens.
15. Create a Coffee Station Extension
If you’re a coffee lover (I practically run on espresso), dedicate the above-cabinet area to your passion. Display oversized mugs, coffee bean jars, and vintage signs about caffeine.
It not only adds personality but also makes your kitchen feel like a cozy café.
16. Go Minimal With Negative Space
Sometimes, the best decor is no decor. Leaving the area above your cabinets clean and empty can actually make your kitchen look more modern.
Minimalism is about intentionality—if your kitchen has bold countertops or dramatic backsplashes, leaving the upper space blank prevents visual overload.
17. Install Floating Shelves Above Cabinets
Floating shelves above your cabinets create a tiered look and provide an opportunity for more styling. They’re perfect if your ceiling is high and you want to fill vertical space.
On those shelves, you can rotate decor: plants, jars, or even framed pictures.
18. Showcase a Collection of Pitchers or Jugs
If you have a set of ceramic or glass pitchers, line them up like a curated gallery. Their uniform shape creates visual harmony, while varying colors keep things interesting.
This works especially well in farmhouse-style kitchens where pottery feels right at home.
19. Add a Touch of Whimsy With Quirky Items
Don’t be afraid to go a little unexpected. I once saw a kitchen where the owner displayed vintage toy trucks above the cabinets, and it was oddly charming.
Think outside the box—globes, old cameras, or even retro signs. It’s about making your kitchen feel uniquely yours.
20. Incorporate Mirrors or Reflective Pieces
Mirrors or mirrored trays bounce light around and make small kitchens feel larger. A strip of antique mirrors leaning behind decor adds dimension without overwhelming the space.
Reflective surfaces are a great trick for apartments or galley kitchens where natural light is limited.
21. Use the Space for Extra Appliances
Some appliances—like bread makers or large slow cookers—aren’t everyday necessities. Tucking them into decorative baskets above your cabinets keeps them accessible but out of sight.
It’s a smart solution for people with limited pantry space.
22. Layer Textiles or Woven Elements
Textiles like rolled-up blankets, woven mats, or fabric baskets might sound odd in a kitchen, but they can add softness in an otherwise hard-surfaced room. Just make sure they’re placed far from stove heat to avoid safety issues.
Layering textures makes your kitchen feel cozy and less sterile.
Conclusion
That empty strip of space above your kitchen cabinets isn’t just a dust collector—it’s an opportunity. Whether you choose rustic baskets, cascading greenery, dramatic lighting, or quirky collectibles, that awkward gap can become a stylish feature that reflects your personality.
The key is balance. Don’t clutter it with random items you don’t want to look at. Instead, treat it like a gallery—curated, intentional, and reflective of how you want your kitchen to feel.
