11 Smart Ways To Decor Above Kitchen Cabinets For 2025

Struggling with that empty, awkward gap above your kitchen cabinets? You’re not alone.

That dusty, forgotten space can make an entire kitchen feel unfinished. This design challenge is known as decorating above kitchen cabinets, a technique to turn that negative space into a stylish and intentional feature.

The best items to decorate above kitchen cabinets are large-scale pieces that fit the room’s style. Top choices include woven baskets for hidden storage, large art, curated groups of vases, and high-quality artificial plants to avoid a cluttered look. This guide will show you 11 smart, designer-approved ways to fix it for good.

That Awkward Space Above Your Kitchen Cabinets? Here’s How to Fix It

That empty void between your cabinets and the ceiling is a common design dilemma. It can easily become a dusty, neglected zone or a magnet for clutter. But what if you saw it as a design opportunity instead? That awkward space is a blank canvas waiting for your personality. The key is to be intentional. Instead of filling it with random objects, a thoughtful approach can add height, character, and even much-needed storage to your kitchen. We’ve tested countless ideas to find what truly works, and this guide provides 11 stylish, practical solutions that solve this common problem and elevate your entire kitchen design.

11 Smart Ways To Decor Above Kitchen Cabinets For 2025

Forget the dusty fake ivy of the past. The modern approach to decorating above kitchen cabinets is all about making smart, intentional choices. The following ideas are curated based on interior design best practices that consider scale, balance, and easy maintenance. Each concept includes a simple step-by-step tutorial to help you create a beautiful, uncluttered look that feels both timeless and personal.

1. Lean Large-Scale Art for a Simple Focal Point

Pin this simple, high-impact idea to your ‘Kitchen Design’ board!

A single, oversized piece of framed art is the simplest way to create an impactful focal point without adding clutter. This minimalist approach works beautifully in modern and transitional kitchens, making a sophisticated statement.

Materials Needed:

• One oversized piece of framed art or canvas (at least 2/3 the height of the space)
• Museum putty or non-slip pads for stability
• Measuring tape

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Measure Your Space: Measure the height from the top of your cabinet to the ceiling. Choose a piece of art that is roughly two-thirds of that height to ensure it has the proper scale.
2. Select Your Art: Pick a piece that complements your kitchen’s color palette and style. Abstract landscapes, modern botanicals, or simple graphic prints work well.
3. Clean the Surface: Thoroughly wipe down the top of the cabinet to remove any dust or grease.
4. Position the Art: Place the art centered over a key area, like above the sink or a main bank of cabinets. Lean it casually against the wall.
5. Secure in Place: Apply a small amount of museum putty or a non-slip pad to the bottom corners of the frame to prevent it from shifting over time.

Pro-Tip: For a budget-friendly option, find a high-resolution digital print online and have it printed as an “engineer print” at a local print shop. Frame it yourself using a simple, affordable frame kit.

2. Group Woven Baskets for Texture and Hidden Storage

Save this beautiful and practical storage idea!

Woven baskets are a designer favorite because they offer the perfect blend of form and function. They introduce warm, natural texture while providing a clever hidden storage solution for infrequently used kitchen items.

Materials Needed:

• A set of 3 to 5 matching or coordinating woven baskets (with or without lids)
• Items for storage (e.g., seasonal cookie cutters, extra dish towels, paper goods)
• Optional: Small chalkboard labels or tags

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Choose Your Baskets: Select baskets that fit the depth of your cabinets and are tall enough to have presence. Using a matching set creates a clean, uniform look.
2. Prep for Storage: Before placing them, decide what you’ll store inside. This is perfect for light items you don’t need daily.
3. Arrange the Baskets: Line the baskets up in a neat row for a simple, organized look. If using baskets of varying sizes, group them together in a cluster, typically in a corner or over the fridge.
4. Add Labels (Optional): If you’re using them for serious storage, add a simple tag to one handle so you can remember what’s inside without having to get them down.

Lesson Learned: Always line the top of your cabinets with wax paper first. This makes cleaning a breeze—just roll up the dusty paper and replace it every six months. It’s the best hack for this hard-to-reach spot.

3. Create an Airy Faux Plant Vignette

Pin this fresh green look for your kitchen!

Bring life and color to your kitchen without the worry of watering or sunlight. A curated group of high-quality artificial plants offers the organic feel of greenery with zero maintenance.

Materials Needed:

• A selection of 3-5 high-quality faux plants of varying heights and textures (e.g., a trailing plant, a tall plant, a short plant)
• Stylish pots or planters that match your kitchen decor
• Optional: Stacked cookbooks or small wooden boxes to use as risers

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Invest in Quality: The key to this look is using artificial plants that look incredibly realistic. Avoid shiny, plastic-looking leaves.
2. Pot Your Plants: Place your faux plants in decorative pots. This step makes them look much more intentional and high-end.
3. Create a Triangle: Arrange your plants in a group. Place the tallest plant in the back, a medium plant to one side, and the shortest (or a trailing plant) in the front, creating a visual triangle.
4. Vary the Heights: If your plants are similar in height, place one or two on a riser, like a stack of two cookbooks, to create more dynamic levels.

Pro-Tip: Once your arrangement is set, use a hairdryer on a cool, low setting every few months to quickly blow away any dust that has settled on the leaves.

4. Display a Curated Collection of Pottery

Love this chic look? Save it to your ‘Home Decor Inspo’ board.

Turn your collection of vases, pitchers, or bowls into a sculptural display. The secret is to create cohesion through a unified color or material, which makes the grouping feel like a curated exhibit rather than random clutter.

Materials Needed:

• A collection of 5 to 7 pieces of pottery or ceramics
• A unifying theme (e.g., all white, all terracotta, all blue and white)

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Choose a Theme: The key to a successful collection is cohesion. Gather pieces that are all the same color (like all white) or the same material (like all terracotta).
2. Group in Odd Numbers: Arrange your pieces in groupings of three or five. This is more visually appealing than even numbers, according to design theory.
3. Vary Shapes and Sizes: Within your color theme, choose pieces with different heights and shapes—a tall skinny vase, a round medium pot, and a low wide bowl, for example.
4. Create Two Vignettes: Instead of spreading items across the entire length of the cabinets, create one strong grouping on one side and a smaller, balancing group on the other, leaving empty space in between.

Pro-Tip: To make a collection of mismatched thrift store finds look cohesive, buy a can of stone-effect spray paint and give them all a uniform, textured finish.

5. Add Character with Architectural Vintage Finds

Pin this unique vintage decor idea for instant character!

Inject personality and a sense of history into your kitchen with one-of-a-kind vintage finds. Architectural salvage pieces, antique kitchenware, or old signs add character that can’t be bought in a big-box store.

Materials Needed:

• One or two large-scale vintage items (e.g., an old window frame, a large wooden corbel, a vintage bread box, an antique scale)
• Soft cleaning cloth

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Hunt for Treasure: Visit local flea markets, antique stores, or architectural salvage yards. Look for items with interesting shapes, textures, and a sense of history.
2. Think Big: Choose one or two large items rather than a collection of small ones. The scale of these pieces is what makes them work in this high-up space.
3. Clean Carefully: Gently clean your finds with a soft cloth, being careful to preserve their natural patina and age.
4. Style Simply: Let the vintage piece be the star. Place it on its own or pair it with one simple, modern item (like a small plant) to create a compelling contrast between old and new.

Lesson Learned: Don’t be afraid of imperfections. The chips, scratches, and weathered finishes on vintage items are what give them their unique charm and character.

6. Install Subtle LED Accent Lighting

Save this lighting hack for a high-end kitchen vibe!

Sometimes the best decor isn’t an object at all. Installing hidden LED strip lights creates a warm, ambient glow that washes the ceiling with light. This modern approach adds sophistication and makes the kitchen feel more spacious without adding any clutter.

Materials Needed:

• A roll of peel-and-stick warm white LED light strips
• Power adapter and extension cord if needed
• Rubbing alcohol and a cloth
• Scissors

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Measure and Purchase: Measure the total length of your cabinet tops to ensure you buy a long enough roll of LED strips. Opt for a “warm white” color temperature for an inviting glow.
2. Clean the Surface: Wipe the top of the cabinets with rubbing alcohol to ensure the surface is clean and free of grease so the adhesive will stick properly.
3. Install the Lights: Peel back the adhesive backing and press the light strip firmly onto the top of the cabinets. You can place it near the front edge to highlight decor or near the back wall to wash the wall with light. The strips can be cut at designated points to fit.
4. Connect to Power: Plug the strip into its adapter and run the cord discreetly down the side of a cabinet or through an adjacent cupboard to an outlet. Many kits are remote-controlled for easy use.

Pro-Tip: For the most professional look, install the LED strip inside an aluminum channel with a diffuser cover. This hides the individual LED dots and creates a smooth, continuous line of light.

7. Layer Wooden Cutting Boards and Trays

Pin this warm and rustic kitchen styling idea!

Use everyday kitchen essentials as beautiful decor. A collection of wooden cutting boards in various shapes, sizes, and wood tones creates a warm, layered look full of texture and rustic charm.

Materials Needed:

• A collection of 3-5 wooden cutting boards and/or trays
• Look for varying shapes (round, rectangle, paddle), sizes, and wood tones

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Gather Your Boards: Shop your own home first! Collect any attractive cutting boards, charcuterie boards, or wooden serving trays you have.
2. Start with the Largest: Place your largest board in the back, leaning it against the wall.
3. Layer Forward: Place a medium-sized board of a different shape and wood tone in front of the first one, overlapping it slightly.
4. Add the Final Touches: Place your smallest board or a small piece of pottery in front to complete the layered look. The goal is to create visual depth and a rich, textured display.

Pro-Tip: This is a great way to display beautiful boards you don’t use every day. To keep them looking their best, rub them with food-grade mineral oil once a year.

8. Showcase a Stylish Cookbook Library

A book lover’s dream! Save this clever kitchen idea.

Put your passion for cooking on display. A colorful collection of your favorite hardcover cookbooks adds a personal, intellectual touch and turns unused space into a charming library.

Materials Needed:

• A collection of your most beautiful hardcover cookbooks
• A pair of heavy, decorative bookends

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Curate Your Collection: Select your cookbooks with the most attractive spines. Remove any torn paper jackets to reveal the often beautiful hardcover beneath.
2. Arrange by Color or Size: For a visually pleasing look, arrange the books either by the color of their spine (creating a rainbow effect) or by height (from tallest to shortest).
3. Position the Bookends: Place one bookend firmly at one end of the cabinet run.
4. Stack the Books: Neatly stack the cookbooks vertically against the first bookend. Place the second bookend at the other side to hold them securely in place. You can also have a few books lying horizontally for variation.

Lesson Learned: This area can get greasy. Only display cookbooks you don’t mind getting a little worn, or protect them by arranging them on a long, shallow tray that can be easily removed for cleaning.

9. Hang a Single Statement Mirror

Save this brilliant trick to make a small kitchen feel bigger!

This is a fantastic trick for smaller or darker kitchens. A large mirror hung on the wall above the cabinets will bounce light around the room, creating an illusion of depth and making the entire space feel brighter and more expansive.

Materials Needed:

• One large mirror with a decorative frame
• Wall anchor and screw appropriate for your wall type
• Drill, level, and pencil

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Select a Mirror: Choose a mirror that is scaled to the space. A large round, arched, or rectangular mirror works well. The frame should match the other finishes in your kitchen (like your cabinet hardware or faucet).
2. Find the Center: Identify the center point on the wall where you want the mirror to hang.
3. Mark and Drill: Hold the mirror up to determine the ideal height (usually with the bottom of the mirror a few inches above the cabinets). Mark where the nail or screw will go. Install a wall anchor for security.
4. Hang and Level: Hang the mirror and use a level to ensure it’s perfectly straight.

Pro-Tip: This trick works best when the mirror can reflect something beautiful, like a window with a nice view or an attractive light fixture.

10. Line Up Matching Glass Storage Jars

Pin this hyper-organized and beautiful storage idea!

Create a clean, uniform look inspired by an old-fashioned pantry. A row of identical glass jars filled with colorful dry goods like pasta, beans, and oats is both visually pleasing and a practical way to store pantry overflow.

Materials Needed:

• A set of 5-7 large, identical glass storage jars with airtight lids
• Bulk dry goods (e.g., flour, sugar, oats, pasta, beans, lentils)
• Funnel for easy filling

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Choose Uniform Jars: The key to this look is repetition. Purchase multiple jars of the exact same style and size for a cohesive, pantry-inspired aesthetic.
2. Wash and Dry: Thoroughly wash and dry the jars and lids before filling them with food.
3. Fill with Care: Use a funnel to neatly fill the jars with your chosen dry goods. Layering different colored beans or lentils can create a beautiful effect.
4. Line Them Up: Arrange the jars in a simple, straight line across the top of your cabinets. The repetition of the jars creates a strong, pleasing visual rhythm.

Pro-Tip: This is a great solution for storing “pantry overflow.” Use these jars for your back-stock of items you buy in bulk, keeping smaller amounts in your pantry for daily use.

11. Embrace Intentional Negative Space

Sometimes the best decor is no decor. Pin this minimalist look!

Here’s the most controversial but often most sophisticated choice: do nothing. In a minimalist, modern, or Scandinavian-style kitchen, leaving the space empty is a confident design decision that celebrates clean lines and simplicity.

What You Need:

• A high-quality degreasing cleaner
• Microfiber cloths
• Confidence in your minimalist style!

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Do a Deep Clean: The key to making empty space look intentional is to ensure it is immaculately clean. Use a good degreaser to remove all traces of kitchen grime and dust from the cabinet tops.
2. Assess Your Kitchen’s Style: This look works best in modern, minimalist, or Scandinavian kitchens where clean lines and uncluttered surfaces are the main features.
3. Focus on Other Elements: Let other parts of your kitchen be the star. With the space above the cabinets clear, the focus will shift to your beautiful backsplash, statement lighting, or cabinet hardware.
4. Enjoy the Calm: Appreciate the visual peace and quiet that comes from not filling every available surface. It allows the architecture of the room to shine.

Lesson Learned: Leaving the space empty is a bold, confident design choice. It signals that you value simplicity and that your kitchen’s design is strong enough to stand on its own without extra embellishment.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Perfect Above-Cabinet Decor

• Go Big or Go Home: Choose fewer, larger items instead of many small ones to avoid a cluttered look.
• Follow the 2/3 Rule: Aim for your tallest decor to fill about two-thirds of the vertical space for proper scale.
• Group in Odd Numbers: Arrange items in groups of 3 or 5 for a more dynamic, visually pleasing composition.
• Create Cohesion: Unify your decor through a common color, material, or style.
• Prioritize Easy Cleaning: Choose items that are simple to dust and always line your cabinet tops with wax paper for easy maintenance.

People Also Ask About Decorating Above Kitchen Cabinets

Is decorating above kitchen cabinets still in style in 2025?

Yes, but the style has evolved significantly. Modern above-cabinet decor focuses on a “less is more” approach. Instead of the cluttered ivy and small trinkets of the past, today’s style favors fewer, larger statement pieces like oversized art, large baskets, or curated pottery groups that feel intentional and uncluttered.

How do you keep the top of kitchen cabinets from getting greasy and dusty?

The best method is to line the cabinet tops with wax or parchment paper. This creates a disposable barrier. Every few months, you can simply roll up the dirty liner and replace it with a fresh one, which is much easier than scrubbing greasy dust off the cabinet surface itself.

What can I do with the awkward space if I have very high ceilings?

High ceilings are an opportunity to be dramatic with scale. You can use very tall items like large vases with branches, oversized architectural pieces, or stack a series of large, coordinating baskets. You could also hang a large piece of art or even a set of three coordinating prints to fill the vertical space effectively.

What if I have very little space above my cabinets?

If you have less than a foot of space, focus on horizontal decor. Avoid tall, skinny items. Instead, try a row of low, wide bowls, a collection of beautiful serving trays leaning against the wall, or a simple line of matching, low-profile storage boxes. Often, leaving this small space empty is the cleanest look.

Final Thoughts

That empty space above your cabinets is a blank canvas waiting for your personal touch. Whether you choose the functional elegance of storage baskets, the simple impact of a single piece of art, or the modern confidence of leaving it beautifully bare, the key is to make a choice that feels right for you and your home. You now have 11 smart strategies to transform that space from awkward to awesome.

Which idea are you most excited to try in your own kitchen? Share your plans in the comments below.

Last update on 2025-11-30 at 21:23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API