15 Creative Ways to Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets

Last updated on April 13, 2024

Discover creative and stylish ways to utilize the space above your kitchen cabinets for a chic and organized look.

These are my unique design concepts made using design tools. I hope you find them inspiring!

Key takeaways:

Statement lighting fixtures create a visually appealing focal point.
Woven tapestries add texture and a bohemian flair.
Large-scale murals or maps serve as a dramatic centerpiece.
Hanging pots of herbs bring tranquility and practicality.
Artistic ceramic plates add a splash of color and personal style.

What's Inside

Install Statement Lighting Fixtures

Statement lighting can transform the space above kitchen cabinets into a visually appealing focal point. With the right fixtures, ambient light can accentuate decorative pieces, casting intriguing shadows and depth. This strategic placement serves not only as lighting but also as a distinct design element that complements the kitchen’s overall aesthetic.

Hang a Series of Woven Tapestries

Woven tapestries add texture and a bohemian flair to the often overlooked space above kitchen cabinets. Their varied patterns and colors can complement any kitchen decor, bridging the gap between the cabinets and the ceiling beautifully. By choosing pieces that reflect cultural or artistic themes, they can also serve as conversation starters during kitchen gatherings.

Exhibit a Large-scale Mural or Map

A large-scale mural or map becomes the centerpiece of your kitchen, striking a conversation amongst guests while igniting wanderlust or artistic appreciation. The expansive artwork introduces a visual journey, setting a dramatic and adventurous tone for the space above your cabinets. By optimizing an often-overlooked area, it not only fills the empty space but also adds depth and character to your kitchen’s overall aesthetic.

Create an Herb Garden in Hanging Pots

Suspended above the cabinets, hanging pots of fresh herbs infuse both tranquility and practicality into the kitchen atmosphere. The greenery brings a touch of nature indoors, providing an aesthetic charm as well as a ready supply of culinary flavors. As functional decor, these plants offer a creative use of vertical space while contributing to the air quality and overall ambience of the kitchen.

Display a Row of Artistic Ceramic Plates

Artistic ceramic plates add a splash of color and a personal touch to the often-overlooked space above kitchen cabinets. Each plate can feature a unique design, creating an eclectic collection that draws the eye upward. This decorative approach serves as an instant conversation starter and showcases your style in a tasteful, understated manner.

Arrange a Series of Small Framed Artworks

Small framed artworks create a personal touch above kitchen cabinets, exhibiting individual style and artistic flair. Their varied sizes and frames allow for a customizable mosaic that enlivens the space with color and interest. This decorative approach can tie together the room’s aesthetic, reflecting themes from the surrounding kitchen decor.

Use the Space for Vintage Kitchen Gadgets

Incorporating vintage kitchen gadgets adds a touch of nostalgia and charm, creating a unique conversation piece. Arranging old-fashioned mixers, toasters, or grinders in a stylized manner pays homage to the culinary past. This setup not only serves as decoration but also celebrates the evolution of kitchen technology.

Place Sculptural Elements or Figurines

Sculptural elements add an artistic touch to the void above kitchen cabinets, creating an intriguing aesthetic focal point. From abstract pieces to more classical figures, this decor injects personality into the kitchen space. Strategically placed, these sculptures can also draw the eye upward, enhancing the perceived height of the room.

Add a Garland of Faux Fruits or Vegetables

Draping a garland of faux fruits or vegetables brings a fresh and vibrant touch to the kitchen’s upper spaces. This decor choice infuses a sense of abundance and farm-to-table charm, perfectly complementing a food preparation area. The rich colors and varied textures of artificial produce offer a maintenance-free way to enliven the space between cabinetry and ceiling.

Install a Model Train or Village Scene

A model train chugging along above kitchen cabinets adds animation and a whimsical charm. Arranging miniature houses and trees creates a picturesque village scene, eliciting cozy, storybook vibes. This unique decor choice acts as a conversation starter, captivating both children and adults with its delightful intricacy.

Set Up a Season-themed Decor Area

A season-themed decor area above kitchen cabinets reflects the changing ambiance of the year, creating a dynamic display. It embraces everything from autumn leaves and pumpkins to spring blossoms and pastel eggs, tailored to the current season. This versatile space allows for an easy transition between holiday decorations, offering a festive touch and conversation starter with each kitchen visit.

Showcase a Collection of Antique Teacups

Antique teacups add a touch of vintage charm and serve as a conversation starter. Elevated on individual stands or within open-shadow boxes, they bring personal history and whimsy to your kitchen. The varying patterns and colors of the teacups can pull together an eclectic design theme, bridging the old with the new.

Position a Series of Ornate Candle Holders

Ornate candle holders serve as a timeless decoration, bringing a touch of elegance to the overlooked spaces above kitchen cabinets. When arranged in a series, they create a visually appealing display that can complement the kitchen’s ambiance, especially when candles are lit during evenings. This decor choice not only fills the gap but also adds a layer of warmth and sophisticated charm to the kitchen environment.

Drape Festive String Lights or Fairy Lights

Draped string lights bring a cozy ambiance to the kitchen, casting a gentle glow on the ceiling and upper cabinets. The twinkling lights add whimsy and a touch of magic to the space, especially after dark. They can highlight decorative elements above cabinets and create a warm, inviting atmosphere throughout the kitchen.

Create a Mini Gallery With Culinary Theme Prints

A mini gallery enhances the kitchen’s ambiance by showcasing prints that celebrate food and culinary art. This visual feast can bridge the gap between function and sophistication, turning utilitarian spaces into expressions of personal taste. Strategically chosen prints can also serve as conversation starters, adding a touch of whimsy or elegance above your cabinets.

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