What to Put Above Kitchen Cabinets: Stylish Decor & Storage Ideas

Last updated on April 10, 2024

Discover creative and functional items to style the space above your kitchen cabinets, adding both aesthetic appeal and practicality to your kitchen.

Key takeaways:

  • Antique Pieces: Vintage items create a charming rustic vibe.
  • LED Strip Lights: Add depth and dimension with customizable lighting.
  • Decorative Plates and Platters: Display classic or colorful ceramics.
  • Embracing Seasonal Greenery: Potted plants bring life and color.
  • Utilizing Baskets: Rustic charm and clever storage for extras.

What's Inside

Top of Kitchen Cabinet Decor

top of kitchen cabinet decor

When selecting items for above your kitchen cabinets, think about pieces that combine form and function to enhance the room’s ambiance without creating clutter. Opt for decorations that reflect your personal style and complement your kitchen’s theme:

  • Antique Pieces: Vintage finds, like old scales or decorative pitchers, create a charming rustic vibe and evoke a sense of nostalgia.
  • LED Strip Lights: Tucked discreetly at the top, these illuminate your displays, adding depth and dimension while improving the overall lighting in your kitchen.
  • Decorative Plates and Platters: A classical choice that can be arranged artistically to incorporate patterns or colors that tie in with the kitchen’s decor.

Remember, less is often more. A curated selection of items can make a stronger impact than a crowded assortment. Choose pieces that resonate with the kitchen’s aesthetic for a coherent and attractive display.

Antique Pieces

Incorporating antique items into your kitchen decor brings an air of history and charm that newer pieces can’t match. Think along the lines of weathered wooden dough bowls or ironstone pitchers, offering a hint of rustic elegance.

These items can also tell a story or reflect your personal interests, such as a collection of vintage cookie jars or classic teapots that capture a love for afternoon tea.

To keep the antique vibe without clutter, consider grouping smaller items together to create a focal point. Larger pieces, on the other hand, deserve their solo spot where they can command attention.

However, ensure there’s a common thread in your display, be it color, material, or era, that unites these treasures for a cohesive look.

Keeping in mind that these pieces are often unique and can be conversation starters, place those with interesting backstories where they can be easily seen and appreciated by your guests.

Remember, the goal is to add personality and a touch of timeless appeal to your kitchen.

LED Strip Lights

Transforming the ambiance of your kitchen space can be as simple as incorporating LED strip lights above the cabinets. These flexible strips are an excellent choice for creating a warm glow or adding a splash of color without overwhelming the room. Moreover, they are energy-efficient, have a long lifespan, and come in various color temperatures to match the mood you want to set—from a cozy golden hue to a bright daylight feel.

For easy DIY installation, choose lights with an adhesive backing that sticks directly to the cabinet’s surface. You can cut these to the desired length, ensuring a perfect fit for your kitchen. Some LED strips even offer smart home connectivity, allowing you to control the brightness and color with your smartphone or voice commands, providing both convenience and a futuristic vibe.

Safety is also a priority, so ensure you’re using LED strips rated for indoor use, and if necessary, opt for waterproof versions for protection against kitchen moisture. With strategic placement, these lights can highlight your most beautiful kitchenware or simply illuminate the space in a soft, unobtrusive manner. Remember to conceal the strips out of direct sight to maintain a polished look, allowing only their glow to take center stage.

Decorative Plates and Platters

Harnessing the charm of decorative plates and platters can give your kitchen a personal touch that reflects your style or heritage. Opt for vintage china to add a classic, timeless look, or use hand-painted ceramics to introduce color and patterns.

Arrange the plates in a symmetrical pattern for a harmonious look or mix and match for an eclectic approach. When displaying platters, consider stands to keep them upright and visible, and choose varying sizes to create depth and interest.

This decor choice is not only visually appealing but also practical, as these items can be easily taken down for use on special occasions. Remember, less is more; avoid overcrowding the space to keep the area above the cabinets clean and organized.

Ideas for Decorating the Top of Your Cabinets

Embracing Seasonal Greenery: Adorn the space with potted plants or seasonal foliage. It infuses life, adds a pop of color, and can be easily switched out to keep your kitchen looking fresh.

Utilizing Baskets: Baskets not only add a rustic charm but also offer clever hideaways for extras like tablecloths or seldom-used kitchen gadgets.

Curating Collections: Display a set of thematic collectibles such as fine china, vintage tin cans, or artisanal pottery. This can reflect your personal style while adding visual interest.

Incorporating Artwork: Lean framed prints or canvases against the wall for an artful touch that draws the eye upward, making the kitchen feel more expansive.

Showcasing Cookbooks: A unique twist could be arranging a selection of your favorite cookbooks vertically, which can remove clutter from the counter and celebrate your passion for cooking.

Employing Clear Canisters: Fill them with items like colorful pasta, beans, or baking ingredients for a decorative yet functional arrangement.

Each idea presents an opportunity to enhance your kitchen’s aesthetic and functionality in one stroke. Cleverly decide what suits your lifestyle and kitchen’s personality the best.