What to put on top of kitchen cabinets? Display decorative items, storage baskets, or even greenery for a stylish and functional kitchen update!
Is the space above your kitchen cabinets looking a little bare? You’re not alone! Many homeowners wonder what to do with that often-overlooked area. It can feel like a dust magnet or an awkward empty void. But with a few simple ideas, you can transform this space into something beautiful and useful. Let’s explore how to make the most of that top cabinet real estate.
What to Put on Top of Kitchen Cabinets: Expert Tips for a Beautiful and Functional Space
The space above kitchen cabinets can be a bit of a design dilemma. For some, it’s a dusty, hard-to-reach area. For others, it’s a blank canvas waiting for a touch of personality. The good news is, there’s no single “right” answer! What you put on top of your kitchen cabinets depends on your style, your kitchen’s layout, and how much maintenance you’re willing to do. We’ll guide you through the best options, from decorative displays to smart storage solutions.
Why Decorate the Top of Kitchen Cabinets?
Decorating the space above your kitchen cabinets offers several benefits:
Aesthetic Appeal: It can tie your kitchen design together, adding a finishing touch and visual interest.
Personalization: It’s a great way to inject your personality and style into the heart of your home.
Functionality: In some cases, it can provide extra storage for items you don’t use daily.
Height Illusion: Strategic placement can make your ceilings appear higher, creating a more spacious feel.
Considerations Before You Decorate
Before you start filling that space, think about these important factors:
Dust and Grime: This is often the biggest challenge. Items placed here can collect dust, grease, and cooking fumes. Consider how easy items will be to clean.
Reachability: Are you comfortable using a step stool or ladder to arrange or clean your items?
Kitchen Style: The items you choose should complement your overall kitchen décor, whether it’s modern, farmhouse, traditional, or eclectic.
Ceiling Height: Very tall ceilings might require larger, more substantial items to maintain visual balance. Shorter ceilings might look best with simpler, more minimalist displays.
Cabinet Style: The style and color of your cabinets will influence what looks good on top.
Popular Items to Put on Top of Kitchen Cabinets
Here’s a breakdown of fantastic ideas for styling the space above your kitchen cabinets:
1. Decorative Baskets and Bins
Why they work: Baskets add texture and warmth, and they can cleverly hide less-than-attractive items while still providing accessible storage.
What to store: Think seasonal decor, extra serving dishes, cookbooks you don’t access daily, or even kids’ craft supplies.
Tips: Choose baskets made from natural materials like wicker, rattan, or seagrass for a cozy feel. Metal or fabric bins can work for a more modern aesthetic. Ensure they are sturdy enough to be lifted if needed.
2. Faux or Real Greenery (Plants)
Why they work: Plants bring life, color, and a touch of nature into the kitchen, making the space feel more inviting.
What to use:
Faux Plants: These are the easiest to maintain and ideal for those without a green thumb or for areas with less natural light. Look for realistic-looking options. Pothos, ferns, and snake plants are good choices.
Real Plants: If you have good light and are diligent with watering, consider low-maintenance plants like succulents, ZZ plants, or spider plants.
Tips: Place plants in attractive pots that match your décor. For real plants, ensure they have drainage and consider a tray underneath to catch any excess water. For faux plants, dust them regularly.
3. Decorative Jars and Vases
Why they work: These can add height, color, and elegant or rustic touches, depending on the style.
What to display: Large ceramic vases, colorful glass jars, or even antique stoneware crocks can look beautiful. You can leave them empty or fill them with artificial flowers, dried botanicals, or even kitchen utensils if they are easily accessible.
Tips: Group items in odd numbers (e.g., one, three, or five) for a more pleasing visual arrangement. Vary the heights and textures for added interest.
4. Cookbooks and Kitchen Accents
Why they work: Displaying your favorite cookbooks or charming kitchen-themed items can personalize the space and hint at your culinary passions.
What to display: Vintage recipe books, beautiful coffee table cookbooks, decorative ceramic pieces, or even small framed artwork related to food.
Tips: Stack a few cookbooks horizontally and place a decorative item on top for a layered look. Ensure the books are easy to remove if you want to use them.
5. Lighting Elements
Why they work: Subtle lighting can add ambiance and highlight your chosen decorations.
What to use: Battery-operated LED fairy lights, small LED spotlights, or even decorative lanterns can create a warm glow.
Tips: Opt for battery-operated lights to avoid dealing with cords and electrical outlets. Choose warm white light for a cozy atmosphere.
6. Sculptural Pieces and Art
Why they work: For a more curated look, consider a few well-chosen sculptural pieces or small pieces of art.
What to display: Ceramic sculptures, interesting metalwork, or even framed prints that align with your kitchen’s theme.
Tips: Less is often more here. One or two impactful pieces can be more effective than many small items. Ensure they are stable and won’t easily topple.
7. Vintage Finds and Collectibles
Why they work: If you love antiques or have a specific collection, this space is perfect for showcasing them.
What to display: Old tins, antique kitchen tools, ceramic pitchers, or even a collection of vintage cookie jars can add character.
Tips: Clean vintage items thoroughly before displaying them. Grouping similar items can create a stronger visual impact.
Step-by-Step Guide to Styling Your Cabinet Tops
Ready to transform that space? Follow these simple steps:
- Clear and Clean: First, remove everything from the top of your cabinets. Use a damp cloth or a good degreaser if needed to wipe down the cabinet tops and any items you plan to reuse. A clean slate makes decorating much easier. You might need a long-handled duster or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment for this initial step.
- Assess Your Space: Look at the height, depth, and width of the space. Consider your kitchen’s overall style and color palette. What kind of vibe do you want to create – cozy, modern, minimalist, or eclectic?
-
Choose Your Items: Based on your assessment and desired style, select a few items. Aim for a mix of textures, heights, and colors. Remember to think about dust collection and ease of cleaning.
- Start with larger anchor pieces.
- Add medium-sized items.
- Incorporate smaller decorative accents or greenery.
-
Arrange and Style:
- Groupings: Place items in groups of one, three, or five. This creates a more visually appealing arrangement than an even number.
- Vary Heights: Place taller items towards the back or sides and shorter items in front. This creates depth and allows everything to be seen.
- Balance: Distribute visual weight evenly. If you have a large item on one side, balance it with items of similar visual weight on the other side.
- Consider Negative Space: Don’t overcrowd the space. Leaving some empty areas allows each item to stand out and prevents a cluttered look.
- Test and Adjust: Step back and look at your arrangement from different angles in the kitchen. Does it feel balanced? Is anything too tall or too small? Don’t be afraid to move things around until you love the look.
- Maintain: Regularly dust your displayed items. For real plants, ensure they are getting enough light and water. For baskets, check for any dust bunnies that may have accumulated inside. A simple weekly wipe-down can keep everything looking fresh.
What to Avoid on Top of Kitchen Cabinets
While creativity is encouraged, there are a few things that generally don’t work well on top of kitchen cabinets:
Anything too heavy or unstable: Safety first! You don’t want items falling and causing damage or injury.
Items that are difficult to clean: Heavy grease buildup or intricate designs that are hard to dust can become a nuisance.
Overcrowding: Too many items will make the space look cluttered and chaotic.
Items that require constant attention: If you have to water plants daily or change batteries weekly, it might not be worth the effort in this hard-to-reach spot.
Food items (unless sealed and decorative): Open food or expired items are unhygienic and attract pests.
Example Styling Combinations
Here are a few popular combinations to inspire you:
The Farmhouse Fresh Look
Woven Baskets: Two to three rustic woven baskets of varying sizes.
Greenery: A trailing faux pothos or a small potted herb (real or faux).
Accent: A vintage-style ceramic pitcher or a galvanized metal watering can.
The Modern Minimalist Approach
Clean Lines: Sleek, matte black or white ceramic vases.
Greenery: A single, sculptural faux snake plant or ZZ plant in a minimalist pot.
Accent: A simple metallic decorative sphere or a small, abstract sculpture.
The Cozy Traditional Style
Warm Textures: Rattan or wicker baskets.
Color: Ceramic jars in warm tones like terracotta or deep blue.
Accents: A stack of well-loved cookbooks or a decorative bowl.
Safety and Cleaning Tips for Cabinet Tops
Maintaining the area above your cabinets is key to keeping your kitchen looking great.
Dusting: A long-handled microfiber duster is your best friend. For tougher grease, a degreasing spray and a cloth work wonders. You can find excellent guides on cleaning kitchen cabinets from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Star program, which often includes tips on maintaining home interiors. For instance, understanding how to clean different cabinet finishes can help you choose the right products. You can explore their general home maintenance tips here: Energy Star Home Improvement.
Stability: Ensure any items placed on top are stable and won’t easily tip over. Consider using museum putty or a non-slip mat for added security, especially for taller items or in earthquake-prone areas.
* Weight Limits: While most kitchen cabinets are built to be sturdy, avoid placing excessively heavy items that could strain the structure over time.
Tables for Reference
Here’s a quick comparison of popular decorative items for your cabinet tops:
| Item Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decorative Baskets | Adds texture, hides clutter, easy to move | Can collect dust inside, material may vary in durability | Farmhouse, bohemian, or casual styles; storing items |
| Faux Plants | Low maintenance, adds greenery, no watering needed | Can look dusty if not cleaned, quality varies | All styles; those with no natural light or a “black thumb” |
| Ceramic Vases/Jars | Adds color and shape, can be elegant or rustic | Can be fragile, needs careful dusting | Modern, traditional, eclectic styles; decorative accents |
| Cookbooks | Personalizes space, hints at interests, accessible | Can collect grease/dust, may become less appealing if too many | Book lovers, traditional or modern kitchens; adding visual weight |
| Lighting (LED) | Adds ambiance, highlights decor, energy efficient | Requires batteries, may need occasional replacement | Creating mood, highlighting specific items, modern or cozy styles |
FAQs About Cabinet Top Decor
Q1: Is it okay to put plants on top of kitchen cabinets?
Yes, it’s perfectly fine to put plants on top of kitchen cabinets. Faux plants are the easiest option as they require no maintenance and just need dusting. If you choose real plants, opt for low-maintenance varieties that don’t require frequent watering and ensure they have good drainage to prevent water damage to your cabinets.
Q2: How do I prevent dust on my cabinet tops?
Regular dusting is key! Use a long-handled microfiber duster weekly. For tougher grease or grime, a mild degreaser spray and a cloth can be used. Some people also opt for placing items in closed baskets or bins to minimize dust collection.
Q3: What if my ceilings are very high? What should I put up there?
For high ceilings, you’ll need larger or taller items to maintain visual balance. Consider large decorative vases, substantial baskets, tall faux plants, or even framed artwork that’s scaled to the space. Avoid small, insignificant items that will get lost.
Q4: Can I store actual kitchen items on top of my cabinets?
Yes, you can store items in decorative baskets or bins. This is a great way to keep seldom-used items like seasonal serving ware, extra linens, or cookbooks out of the way but still accessible. Just ensure the items are clean and stored in containers that complement your decor.
Q5: What are some common mistakes to avoid when decorating cabinet tops?
Common mistakes include overcrowding the space, using items that are too small for the scale of the room, choosing items that are difficult to clean, and not considering the overall kitchen style. It’s also important to ensure items are stable and won’t easily fall.
Q6: How often should I change the decor on top of my cabinets?
This is entirely up to your preference! You might change items seasonally, add a few festive touches for holidays, or simply rearrange them when you feel like a refresh. For most people, dusting and occasional tidying are sufficient.
Q7: Is it better to have items that match my cabinets or contrast with them?
Both can work! Matching items can create a cohesive, seamless look, especially if your cabinets are a neutral color. Contrasting items can add pops of color and visual interest, drawing the eye upwards. Consider the overall color scheme of your kitchen when making your choice.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Kitchen with Stylish Cabinet Top Decor
The space above your kitchen cabinets doesn’t have to be an afterthought. By carefully selecting decorative items, functional baskets, or vibrant greenery, you can transform this often-neglected area into a stylish extension of your kitchen’s personality. Remember to prioritize ease of cleaning, consider your kitchen’s overall aesthetic, and don’t be afraid to experiment until you find a look you love. With these tips, you can elevate your kitchen, add a personal touch, and create a more complete and inviting atmosphere in the heart of your home. Happy decorating!
