Decorating the top of kitchen cabinets adds style and personality using items like plants, baskets, or vintage pieces.
The space above kitchen cabinets often goes unused or unnoticed, but it can be an excellent area for decoration. If you’re wondering how to make the most of this space, decorating it can add style and personality to your kitchen.
In this guide, we’ll explore some easy ways to decorate the top of your kitchen cabinets, providing both function and beauty.
When Should You Decorate the Top of Kitchen Cabinets?
The best time to decorate the top of your kitchen cabinets is when you feel your kitchen looks too plain or unfinished. It’s especially good to add decor after a kitchen renovation or when you’ve updated your appliances, countertops, or backsplash.
If you’re preparing for a special occasion or holiday, consider seasonal decorations like pumpkins in the fall or lights during the winter.Additionally, if your kitchen has high ceilings, decorating the top of cabinets can help fill the empty space, making the kitchen feel cozier and more balanced.
What Should You Put on Top of Kitchen Cabinets?
Choosing the right items to display on top of kitchen cabinets depends on the style you want to achieve. Here are several decor ideas that work for various themes:
Plants and Greenery:
Plants add vibrancy and a fresh feel to any room.You can use real plants, like small potted succulents, or opt for faux plants for a no-maintenance option. Tall plants can draw the eye upwards, making the space feel more open, while cascading plants like pothos can create a beautiful, flowing effect down the cabinet edges.
Baskets for Storage and Style:
Woven baskets add warmth and texture, perfect for creating a cozy, rustic look. You can also use them for storage, placing rarely-used kitchen items like serving trays or linens inside. This adds a practical element to your decor while keeping the kitchen tidy.
Decorative Jars and Containers:
Glass jars filled with pasta, beans, or spices can bring an old-world, farmhouse charm. For a more modern look, use ceramic or metal containers in bold colors or minimalist designs. If you enjoy baking, you could even display jars filled with baking ingredients, giving a functional and aesthetic touch.
Also Read: How To Clean Decorative Pillows – A Quick And Easy Guide!
Framed Artwork or Photos:
If you have high ceilings, framed art pieces or family photos can be a great way to personalize your space. You can choose to display prints that match your kitchen’s color palette or add a splash of color with bold, vibrant artwork. Leaning the frames against the wall gives a casual yet curated look.
Vintage or Antique Items:
Incorporate vintage finds like old kitchen scales, pitchers, or trays for a nostalgic touch. Antique copper pots, decorative plates, or ceramic figurines add a timeless charm that works well in traditional or farmhouse kitchens.
Cookbook Display:
If you’re an avid cook, why not showcase your favorite cookbooks? Arrange them in an orderly stack or display them upright with decorative bookends. It’s both practical and stylish, and it can add a personal touch that reflects your culinary interests.
Why Should You Decorate the Top of Kitchen Cabinets?
Decorating the top of your kitchen cabinets serves several purposes:
- Fills Empty Space: In kitchens with high ceilings, the area above the cabinets can look awkward if left empty. Decorations make the space look intentional and styled.
- Adds Personality: By placing meaningful items, like family photos or unique art, you can personalize your kitchen and make it feel more like home.
- Enhances the Overall Look: A well-decorated kitchen feels cohesive and polished. It turns your kitchen from a functional space into a stylish one.
- Creates a Focal Point: By adding attractive items like a statement vase or plant, the eye is naturally drawn to the top of the cabinets, adding visual interest.
How Often Should You Change Your Cabinet Decorations?
There’s no rule for how often you should switch up the decorations above your cabinets. Some people like to change them seasonally, adding in holiday decor, while others may only update them when they’re refreshing the look of the entire kitchen.
If you enjoy redecorating, changing the items every few months can give your kitchen a fresh, updated feel without having to undergo a full renovation.
Also Read: How To Decorate A Studio Apartment – A Complete Guide!
What Are Some Easy Decoration Ideas?
If you’re looking for inspiration, here are a few easy ways to decorate the top of your kitchen cabinets:
- Faux Plants: Use fake plants if you don’t want to worry about watering. They add the same touch of greenery without the maintenance.
- Antique Items: Display vintage or antique items like old kitchen tools, pitchers, or lanterns. These give a charming, nostalgic look.
- Decorative Plates or Bowls: Colorful plates or bowls can be stacked or propped up to add a pop of color to your kitchen.
- Artwork: If you’re an art lover, place small paintings or prints above your cabinets. Choose bold, eye-catching pieces to create a gallery-like effect.
- Storage Boxes: For a practical touch, use stylish storage boxes to store items you don’t use daily. They keep things organized while also adding a decorative element.
Why Decorating the Top of Kitchen Cabinets Makes a Difference:
The top of kitchen cabinets is often a neglected area, but decorating it can make a big impact. When done right, it can make your kitchen look taller, more spacious, and more cohesive. It’s a great way to add personality and charm to the room without taking up valuable counter space.
Adding decor here also helps to tie the whole kitchen together, especially if you have a theme or color palette that runs through the rest of the room. The right decorations can pull your entire kitchen design together and make the room feel complete.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Decorating the top of your kitchen cabinets can easily go wrong if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Overcrowding the Space:
Less is more when it comes to decorating the tops of cabinets. Too many items can make the space look cluttered and chaotic. Stick to a few well-chosen pieces rather than filling every inch of space.
Mismatched Styles:
Try to keep the decor consistent with the overall style of your kitchen. Mixing too many different themes, colors, or styles can create a disorganized look. Stick to a unified theme or color scheme to keep things cohesive.
Using Dust-Prone Items:
The area above your cabinets can collect dust and grease, especially in a kitchen. Avoid using items that are difficult to clean or will trap dust easily. Choose decorations that are easy to wipe down or maintain.
Also Read: How To Decorate A Coffee Table – Tips And Tricks For Every Theme!
FAQ’s
1. Is it okay to store items on top of cabinets?
Yes, you can use stylish baskets or storage boxes to store items you don’t use often while keeping it decorative.
2. How can I avoid making the top of my cabinets look cluttered?
Use a few carefully selected items and avoid overcrowding the space to keep it neat and stylish.
3. Can I use seasonal decorations on top of kitchen cabinets?
Yes, you can switch decorations based on seasons, such as pumpkins for fall or lights for the winter holidays.
4. What’s the best way to clean decorations on top of cabinets?
Choose items that are easy to wipe down, as the space can gather dust and grease over time.
5. How often should I change the decorations above my cabinets?
There’s no set rule, but you can update them every few months or with the changing seasons for a fresh look.
Conclusion:
Decorating the top of your kitchen cabinets can transform an unused space into a stylish focal point. By adding elements like plants, vintage items, or storage baskets, you can create a look that complements your kitchen’s design. Just remember to keep the decor minimal to avoid clutter and choose items that are easy to clean and maintain.