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Not sure what to do with that awkward space between your upper cabinets and the ceiling? I’m sharing inspiration and ideas for how to decorate above kitchen cabinets.

Not sure what to do with that awkward space between your upper cabinets and the ceiling? I'm sharing inspiration and ideas for how to decorate above kitchen cabinets.

Ideas, inspiration, and DIYs – Don’t waste that space above your kitchen cabinets.

Last year, when I painted our kitchen cabinets, I also raised the upper cabinets to the ceiling. We have very limited counter space, and I love having an open shelf to set things on when I’m baking or meal prepping. But, I only did this on one side of our kitchen.

How to paint kitchen cabinets and raise them to the ceiling - a budget kitchen refresh

It didn’t make sense to raise the cabinets on the other side, when I would have had to work around the microwave and fridge. So, for over a year now, I’ve been wondering about what I should do above the cabinets on this side of the kitchen.

painted neutral kitchen cabinets and dark green accent wall

As I think forward to the next chapter in our kitchen makeover (planking the ceilings is next!!), here are some ideas I’ve come across that might work above my cabinets:

What should I put above my kitchen cabinets - how to decorate above upper cabinets

How to decorate above kitchen cabinets

Brick Texture Over Cabinets

How to decorate above kitchen cabinets - adding brick backsplash above kitchen cabinets

Source: Lark and Linen

I love the idea of making a statement with your backsplash and then carrying that pattern all the way up the wall. Bonus: no dusting of knick-knacks above the cabinet. Clean and simple! You could pretty easily install a similar brick backsplash using faux brick panels, peel-and-stick wallpaper, or brick veneer.

Add Height to Your Cabinets

Add Height to Your Cabinets with MDF and Moulding - how to raise upper cabinets to the ceiling and enclose the open space

Source: Inspiration for Moms

What this DIY-er did to finish her cabinetry is pure genius! She enclosed the top portion above her kitchen cabinets using MDF and molding. Doesn’t the whole think look waaaaayyyy more polished and complete?

Build Kitchen Cabinets up to the Ceiling

How to build kitchen cabinets up to the ceiling from Thrifty Decor Chick

Source: Thrifty Decor Chick

This DIY has been a top-contender in my kitchen inspiration search for quite some time. This blogger basically built simple plywood boxes and mounted them abover her upper cabinets. This creates little “cubbies” that can hold decorative storage boxes or other items to put on display.

Decorate above Kitchen Cabinets with an Oversized Sign

Modern Farmhouse Kitchen with Oversized Sign Above Kitchen Cabinets

Source: Bless’er House

This blog has long been a source of DIY home decor inspiration. This modern farmhouse kitchen makeover will blow your socks off. I love how she kept things simple by adding a large-scale sign. It works perfectly in that space above her cabinets.

Add a Collection

Decorating above kitchen cabinets with favorite collection of items from BHG

Source: BHG

I love the idea of arranging a collection of favorite items up high. Maybe nostalgic cookbooks you don’t use everyday. A few faux plants that don’t need watering. A collection of pottery or mason jars.

Cubbies to Display Favorite Items

Decorate above kitchen cabinets by displaying collected potter and serving trays

Source: Delish

This gorgeous kitchen makes me want to go scour thrift stores and garage sales to create my own pottery collection to use and decorate above kitchen cabinets!

Wine Rack Shelving

Wine rack shelving above upper kitchen cabinets from One Kings Lane

Source: One Kings Lane

This would probably only work in a kitchen with higher ceilings. Create an extra shelf supported by wine racks. You’ll have double-duty storage and display.

4 Comments

  1. My preference is nothing at all. I guess I lean to a minimalist look and what I see is clutter and dust. Who wants to climb a ladder once a week to dust the dishes? There is nothing wrong with some empty space. The best solution is taller cabinets to ceiling height that provide more hidden storage. Signage has peaked and passed- no signs in my kitchen except maybe a brief appearances as holiday decor- i.e.-Merry Christmas.

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