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.
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.
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:
How to decorate above kitchen cabinets
Brick Texture Over 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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
I love these ideas! I’ve been looking for ways to redecorate my kitchen and these ideas really help! Thanks for sharing!
Beautiful cutting boards different colors, sizes and shapes look great. And u can add a basket to it!
Doesn’t make sense to leave it open and have a grease and dust collector above a stove full with decorations
I can no longer live without your tips. What was I doing before? I am so excited to update my kitchen with your ideas.
Thank you! Great idea for above cabinet shelves!
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.
I agree. I have nothing above my upper cabinets, either. It looks clean, not cluttered, and I don’t have to dust anything up there. I have enough decor with items on the counter. I don’t want things up top to take away from the beauty down below. Less is more sometimes.
I agree with Kathy N. That space is getting so dusty that I just want to somehow close it in without spending a lot of money.
I recently inherited my mothers home when she passed away. I’ve dealt with the rest of the house, including new siding, and new roof. The kitchen has room on the top of the cabinets, but that room has been covered up with drywall, but it looks terrible. It was done by a very unprofessional person. Right now I have a little signs hanging up there but it just still looks tacky. Any suggestions without pulling that drywall off?
Maybe some sort of peel-and-stick wallpaper or beadboard wallpaper, depending on the decor style?
Dollar Tree has different types of stick on tiles and they fit 12″ x 12″.
I’m putting brick or ivy stems up there because my walls are the same color as the living rooms and hall! Then put all those mugs you get for gifts up for display!
YES! LOVE IT!
Amazing tips. I just ordered some oversized signs to add above my cabinets. I love your blogs.
Adding more shelves above the cabinets is the only thing I would do. We all would like more storage. I have tall cabinets and use all of the space. I DO keep a nice step stool out so I can safely reach up high. As long as you are creating a mess, do cabinets. Letters are passed, and putting items above is just a DUST CATCHER.
NO SIGNS!!! Just, no . . .
I like the look of wicker baskets and bonus storage.
We bought a beach cottage. Old short upper cabinets. Loved the idea of lifting them up to the ceiling and putting a shelf underneath. Also love the idea of covering the blank space above with molding! Great ideas! I understand the clutter, and dust, when putting things above your cabinets, but sometimes, space (or lack of) warrants it.
I inherited my father’s Indiana kitchen hutch so I put my crocks and old scales above to tie it together.
All great ideas! Yes, it gets dusty up there, but I like to look at my collections & I don’t mind dusting. I have a coastal kitchen & like the big sign idea. Hope I can find something to go with my ocean theme. Thanks!
If you’ve got to get on a ladder to reach above your kitchen cabinets, it’s just not worth it. Dust or clean, but leave them be.