20+ Above the Kitchen Cabinet Decor Ideas You Need to See
When it comes to kitchen design, most of us stop decorating right at eye level—leaving that awkward, dusty space above the cabinets untouched.
But here’s the truth: that empty stretch is prime real estate for style.
Whether your vibe is farmhouse cozy, modern sleek, or a touch of eclectic charm, the space above your kitchen cabinets can tell a story, show off personality, and tie the whole room together.
So if you’ve ever looked up and thought, “What do I even put up there?” — don’t worry.
We’ve gathered the most creative, stylish, and doable above-the-cabinet decor ideas to turn that forgotten zone into a fabulous focal point.
1. Elevate That Empty Space with Purpose
Let’s be honest — that awkward space above your kitchen cabinets is often an afterthought.
It’s the place where dust gathers and lost Tupperware lids go to die. But that forgotten sliver of real estate? It’s prime decor territory.
Today, we’re going to dive deep into 20+ above-the-kitchen-cabinet decor ideas that can turn your upper kitchen void into a showcase of personality, function, and downright charm.
This isn’t about just tossing up a fake plant and calling it a day.
We’re talking layered visual storytelling, intentional styling, and maybe even a few genius storage hacks hidden in plain sight. Ready? Let’s climb up that countertop and get decorating.
2. Use Woven Baskets to Add Texture and Hidden Storage
One of the easiest, most functional ways to fill the space above your cabinets is with woven baskets.
You get texture, natural warmth, and — bonus! — storage for things you don’t use daily.
I use a trio of rattan baskets above my cabinets to stash party napkins, specialty bakeware, and that infamous waffle iron I swore I’d use more. No judgment — we all have one.
Look for baskets in varying sizes and shapes to keep the look organic, not cookie-cutter.
Pro Tip: Stick with one color family for cohesion. Neutral tones like natural, whitewashed, or black wicker are timeless.
3. Stack Vintage Finds Like You’re Curating Grandma’s Secret Attic
Thrift stores and estate sales are goldmines for vintage kitchenware — copper kettles, enamel tins, antique coffee grinders, old cutting boards.
Stack and layer them like you’re creating a little nostalgic time capsule.
Each item tells a story, and together, they turn into a visual narrative your guests will want to ask about.
Stat: According to a 2023 Statista survey, over 48% of people aged 30–49 said they enjoy mixing modern and vintage decor at home.
That’s nearly half of us channeling our inner antique dealer.
4. Display a Collection — But Keep It Curated
Collections look intentional when they’re grouped tightly and styled with restraint. Think:
- Ceramic pitchers in various sizes
- Apothecary jars
- Ironstone dishes
- Old breadboards
The secret sauce? Stick to one type of object or a color palette to avoid visual chaos. I once helped a friend display 14 vintage seltzer bottles above her cabinets — it turned her kitchen into something straight from a design magazine.
5. Add Greenery (Real or Faux) for Instant Life
You can’t go wrong with a little green on top.
Whether it’s a cascade of pothos or some high-quality faux eucalyptus, greenery adds height, softness, and a touch of the outdoors that balances kitchen hard surfaces.
Snake plants, pothos, ivy, or even small olive trees (faux ones too!) work wonderfully in that space.
Personal Tip: I use IKEA’s faux plants in white pots when I want zero maintenance. They photograph like a dream and don’t shed leaves in your soup.
6. Make It Moody with Black Accents
Want that modern-farmhouse-meets-boutique-hotel feel? Go moody. Use black vases, candlesticks, or sculptural items for contrast.
Black grounds your kitchen and draws the eye up like eyeliner for your cabinets.
Keep things matte for a softer look or go glossy if your kitchen is all-white and begging for drama.
7. Lean Framed Art Like an Upscale Gallery
Who says art belongs only on walls? Leaning framed prints or canvases above cabinets can instantly elevate your kitchen’s sophistication level.
Choose themes that connect to food or lifestyle — think vintage produce ads, handwritten recipes, or abstract food-inspired art.
Try This: Layer a larger frame behind a smaller one, then anchor with a vase or jar for dimension.
8. Embrace Seasonal Decorating Up Top
Treat the space above your cabinets like a rotating seasonal mantle.
Spring: Ceramic bunnies, pastel florals, nests
Summer: Straw hats, lemon branches, gingham linens
Fall: Amber bottles, pumpkins, faux wheat bundles
Winter: Evergreen garland, twinkle lights, pinecones
This keeps your kitchen dynamic and lets you celebrate the seasons without cluttering your counters.
9. Bring in Cookbooks (Just the Pretty Ones)
Got beautiful cookbooks with decorative spines? Stack or line them up above the cabinets. It’s practical and pretty.
Add a small stand or bookend to keep them upright. And yes — remove any ratty dust jackets. We’re going for Ina Garten, not garage sale.
Stat: According to NPD BookScan, cookbook sales rose 15% in 2023 — people are not only cooking more but using their books as decor.
10. Display Oversized Utensils or Wall Sculptures
Lean or hang large wooden spoons, metal fork-and-knife sets, or 3D wall art above your cabinets.
Oversized objects scale well in the vertical space and make a bold statement.
This is where function meets fun. I once saw a kitchen with a giant whisk on top, and weirdly? It worked.
11. Use Lighting to Make It Glow
Add LED puck lights or a light strip behind your cabinet top decor for a soft evening glow.
It’s like under-cabinet lighting’s cool cousin — ambient, mood-setting, and unexpected.
Try warm white (2700K) bulbs to keep things cozy, not sterile.
Pro Tip: Battery-powered options with remotes are a renter’s dream.
12. Go Minimal with Negative Space
Don’t feel pressured to fill every inch. Sometimes the most elegant look is just a few well-placed objects with lots of breathing room.
This works especially well in modern or Scandinavian kitchens where white space is celebrated.
Think two matte ceramic vases on one side, and that’s it. Chic.
13. Add Chalkboards or Letter Boards for Messages
You can personalize the space with small chalkboards, felt letter boards, or even mini signs that display:
- Family quotes
- Recipe reminders
- Seasonal greetings
It’s playful and practical. Bonus: You can update it any time you’re feeling inspired (or just want a reason to climb up on the step stool).
14. Use Crates and Wooden Boxes for Rustic Vibes
Stacking vintage wooden crates adds warmth and a bit of a country-store feel. Fill them with rolling pins, glass bottles, or fabric-wrapped bundles.
This look works particularly well in farmhouse, cottagecore, and rustic kitchens.
I found a few old Pepsi crates at a flea market and now use them above my cabinets to hold seasonal linens.
15. Lean Cutting Boards and Breadboards Like Backdrops
Layer cutting boards of different shapes and finishes vertically like backdrops behind your decor.
The wood tones add depth and make smaller objects in front pop.
Round boards, handle shapes, and even reclaimed ones from antique shops bring authenticity.
It’s like setting a stage — and your ceramic jug just became the lead actress.
16. Try Mirrors to Reflect Light
Using small mirrors above cabinets can make a kitchen feel brighter and more expansive. This is especially helpful in galleys or windowless kitchens.
Try vintage mirror trays, round mirrors, or architectural pieces with aged patina.
Bonus: they reflect whatever’s opposite — art, light fixtures, or a pretty backsplash.
17. Put Ceramics and Pottery on Display
Whether it’s DIY pottery or collectible ceramics, grouping them above your cabinets adds artisanal charm.
Stick to a color palette — whites, earthy tones, blues — and mix shapes: pitchers, vases, bowls, and canisters.
Personal Note: I found a set of uneven handmade white bowls at a craft fair, and they’ve lived above my cabinets ever since. Guests always notice.
18. Go Tropical with Baskets and Palm Fronds
Want an island vibe? Combine woven textures, tall faux palm fronds, and bright accent colors like teal, coral, or gold.
This works great in homes with lighter cabinetry or beachy decor themes.
Tuck in a pineapple statue and a cheeky flamingo if you’re feeling bold.
19. Add Labels for Hidden Utility
If you use above-cabinet baskets or bins, go a step further and label them with cute tags or chalkboard clips. Now it’s not only pretty — it’s functional.
- “Holiday Serveware”
- “Canning Jars”
- “Dog Treat Station”
Because even hidden storage deserves a system.
20. Go Botanical with Apothecary Jars and Dried Herbs
Fill large clear jars with dried beans, lentils, pasta, or spices for a natural, apothecary-shop feel.
Add small bundles of dried herbs or lavender for scent and style.
It’s like grandma’s pantry meets botanical apothecary — and it smells amazing.
21. Create a Cafe Nook Above the Cabinets
If you have an espresso machine or coffee bar on the counter, mirror it above with coffee-themed decor.
- Mugs on hooks
- Mini espresso signs
- Coffee bean jars
- Vintage grinders
It creates a cozy café corner that’s visually layered.
22. Use Copper Cookware for Classic Elegance
Hang or stack real copper pots and pans above the cabinets. They’re functional art and lend that old-world, Julia Child-style kitchen vibe.
Stat: Sales of copper cookware have risen steadily, with brands like Mauviel and All-Clad reporting 20–30% annual growth since 2021.
And if you don’t cook like Julia, no one needs to know — they’ll just admire the shine.
23. Incorporate Architectural Salvage Pieces
Find an old corbel, window frame, or mantle piece and repurpose it as an architectural focal point above your cabinets.
These are showstoppers that bring history into your home. A chipped arch or barnwood beam adds soul and texture.
I once saw an old cathedral window leaned above cabinets with twinkle lights — pure magic.
24. Layer in Personal Touches
Finally, don’t forget to include something that’s uniquely you.
- A framed family recipe
- Grandma’s cookie jar
- Your child’s handprint plate
- A travel souvenir
Those touches make your kitchen feel less like a Pinterest board and more like home.
Final Thoughts
That empty space above your kitchen cabinets? It’s a blank canvas begging for creativity.
Whether you go modern, rustic, vintage, or eclectic, your decor should reflect your personality, not just trends.
So climb that ladder, dust off the top shelf, and let your imagination go wild.
You’ll be surprised how much character — and even utility — you can fit in that tiny vertical slice of space.
