21 Above Kitchen Cabinet Decor Ideas
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably stared at that awkward gap between your kitchen cabinets and the ceiling and thought, “Okay… now what?” It’s one of those weird little spaces that feels full of potential but also kind of intimidating.
Decorate it wrong and it feels cluttered. Leave it empty and it feels unfinished. But when you get it right? Wow. It can transform your kitchen into something warm, curated, and designer-level polished.
To help you out, I’ve put together 21 above-kitchen-cabinet decor ideas that feel modern, stylish, and totally doable. Grab a cup of coffee (or iced matcha—no judgment), and let’s dive into the fun world of above-cabinet styling!
1. Add Baskets for Warmth and Texture
Let’s start with a classic. Woven baskets are the MVP of above-cabinet decor. They add instant warmth, fill the space beautifully, and create that cozy, lived-in vibe.
Plus, you can choose styles that match your kitchen theme—chunky boho baskets, sleek black wire ones, or rustic farmhouse options.
2. Style with Cookbooks
Have cookbooks that are too pretty to hide? This is their moment. Line them up above your cabinets like you would on a bookshelf.
Tall, colorful spines add personality and make your kitchen feel curated rather than cookie-cutter.
3. Go Green with Faux (or Real) Plants
Plants instantly bring life into a room. Faux trailing greenery is especially popular because it drapes beautifully and you don’t have to climb a ladder every week to water it.
But if you’re adventurous, pothos plants actually do well up high.
4. Showcase Antique Kitchenware
Maybe you have vintage copper pans, enamel pitchers, old-school mixing bowls, or Grandma’s heirloom teapot.
Pieces with history deserve to be seen! Display them up top and give your kitchen some charming nostalgia.
5. Install LED Strip Lighting
Want a quick “Wow, your kitchen looks expensive!” upgrade? Add LED lighting above your cabinets. It creates a soft glow that feels modern and luxe—especially at night.
Warm white is best for a cozy ambiance.
6. Line Up Ceramic Vases
Pick vases in varying heights for visual interest, and stick to a color palette that matches your kitchen.
Whites and neutrals give a modern minimalist vibe, while colored ceramics bring playful energy.
7. Use the Space for Practical Storage
Need a little extra storage? Use the above-cabinet area with pretty, labeled bins. This works especially well in smaller kitchens.
The key is to choose bins that match your decor so they look intentional rather than cluttered.
8. Add a Decorative Sign
A simple wood or metal sign with a word like “Gather,” “Pantry,” or even something fun and cheeky can bring personality. Just avoid anything too big or heavy that could fall.
9. Showcase Your Wine Collection
If you love wine, create a little above-cabinet wine display. Add a few bottles, maybe a small wine rack, and voilà—you’ve just elevated your kitchen (pun totally intended).
10. Display Cutting Boards
If you have beautiful wooden cutting boards, prop them upright for a rustic farmhouse feel. Round, rectangular, paddle-shaped—mix them for a layered look!
11. Style with Seasonal Decor
Above-cabinet space is ideal for seasonal touches: pumpkins in fall, garlands for Christmas, pastel decor for spring. It’s basically bonus decorating real estate.
12. Create a Mini Art Gallery
Yep, art in the kitchen. Add framed prints, food-themed artwork, or even black-and-white photography. Lean them casually against the wall for a relaxed vibe.
13. Use Woven Trays
Oversized trays are stunning above cabinets. Choose natural wood, rattan, or black metal—whatever fits your style. Layer a few different sizes for texture and dimension.
14. Showcase Your Favorite Bowls
Large serving bowls or designer ceramic pieces can add sculptural interest. If you’ve been collecting pretty dinnerware, now’s the time to bring it into the spotlight.
15. Install a Faux Brick or Shiplap Backdrop
If the wall above your cabinets looks… blah… try adding peel-and-stick shiplap or faux brick. It adds depth and makes your decor look intentional, not random.
16. Add Vintage Crates
Slide wooden crates up there for storage and style. They’re especially great for farmhouse or cottage-style kitchens. Bonus: they hide clutter beautifully.
17. Display Large Statement Pieces
Think oversized bowls, massive vases, or tall candlesticks. Bigger items look less cluttered than a hundred tiny knick-knacks, and they create a bold, clean look.
18. Bring In Decorative Glassware
Colored glass bottles, apothecary jars, or vintage mason jars look magical when light hits them. Cluster them for a pretty, reflective display.
19. Use a Garland or Dried Florals
If you love a touch of nature, dried eucalyptus or long garlands look gorgeous above cabinets. Drape them lightly—it gives an organic, effortless look.
20. Add Sculptural Objects
Think abstract sculptures, metal spheres, tall candlestick holders, or decorative orbs. They add an artistic touch and can make your kitchen feel curated, not cluttered.
21. Mix and Match Styles for a Collected Look
Sometimes the best look is a little bit of everything. Baskets + plants + a framed print? Yes please. Just keep the palette cohesive—stick to 2–3 colors or materials for harmony.
Tips for Styling Above Kitchen Cabinets Like a Pro
Okay, now that we’ve covered the ideas, let’s talk strategy. Here are some quick but important tips to make your above-cabinet styling look intentionally designed—not like you shove stuff up there just to get it out of the way.
1. Choose a Cohesive Color Palette
Pick colors that complement your cabinets and the rest of your kitchen. Neutrals always work, but pops of black or greenery can bring balance.
2. Vary Heights for Visual Interest
Mix tall, medium, and low objects so the eye travels naturally across the space. Height variation is your secret weapon for that designer look.
3. Avoid Too Many Small Items
A handful of large pieces looks cleaner and more modern than tons of tiny ones. If you must use smaller items, group them in sets.
4. Keep It Dust-Friendly
The top of cabinets gets dusty—fast. Use items that are easy to wipe down or display items inside baskets or crates to reduce maintenance.
5. Leave Some Breathing Space
Don’t pack the space wall-to-wall. Leaving a little empty room makes your decor look intentional and airy.
Final Thoughts
Decorating above your kitchen cabinets doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it can be one of the most fun corners of your home to style because it’s a chance to show off a little personality. Whether you go with baskets, artwork, greenery, lighting, or a mix of everything, the key is choosing items that you genuinely love.
So next time you look up at that empty gap, instead of thinking “Ugh, what do I even do with that?”, you’ll be able to say, “Oh, I’ve GOT this.”
