The space above your kitchen cabinets might not seem like much, but it’s actually an opportunity to bring style, personality, and even extra functionality into your kitchen. Whether your kitchen is modern, rustic, or somewhere in between, decorating this area can enhance the vertical space and turn a forgotten corner into a charming focal point.
Decorating above your kitchen cabinets can make your kitchen feel more intentional and styled. Instead of leaving that space blank or dusty, you can incorporate beautiful objects, greenery, or lighting to give it life. It’s also a clever way to reflect your personal taste—whether that’s cozy farmhouse, clean minimalism, or eclectic vintage.
In this post, we’ll share 13 inspiring above kitchen cabinet decor ideas that range from functional to fabulous. Whether you want a major transformation or a quick seasonal refresh, you’re sure to find ideas that elevate your space.
1. Add Greenery With Potted Plants
Adding greenery above your cabinets instantly makes your kitchen feel more vibrant and fresh. If your kitchen gets natural light, you can use real plants like pothos, ivy, or ferns that thrive in high places. These trailing plants will cascade beautifully over the cabinet edges, softening the lines and adding life.
If your space doesn’t get much light—or you’re not a plant person—don’t worry. Faux plants have come a long way in looking incredibly realistic without any maintenance. Choose silk or plastic options in a variety of leaf styles and pot them in stylish planters to keep things visually interesting.
Consider mixing different heights and textures to create a layered, organic look. You can place a few larger plants in corners and fill in the gaps with smaller pots or hanging vines. The key is to create balance so that the plants feel naturally integrated into your kitchen design.
2. Display a Collection
If you have a collection you love—like vintage pitchers, teapots, vases, or even cookie jars—why not show it off above your cabinets? This area is the perfect spot to display items that mean something to you while adding charm and character to your kitchen.
When styling a collection, try to keep it cohesive. Choose a color theme or material type to make the display look intentional instead of cluttered. For example, a row of white ceramic pitchers or a group of colorful vintage tins can look both stylish and sentimental.
To give your display dimension, play with heights and spacing. Use risers or stacked books to elevate smaller items, and space them out so each piece can shine. This is a great way to turn your cabinets into a gallery of sorts—personal, curated, and full of story.
3. Use Baskets for Stylish Storage
Baskets are a beautiful way to hide clutter and bring texture into your kitchen. Wicker, seagrass, and wire baskets can all work depending on your kitchen’s style. They’re ideal for storing rarely used items like holiday baking tools or backup paper towels.
Beyond function, baskets provide a warm, rustic touch that makes your kitchen feel cozy and lived-in. Choose matching baskets for a clean, uniform look, or mix styles for a more collected, boho feel. Either way, it’s a great solution for marrying beauty and utility.
Make sure the baskets fit the space—too small and they’ll look lost, too big and they might feel bulky. To keep the look cohesive, avoid overloading them. Less is more. If you want to label the baskets, consider adding simple chalkboard tags for a polished finish.
4. Create a Seasonal Display
Switching up your above-the-cabinet decor for each season keeps your kitchen feeling fresh and festive. During fall, you might add mini pumpkins, garlands, and amber bottles. In winter, twinkle lights, pinecones, and mini trees can create a cozy holiday look.
Seasonal decorating doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive. Start with a neutral base, like baskets or greenery, and layer on seasonal accents. This makes it easier to swap items in and out while maintaining a cohesive design.
It’s also a great way to get creative and make use of decor you already have in storage. Rotate your favorite items throughout the year and let your kitchen celebrate right along with you. Bonus: it gives you a reason to refresh the space every few months without a full redesign.
5. Add Framed Art or Signs
Framed prints or signs above the cabinets can bring personality and artistry into your kitchen. From vintage food ads to rustic farmhouse quotes, the right artwork can turn empty wall space into a gallery of charm. This option works particularly well in kitchens with high ceilings.
Try leaning the frames casually against the wall rather than mounting them, for a relaxed and layered feel. Vary the sizes to create visual interest, and mix art types—a painted canvas beside a typographic print can add balance and movement to the design.
To prevent the display from looking too busy, stick to a theme or consistent color scheme. Whether you’re going for coastal calm, industrial chic, or modern farmhouse, your above-cabinet art can help tie everything together.
6. Incorporate Antique Finds
Give your kitchen a unique, collected feel by displaying antique treasures above the cabinets. Think old kitchen scales, vintage coffee grinders, enamel pitchers, or weathered wood boxes. These finds add instant character and a bit of nostalgia.
Visit local flea markets, thrift shops, or even your grandparents’ attic to uncover hidden gems. Each piece has a story, and showcasing them in your kitchen makes it feel more soulful and authentic.
Pair these items with more modern pieces if you’re after a curated, eclectic look. Or go full vintage for a cozy, timeless effect. Just be sure to leave breathing room between pieces so they don’t look crowded or dusty.
7. Show Off Cookbooks
If you’re an avid home chef—or just love pretty cookbooks—displaying them above your cabinets can be both practical and decorative. Cookbooks add a pop of color and personality, and they reflect your style and culinary interests.
Line them up like a mini library or stack a few horizontally for variety. Use bookends or baskets to keep them upright, and alternate orientations to create visual rhythm. Try to group books by color for an organized, intentional look.
Make sure you’re only displaying books you don’t reach for every day—otherwise, it’s more annoying than useful. Keep your everyday cookbooks within arm’s reach, and let the pretty, occasional-use ones shine up high.
8. Light It Up With LED Strip Lights
Lighting above your cabinets can add a dramatic and cozy effect, especially in the evenings. LED strip lights are easy to install and energy-efficient, making them an affordable way to enhance ambiance and highlight your decor.
You can go for warm white lights for a soft glow or choose color-changing strips for a more modern vibe. Some even come with remote controls or timers, giving you full control over the mood of your kitchen.
In addition to looking great, this lighting solution is functional—it makes the whole kitchen feel warmer and more inviting. Plus, it draws attention upward, making your kitchen feel more open and airy.
9. Add Texture With Faux Brick or Shiplap
Transform the space above your cabinets into a mini accent wall by adding texture like peel-and-stick brick, shiplap, or wood planks. These materials bring depth and architectural interest, especially in kitchens that lean farmhouse or industrial.
Peel-and-stick options are renter-friendly and easy to install without power tools. They add a custom-built vibe and help break up large expanses of wall, making the space feel more layered and thoughtfully designed.
Choose a finish that complements your cabinet color—whitewashed brick for a light, airy look or darker wood tones for a moody, grounded feel. Add a few decorative items on top to complete the transformation.
10. Showcase Glass Bottles or Jars
Vintage glass bottles and jars add a delicate, collected look that works beautifully in both modern and traditional kitchens. Choose tinted glass, apothecary-style jars, or even classic mason jars to bring a bit of sparkle and history to the space.
You can fill them with natural elements like dried herbs, pasta, or beans to add subtle color. For a more decorative approach, leave them empty or use fairy lights inside for a whimsical glow.
Mixing heights and shades of glass can create a captivating display that draws the eye. Just be mindful not to overcrowd—aim for a few curated pieces rather than a cluttered lineup.
11. Display Oversized Letters or Monograms
Oversized letters and monograms are bold, graphic, and super customizable. Whether you choose your family’s initials or a cheeky word like “EAT,” these decor elements instantly add personality and a touch of fun to your kitchen.
You can find letters made of wood, metal, or even marquee lights for extra flair. Lean them casually above the cabinets or mount them to the wall behind for added drama.
Keep the palette in sync with your kitchen for a polished look—black or galvanized letters suit industrial styles, while whitewashed wood works well in rustic or coastal homes.
12. Add a Faux Window or Mirror
If your kitchen lacks natural light or feels closed in, placing a mirror or faux window above your cabinets can help open it up. Mirrors reflect light and create a sense of airiness, making the space feel larger and more welcoming.
A faux window with muntins or a farmhouse grid design adds architectural detail without the renovation. You can even DIY one using an old window frame and mirror panels for a charming, budget-friendly solution.
Be strategic with placement—center the mirror or window for symmetry and keep surrounding decor minimal to avoid visual clutter. It’s a small addition with a big impact.
13. Keep It Minimal
Sometimes the best decor choice is simplicity. Leaving the space above your cabinets mostly empty—except for one or two standout pieces—can give your kitchen a clean, sophisticated feel. It’s especially effective in modern, minimalist, or Scandinavian designs.
A single piece of pottery, a sculptural vase, or a sleek piece of art can act as a focal point without overwhelming the room. Negative space draws attention to the beauty of the cabinets themselves and lets your materials and finishes shine.
This approach also cuts down on dust and clutter, making it easier to maintain a tidy kitchen. When in doubt, edit down rather than pile up—it often results in a more calming and refined space.
Bonus Tips for Styling Above Kitchen Cabinets
- Stick to a color palette to avoid visual chaos.
- Layer your items to create depth and variation in height.
- Use trays or risers to make cleaning easier.
- Avoid overcrowding—let your pieces breathe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the space: Too much decor can make the kitchen feel cramped and chaotic.
- Ignoring scale: Tiny items get lost; oversized ones can feel heavy.
- Not dusting regularly: High-up spaces attract dust—keep it easy to clean.
- No lighting or backdrop: Your decor can disappear without proper contrast or illumination.
Final Thoughts
Decorating above your kitchen cabinets is a fun and creative way to make your kitchen feel more finished and personal. Whether you go bold with art or simple with greenery, there’s a solution for every style and skill level.
Remember to tailor the decor to your lifestyle—choose ideas that make your kitchen feel more like you. Don’t be afraid to switch things up with the seasons or play with different textures and shapes until it feels right.
Which idea are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments.
