- Focus on Simplicity
- Bring Vintage Ceramics in!
- Let LED Lighting in
- Go the Old-Fashioned Way – Add Wallpapers
- Your Glassware Deserves a Hall of Fame
- Place Vintage Mirrors
- Show All Your Pots and Pans
- There’s Always Place for Art
- Nothing Beats Greenery
- Adorn the Space Between Cabinets
- Display Your Storage Baskets for All to See
- In Vino Veritas
- Add More…Cabinets
- Books, Books, Books
- Faux Plants
- Bring in Sculptures
- Display All of Your Cutting Boards
- Seasonal Décor Rocks!
Pretty often overlooked, the space above kitchen cabinets can become that very missing puzzle of the space’s overall aesthetic. If you don’t know yet what to do with space above kitchen cabinets but definitely aim for a modern look, you’re in the right place at the right time. Below, we offer you some creative ways to go over the top and transform your meal prep zone into a sizzle environment.
Focus on Simplicity
At Enjoy The Wood, we are huge fans of minimalism and believe it’s the best choice when you don’t know what to choose. After all, modern design thrives on minimalism. Do not clutter your setting with different things but pick a few elements of décor and use them to adorn the space. Thus, instead of a useless collection of mismatched items, you’ll have cohesive and sophisticated theme.
Bring Vintage Ceramics in!
One of the timeless above kitchen cabinet decor ideas is to go for a classy look of vintage ceramics. We recommend using ceramics of the color that provides contrast to the tone of the wall or cabinets. It’s an excellent option for those who collect vintage plates since now they can display what they’ve got.
Let LED Lighting in
LED strip lights installed above the cabinets are the source of ambient and soft glow that does the 2-in-1 job: it boosts the modern aesthetics and makes your culinary space more inviting, especially when the night falls.
Go the Old-Fashioned Way – Add Wallpapers

Photo by Clay Banks from Unsplash
If you’re not lucky to own a kitchen that has much space between the ceiling and the cabinets, do a good old trick – try wallpapers. Not only will they add a layer of visual interest, but they’ll also brighten the space without cluttering it up. Pick the color that contrasts well with the palette of the room.
Your Glassware Deserves a Hall of Fame
If you can boast of having a collection of glass jars, wine glasses, mugs, tumblers, champagne flutes, martini glasses, and other items of the kind, use your collection as an opportunity to adorn the space above the cabinets. All of your glass treasures, overseeing the room is anything but boring!
Place Vintage Mirrors
If your last tour of European flea markets provided you with some great catches, place those up high to bounce more light in a room that, in turn, will make the setting look airier. Plus, the framed vintage mirrors reflect light, making the space feel and look bigger (a win-win option for owners of small kitchens).
Show All Your Pots and Pans
When it comes to the practical ideas for space above kitchen cabinets, you’re welcome to make your space as functional as possible (and cooking-friendly!) by decorating it with…cookware. Take a look at your collection of pots and pans and see what items have nice design that is attractive enough to be showcased.
There’s Always Place for Art
Layered art and similar objects on top of storage units is always a good idea, especially if it’s the high-ceilinged kitchen. Pick your favorite artworks and install them to make the space feel cozier, and have immediate conversation starters when guests happen to come.
Nothing Beats Greenery

Photo by Alan Quirván from Pexels
At EnjoyHome, we’ve talked repeatedly about the importance of using greenery indoors. Even if you believe that nothing can bring your food preparation area to life, give plants a chance! Just a small cute potted plant can infuse freshness into the space. Ivy, pothos, lavender, thyme, coffee plant, marjoram, hibiscus – these are just a couple of options that are sure to look good above your cupboards. If you’re looking to add a contemporary feel to the environment, pick modern planters in geometric or neutral designs.
Adorn the Space Between Cabinets

Well, why not? Who said that only the top of the wall-mounted cabinets should be decorated? Get a pair of shelves created in warm tones and install them to make the space feel more welcoming. Floating shelves with some sophisticated glassware keep the look clean, well-organized, and provide some degree of transparency.
Display Your Storage Baskets for All to See
If you own a simple and cute kitchen designed in a farmhouse style, we recommend using all of your rustic baskets (don’t have them? go get some!) or any other vintage-like items crafted in metal or wood to beautify the area above the cabinets. The best option here is to use the row of identical storage baskets, creating a harmonious look.
In Vino Veritas
If you’re a passionate wine connoisseur, make the most of the space at the top of cabinets by displaying your rich collection of all those merlot, burgundy, cabernet, and other treasures. Create a wine rack in the kitchen room to make the space more welcoming and festive. At the same time, this rack will add depth to a room and make it feel unique, respecting a place's soul and breathing new life into it. Is it a happy hour yet?
Add More…Cabinets
Why not? Who said that decorating above kitchen cabinets is a must? Add more built-in cabinetry to the existing units. Thus, you will have more space for all of your utensils. A special recommendation here: get a ladder (just like the one they use at the libraries) and attach it to the wall to have direct and easy access to all of the stuff up high.
Books, Books, Books
If cooking is one of your passions, sharing all of your favorite pretty cookbooks is one of the top of kitchen cabinet decor ideas! Use them to display on a shelf or the countertop to boost the overall look and have some useful cooking guides at hand. Do the cookbooks have colorful covers? Perfect! They’ll serve as pops of color to complement the room’s overall design.
Faux Plants
If you’re someone too busy wondering how to decorate above kitchen cabinets modern and fast, faux greenery is the answer. You are welcome to add real flowers or plants; however, pruning and watering will take some time and effort. If that is just too much for you, decorate the top of the cabinets using realistic-looking faux greenery. The good news is that today, the market is full of options that you’ll find difficult to distinguish from the real ones.
Bring in Sculptures
Feel free to transform the setting into an artful environment! Get some antique sculptures, statuettes, vases, and other elements that create a vintage, rustic, and nostalgic (all in one!) ambience. Do you handcraft those things too? Hurry up, display them to make everyone so proud of you!
Display All of Your Cutting Boards
If you’re looking for ways to add a rustic touch to the area above the cabinets, no other kitchen-friendly item can do a better job than cutting boards. Crafted from natural wood, they add this pleasant farm-like feeling to the setting. Our special recommendation is to showcase cutting boards that have some unique textures and shapes.
Seasonal Décor Rocks!
How about keeping the space clean and free throughout the year but picking up exclusive décor according to the season? The best decorating ideas above kitchen cabinets look good with are those related to your favorite holidays. Just imagine this gorgeous transformation when the cooking chamber is adorned with pumpkins, gold and red leaves in tandem with candles and other ‘ingredients’ of a sweater weather. Is it the most wonderful time of the year again? Get a pack of ho-ho-ho-themed décor to make space cuter than the cutest! And the best part? When you switch décor on a regular basis, you dust up every time.
With all the world and regional maps that we sell, we remind our precious clients the main rule of décor – less is more. When it comes to modern design, you have to stay away from overcrowding the area above the kitchen cabinets. While it may be tempting to display all of your kids’ art, china, vintage and antique bottles, too many items are taboo. OK, but what do you do then? Have a couple of pieces that are meaningful for you and definitely contribute to the overall style of the environment. Done!
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