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I paid absolutely zero attention (do not judge me) to the area above my kitchen cabinets. Despite its utility, personally I always felt like it was this awkward space that served the purpose of collecting dust and spider webs (Eww, I know). Anytime I saw it, I’d think, What is this space good for, anyway? Then one day, as I was cleaning out the depths of it, it just occurred to me: What if this space could be used, or even (dare I dream?) look nice? I am delighted to report that the space above my cabinets is no longer wasted.
If you’ve been side-eyeing your own cabinet tops, thinking that area looks r-e-a-l-l-y ugly and wondering what the heck to do with it — or if you’re like my mother and me and you’ve been thinking that way for 25 years — I’ve got some ideas I’ve tried (or in some cases just admired) that will do the trick.
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Storage You Can Actually Use
Right, but let’s get practical first. If your kitchen feels like Tetris every time you go to put something away, the area above your cabinets is prime real estate. I used it to stow a couple of my baking dishes that come out only at holidays and a mishmash of kitchen gadgets I’m not yet able to toss.
But here’s the thing: don’t only stack things there (it’s messy and you’ll be sorry). Game changer: Baskets or bins. I bought a pair of woven baskets from a home goods store, and suddenly the space looks tidily (vs. chaotically) stocked. Bonus: I don’t have to look at the mess.
My tip? Favor matching baskets or boxes to create a sense of intentionality. It turns out so pretty. (And if, like me, you’re prone to forgetting where you placed things (whoops — no worries), slap some labels on here.) It’s an insignificant thing to check that will help save you mountains of frustration later.
Decorate With Things You Love
Here’s where the fun comes in. The space above your kitchen cabinets is basically a blank canvas. Why not use it to show off your style?
I’ve got a little collection of vintage teapots that didn’t really have a home, so I lined them up above my cabinets. It’s quirky, it’s personal, and it makes me smile every time I see them. You could do the same with vases, antique plates, or even a lineup of wine bottles (empty or full, no judgment here).
Plants are another great option. I’m a notorious plant killer, so I went the faux route, but if you’ve got a green thumb, trailing plants like pothos or ivy look incredible up there. They add life and color to your kitchen without taking up counter space.
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Add Some Glow
I’ll admit, I didn’t think lighting would make such a big difference, but wow—adding some lights above your cabinets is a game-changer. I picked up some affordable LED strip lights, stuck them along the back edge, and instantly my kitchen felt cozier and more polished.
You can go warm for a soft, welcoming glow or cooler tones for a modern, clean vibe. If you’ve got decorative pieces up there, the lighting also highlights them in a really nice way. Plus, it’s a little trick to make your kitchen feel bigger. Who doesn’t want that?
Make It a Cookbook Haven
If you’re a cookbook collector (as I am), now is the time to let those beauties shine. Stack your cookbooks up there and transform that dead space into a mini library.
It’s functional as well — I can’t tell you how many times I’ve completely ignored a cookbook because it’s been hidden deep in a bookcase. They’re in the open now, and I really use them. Just be sure to keep them flat so they don’t fall over, and maybe dust them occasionally.
Keep It Simple
Not into decorating? That’s fine too. A minimalist approach can look just as good. One of my friends kept it simple with a few neutral vases and a single faux plant up there, and honestly, it looked stunning.
The key is to stick to a theme or color palette so it doesn’t feel random. Less really can be more if it fits your vibe.
Go for Texture Over Stuff
I you’re not a fan of clutter, but you want to add a more deliberate element to the space, consider texture. You might draw up for instance some wicker baskets, some wooden crates, so some ceramic jars. They don’t need to hold anything — they are there to provide interest and depth.
I personally opted for some wooden boxes that coordinate with the other wood tones in my kitchen. It’s subtle, but it ties the entire area together more.
Or Do Nothing at All
Here’s the thing: You don’t have to put anything above your cabinets. If you like the clean, open look, that is a-okay. Maybe even after all that, the best choice is to keep it bare, especially if your kitchen has plenty of visual interest already.
But if, like me, you find that gap to be wasted potential, these ideas will help you transform it into something more functional or just plain fun. Whether you’re proudly displaying your new wicker baskets or a part of your collection of tin cookware or a few extra canisters of flour and sugar, the space above your cabinets doesn’t have to be wasted; in fact, it offers many ways to make your kitchen look great.
Trust me, that dusty void can be reimagined with a little elbow grease into a place you’ll actually enjoy — and even, perhaps, love. I love how that space is utilized so effectively in my own home right now.
