Flipping through home magazines, you will undoubtedly stumble across a photo of a gorgeous kitchen. Beautiful cabinetry, a thoughtful layout, and maybe an inviting breakfast bar all draw you in. Your kitchen is well-laid out, has a place to entertain, and is framed by fashionable yet functional cabinets. You wonder, what does this magazine kitchen have that yours doesn't? It's all in the details.
Details in the way of kitchen cabinet top decorations, that is. Small touches of design and space-saving storage can genuinely pull a room together. Don't let this prime kitchen real estate sit untapped! Here are a few of our favorite ways to decorate the tops of your kitchen cabinets.
Decorating Tips for the Top of Your Kitchen Cabinets
Try Culinary-Inspired Decor. If your upper kitchen cabinets have a gap above them, as is typical with thirty-two or thirty-six-inch cabinets, the open area makes an ideal spot to add a few touches of decor. Choose culinary-themed pieces like metal baskets or crocks for a rustic look. Or, opt for interesting and often delicate vases for a modern vibe. Incorporating a variety of textures and using a color scheme that contrasts the color of your walls can be a great way to add character to your kitchen.
Opt for Built-Ins. If the idea of decor sitting on your countertops stresses you out, consider adding built-in shelving to fill your upper cabinet gap. This attractive storage solution is excellent for holding less-used items while also adding character to your space. You can keep it traditional by using small cabinets with hinged glass doors or try open shelving for a modern appearance.
Try Texture. Texture on the wall is another fantastic option for individuals who don't want "loose decor" items on their cabinets. You can use materials like tile or shiplap to add texture to the wall behind open shelving or fill the empty space between cabinets and other elements, like the ceiling.
Think Practical. Just because a cookbook or a kettle is a kitchen tool doesn't mean it can't be both practical and pretty. Functional decor pieces, like a recipe book collection or stoneware canisters used for holding dry goods, work great as decor and keep to the kitchen theme. You'll often find that functional decor items provide you with both storage and style.
Go Green. Nearly any room in your home can benefit from a bit of greenery, and the kitchen is no exception! Trailing plants look fabulous on top of upper kitchen cabinets with an above cabinet gap. Little succulents provide a pop of green on the countertop surface of lower kitchen cabinets without taking up too much room.
Keep it Simple with Molding. If you desire a minimalist look that requires minimal upkeep, molding may be your best bet. You can fill the gap between the top of your upper kitchen cabinets and the ceiling with tall crown molding. Not only will it make your space feel more open and airy, but it can also be customized with color, allowing you to go bold or keep the look complementary and sleek.
Don't miss out on an opportunity to add style and space-saving storage to your kitchen; unused space on the top of your cabinets holds a world of possibilities!








