How to Decorate the Top of Kitchen Cabinets: Expert Ideas & Tips

Tired of staring at the blank space above your cabinets? That awkward gap between cabinet tops and the ceiling can either be a dust trap—or a stunning decor opportunity.

Decorating the top of kitchen cabinets is a subtle but powerful way to bring style, depth, and functionality into your kitchen. Whether you’re working with 12 inches or 24, farmhouse flair or minimalist moods, this guide will help you style like a pro.

• Measure the space above your cabinets before buying decor.
• Use theme-based styling (farmhouse, modern, vintage) for a cohesive look.
• Include lighting or greenery to add dimension and texture.
• Use cleaning liners to make maintenance easier.
• Avoid clutter—less is often more when decorating cabinet tops.

Why Decorate the Top of Kitchen Cabinets?

Many homeowners overlook the tops of cabinets—thinking “out of sight, out of mind.” But when done right, this forgotten space becomes a beautiful visual anchor for your kitchen design.

Reasons to decorate the top of kitchen cabinets:

• Create a finished look by connecting cabinets visually with the ceiling.
• Showcase personality through collectibles or themed decor.
• Fill vertical space and soften sterile or blank upper walls.
• Balance proportions—especially in kitchens with high ceilings.

Some homeowners skip this space because they’re afraid of dust. Pro tip: Line the cabinet tops with wax paper, parchment, or decorative shelf liners. It protects your cabinet and makes cleanup a breeze.

Assess Your Cabinet Space First

Before you go shopping, measure the distance between your cabinet tops and the ceiling. This space determines what scale and type of decor you should use.

Here’s a breakdown:

Pro Tips:

• For modern kitchens, LED strip lighting or accent lights help define the top area.
• If space is minimal, skip the clutter and use one bold item for a clean look.

Prep the Surface for Easier Cleaning

Cabinet tops collect grease and dust. Even if you use open baskets or faux plants, make your life easier by prepping first.

Quick Prep Checklist:

• Wipe clean with degreaser spray or vinegar-water solution.
• Lay down parchment paper or shelf liner paper (easy to remove).
• Avoid sticky or wax-based decor directly on wood surfaces.
• Replace liner quarterly (or whenever dusty).

Many Reddit and Pinterest users suggest lining cabinet tops:

“I line the tops of my cabinets with parchment paper and change it every few months—saves so much cleaning time.”

This trick makes a huge difference over time and helps maintain your kitchen hygiene.

Choose a Style Theme for Cabinet-Top Decor

Matching the top-of-cabinet styling with your kitchen’s overall theme is essential. Disjointed decor will make the space feel chaotic.

Common Styling Themes:

Let’s explore each style below:

Farmhouse Flair Above Kitchen Cabinets

If you love the Joanna Gaines look, this is for you.

Decorate using:

• Vintage ceramic pitchers
• Reclaimed wood crates
• Faux eucalyptus or olive branches
• Old breadboxes or canisters

Keep items grouped in threes or fives for visual balance. Use varying heights to create dimension. For added charm, throw in handwritten recipe boards or signs with calligraphy fonts.

Styling Tip: Wrap a garland of faux leaves (or twinkle lights) across grouped items.

Modern Lighting & Glass Display

Minimalists can use clean lines and lighting to create elevated simplicity.

Use:

• LED strip lights (remote control or Alexa-enabled)
• Matte black or fluted glass vases
• Sculptural bowls or monochrome art pieces

Add soft lighting to showcase the decor and create a glow at night.

Eclectic & Vintage Curated Look

Collectors rejoice—this is your moment to show off personality.

Use:

• Quirky cookie jars
• Antique mixing bowls
• Global souvenirs (Moroccan plates, Vietnamese ceramics)
• Vintage cookbooks stacked horizontally

No need to match—just use color cohesion or keep items from clashing visually.

Pro Tip: Arrange objects diagonally or use small risers to build vertical interest.

Bonus Tip: Rotate Seasonally

Swap out decor for seasons or holidays:

• Spring: Faux tulips, pastel bowls
• Fall: Mini pumpkins, copper canisters
• Winter: Garland with white ceramic, pine accents
• Summer: Lemon-themed jars, glass pitchers

Rotating decor makes the space feel fresh without much effort.

Creative Storage Ideas for the Top of Kitchen Cabinets

If your cabinet tops are spacious enough, they can double as hidden storage—with style.

Use these space-smart ideas:

• Woven baskets with lids: Store paper towels, seasonal dishware, or napkins out of sight.
• Vintage crates or wooden boxes: Label them and stack for a rustic look.
• Clear plastic bins (with front handles): Ideal for lesser-used baking tools or party supplies.

Tip: Use a label maker or handwritten chalkboard tags for clarity and charm.

Top-of-Cabinet Lighting: Set the Mood

Proper lighting transforms dull cabinet-top decor into an elegant focal point—especially at night.

Best lighting options:

• LED strip lights (dimmable, color change options)
• Puck lights with wireless remotes
• Smart bulbs controlled by Alexa or Google Home
• Battery-operated fairy lights for soft ambiance

Safety Tip: Always check heat output if lighting near faux plants or paper decor.

Styling Around Bulkheads or Low Ceilings

Some kitchens have a bulkhead (soffit) instead of open space above cabinets. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck.

Try these strategies:

• Apply peel-and-stick wallpaper or beadboard to the bulkhead area to add texture.
• Paint the bulkhead in a contrasting or deeper tone.
• Add thin wood trim and install crown molding for height illusion.
• Mount framed artwork or decals directly onto the bulkhead.

Design illusion trick: Add faux trailing greenery from the side edges to create the illusion of depth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these top styling pitfalls when decorating the top of kitchen cabinets:

Overcrowding the space

• Keep at least 1/3 open area to avoid visual clutter.
• Rule of 3: Odd-numbered groupings (3 or 5) are more balanced.

Random objects with no cohesion

• Always stick to a theme or color palette.
• Group similar materials—e.g., all ceramics or all natural fiber.

Ignoring scale

• Don’t use items too small for tall ceilings—makes them look “lost”.
• Go big with oversized signs, tall vases, or stacked decor.

Dusty or greasy decor

• Use wipeable materials or swap out decor seasonally.
• Faux plants or baskets? Rinse under the tap every 3–4 months.

Budget & DIY Cabinet Top Decor

Great styling doesn’t need a big wallet. Here are cost-effective decor tips:

Budget-Friendly Ideas

• Dollar store baskets and ceramic jugs
• Thrifted glassware or antique books
• Use printable art in cheap frames
• Repurpose old cutting boards or cheese trays as risers

Easy DIY Decor Projects

• Spray paint old vases in matte black or terracotta.
• DIY wooden signs using scrap wood + stencil kits.
• Wrap LED strip lights around a faux garland for seasonal magic.

Frequently Asked Questions: How to Decorate the Top of Kitchen Cabinets

These answers are sourced from common “People Also Ask” questions related to kitchen cabinet-top decorating:

What should I put on top of my kitchen cabinets?

You can style with:

• Faux greenery or garlands
• Decorative baskets or wooden boxes
• Vintage pitchers or glass bottles
• LED-lit displays or lanterns
• Themed items (seasonal, farmhouse, minimalist)

Tip: Choose pieces at least 8–12 inches tall to be visible from floor level.

Is it outdated to decorate above kitchen cabinets in 2025?

Not at all! It's trendy again—but minimalism wins. Stick to curated, intentional decor. Farmhouse, Scandinavian, and Japandi styles are leading the comeback with clean lines and earthy materials.

How do you decorate the top of cabinets in a modern kitchen?

• Use LED lighting and fluted glass decor
• Keep colors monochrome: matte black, white, or neutrals
• Avoid clutter—one statement piece is often enough
• Mix metal + ceramic finishes for depth

How do I stop grease from collecting on cabinet-top decor?

• Line tops with parchment paper or plastic shelf liner
• Use materials that can be rinsed or wiped clean
• Install a small exhaust fan or range hood to reduce grease in air

Can I put plants on top of kitchen cabinets?

Yes—especially faux trailing plants like pothos or eucalyptus. Real plants work too, if:

• They are low-light tolerant (e.g., pothos, snake plant)
• You can reach to water them
• There’s enough height to support grow lights if needed

Should cabinets go all the way to the ceiling?

If you’re remodeling, yes—ceiling-height cabinets look clean and eliminate dead space. But if your cabinets stop short, styling the top creatively gives you a design edge without remodeling.

What is the space above cabinets called?

It’s commonly called a soffit or bulkhead if closed off. If open, it’s often referred to as cabinet-top space or the cabinet crown area.

Tables Summary

Below is a handy recap of useful decor and lighting combinations:

Final Thoughts: Transform Your Kitchen from Forgotten Space to Focal Point

Decorating the top of your kitchen cabinets is more than just filling a gap—it's about elevating your entire kitchen. Whether you're embracing farmhouse charm, leaning into modern minimalism, or showing off a quirky eclectic flair, the space above your cabinets can become a seamless extension of your style.

Start with the basics—measure your space, prep it with easy-to-clean liners, and define a clear aesthetic direction. From there, layer in practical storage, ambient lighting, and seasonal touches to keep things fresh year-round.

By following the techniques shared above and avoiding common styling mistakes, you can turn a neglected zone into a polished and personalized design statement—without needing a full remodel or designer budget.