16+ Creative Above-Cabinet Decor Ideas

If your kitchen has that open gap between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling, you know how easy it is for it to collect dust—or worse, be ignored completely. With more than two decades in home styling, I’ve learned that this small, often-overlooked area can completely change how your kitchen feels. Above-cabinet decor isn’t just about filling space. Done right, it adds height, draws the eye upward, and makes your kitchen feel warmer, richer, and more designed.

Below, we’ll explore over sixteen practical and beautiful ways to style that tricky spot—each one rooted in real-world design experience, not just Pinterest daydreams.

1. Display a Curated Collection

One of the most effective ways to style above your cabinets is to display a collection you genuinely love. The trick is curation—not clutter. Whether it’s antique mixing bowls, glass bottles, vintage tins, or ceramic pitchers, choose pieces that share a color, material, or shape theme. Group them in odd numbers to create natural rhythm. Instead of scattering items randomly, arrange them in deliberate clusters so the eye moves smoothly across the top. Collections tell a personal story and make the kitchen feel lived in, not staged.

2. Bring in Lush Greenery

Plants above the cabinets instantly soften hard kitchen lines. If the space gets natural light, go for real trailing plants like pothos, ivy, or philodendron. They’ll spill gracefully over the edge, adding movement and life. In low-light kitchens, quality faux greenery works just as well—especially if you mix plant types to mimic nature. For a polished look, choose matching planters or baskets to keep the display cohesive. Greenery also acts like a visual bridge, connecting cabinets to the ceiling.

3. Use Warm, Textured Baskets for Storage

Above-cabinet space can look charming and serve a purpose when you add baskets. They’re perfect for storing rarely used items like holiday linens, extra serving dishes, or party supplies. The texture of wicker or seagrass warms up a kitchen dominated by hard surfaces. Keeping the baskets identical or in a repeating pattern prevents a messy look. Adding small labels or tags can make it easy to know what’s inside without pulling everything down.

4. Showcase Statement Artwork

People rarely think of the kitchen as a place for art, but above the cabinets is a great spot for it. Large framed prints, canvas paintings, or even oversized photography can create a stunning focal point. Just make sure the art is scaled to the space—too small and it will look lost, too big and it may overwhelm. The subject should feel at home in a kitchen setting: think food illustrations, botanical prints, or rustic landscapes. Lean the artwork slightly back against the wall to avoid damage and for a relaxed, designer look.

5. Layer Antique Finds for Character

For a kitchen that feels rich with history, layer in antique or vintage finds above the cabinets. Old bread boxes, weathered cutting boards, enamel pitchers, and aged metal trays all work beautifully. The key is to mix varying heights and depths so the display feels collected over time. This approach is especially effective in farmhouse or cottage-style kitchens, but it can also bring warmth to modern spaces when balanced with sleek elements.

6. Incorporate Soft Accent Lighting

Adding subtle lighting above cabinets completely changes the mood. Warm LED strips or puck lights tucked behind the crown molding create a soft glow that adds depth and makes the space feel finished. Lighting also highlights your decor, especially in the evening. If wiring is an issue, battery-operated options are available. Always choose warm white bulbs for a cozy, inviting look instead of harsh cool tones.

7. Build Seasonal Vignettes

Above-cabinet space is perfect for rotating seasonal decor. In spring, try ceramic bunnies, fresh greenery, or pastel dishes. Summer might bring in coastal elements like driftwood and seashells. Fall could feature pumpkins, wheat bundles, or copper cookware. Winter is the time for pine garlands, twinkle lights, and touches of red or gold. Keeping the area seasonal keeps the kitchen feeling fresh without major redecorating.

8. Install Open Shelving Above Cabinets

If your cabinets have enough space before the ceiling, adding a narrow open shelf above them can double your display area. This works well in kitchens with tall ceilings, letting you use that space without feeling empty. You can display cookbooks, pottery, or plants, while still keeping the look airy. Just be sure the shelf blends with your cabinet style—paint it the same color or use a complementary wood tone.

9. Create a Mini Library of Cookbooks

For those who love cooking, the space above cabinets can be home to a curated cookbook collection. Stand them upright with bookends or stack them in horizontal piles for variety. The colorful spines can act as decor on their own. This is especially charming in kitchens with open-concept dining areas, where guests can see your love for food displayed in a subtle way.

10. Display Oversized Ceramic or Glass Vases

Large vases, jugs, or urns work well above cabinets because their height makes them visible from across the room. Stick to one or two statement pieces rather than many small ones to avoid visual noise. Choose vases with texture—matte ceramic, crackle glaze, or hand-blown glass—to catch the light and add depth. They can stand empty or hold dried branches for extra height and interest.

11. Store Beautifully in Clear Glass Jars

Glass jars with airtight lids can store pantry staples like pasta, beans, or flour while doubling as decor. Above the cabinets, they give a nostalgic general-store feel. To keep it from looking cluttered, use jars of the same style and arrange them in neat rows. The added bonus: you free up lower cabinet space for daily-use items.

12. Bring in Metallic Accents for Shine

Copper pots, brass trays, or silver serving pieces add gleam to a kitchen and draw the eye upward. The key to making metallics work is repetition—scatter a single copper pan and it might look random, but group three or four together and it becomes intentional. Polished metals give a formal feel, while aged metals lean more rustic. Both work well depending on your kitchen’s personality.

13. Add Architectural Salvage Pieces

Architectural salvage—like carved wood corbels, old shutters, or vintage windows—adds instant character above cabinets. These pieces have a patina and uniqueness that mass-produced decor can’t match. They can be leaned against the wall or mounted for a more permanent display. Using salvage is an eco-friendly way to decorate, and it tells a story that mass-market items simply don’t.

14. Play with Monochrome Displays

Sometimes the most powerful displays are limited to one color. A monochrome arrangement—like all white pitchers, all black pottery, or all blue glass—can look striking above cabinets. The unified color keeps it calm, while the varied shapes and textures keep it interesting. This is a simple trick for avoiding visual clutter while still filling the space beautifully.

15. Incorporate Functional Decor

Not everything above your cabinets has to be purely decorative. Oversized cutting boards, large mixing bowls, or roasting pans can be stored up there and still look attractive if chosen carefully. This works especially well in small kitchens where every inch of storage matters. Choose items that match or complement your kitchen’s color scheme so they blend seamlessly with your decor.

16. Use Woven Trays as Backdrops

Large, round woven trays or flat baskets make perfect backdrops above cabinets. They add texture, frame smaller items, and help fill the vertical space without overcrowding. Layer them behind pitchers, vases, or plants to create depth. This style works beautifully in both rustic and modern kitchens, depending on the tray design.

17. Go Minimal with One Bold Piece

If your style leans minimal, consider using the above-cabinet space for one large, dramatic piece. This could be an oversized sculpture, a tall plant, or a single antique find with presence. Leaving the rest of the space empty emphasizes the object and makes it feel like intentional art rather than filler. Minimal above-cabinet styling is also easier to clean and maintain.