How Should You Decorate the Top of Kitchen Cabinets?
If you have kitchen cabinets that go from floor to ceiling, you’ve probably never thought about it before, but quite a few kitchens have a gap. From old farmhouses to sweeping, luxe mansions with high ceilings, there are plenty of designs where the topmost cabinet and ceiling do not touch. Custom cabinetry is more likely to have the gap, along with older kitchen spaces. But even modern kitchens have this gap by design, along with hybrid versions that include open shelving or built-in nooks.
The best part of all is that it can be fun to add custom decor in this extra space and it can even offer extra storage space when done tastefully. With that being said, let’s dive into how you should start thinking about that extra gap in your kitchen and make the most of it.
Should Your Kitchen Cabinets Touch the Ceiling?
You might be thinking by now, wait – is it okay that my cabinets don’t touch the ceiling? The answer is yes, this is completely normal. In older homes, kitchen cabinets were not designed to touch the ceiling, and in some newer, custom kitchens, this is a choice that can be made to either cut costs, achieve a specific look, or avoid having to stack top cabinets up to reach a very high ceiling. In some homes, there may even be an absence of top cabinets or a mix of lower cabinets with custom shelving built around them.
If you want to see different looks from different cabinet brands, feel free to visit our idea gallery and see for yourself, keeping in mind the most up-to-date design trends, your own preferences, and the space you have to work with.
Should You Put Things on the Top of Kitchen Cabinets?
Generally speaking, we are all for putting things on top of kitchen cabinets. You’ll want to make sure there is plenty of space and that the items you put along the tops of your cabinets can’t easily fall off. They shouldn’t be hanging off the edge if they’re heavy, while certain types of plants may be acceptable to drape or let fall naturally.
You’ll want to think about your kitchen aesthetic as well. Most kitchens are uncluttered, but in some cases, clustering an area with knick-knacks might be your end game. It is very easy to accidentally create a cluttered, disorganized look if you’re not careful, and unless you have a rustic, throwback, country kitchen where you could potentially place extra tins, plants, pitchers, or baskets, the best use for the tops of cabinets is most likely going to either be uniform-looking storage units or plants.
One of the biggest reasons to have cabinet storage is to help keep pots, pans, dishes, and food from getting dirty or attracting pests. Grime and grease can easily accumulate after cooking, while any bug that finds its way inside your home might have easy pickings if it finds an exposed cereal container.
Top of Cabinets vs. Top of Countertops
A benefit to having extra, especially reachable space, above your cabinets is to avoid cluttering countertops. If you have to decide between the coffee machine and the toaster because you don’t have a place for that super-sized, wooden salad bowl, then the space above your cabinets suddenly becomes very valuable. In general, above the cabinets are best for decor or items you won’t use often, while the countertops work for everyday gadgets. There are instances where you really want to have a piece of decor sitting out, however, as it may really add to the aesthetic of your kitchen. That empty, chicken-shaped cookie jar might bring your country kitchen together, or a floating jellyfish lamp is the centerpiece of your cyberpunk kitchen/lounge combo.
Top of Cabinets vs. Open Shelving
Open shelving is a popular look right now, with many kitchens ranging from shelving only instead of top cabinets to a mix of pantry and shelving or a few well-placed cabinets surrounded by shelves. This is especially true for kitchens with custom cabinets and designed spaces. Often, shelves are a good way to show off various mugs, plates, candles, or other personalized items. If you have a combination of shelving and still have space above your cabinets, you’ll really have to think about how much variety will be visible if you choose to fully decorate the shelves and gaps. There is no right or wrong answer, but the issues of safety, clutter, proper ventilation, and difficulty in cleaning should be taken into consideration.
Decorating Ideas for Above Kitchen Cabinets
We already covered some common-sense things to put above your cabinets, and some to think about, but a running, general list might include:
- Decorative vases
- Antique kitchenware or vintage items
- Potted plants
- Baskets or woven containers
- Dictionaries or cookbooks
- Thanksgiving or other holiday decor
- Signs
- Wine bottles and racks
- Chalkboards
- Sculptures
- Vintage scales or kitchen equipment
- Crafts
- Antique clocks
- Decorative birdhouses
Is it Trending to Decorate the Top of Your Cabinets?
The most prominent decor trend for kitchens currently is a clean and minimalist aesthetic, but that is partially due to the prevalent kitchen cabinets and counters as well as the space and layout of many kitchens. If you have a unique home, a renovated classic, a tiny kitchen, or even a hybrid and non-traditional space, it may not make sense for you to stick to what’s trending.
Looking for a Kitchen Overhaul?
Chances are, if you’ve been thinking about making changes to your kitchen such as decorating in different areas or utilizing space in a new way, you may be due for an update. Cabinets Direct USA is a fourth-generation business that has perfected custom kitchen design, offering custom and full custom cabinets and a broad range of countertops. Our kitchen design experts can put your ideas down on paper and get you one step closer to planning that dream kitchen today. Visit our showroom or contact us today.