How to Decorate above Kitchen Cabinets with High Ceilings

Decorating above kitchen cabinets, especially in a room with high ceilings, can be a creative opportunity to enhance the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. While it might seem challenging to address the empty space above the cabinets, incorporating thoughtful design elements can transform it into a focal point. This introduction will guide you through how to decorate above kitchen cabinets with high ceilings, helping to balance the room’s proportions and add personality to your kitchen decor. Whether you prefer a minimalist approach or seek to showcase a collection, there are numerous strategies to make the most of the space above your cabinets.

The Challenge of Decorating Above Kitchen Cabinets

Decorating the space above kitchen cabinets with high ceilings poses several challenges that stem from the awkward height and visibility. One of the main difficulties is achieving a cohesive look that complements the rest of the kitchen design without overwhelming it. Since the area is often situated at eye level or above, it can attract dust and grease, which adds the challenge of keeping items clean and well-maintained. Additionally, this space can quickly become cluttered if filled with too many or too large decorative pieces, disrupting the kitchen’s visual harmony. Finally, ensuring that the selections are securely placed and appropriately scaled can be tricky yet crucial to avoid any accidents or unsightly arrangements.

Benefits of Utilizing the Space Above Cabinets

Taking advantage of the space above kitchen cabinets, especially in kitchens with high ceilings, offers several key benefits. Firstly, it provides an opportunity to enhance storage without compromising valuable countertop or cabinet space. You can use decorative baskets or boxes to store infrequently used items, keeping them neatly out of sight yet easily accessible when needed.

Additionally, decorating this space can significantly elevate the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen by adding layers of interest and depth. Displaying items such as art, pottery, or a curated collection can transform the upper portion of your kitchen into a personalized gallery, showcasing your style and personality. Furthermore, utilizing this space effectively can help draw the eye upward, emphasizing the room’s verticality and making the kitchen feel more expansive and inviting.

10 Methods How to Decorate above Kitchen Cabinets with High Ceilings

1. Create a Green Oasis with Plants

Adding greenery above your kitchen cabinets is a great way to bring life and color to an otherwise unused space. Choose a mix of real or high-quality faux plants in varying sizes and shapes to create depth and interest. Trailing plants, such as pothos, ivy, or string of pearls, work particularly well as they can cascade down the sides of the cabinets, softening the hard lines and adding a touch of elegance.

If your kitchen has low natural light, opt for low-maintenance plants like snake plants or use artificial ones for ease of care. Group the plants in clusters and use different types of planters to enhance the overall look, creating a lush, green oasis that draws the eye upward.

2. Showcase Art and Photography

Turn the space above your cabinets into an art gallery by displaying framed art, photography, or even decorative plates. Choose pieces that complement your kitchen’s color scheme and style—whether it’s modern, rustic, or traditional. For high ceilings, opt for larger pieces or group smaller ones together in a cohesive arrangement to avoid them looking lost in the expansive space. You can also use floating shelves to create layers, allowing you to showcase more items and vary the height and depth of your display. This method not only adds visual interest but also injects personality and character into your kitchen decor.

3. Incorporate Stylish Baskets and Storage

Decorative baskets are a practical and stylish way to fill the space above your cabinets while also adding additional storage. Opt for baskets made of natural materials like wicker, rattan, or seagrass to introduce texture and warmth to your kitchen. Use them to store items that you don’t need access to regularly, such as seasonal decorations, extra linens, or kitchen gadgets. Vary the sizes and shapes of the baskets to create a more dynamic look. To elevate the design further, label the baskets with stylish tags or labels, turning a functional storage solution into a visually appealing display.

4. Add Vintage Finds and Collectibles

Decorating above your cabinets with vintage items or collectibles can add a sense of history and charm to your kitchen. Scour flea markets, antique shops, or even your attic for interesting items such as old teapots, vintage kitchen scales, or retro signs. Group similar items together for a cohesive look, or mix and match for a more eclectic feel. If you have a collection of vintage cookware or utensils, these can also be displayed above the cabinets. The key is to choose items that resonate with your personal style and add a unique, nostalgic touch to your kitchen.

5. Install Decorative Molding or Trim

Adding decorative molding or trim above your kitchen cabinets can help bridge the gap between the cabinets and the ceiling, making the space feel more cohesive and finished. This technique is particularly effective in kitchens with high ceilings, as it helps to draw the eye upward and creates a polished, architectural look. Crown molding, for instance, adds a touch of elegance and can be painted to match the cabinets or the wall color. Alternatively, consider adding beadboard or shiplap panels to create texture and interest. This method enhances the overall design of your kitchen and makes the cabinets appear taller and more substantial.

6. Display a Collection of Cookbooks

If you’re a culinary enthusiast, why not showcase your passion by displaying a collection of cookbooks above your cabinets? This not only adds color and personality to the space but also keeps your favorite recipes within reach. Arrange the books in stacks or use bookends to keep them upright. To create visual variety, intersperse the cookbooks with small decorative items like ceramic bowls, potted herbs, or framed recipe cards. This method turns a practical storage solution into an eye-catching display that reflects your love of cooking and food.

7. Highlight with LED Lighting

LED lighting can transform the area above your kitchen cabinets into a stunning focal point. Installing LED strip lights or puck lights above the cabinets creates a warm, ambient glow that highlights your decor and adds depth to the space. You can choose soft white lights for a cozy feel or opt for color-changing LEDs for a more dramatic effect. Position the lights to cast an even glow across the top of the cabinets, or use them to accent specific decorative elements. This method not only enhances the visual appeal of your kitchen but also provides additional lighting, which can be particularly useful in kitchens with high ceilings.

8. Hang Decorative Plates or Trays

Using the space above your cabinets to display decorative plates, trays, or platters is a great way to add a pop of color and pattern to your kitchen. Choose items that complement your kitchen’s color scheme and style, such as vibrant hand-painted plates for a Mediterranean feel or sleek, monochromatic trays for a modern look. Secure the plates with plate hangers or use easels to display them at an angle. To create a more cohesive display, arrange the plates or trays in a symmetrical pattern or vary their heights for a more dynamic composition.

9. Use Architectural Salvage Pieces

Incorporating architectural salvage pieces, such as old windows, shutters, or corbels, can add a unique, rustic charm to the space above your cabinets. These items can be left in their original weathered state or painted to match your kitchen’s color scheme. Lean a large, vintage window frame or shutter against the wall, or use corbels as bookends for a display of cookbooks or plants. This approach adds texture and character to your kitchen and makes the most of high ceilings by adding a vertical element that draws the eye upward.

10. Create a Themed Display

A themed display can turn the space above your cabinets into a curated focal point. Choose a theme that reflects your personal style or interests, such as coastal, farmhouse, or French country. For a coastal theme, incorporate items like driftwood, glass bottles, and shells. A farmhouse theme might include rustic signs, vintage kitchen tools, and ceramic pitchers. Arrange your items thoughtfully, varying the height and texture to create a balanced and cohesive look. This method allows you to express your personality and create a visually stunning display that enhances the overall aesthetic of your kitchen.

Conclusion

Decorating the space above your kitchen cabinets offers endless possibilities for adding character and uniqueness to your home. Whether you opt for baskets, vintage collectibles, or architectural salvage pieces, each choice allows you to inject personal style and flair into your kitchen decor. By using techniques such as adding LED lighting or creating themed displays, you can transform unused space into an eye-catching feature that captures attention and brings warmth and depth to the room. Thanks for reading, and we hope this has given you some inspiration on how to decorate above kitchen cabinets with high ceilings!