You know the difficult space of your kitchen cabinets? Yes, the one who collects dust and makes you wonder what the heck you should do with it. I have been staring at myself for months, and honestly, it drove me nuts. But here is the thing – that space is actually first -class properties for a serious cool decor.
I have tried everything from plants (spoiler Alert: Some died) to vintage finds, and let me tell you, the right decor up there can completely transform your kitchen. Ready to make the forgotten room into something Instagram-worthy? Let’s make it happen.
Why Above-Cabinet Decor Actually Matters
Can we talk about why this place means so much before we jump into the fun things? Your kitchen cabinets mainly create a visual “roof” in your room, and what you put over them lifts either the entire room or makes it look unfinished.
I learned this in the hard way when I left my naked for two years. Every time someone went into my kitchen, my eyes would go up and just … stop. It felt incomplete, like using an earring.
The key is to create visual weight and balance without making the room feel messy or overwhelming.
Greenery That Actually Works
Living Plants
Let’s start with the obvious choice – plants. But here most people are messing up: They choose plants that need constant attention in a place that is difficult to reach.
Best plants for above cabinets:
- Snake plants (practically indestructible)
- Pothos (trailing varieties look amazing)
- ZZ plants (seriously low maintenance)
I have three hose plants up there right now, and they have enjoyed over a year of minimal water. Pro tips: Use a small step ladder to check them monthly – don’t be the person trying to water plants with a turkey batter from below 🙂
Faux Greenery Done Right
Don’t lie, fake plants have been seriously good lately. The key is to mix textures and choose realistic options. I use a combination of faux eucalyptus and some silk fiddle leaf branches.
What makes fake plants look real:
- Varied leaf sizes and imperfections
- Matte finish (shiny screams fake)
- Mixed with real elements like branches or stones
Vintage and Antique Treasures
This is where things are fun. Vintage chips add character and tell a story – much better than matching seen from large boxer stores.
Antique Crocks and Pottery
I am obsessed with old stoneware crocks. They have this weathered, authentic look that you just can’t recreate. Hunting them at real estate sales or antique stores.
What to look for:
- Varying heights for visual interest
- Natural earth tones that complement your kitchen
- Pieces with some wear (character, not damage)
Vintage Baskets
Woven curves are perfect because they add texture without overwhelming space. I have three different sizes arranged up there, and they create this cozy, the farmhouse mood.
Collections That Make Sense
Got a collection gathering dust in closets? Time to put it to work.
Cookbook Display
Stack vintage cookbooks by height, and leans a few open to show their pages. It is functional art that actually makes sense in a kitchen.
Pottery and Ceramics
Group Rare Number of Ceramic pieces – the rule of wood never fails. I have five pieces up there: two tall vases, two medium bowls and a short, wide pot.
Functional Storage Solutions
Who says decor can’t be practical?
Attractive Storage Containers
Glass jars filled with colorful ingredients look amazing and keep things healthy. Think dried pasta, beans or spices you do not use daily.
Vintage Suitcases
Stack two or three vintage suitcases for storage that act as decor. Perfect for holidays or kitchen bedding you rarely use.
| Storage Type | Best For | Visual Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Glass Jars | Dry goods, spices | High – colorful contents |
| Vintage Suitcases | Linens, seasonal items | Medium – textural interest |
| Woven Baskets | Light items, papers | High – adds warmth |
Lighting Magic
This one’s a game-changer that most people skip.
String Lights
Hot white LED string light creates fantastic atmosphere. Tissing them between your decor pieces, but keep it subtly – we go too cozy, not Christmas explosion.
Battery-Operated Accent Lights
Small battery -powered spotlights can highlight your favorite pieces. I use them to light up a pair of my ceramic pieces, and the effect is the chef’s kiss.
Seasonal Rotation Strategy
Here’s something I wish someone told me earlier: Don’t do everything permanently.
Keep about 70% of your decor consistent year -round, then replace 30% seasonally. Right now I have some mini pumpkins mixed in with my regular pieces this fall.
Seasonal swap ideas:
- Spring: fresh branches, pastel accents
- Summer: bright ceramics, small potted herbs
- Fall: gourds, warm-toned pottery
- Winter: evergreen branches, metallic accents
Scale and Proportion Rules
Getting the size correctly is crucial. Too small and your decor disappears. Too big, and it overwhelms everything.
General guidelines:
- Use pieces that are roughly 1/3 the width of your cabinet sections
- Vary heights – aim for a gentle “mountain range” effect
- Leave some breathing room between groupings
I made the mistake of stuffing too much up there in the first place. Less really is more in this case.
Color Coordination Without Matching
You want unity without looking like you bought everything from the same store display.
Neutral Foundation
Begin with a neutral base – white, creams, natural wood tones. These work with any kitchen color choice.
Accent Color Strategy
Choose one or two accent colors that complement your kitchen. In my white kitchen with blue backsplash I use touches of marine and hot brass.
Easy color combinations:
- Whites + natural wood + one pop color
- Earth tones with black accents
- All neutrals with varying textures
Budget-Friendly Approaches
You do not need to use a fortune to make this space look fantastic.
Thrift Store Wins
Some of my favorite pieces cost under $ 5 in sparse stores. Look for unique shapes and interesting textures instead of perfect condition.
DIY Projects
Painted masonry jars filled with faux flowers or branches cost almost nothing and look custom. I sprayed some jars of math white, and they look much more expensive than they were.
Natural Elements
Branches from your garden (properly cleaned and dried) are free and look incredible. I have some curly Willow branches that cost me zero dollars.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from my failures, people.
Don’t do this:
- Use only tiny objects (they’ll disappear)
- Make everything the same height (boring!)
- Forget about dust (choose wipeable surfaces)
- Overcrowd the space (less is definitely more)
The boot is real, fyi. Choose pieces you can easily dry down or that hide dust well.
Styling Different Kitchen Types
Modern Kitchens
Keep it minimal with clean lines. Think about geometric ceramics, single color schemes and good negative space.
Farmhouse Style
Layers in natural textures, vintage discoveries and plenty of green areas. This style can cope with more “things” without looking messy.
Traditional Kitchens
Classic ceramics, symmetrical arrangements and timeless pieces work best. Think elegantly rather than eclectic.
Final Thoughts
Decorating your kitchen cabinets does not have to be complicated or expensive. Start with one or two pieces you love, and then build from there. The goal is not perfection – it is to create a room that feels intentionally and reflects your personality.
IMO, the best decor over the cabinet looks like it naturally belongs there, not as you try too hard. Take your time, shop your own house first, and remember that you can always change things.
Stop staring at the empty room and walking and doing great. Your kitchen (and your guests) will thank you for it.