37 Creative Ways to Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets for a Stylish Upgrade

Looking to add a touch of personality and style to your kitchen? Don’t overlook the often-underutilized space above your cabinets!

This area can be transformed into a charming focal point, adding warmth and visual interest to your kitchen decor.

Whether you prefer a rustic farmhouse vibe, modern elegance, or a minimalist approach, decorating above the kitchen cabinets is the perfect opportunity to showcase your unique style.

Here are 37 creative and practical ideas that will elevate your kitchen and make the most of this often-forgotten space.

1. Display Elegant Glassware

Why not showcase your collection of beautiful glassware or vintage bottles above your kitchen cabinets? Whether it’s crystal, colored glass, or antique vases, glass items catch the light and add a sophisticated, timeless look to your kitchen. Try arranging them in neat rows or grouping them by color or style for a cohesive, elegant display.

2. Add a Touch of Greenery with Potted Plants

Greenery is a fantastic way to bring life to any space, and above the kitchen cabinets is no exception! Place a variety of potted plants, from low-maintenance succulents to lush ivy, for a fresh, vibrant touch. These plants not only add color and texture but can also help soften the harder edges of kitchen cabinets.

3. Install Floating Shelves for Extra Storage and Style

Floating shelves are a great way to blend functionality with style. Install a few shelves above your cabinets to display decorative items like cookbooks, small sculptures, or decorative trays. This solution helps utilize the space while adding dimension and personality to your kitchen decor.

4. Incorporate Rustic Wooden Crates

For a farmhouse-inspired look, use rustic wooden crates above your cabinets. You can stack them vertically or lay them horizontally and fill them with decorative items like candles, plants, or vintage kitchen tools. This adds a cozy, lived-in charm to your space.

5. Create a Vintage Display with Antique Kitchenware

If you love all things vintage, why not showcase your antique kitchenware above your cabinets? Items like old teapots, copper pans, and vintage measuring cups can add character and nostalgia to your kitchen. Arrange them in an artful, curated way for a stylish retro vibe.

6. Showcase Unique Art Pieces

Inject personality into your kitchen with above-cabinet art displays. Whether it’s framed prints, wall hangings, or quirky sculptures, art can make a bold statement and elevate the kitchen’s overall look. Choose pieces that reflect your style, whether that’s abstract, nature-inspired, or modern.

7. Install LED Lighting for a Warm Glow

To bring warmth and ambiance to your kitchen, consider adding LED strip lighting above your cabinets. The soft, indirect light will highlight the items you’ve chosen to display and create a cozy, inviting atmosphere in the kitchen. Plus, LED lights are energy-efficient and easy to install.

8. Create a Statement with Large Decorative Bowls

Large, oversized bowls can be a striking addition above your kitchen cabinets. Whether they’re ceramic, wooden, or woven, these bowls can serve as both functional and decorative pieces. Fill them with seasonal fruit, decorative stones, or leave them empty for an eye-catching minimalist look.

9. Use Stylish Baskets for a Boho-Chic Vibe

Baskets are a great way to incorporate texture and style above your cabinets. Choose natural woven baskets or colorful patterned ones to give the kitchen a bohemian flair. Use them to store small items like napkins, or simply leave them empty as part of the decor.

10. Create a Modern Industrial Look with Metal Accents

For a sleek, industrial feel, incorporate metal elements above your cabinets. Whether it’s metal trays, candle holders, or even geometric metal sculptures, these accents will give your kitchen a modern edge. Pair metal pieces with natural wood for a balanced, stylish look.

11. Design a Cozy Nook with Vintage Trunks

Transform the space above your cabinets into a cozy, nostalgic nook by placing vintage trunks or suitcases up there. These items not only provide storage but also evoke a sense of wanderlust and adventure. This style works especially well in kitchens with a rustic or cottage-inspired design.

12. Install a Chalkboard or Corkboard for Functionality

Incorporating a chalkboard or corkboard above the cabinets is both practical and stylish. You can write out shopping lists, meal plans, or inspirational quotes to keep your kitchen feeling fresh and organized. Add a decorative frame for extra charm.

13. Create a Minimalist Display with Clean Lines

For those who love minimalist decor, keep the space above your cabinets simple and streamlined. Opt for a few key pieces like sleek vases or modern sculptures that follow clean lines and a neutral color palette. The goal is to create a clutter-free yet visually appealing display.

14. Display Your Favorite Cookbooks in Style

If you’re a foodie or an avid cook, why not show off your collection of cookbooks above your kitchen cabinets? Stack them neatly or arrange them by size or color for a curated, organized look. Add decorative objects like small plants or kitchen tools to complement the display.

15. Add a Decorative Rug for Unexpected Color

Rugs are often confined to the floor, but they can also be used in unexpected places! A colorful, patterned rug draped over the top of your cabinets adds a playful touch and introduces a new element of texture. Choose a rug with vibrant colors to create contrast against your neutral kitchen tones.

16. Go Bold with Statement Sculptures

Add artistic flair above your cabinets by displaying large statement sculptures or figurines. Whether they’re abstract pieces or figurines inspired by nature, sculptures can make a dramatic visual impact and serve as a conversation starter in your kitchen.

17. Hang Decorative Wreaths for Seasonal Touches

Seasonal wreaths made from materials like dried flowers, branches, or greenery can give your kitchen a festive, nature-inspired touch. Swap them out as the seasons change to bring a fresh feel to the space above your cabinets.

18. Display Artisan Pottery for a Handcrafted Look

Handcrafted pottery can add texture, color, and personality to your kitchen. Display beautiful artisanal mugs, vases, or bowls above your cabinets to create a unique, handcrafted look that tells a story and enhances your space’s charm.

19. Use Decorative Clocks for Function and Style

A large, eye-catching wall clock placed above your kitchen cabinets can serve as both a functional and stylish piece. Choose a clock with bold numbers, an antique design, or a modern sleek finish to complement your kitchen’s overall style.

20. Add a Touch of Whimsy with Quirky Decor

To inject a sense of fun into your kitchen, consider using quirky decor above your cabinets. Items like colorful ceramic animal figurines, quirky quotes in frames, or unusual finds from flea markets can bring personality and a sense of playfulness to the space.

21. Install Reclaimed Wood Panels

Bring a touch of rustic charm to your kitchen by installing reclaimed wood panels above your cabinets. This natural material adds warmth, texture, and an organic feel to the space. Pair it with subtle lighting to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere that highlights the beauty of the wood.

22. Use Vintage Lanterns for a Touch of Nostalgia

Vintage lanterns or rustic lantern-style light fixtures can add both ambiance and charm to your kitchen. These items are especially great for creating a warm, nostalgic vibe above the cabinets. Use battery-operated candles inside for a soft glow without the hassle of traditional candles.

23. Display Decorative Jars and Canisters

Fill decorative glass jars, vintage canisters, or mason jars with dried flowers, colorful grains, or even pasta to create an interesting visual display. These pieces can add personality while also serving as a conversation starter in your kitchen.

24. Create an Herb Garden Above the Cabinets

If you love cooking with fresh herbs, why not display them above your cabinets? Install small hanging pots or planters and grow your favorite herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary. Not only will this create a functional display, but it’ll also add fresh greenery and a delightful scent to your kitchen.

25. Use Tall Candle Holders for a Touch of Elegance

Place tall, elegant candle holders or candelabras above your cabinets to create a sense of luxury and sophistication. Whether lit or not, these decorative pieces can create a focal point and add a refined element to your kitchen decor.

26. Show Off Colorful Ceramic Vases

Ceramic vases in vibrant colors or unique shapes can bring personality and vibrance to the space above your kitchen cabinets. These pieces can serve as bold accents, making the area feel more welcoming and filled with life. You can also pair them with greenery for an added pop of color.

27. Add a Touch of Farmhouse Style with Tin Signs

Tin or metal signs with catchy phrases, rustic designs, or vintage advertising can evoke a classic farmhouse vibe in your kitchen. Place these signs above the cabinets to add a touch of character and warmth to the room.

28. Use Glass Domes to Display Small Decorative Objects

Glass domes are perfect for showcasing small collectibles like antique figurines, vintage kitchen tools, or decorative stones. The transparent domes add a modern yet refined look, while also giving the objects inside a sense of elegance and focus.

29. Arrange Wooden Boxes for a Natural, Textured Look

Stack wooden boxes or crates above the cabinets to create a layered, natural look. You can use these boxes for storing decorative items or simply leave them empty for added texture and rustic charm. Try mixing different types of wood to add variety and interest.

30. Create a Coastal Vibe with Nautical Elements

If you’re a fan of beach-inspired decor, consider adding coastal elements above your cabinets. You can display items like seashells, driftwood, or nautical lanterns to bring a refreshing, breezy feel to your kitchen. This works especially well in kitchens with a coastal or light color scheme.

31. Install a Vintage Window Frame for a Retro Touch

A vintage window frame or shutters can be a beautiful, rustic addition above your cabinets. This type of decor works especially well in kitchens with a farmhouse or cottage style, giving the space an inviting and nostalgic atmosphere.

32. Incorporate a Gallery of Framed Prints

Turn the space above your cabinets into a mini art gallery by hanging a series of small framed prints. Choose prints that complement your kitchen’s color scheme, whether they’re abstract art, vintage advertisements, or photographs of food and kitchen utensils.

33. Decorate with Quirky Planters

Inject some fun into your kitchen with quirky or unexpected planters. From animal-shaped pots to colorful hanging planters, these playful touches will add a unique flair to the space above your cabinets. Choose plants that don’t require much light or care for easy maintenance.

34. Add Vintage Signs for Nostalgic Appeal

Vintage advertising signs or old-fashioned store signs can create an inviting, nostalgic vibe above your cabinets. These signs can evoke a sense of warmth and charm, making your kitchen feel like a welcoming, vintage-inspired gathering space.

35. Create an Open Shelf Display with Chic Tableware

For a refined yet accessible look, set up an open shelf display above your cabinets with chic tableware. Think elegant plates, modern glasses, or decorative serving bowls. This setup serves as both practical storage and decorative styling, enhancing the overall look of your kitchen.

36. Incorporate Woven Wall Baskets for Texture

Hanging woven baskets above your cabinets is an excellent way to add texture and visual interest. These baskets can be used for decorative purposes or even for storing small items. Their natural, earthy look complements various kitchen styles, especially in rustic, coastal, or bohemian-themed spaces.

37. Add Architectural Details with Molding or Trim

To elevate the space above your cabinets, consider adding architectural details like crown molding or trim. This subtle yet impactful design feature can make the entire kitchen feel more polished and sophisticated, enhancing the overall look of the room. It’s a great way to create a finished, high-end appearance.