Above the kitchen cabinets is often considered dead space, yet it is one of the most strategic zones in the entire room. Rather than treating this expanse as a forgotten frontier, homeowners should view it as an opportunity to maximize both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The area directly above the cabinets sits several feet off the ground, creating a zone that is out of immediate reach and therefore safe for storing items that are used infrequently. Treating this zone with intention transforms a dusty catch-all into a curated extension of your kitchen’s design and storage strategy.
Assessing the Available Space
The first step in determining what to put in space above kitchen cabinets is a careful measurement of the specific area in your home. The depth of the cabinets, the height of the ceiling, and the presence of features like sloped ceilings or dormer windows will dictate what solutions are feasible. Standard kitchen cabinets are often spaced roughly 18 to 24 inches from the bottom of the cabinet to the ceiling, though this gap varies significantly in older homes or custom builds. Measuring this gap is essential because it determines whether you will need shallow solutions or if you can install full-height storage units that bridge the gap entirely.
Functional Storage Solutions
For most households, the primary goal for this space is to increase storage capacity without sacrificing style. Due to the height, the items stored here should be light, infrequently used, or purely decorative in nature. Consider storing seasonal items such as holiday dishware, winter cookbooks, or extra linens that do not fit in lower cabinets. You can also utilize this zone for practical backups, holding reserve supplies of toilet paper, paper towels, or cleaning products that you do not want cluttering the main living area. By using sturdy, labeled plastic bins or baskets, you keep these items organized and dust-free, turning a neglected gap into a highly efficient storage zone.
- Seasonal décor and holiday items.
- Backup household supplies (paper goods, cleaning products).
- Bulky items that disrupt the flow in lower cabinets.
- Lightweight cookbooks or recipe binders.
- Infrequently used kitchen gadgets (mandolin, pasta maker).
Aesthetic and Design Considerations
Beyond pure utility, the space above kitchen cabinets offers a powerful design element that ties the room together. If your kitchen features high ceilings, the addition of crown molding or a custom valance can draw the eye upward and make the room feel more grand and finished. Alternatively, open shelving can be installed to create a display area for stylish dishware, glassware, or curated collections that add personality to the space. For those who prefer a cleaner look, painting the cabinet tops and the wall above them the same color as the walls creates a seamless background that makes the cabinets recede, resulting in a more airy and modern aesthetic.
Decorating the Upper Zone
Decorating above kitchen cabinets is an art that balances visibility with overhead perspective. Because this area is viewed from a downward angle when standing inside the kitchen, items need to be bold enough to register clearly. Large-scale wall art, such as a series of framed prints or a single dramatic mirror, anchors the space and prevents the wall from feeling blank. Greenery is another popular choice; placing tall potted plants or a suspended macramé planter introduces life and softness, breaking up the hard lines of the cabinetry. When selecting decor, it is crucial to ensure the pieces are securely fastened or weighted to prevent accidents, treating the zone as you would a high-traffic area of the living room.
| Option | Best For | Maintenance Level |
|---|---|---|
| Large Wall Art or Gallery Wall | Making a style statement | Low |
| Tall Potted Plants or Vines | Adding life and texture | Medium (watering)|
| Decorative Bowls or Sculptures | Adding dimension and color | Low|
| Mirror to Reflect Light | Enhancing brightness | Low|
| Floating Shelves with curated items | Showcasing collections | Medium
Practical Installation Tips
To execute your vision, you will likely need to address the issue of the cabinet tops themselves. If the cabinets are painted laminate, they may need to be lightly sanded and repainted to ensure a smooth transition for any new decor or shelving. For homeowners who prefer a DIY approach, installing floating shelves requires careful leveling and appropriate anchoring into the wall studs to support the weight of the items. Those less comfortable with mounting hardware might opt for freestanding units, such as narrow pantries or rolling carts, that slide in and out of the space without permanent modification. Regardless of the method chosen, ensuring that the solution is level and secure is non-negotiable for both safety and longevity.
Maintaining the Space
Finally, the upkeep of the area above kitchen cabinets is a factor that homeowners often overlook. Dust accumulation on high, neglected surfaces is inevitable, so the items placed here should be easy to clean or resistant to dust. If you choose to leave the space mostly empty to keep it feeling open, a quick wipe-down with a microfiber cloth during your regular cleaning routine will prevent a layer of grime from building up. If you do install shelves or decor, consider removing lightweight items periodically to dust the surface thoroughly. By treating this zone with a simple, consistent maintenance plan, you ensure that your solution for what to put in space above kitchen cabinets remains both beautiful and practical for years to come.
