How To Decorate the Top of Your Kitchen Cabinets?
Decorating the tops of your kitchen cabinets is about enhancing your kitchen’s overall aesthetic by adding visual interest and personal touches, while maintaining a sense of balance and proportion. The key is to choose items that complement your kitchen’s style and avoid clutter, creating a curated and pleasing display.
The Untapped Potential of Above-Cabinet Space
The space above your kitchen cabinets is often overlooked, becoming a dust-collecting void. But this area holds significant potential for adding character and personality to your kitchen. Decorating above cabinets can transform a standard kitchen into a stylish, inviting space, showcasing your unique taste and design sensibilities. It’s about turning functional space into a beautiful focal point.
Benefits of Decorating Above Your Cabinets
Beyond aesthetics, decorating above your cabinets offers several benefits:
- Visual Height: Drawing the eye upward can make the entire kitchen feel taller and more spacious.
- Personal Expression: Showcasing collections, art, or themed displays reflects your personality and adds warmth.
- Stylistic Cohesion: Coordinating the above-cabinet decor with your kitchen’s overall style creates a harmonious look.
- Covering Imperfections: It can subtly hide uneven cabinet tops or minor architectural flaws.
The Decoration Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Decorating this often-challenging space requires planning and careful execution. Here’s how to achieve a stylish and visually appealing display:
Assess Your Kitchen’s Style: Determine if your kitchen is modern, farmhouse, traditional, or eclectic. Your decor should complement this style.
Measure the Space: Accurately measure the height and length above your cabinets. This will inform your item selection.
Choose a Theme (Optional): Consider a cohesive theme, like a specific color palette, botanical elements, vintage finds, or culinary motifs.
Select Your Items: Choose items that fit your theme, style, and measurements. Consider a mix of:
- Greenery: Faux plants, topiaries, or dried floral arrangements.
- Baskets: Woven baskets for texture and storage.
- Cookbooks: Stacked cookbooks for a charming, functional touch.
- Artwork: Framed prints, canvases, or decorative plates.
- Vases and Pottery: Varying heights and textures create visual interest.
- Architectural Pieces: Vintage corbels, shutters, or salvaged wood.
Arrange Your Display: Experiment with different arrangements. Consider the rule of thirds and varying heights. Group items in odd numbers for a more visually pleasing effect.
Secure Items: Use non-slip mats or adhesive putty to prevent items from falling. Especially important for tall or heavy objects.
Dust Regularly: Keep your display clean by dusting regularly to maintain its appeal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding: Less is often more. Avoid cluttering the space with too many items.
- Inconsistent Style: Ensure the decor complements the overall kitchen design.
- Neglecting Scale: Choose items that are appropriately sized for the space. Tiny items can get lost, while oversized items can feel overwhelming.
- Dust Accumulation: Regularly dusting is crucial to prevent the display from looking neglected.
- Ignoring Functionality: While aesthetics are important, avoid blocking any vents or access points.
Matching Your Decoration to Different Kitchen Styles
The approach to decorating above cabinets should align with the kitchen’s dominant style. Here’s a quick guide:
| Kitchen Style | Suggested Decor |
|---|---|
| Modern | Sleek vases, minimalist sculptures, a single line of greenery. |
| Farmhouse | Vintage signs, galvanized metal containers, wooden crates, rustic pottery, faux flowers. |
| Traditional | Formal floral arrangements, classic cookbooks, antique serving dishes, decorative plates. |
| Eclectic | A mix of textures, colors, and styles reflecting a personal collection. |
| Coastal/Nautical | Seashells, glass bottles, woven baskets, nautical-themed art. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H4: What are the best types of faux greenery to use?
High-quality faux greenery can add a touch of nature without the maintenance. Look for realistic-looking varieties like eucalyptus, boxwood, or succulents. Consider using a mix of different textures and shades of green for a more dynamic look. Avoid anything that looks overtly plastic or artificial.
H4: How can I make my above-cabinet display look more cohesive?
Choose a consistent color palette or a unifying theme to tie your items together. For example, you could use a variety of items in different shades of blue, or focus on a specific theme, such as vintage kitchenware. Repetition of elements also helps create cohesion.
H4: What if I have soffits instead of space above my cabinets?
Soffits can present a challenge, but you can still add decorative elements. Consider hanging artwork or decorative plates on the soffit itself. You could also add a shelf below the soffit to display smaller items.
H4: How high should the tallest item be?
As a general rule, the tallest item should not exceed one-third the total height from the cabinet top to the ceiling. This ensures a balanced and visually appealing display. Adjust this based on your specific space and the scale of other items.
H4: How often should I dust above my cabinets?
Ideally, you should dust above your cabinets at least once a month. Use a long-handled duster or a vacuum cleaner attachment to remove dust and debris. Regularly cleaning will keep your display looking fresh and prevent dust buildup.
H4: What kind of lighting can I add above the cabinets?
Adding uplighting or strip lighting above your cabinets can dramatically enhance the display and create a warm, inviting ambiance. Consider using LED strip lights for energy efficiency and a wide range of color options. Make sure the lighting is properly installed and safe.
H4: Are there any safety concerns I should be aware of?
Always ensure that all items are securely placed and cannot easily fall. Avoid placing heavy or fragile items where they could pose a hazard. If you have children or pets, be extra cautious about selecting and arranging items.
H4: Can I use this space for storage?
While primarily decorative, you can incorporate some storage elements, such as woven baskets or decorative containers. However, avoid using this space for items you need to access frequently, as it can be difficult to reach. Focus on storing infrequently used items.
H4: What if I have very little space above my cabinets?
Even with limited space, you can create a stylish display. Consider using a single, statement piece, such as a large vase or a framed piece of art. Simplicity is key in small spaces.
H4: How do I choose items that won’t look dated quickly?
Opt for classic and timeless pieces that won’t go out of style quickly. Consider using natural elements, such as greenery or wood, which tend to have lasting appeal. Avoid trendy items that are likely to look dated in a few years.
H4: Should I paint the wall above the cabinets a different color?
Painting the wall above the cabinets a complementary or contrasting color can add visual interest and highlight the display. However, ensure that the color coordinates with the overall kitchen color scheme.
H4: Where can I find inspiration for decorating above my cabinets?
Look to home decor magazines, websites, and social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration. Search for images of kitchens with similar styles to yours to get ideas for how to decorate above your cabinets. Consider consulting with an interior designer for personalized advice.