Top of Kitchen Cabinet Decor Ideas: 17 Stylish Looks

Don’t let that space above your cabinets go to waste! These top of kitchen cabinet decor ideas will help you add style and personality to your kitchen.

The space above kitchen cabinets is often ignored—or worse, left to collect dust.

But with the right styling, it can become a hidden gem in your kitchen design.

Adding decor above your cabinets is a great way to bring warmth, texture, and personality into your home.

Whether you prefer a modern, farmhouse, or eclectic look, this little area offers big opportunities to showcase your style.

To help spark your imagination, we’ve rounded up 17 chic and creative top-of-kitchen cabinet decor ideas you’ll want to try in your own space.

Before You Start: Things to Keep in Mind

Decorating above the cabinets isn’t just about tossing a few baskets or plants up there.

Think about proportion, balance, and how the decor connects with the rest of your kitchen.

A cohesive approach creates harmony, while a mismatched one can look cluttered.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want this space to be decorative, practical, or both?
• Does the decor blend with my kitchen’s color palette and style?
• Will I be able to clean or maintain what I put up there?

Styling Tips That Work Every Time

• Group in threes or fives → Odd numbers create a more natural, pleasing look.
• Play with height → Mix tall items (vases, greenery) with shorter accents for layered depth.
• Repeat elements → Echo a color, material, or texture that’s already present in your kitchen.
• Leave breathing room → Don’t feel pressured to cover every inch. Negative space makes your decor stand out.

1) Wicker baskets for farmhouse charm

You can use wicker baskets to add a warm, farmhouse feel to your kitchen.

They bring natural texture and a cozy touch to the space above your cabinets.

Wicker baskets are also practical.

You can store lightweight items in them while keeping your kitchen organized.

Make sure not to place baskets above areas exposed to grease, like stovetops.

Check their stability regularly to keep them safe and secure.

2) Tall faux eucalyptus plants

You can use tall faux eucalyptus plants to add height and greenery above your kitchen cabinets.

These plants bring a natural look without needing care.

Place them in clear or rustic vases to match your kitchen’s style.

The soft green color fits well with many decor themes.

Faux eucalyptus is also lightweight, making it easy to arrange and move.

They create a simple, fresh feeling in your kitchen space.

3) Antique wooden crates

You can use antique wooden crates to add texture and a rustic feel above your kitchen cabinets.

These crates bring a cozy, farmhouse vibe that makes your space look more intentional.

Place them empty or fill them with trailing plants, vintage linens, or other small items.

Try mixing sizes and angles to create visual interest and depth.

4) Vintage harvest baskets

You can use vintage harvest baskets to add texture and warmth above your kitchen cabinets.

These baskets often have a natural, worn look that fits well with farmhouse or rustic styles.

They also provide extra storage for lightweight items like linens or paper goods.

Placing a few baskets together creates a simple, charming display without cluttering your kitchen.

5) Stacked old cookbooks

You can use stacked old cookbooks to add charm and a cozy feel above your kitchen cabinets.

The worn covers and yellowed pages bring a vintage touch that feels lived-in.

Stack the books horizontally or lean them vertically for a simple, neat look.

This also keeps your cookbooks close at hand without cluttering your counters.

6) Decorative ceramic vases

You can add simple elegance to the space above your kitchen cabinets with decorative ceramic vases.

These vases bring height and texture without taking up much visual space.

Choose styles that match your kitchen’s look, whether modern or classic.

You can leave them empty or fill them with dried branches or faux flowers for extra interest.

Ceramic vases are easy to clean and offer a timeless look that fits well with other decor items you may want to display nearby.

7) Copper pots and pans display

You can use copper pots and pans as both functional items and decor.

Hanging them above your kitchen cabinets creates a warm, attractive look.

Copper’s natural shine adds a stylish touch without needing extra decor.

You can also place them neatly on open shelves to highlight their color and texture.

This display works well in kitchens with rustic, modern, or farmhouse styles.

It shows off your cookware while keeping your space organized.

8) Rustic wooden bowls

You can add a warm, natural touch to your kitchen by placing rustic wooden bowls on top of your cabinets.

These bowls bring simple, earthy beauty and work well with many styles, especially farmhouse and rustic designs.

Wooden bowls also provide texture and visual interest without cluttering the space.

Choose different sizes or stack them for a layered look.

Their natural colors blend easily with wood cabinets or neutral tones in your kitchen.

9) Glass jars with dried botanicals

You can place glass jars filled with dried botanicals on top of your kitchen cabinets.

These jars add a natural and calm feeling to your kitchen space.

Dried herbs, flowers, or leaves work well and offer a subtle pop of color without needing much care.

Using clear glass jars lets you show off the shapes and textures inside.

It also keeps botanicals fresh and dust-free while adding simple, timeless style.

10) Metal lanterns with LED candles

You can place metal lanterns on top of your kitchen cabinets for a simple yet stylish look.

These lanterns work well with LED candles inside, giving a soft and safe light.

The metal finish adds a modern or rustic touch, depending on your style.

LED candles last long and don’t create heat, making them perfect for this space.

This decor creates a cozy atmosphere in the evenings without taking up much room.

11) Large framed art leaning

You can place large framed art above your kitchen cabinets to create a strong visual impact.

Lean the artwork against the wall for a relaxed, stylish look that is easy to change when you want a new feel.

This method works well with bold prints or simple designs.

It adds height and draws the eye upward, making your kitchen feel more complete.

12) Layered woven trays

You can add texture and interest by layering woven trays above your kitchen cabinets.

Choose trays of different shapes and sizes for a natural, collected look.

Stack them slightly overlapping to create depth without overcrowding.

This arrangement brings warmth and subtle style to an empty space.

Woven trays are also easy to clean and maintain, making them a practical decor choice that fits many kitchen styles.

13) Coordinated color ceramic pitchers

You can use ceramic pitchers in matching colors to create a simple, coordinated look above your kitchen cabinets.

Choose colors that fit your kitchen’s palette for a clean and unified style.

Mix different sizes or shapes to add interest while keeping the overall color theme consistent.

This approach adds a farmhouse feel without crowding the space.

Pair pitchers with small plants or dried flowers to add texture and life to the display.

This keeps the arrangement balanced and visually appealing.

14) Decorative Glass Jars and Vases

A row of colorful glass jars and tall vases displayed neatly above the kitchen cabinets.

If you’re looking for an easy way to fill the space above your kitchen cabinets, decorative jars and vases are a timeless choice.

Go for pieces in different shapes, heights, and finishes to create visual variety.

Transparent jars with subtle textures or tinted glass can brighten up the area without overwhelming it.

You can even mix in seasonal fillers—think dried flowers, faux greenery, or natural stones inside the jars.

For an extra cozy touch, tuck in small LED string lights to highlight the display.

This works beautifully if you want a versatile, alcohol-free option that still adds charm and personality to your kitchen.

15) Miniature potted succulents

You can add small potted succulents on top of your kitchen cabinets to bring a fresh, natural touch.

These plants are low-maintenance, so they don’t need much care.

Choose simple pots that fit the space well.

Succulents come in many shapes and colors, which helps brighten your kitchen without taking up much room.

16) Large statement letters

You can use large letters to add a bold touch above your kitchen cabinets.

Choose letters that spell out a word or initials that mean something to you.

The size should be big enough to fill the space but not too heavy-looking.

Painted wood or metal letters work well for this.

These letters give your kitchen a simple, personalized style without cluttering the area.

17) Tall candle holders

You can use tall candle holders to add height and elegance above your kitchen cabinets.

They create a simple, stylish look without taking up much space.

Choose holders that match your kitchen’s style, whether modern or traditional.

Placing candles in them adds warmth and a cozy feel to the room.

Tall candle holders also work well when balanced with other decor pieces like plants or baskets.

This keeps the space looking intentional and well arranged.

How to Maintain the Look

Dust loves high-up spots. To keep your display fresh:

• Use faux greenery instead of real plants if watering is tricky.
• Wipe decor with a microfiber cloth monthly.
• Consider baskets or boxes that both look good and hide clutter.

Wrapping It All Up

Decorating the top of your kitchen cabinets doesn’t need to be complicated.

The trick is balancing style with simplicity—whether you go for a minimal display, a collection of favorite pieces, or a mix of greenery and baskets.

Start small, experiment, and adjust until it feels right.

Remember: Less is often more, especially in spaces that are already busy like the kitchen.

FAQs About Above-Cabinet Decor

Q1: What’s the easiest decor option for beginners?
Baskets or matching storage bins. They’re stylish, hide clutter, and don’t require much styling effort.

Q2: Is it okay to leave the space empty?
Absolutely. A clean, open look is just as intentional as a decorated one—especially in modern or minimalist kitchens.

Q3: Should I use real plants above my cabinets?
Only if you can reach them easily for watering. Otherwise, high-quality faux plants are your friend.

Q4: How often should I change the decor?
Seasonally works well if you like to refresh things. Otherwise, once or twice a year is enough.