Boost Your Kitchen's Style with These Clever Cabinet Top Decor Ideas
Is your kitchen looking a little dull or lackluster? Don't reach for a paintbrush just yet - cleverly decorating the tops of your kitchen cabinets can give your space a quick style pick-me-up. With a few simple tips and innovative decor ideas, you can transform those boring cabinet tops into beautiful focal points that complement your kitchen's design.
Often overlooked and underutilized, the tops of kitchen cabinets offer ample blank space just waiting to be styled. By creatively decorating this forgotten real estate, you can boost your kitchen's aesthetic, add personality, and maximize function. Read on for our top tips to elevate your kitchen with cabinet top decor that wows.
Clever Ways to Use Cabinet Tops for Storage and Display
One of the biggest benefits of decorating your kitchen cabinet tops is that it allows you to utilize the space for both stylish display and practical storage. Here are some of our favorite items to use:
Baskets for Warmth and Texture
Incorporating baskets is a great way to add an earthy, textural element while also gaining storage and organization solutions. Choose baskets in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials like rattan, bamboo, and woven woods. Stack different baskets together or align several of the same size for a coordinated look. Store kitchen towels, spices, baking ingredients, or cooking utensils inside. Beyond their usefulness, baskets bring a touch of cozy warmth to the often hard surfaces of a kitchen.
Vases for Flowers and Greenery
Nothing brightens up a kitchen quite like fresh florals and greenery. Use your cabinet tops to display vases filled with fresh-cut blooms, herbs from your garden, or even faux botanicals. Opt for glass vases in clear, colored, or patterned styles. Ceramic vases also add artisanal charm. Arrange a few vases in varying heights, shapes, and sizes for an eclectic feel. Pro Tip: Save flower stems from bouquets to dry, then place in vases for long-lasting beauty.
Bowls for Visual Appeal and Storage
Bowls are another versatile item to style on top of cabinets. Shallow bowls can corral pieces of fruit into an arranged still life. Use textured ceramic or wooden bowls to store onions, potatoes, and other hardy produce to free up shelf space. Metal and glass bowls also add striking visual elements while being functional. Feel free to get creative with non-traditional "bowls" too. Consider displaying eggs in a vintage crate or lemons in a colander for a dash of farmhouse charm.
Pitchers Create Rustic Focal Points
Pitchers are commanding focal points that work in both rustic and modern kitchens. Use glass pitchers to show off greenery and dried botanicals. Unexpected vintage pitchers add a pop of color along with loads of character. You can also highlight your finest porcelain or crystal pitchers in the same way you would display china. No matter what style you choose, pitchers make stunning vignettes on their own or grouped with complementary decor.
Stylish and Functional Books and Containers
Books and storage containers are two categories that blend good looks with utility when styling kitchen cabinet tops. Here are ideas to implement these underrated items:
Books Showcase Personality
One way to infuse cabinets with personality is by displaying cherished cookbooks, coffee table books, or decorative book sets. Stack horizontally or stand upright with bookends. Choose a variety of sizes, colors, and subject matter for eclectic styling. Rotate seasonal books to keep things looking fresh. Beyond looks, books dampen noise and soften hard surfaces in the kitchen.
Jars and Containers for Versatile Storage
Clear glass jars are ideal for storing baking ingredients like flour and sugar while keeping their contents visible. Larger lidded containers are perfect for holding kitchen tools like spatulas and wooden spoons upright at the ready. Labelling jars lends a rustic touch while keeping things organized. Use jars and containers to corral odds and ends that would otherwise clutter cabinets below.
Design Tips and Best Practices
Now that you're inspired to style your kitchen cabinet tops, keep these design tips in mind:
- Dust and clean cabinet tops regularly when decorating to prevent grease and dust buildup on displayed items.
- Style similar items together - glassware with glassware, books with books, etc. Grouping like items creates cohesion.
- Avoid clutter by regularly editing items. Display only your favorites for a curated look.
- Proper lighting can make or break a display. Use pendant lights or sconces to illuminate and highlight focal points.
- Choose a cohesive color story for your decor items to tie everything together professionally.
With a little creativity and forethought, those dusty cabinet tops can become beautiful displays that breathe new life into tired kitchens. Next time you feel your kitchen needs a boost, don't immediately default to a paint job or renovation. Reimagine your cabinet tops first with these innovative decorating ideas. You might be surprised just how far a few well-placed vases, containers, books or baskets will take your kitchen's style into fresh, elevated territory.
Do you need more kitchen decor inspiration? Browse our blog for clever ideas to elevate every space. We cover kitchen cabinet organization tips, small kitchen solutions, and ways to add personality through art, lighting, and more. Our guides help simplify and beautify your home. Let us inspire your next decorating project!