Spruce Up Your Kitchen Cabinets with These Clever Display Ideas

Tired of staring at the gap above your kitchen cabinets? This often overlooked space offers the perfect blank canvas for stylish storage solutions and eye-catching displays. Utilizing this empty area draws the eye upwards, adds visual interest, and can even create the illusion of higher ceilings.

With a mix of clever organizational ideas and decorating inspiration, you can transform the tops of your cabinets from boring to beautiful. Whether your goal is to streamline kitchen clutter or just amp up your design, read on for ways to spruce up your kitchen and make the most of this hidden space.

Measure Your Cabinet Tops First

Before decorating, an accurate measurement is key. Pull out a tape measure and note the exact width and depth of your cabinet tops. This allows you to select storage bins and display pieces scaled appropriately for the space. It also prevents overcrowding. Things to measure include:

• Distance between the cabinets and ceiling
• Width and depth of the cabinet top surface
• Height, width and depth of the wall area above the cabinets

For hard-to-reach areas, use a measuring stick. Recording all dimensions gives you the freedom to browse for coordinating decorative accents knowing they'll fit.

Functional Storage Solutions

One of the best ways to utilize the cabinet top space is by corralling kitchen essentials into concealed storage. Baskets, bins and boxes keep items tidy but within reach. Try these tips:

• Store bulkier appliances like blenders or mixers inside deeper bins.
• Use lidded baskets to hide away knick-knacks.
• Keep cleaning supplies separate in inexpensive wire bins.
• Conceal linens and tablecloths inside cloth bins or trunks.

When selecting storage containers, look for materials like rattan, galvanized metal, ceramic or wood. Sturdy built-in handles allow for safe lifting. For cohesion, coordinate colors and materials with the rest of your kitchen decor.

Create an Accent Wall

Paint or removable wallpaper are easy DIY options for adding a bold accent wall above your cabinets. Opt for complementary hues drawn from other elements in the kitchen, like:

• Countertop colors
• Backsplash tile tones
• Cabinet paint or stain

Factor in how natural and artificial light affects the wall color throughout the day. Vivid shades can energize a space, while neutral earthy hues promote relaxation. Consider glossy finishes or eye-catching patterns like botanical prints, geometrics or chevrons for texture.

Display Special Pieces

Accenting your cabinet tops with beautiful or sentimental objects personalizes the space. Float your favorite finds in prominent positions to spark joy. Ideas include:

• Showcasing cherished heirlooms or antiques
• Creating a vignette with candles, flowers and framed photos
• Highlighting colorful cookbooks or enameled pots
• Arranging collections like vintage glassware or classic dinnerware

For optimal visual balance, vary object sizes, shapes and heights around the cabinet tops. Leave some breathing room between groupings. Use seasonal accents to freshen up your display.

Add Floating Shelves

Floating shelves provide function and flair above cabinets. They display treasured items while preserving usable surface area. Before installing:

• Select durable materials like solid wood, metal or tempered glass.
• Map out placement so shelves don't block windows or lights.
• Stud-mount for stability and load-bearing capacity.

When organizing shelves, designate each for different uses - like space for cookbooks, greenery and small decor. Rotate contents seasonally to refresh your look.

Use Plants for Freshness

Incorporating plants is a natural way to decorate cabinet tops and improve indoor air. Consider these tips for thriving greenery:

• Select low-light houseplants like succulents or snake plants.
• Use planters that complement your decor.
• Place larger statement plants in corners.
• Water and dust consistently.

Trailing vines, mini citrus trees and herb gardens work beautifully. Just ensure planters have edges to prevent spills and soil from staining cabinet surfaces.

Incorporate Lighting

The right lighting takes your display to the next level. Options include:

• Sleek under-cabinet LED strips to amplify tasks.
• Sconces or pendant lights to accent focal points.
• Rail fixtures to illuminate accent walls fully.
• Recessed cans for overall glow.

Correct lighting ensures your beautiful display doesn't get lost in shadows. Bulbs should provide bright, natural illumination without glare. Dimmer switches allow adjusting mood and ambience.

Finish with Crown Molding

Crowning kitchen cabinets with elegant molding elegantly bridges the cabinet tops with walls and ceilings. It also cleverly conceals any cabinet-ceiling gaps. Consider these tips:

• Select molded trim in a finish that matches your cabinets.
• Use decorative corbels on upper cabinets lacking overhangs.
• Install with sufficient clearance between molding and ceiling.
• Use filler strips and caulk for clean corners.

The right molding transforms plain cabinets into custom built-ins with charming appeal. Painted or stained trim adds another layer of personality.

Style Your Display

Curating a polished vignette above your cabinets is all about thoughtful editing. Follow these tricks:

• Limit decorative items to create a clean look.
• Incorporate different shapes, sizes and heights.
• Use color grouping for cohesion.
• Add lighting for depth.
• Refresh with seasonal accents.

Your cabinet tops should harmonize with the rest of your kitchen decor. Add and subtract pieces until the look feels complete. Then stand back and admire your clever new display space!

With a mix of storage solutions and stylish accents, the tops of your kitchen cabinets can be completely transformed. Use the clever ideas in this post to create a personalized display space that conquers clutter while complementing your cooking space.

Start with essential organizational tools like baskets and bins to clear surfaces. Then have fun highlighting your treasures or adding an eye-catching accent wall. The finishing touch of plants, lighting and hardware pulls the look together seamlessly.

The next time you're wiping down your countertops, pause and look up. With a few simple upgrades, that forgotten cabinet-top space can become one of your kitchen's best features.