The Best Ways to Decorate Above Your Kitchen Window

The space above the kitchen window is often overlooked when it comes to design potential. But this blank canvas is the perfect spot to incorporate creative touches that add aesthetic appeal and functionality.

From eye-catching displays to handy storage solutions, the decor options for this area are plentiful. Read on as we cover foolproof ideas to make the most of the space above your kitchen window.

First, Take Measurements

Before selecting any decorative pieces, an important first step is to measure the height and width of your window. Consider the existing scale and proportions to choose options sized appropriately for the space. Oversized items can feel imposing, while undersized pieces may get visually lost.

Additionally, take stock of the weight and materials for any wall-mounted decor. Heavier objects can pose a safety risk if not properly secured. Opt for lightweight woods, metals, and plastic over fragile glass or heavy stones.

Hanging Herb Garden

If your kitchen receives ample sunlight, a hanging mini herb garden over the sink is an effortless way to infuse nature and freshly grown flavor.

Look for herb starter kits that come with 3-5 pre-seeded soil pods perfect for basin cultivation. Common varieties like mint, basil, oregano, and chives thrive planted together in a compact suspended planter. Hang with decorative chains for a cute cottage look.

• Benefits include:
  • Convenient access to fresh ingredients while cooking
  • Pops of greenery and texture
  • Satisfaction of growing your own garnishes

Be sure to water plants daily until established. And situate near a window that receives at least 4 hours of direct sun for ideal growing conditions.

Stylish Floating Shelves

Floating shelves impart an airy, minimalist look while adding functional space for displaying cherished items or housing essentials.

For a modern aesthetic, opt for sleek glass or polished wood shelves in simple shapes. Or go for a rustic charm with reclaimed barnwood planks in muted natural tones.

Mounted with hidden brackets, floating shelves appear to defy gravity. Stagger multiples at varying heights for added dimension. Style with potted succulents, cookbooks, ceramic vases, or coffee bar accessories.

Verdant Tiered Planters

Tiered planters instantly provide depth and visual excitement, all while nurturing lush potted greenery. This three-dimensional decor option is an unexpected alternative to traditional linear window boxes.

Craft a customized tiered garden to match your exact window width. Use exterior-grade plywood cut into progressive step shapes. Affix sturdy landscape netting to each level for securing pots and concealing dirt. Paint or stain to protect wood from moisture damage.

Adorn sculptural shelves with a vibrant collection ofZhu non-vining houseplants like spider plants, peace lilies, and English ivy. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination!

Creative Storage Solutions

The often wasted space above kitchen windows poses prime real estate for storage. Optimize this area by mounting racks, rails, baskets, and shelves to corral cooking tools, spices, mugs, and other items.

Keep Favorite Mugs on Display

Say goodbye to crowded cabinets with an industrial wall-mounted mug rack installed near the coffee maker. Choose materials like black iron piping, steel wire, or solid wood beams handcrafted into an artistic arrangement of bars, pegs, and platforms.

Display vibrant collections of patterned, modern, oversized, or sentimental mugs. Leave space for display next to daily coffee essentials like sugar bowls, honey pots, and spoons.

Beyond form and function, a practical focal point emerges showcasing cups and colors meaningful to you.

Spice Things Up

Bring order to chaotic spice cabinets with a wall-mounted rack keeping every bottle neatly arranged for easy identification while cooking.

Opt for an expandable tiered design allowing customization for the optimal number of spice jars. Include space for oil and vinegar cruets, salt and pepper mills, and lidded baking staples like flour and sugar.

Keep spices within arm's reach but out of cabinets. You'll gain both storage space and efficient accessibility to essential flavor enhancers.

Incorporate Stylish Lighting

Proper illumination is essential in kitchens. Bright task lighting lets you safely and accurately prep ingredients, while ambient lighting sets a relaxing mood. The often dim space above windows is ripe for the addition of pendant lights, sconces, or track fixtures.

Hang a dramatic drum pendant centered precisely over the sink. Opt for an adjustable height to allow flexibility when cleaning or prepping food. Add sconces on either side of the window to bath key tasks zones in light.

For a more diffuse glow, install discreet linear track lighting. Place individual fixtures to highlight decor or shine down on particular work areas per cooking needs.

Choosing Fixtures & Positioning

• Select energy efficient LED bulbs in colors like bright white, soft white, or daylight.
• Look for dimmable options to control mood and ambiance.
• Position lighting above eye level to reduce glare.
• Mount sconces 44-66 inches above the counter.
• Install pendants 30-34 inches above the sink.

Follow these tips and suddenly the space above your window will become one of the most well-appointed areas of the kitchen!

Match Your Decor Style

When decorating kitchen windows, maintain cohesion with cabinetry, flooring, counters, and appliances. The selections above your window should feel like a natural extension and complete the room's aesthetic.

Modern and Sleek

For contemporary spaces with a polished look, opt for simple floating shelves, metallic pendant lights, and abstract art prints. Maintain a neutral color palette while adding pops of brightness with succulent plants or ceramic cookware.

Farmhouse Rustic

In country-inspired kitchens, create a timeworn look with reclaimed wood shelves, galvanized tin pendant lamps, and a vintage window box planter. Neutral creamware dishes and floral accent patterns complement the comforting design.

Coastal Casual

Channel breezy seaside vibes with airy woven baskets, weathered shutters, and painted buoys. Display white shell-shaped dishes alongside glass bottles, sea glass, and starfish for a relaxed nautical vibe.

Once you settle on a style, the options expand even further to reflect your unique personality!

Mind the Materials

Kitchens inherently contend with moisture, grease, steam, and food splatters. As a high traffic area, durability of materials must be considered.

When introducing decor above the window opt for items constructed from metal, wood, wicker, or even durable plastics and resin.

Avoid Anything...

• Paper-based
• Fabric
• Unfinished, unsealed wood
• Papier-mache
• Straw or raffia

These porous materials risk absorbing grease, promoting mold growth, or attracting pests. Over time exposure to heat, moisture and grime will cause faster deterioration.

Instead choose lasting, impervious materials for long-term durability, easy cleaning, and continuous enjoyment of your decorative selections.

The often underutilized space above the kitchen window truly reigns as a decorative blank canvas brimming with possibility. Make a statement by incorporating eye-catching displays, storage solutions, lighting features, and architectural elements tailored to your unique style.

Be bold and imaginative as you introduce creative touches that enhance form and function. The simple suggestions covered here are merely a starting point. We hope these ideas sparked inspiration for styling possibilities above your kitchen window!