9 Clever Ways to Use the Space Above Your Kitchen Cabinets

Showcase a Curated Collection

Curating a stunning collection of pottery, ceramic vases, cutting boards, or textural baskets (among other items) creates warmth and texture in your kitchen. "Mix heights, shapes, and colors to create a layered vignette," suggests interior designer Steven Cooper of Cooper Pacific Kitchens. "Stick to a cohesive palette and choose pieces that harmonize with your kitchen’s story. This keeps it feeling intentional." 

Store Bulk Kitchen Staples

As long as you can keep it neat and tidy, that upper gap between the ceiling and the top of the cabinet can be the perfect spot for back-up items for your pantry, suggests professional organizer Regina Lark. Opt for airtight glass jars so your goods remain dust and debris-free, and label either the tops (if you want to hide the labels) or front. Purchase a set so they're all the same height and size, or introduce varying sizes for some visual interest. 

Extend Your Backsplash

Utilizing the empty space above wall cabinets as an extension of your decorative backsplash can create a seamless and cohesive look. “Whether it’s tile, shiplap, or wallpaper, this design choice not only adds character but also makes efficient use of often-overlooked space,” Rideau explains.

Hang Tapestries

Hang tapestries or sculptural chain links to create a unique decorative display, suggests interior designer Brittny Button. She says, “They add some compelling dimension to an otherwise dead space, and it helps to elevate the feeling of the kitchen from an aesthetic standpoint.” Coordinate the colors or materials with your cabinet décor so the whole look feels intentional and cohesive.

Add Soft Lighting

Adding subtle lighting above the cabinets can transform this awkward space in a surprisingly artful way. This can be done with anything from warm LED strip lights to small, hidden puck lights that cast a gentle glow upward. “This creates ambiance, making your kitchen feel warm and inviting even after the sun goes down,” explains Cooper.

He recommends using warm white bulbs (2700K to 3000K) for a soft, welcoming aesthetic. "Use dimmable lights so you can adjust the mood depending on the time of day or occasion, and always conceal wiring carefully for a seamless, polished look," he adds.

Incorporate Greenery

Greenery is one of the quickest ways to infuse life and color into your space. You can opt for the real deal, but, for this space, choose options that don't need frequent watering and thrive easily—like succulents or pothos.

For faux versions, don't skimp out. Look for the highest quality faux plants you can find with realistic veining, color, and texture. (You won't want to have to climb up to frequently dust dingy leaves or to water real ones.)

Decorate Seasonally

Seasonal décor rotations are a fun way to utilize the space above kitchen cabinets. Maybe winter brings about tiny trees and LED-lit villages, and spring may welcome vases of colorful blooms and trailing greenery. In summer, you could swap in woven baskets, beachy glass bottles, and citrus-themed accents, then move into autumn with rustic lanterns, pumpkins, and warm-toned foliage.

“For seasonal upgrades, confine to just a few pieces each for a more intentional and less cluttered look,” Lark suggests. “Choose a color scheme for each season so your display feels cohesive rather than chaotic.”

Add a Faux Cabinet Extension

If you’re not interested in adding décor above your kitchen cabinets, consider filling in the space entirely with a faux cabinet extension. This is often a DIY job (or you can hire out), achieved by building lightweight plywood boxes to fit the gap. Secure them to a simple 2×4 frame anchored to the cabinet tops and ceiling, then finish with crown molding for a polished, built-in look. Paint them to match your existing cabinets.

Install Wood Beams

When space allows, wood beams above your kitchen cabinets are a transformative design element that instantly lends some architectural interest alongside warmth and texture. “These beams can act as a natural frame that visually anchors the kitchen and adds a layer of tactile beauty,” Cooper says. “Reclaimed wood beams are my top pick because they carry character. Imperfections tell a story and add authenticity.”

Just make sure the beams’ scale feels right to your kitchen; they should be substantial enough to make an impact but not feel too heavy.