That empty space above your kitchen cabinets? It’s one of those spots most people just ignore. But in a kitchen with high ceilings, leaving it bare can make the whole room feel cold and unfinished.
The good news is, that space doesn’t have to go to waste. With the right decor, it can actually become one of the best parts of your kitchen.
I’ve put together 11 creative ideas to help you turn that awkward gap into something that looks intentional and put-together.
Why Decorating Above Kitchen Cabinets With High Ceilings Matters
High ceilings look great, but they can leave a lot of empty space above your cabinets. That gap makes the kitchen feel off, like something is missing.
Adding decor up there fixes that. It visually connects the cabinets to the ceiling, so the whole room feels more complete and thought through.
It also gives your kitchen some personality. The right pieces up there can say a lot about your style without taking up counter space. It’s a small change that makes a big difference.
List of 11 Ideas for Decorating Above Kitchen Cabinets With High Ceilings
That empty space above your cabinets doesn’t have to stay bare. These 11 ideas will help you fill it in a way that looks good and feels right for your kitchen.
1. Display Decorative Baskets
Woven baskets fill tall spaces without looking overdone. They add texture and work well in farmhouse, rustic, or boho kitchens. Stack a few in different sizes for a natural, layered look.
They’re affordable, easy to swap out, and one of the simplest ways to make that space look intentional.
2. Add Greenery or Faux Plants
Trailing greenery softens the look of a high ceiling kitchen and adds a natural touch. Since that area is hard to reach daily, faux plants are the smarter choice.
They stay looking fresh without any upkeep and work with almost any kitchen style or color scheme.
3. Use Oversized Decorative Vases
Tall vases are built for spaces like this. They fill vertical height without cluttering the area.
Choose colors that already exist in your kitchen so everything ties together. A pair of matching vases or a mix of heights can make the whole display feel balanced and well thought out.
4. Showcase a Collection of Pottery or Antiques
Vintage pitchers, old pottery, or kitchen collectibles add real character up there. Group pieces with similar colors or materials so the display looks curated, not random.
This is a great spot for items that are too special to store away but don’t belong on the counter.
5. Add Framed Artwork or Decorative Signs
Lean framed prints or decorative signs against the wall above your cabinets. This works really well in farmhouse or cottage-style kitchens.
It adds personality without putting holes in the wall. Keep the frames simple and the colors consistent so the display doesn’t feel too busy.
6. Install Accent or LED Lighting
Soft lighting above the cabinets changes the whole feel of a kitchen. It adds warmth and highlights whatever decor you’ve placed up there.
In the evening especially, it makes the space feel cozy and finished. LED strip lights are easy to install and don’t cost much at all.
7. Style With Wooden Crates or Boxes
Wooden crates bring rustic charm and create natural height variation above cabinets. You can leave them empty for a clean look or tuck smaller decorative items inside.
They work well in casual or country-style kitchens and are easy to find at most home decor or thrift stores.
8. Display Cookbooks or Decorative Books
One oversized bowl, sculpture, or decorative tray can anchor the whole space above your cabinets.
Big pieces work better here than small ones, which tend to get lost. Keep it simple with one or two strong items rather than filling every inch. Less really is more up there.
10. Add Seasonal Decorations
This space is perfect for rotating decor through the year. Use fall pumpkins, holiday garlands, or spring greenery to keep the kitchen feeling fresh and current.
It gives you a reason to update the look without redecorating the whole room. Seasonal swaps are fun, easy, and budget-friendly.
11. Extend Cabinets With Crown Molding
Crown molding fills the gap between your cabinets and the ceiling without any decor at all. It gives the kitchen a built-in, custom look that feels polished and intentional.
This is a great option if you prefer a clean, minimal style over displayed objects. It’s a one-time fix that lasts.
Tips for Decorating Above Kitchen Cabinets With High Ceilings
- Small items tend to disappear in tall spaces. Go for larger pieces that can hold their own up there.
- Stick to a color scheme that already exists in your kitchen. It makes the whole display look planned, not thrown together.
- Don’t overcrowd the space. A few well-placed pieces always look better than filling every inch.
- Mix heights and shapes to keep things visually interesting. Variety stops the display from looking flat or repetitive.
- Step back and look at the full picture before you finalize anything. What looks good up close can feel off from across the room.
- Dust and clean up there regularly. Decor that’s sitting in a neglected, dusty spot ends up making the kitchen look worse, not better.
Conclusion
That space above your cabinets has so much potential. A few right pieces up there can pull the whole kitchen together and make it feel complete.
Don’t overthink it. Play around with different heights, textures, and colors until it feels right. You don’t need to spend a lot to make it look good.
Start with one idea from this list and see how it feels. Small changes up there can make a big difference down here.
Which idea are you trying first? Drop it in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions
What looks good above kitchen cabinets with high ceilings?
Larger pieces work best in tall spaces. Think oversized vases, woven baskets, framed prints, or grouped pottery that can hold their own without getting lost.
How do I make the space above my kitchen cabinets look intentional?
Stick to a consistent color scheme and vary the heights of your pieces. A little planning goes a long way in making the display look curated and put together.
Are faux plants a good option above kitchen cabinets?
Yes, absolutely. That area is hard to reach and usually gets little natural light. Faux plants stay looking fresh without any watering or upkeep, making them a practical and smart choice.
How many items should I place above my kitchen cabinets?
Less is more up there. A few well-chosen pieces look far better than a crowded display. Aim for odd numbers like three or five items, and leave some breathing room between them.
Can I change the decor above my kitchen cabinets seasonally?
Yes, and it’s actually a great idea. Swapping in seasonal items like holiday garlands or fall decor keeps the kitchen feeling fresh through the year without a full redesign.
