That awkward space above your kitchen cabinets doesn’t have to be a dust-collecting wasteland. When designed thoughtfully, the area on top of kitchen cabinets can become one of the most striking features in your kitchen. Whether you’re dealing with a gap between your cabinets and ceiling or simply want to maximize every inch of your kitchen’s visual appeal, knowing what to put on top of kitchen cabinets can completely transform your space.
The key to successfully styling the top of kitchen cabinets lies in understanding that this prime real estate should complement your kitchen’s overall aesthetic while serving a practical purpose. Modern kitchen design emphasizes clean lines, intentional placement, and functional beauty – principles that should guide every decision about what to put on top of kitchen cabinets.
Understanding Your Cabinet-to-Ceiling Space
Before diving into specific ideas for what to put on top of kitchen cabinets, it’s essential to assess your available space. The height between your cabinet tops and ceiling typically ranges from 6 to 18 inches, and this measurement will significantly influence your styling choices.
For spaces under 8 inches, you’ll want to focus on low-profile items that won’t appear cramped. Spaces over 12 inches offer more flexibility for layering different heights and creating visual interest. Understanding these spatial constraints is crucial when determining what to put on top of kitchen cabinets.
At The Cabinet Craftsmen, we often work with homeowners to optimize these spaces during the cabinet planning phase, but even existing kitchens can be transformed with the right styling approach.
1. Embrace the Power of Greenery
Nothing says modern quite like incorporating living plants into your kitchen design. When considering what to put on top of kitchen cabinets, greenery should be at the top of your list. Plants not only add life and color to your space but also help purify the air in your kitchen.
Best Plants for Cabinet Tops
Trailing Plants: Pothos, philodendrons, and string of pearls create beautiful cascading effects that soften the hard lines of modern cabinetry. These low-maintenance options thrive in the typically lower-light conditions found above cabinets.
Upright Statement Plants: For higher cabinet-to-ceiling spaces, consider snake plants, ZZ plants, or tall peace lilies in modern planters. These create vertical interest without appearing cluttered.
Herb Gardens: Combine function with form by creating a herb garden using sleek stainless steel planters. This approach answers what to put on top of kitchen cabinets while providing fresh herbs for cooking.
Living Plants & Greenery
- Air purifying kitchen benefits
- Low maintenance options available
- Instant modern aesthetic upgrade
When selecting containers, opt for materials that complement your kitchen’s finish – matte black, brushed metal, or crisp white ceramic planters work beautifully in modern settings.
2. Curated Artwork and Sculptural Elements
Modern kitchen design celebrates art as much as function, making artwork an excellent choice for what to put on top of kitchen cabinets. The key is selecting pieces that can be viewed from below and maintain their impact despite the elevated placement.
Artwork Selection Tips
Scale Appropriately: Choose pieces proportionate to your cabinet width. A general rule is that artwork should span 60-75% of the cabinet’s width for optimal visual balance.
Consider Viewing Angles: Remember that cabinet-top artwork will primarily be viewed from below. Abstract pieces, geometric sculptures, and items with interesting bottom perspectives work particularly well.
Create Cohesion: Limit your color palette to 2-3 colors that complement your kitchen’s existing scheme. This restraint is essential when determining what to put on top of kitchen cabinets.
Modern metal sculptures or abstract ceramic pieces can serve as stunning focal points while maintaining the clean aesthetic modern kitchens demand.
Modern Art & Sculptures
- Abstract & geometric pieces work best
- 60-75% cabinet width for perfect scale
- Cohesive color palette essential
3. Strategic Storage Solutions
Just because storage is functional doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful. Modern storage solutions can be both practical and aesthetically pleasing, making them perfect choices for what to put on top of kitchen cabinets.
Stylish Storage Options
Matching Baskets: Woven baskets in natural materials or modern synthetic materials provide discrete storage for items you use occasionally but want to keep accessible.
Glass Containers: Large glass canisters filled with colorful items like pasta, grains, or even decorative balls create visual interest while serving a storage function.
Modern Boxes: Sleek storage boxes in materials like bamboo, metal, or matte plastic can house everything from extra linens to seasonal items while contributing to your modern aesthetic.
The key to using storage as decor when considering what to put on top of kitchen cabinets is ensuring all containers coordinate and appear intentionally placed rather than randomly stored.
Stylish Storage Solutions
- Woven baskets for discrete storage
- Glass containers for visual interest
- Modern boxes in coordinating materials
4. Lighting as Decor
Incorporating lighting into your cabinet-top styling serves dual purposes: it illuminates your displays and adds ambiance to your kitchen. This approach to what to put on top of kitchen cabinets has gained popularity in contemporary design.
Modern Lighting Options
LED Strip Lighting: Install battery-operated LED strips inside decorative items like large vases or behind translucent storage containers for a subtle glow.
Accent Lamps: Small, modern table lamps can create intimate lighting while serving as decorative elements. Look for pieces with clean lines and interesting materials.
String Lights: Modern Edison bulb string lights can add warmth without appearing too casual for sophisticated modern kitchens.
When planning lighting for what to put on top of kitchen cabinets modern style, ensure all electrical elements are safely installed and consider smart controls for easy operation.
Ambient Lighting
- Battery LED strips for easy installation
- Modern table lamps as decor
- Smart controls for convenience
5. Collections and Curated Objects
Displaying collections is an excellent way to personalize your modern kitchen while maintaining its sophisticated aesthetic. The key to successfully incorporating collections into what to put on top of kitchen cabinets is thoughtful curation and consistent presentation.
Collection Display Strategies
Limit Your Palette: Whether you’re displaying ceramics, glassware, or books, stick to items within a cohesive color range or material family.
Vary Heights: Create visual rhythm by grouping objects of different heights while maintaining an overall unified look.
Edit Ruthlessly: Modern design principles emphasize quality over quantity. Choose only your finest pieces for display.
Consider collecting items that serve the space’s function – beautiful modern cookbooks, vintage glassware, or artisanal serving pieces can all contribute to what to put on top of kitchen cabinets while reflecting your personal interests.
Curated Collections
- Cohesive color range for unity
- Varied heights create rhythm
- Quality over quantity approach
6. Architectural Elements and Built-in Solutions
For those ready to make more permanent changes, incorporating architectural elements can provide the most polished answer to what to put on top of kitchen cabinets. These solutions work particularly well during kitchen renovations or when working with custom cabinetry.
Architectural Options
Crown Molding Alternatives: Modern alternatives to traditional crown molding, such as clean geometric borders or integrated LED channels, can eliminate the cabinet-top space entirely while maintaining contemporary aesthetics.
Built-in Display Niches: Creating recessed display areas within the cabinet-top space provides dedicated areas for art or collections while maintaining clean lines.
Integrated Planters: Built-in planting areas with proper drainage and lighting systems offer a permanent solution for greenery lovers.
These solutions require professional installation but provide the most seamless integration with your overall kitchen design.
Architectural Solutions
- Built-in display niches for art
- Integrated LED channels for clean lines
- Custom planter systems available
7. Seasonal and Rotating Displays
One of the most dynamic approaches to what to put on top of kitchen cabinets involves creating displays that can evolve with the seasons or your changing tastes. This strategy keeps your kitchen feeling fresh while maintaining its modern aesthetic.
Seasonal Styling Strategies
Color-Focused Rotations: Change accent colors seasonally while maintaining the same basic elements. Swap warm oranges and deep reds for cool blues and whites as seasons change.
Textural Changes: Incorporate different textures through various materials – smooth ceramics for summer, rich woods for fall, metals for winter.
Functional Rotations: Alter displays based on cooking patterns – highlight fresh herbs and bright colors during summer months, incorporate warm textures and mood lighting during winter.
The key to successful seasonal styling is maintaining a consistent foundation while changing 20-30% of elements to create fresh visual interest.
Seasonal Rotations
- Color-focused rotations keep fresh
- Textural changes add interest
- 20-30% element changes optimal
Design Principles for Modern Cabinet-Top Styling
Understanding fundamental design principles ensures your choices for what to put on top of kitchen cabinets create a cohesive, sophisticated look.
The Rule of Three
Group items in odd numbers, particularly threes, to create visually pleasing arrangements. This could mean three plants of varying heights, three pieces of artwork, or three decorative objects.
Balance and Proportion
Maintain visual balance by distributing visual weight evenly across your cabinet tops. If you place a large item on one side, balance it with smaller grouped items on the other side.
Negative Space
Modern design celebrates empty space as much as filled space. Don’t feel compelled to fill every inch of cabinet-top space. Strategic empty areas help prevent visual clutter and maintain the clean aesthetic modern design demands.
Color Harmony
Limit your color palette to maintain cohesion. Your choices for what to put on top of kitchen cabinets should complement, not compete with, your kitchen’s existing colors.
Styling & Measuring Tools
- Measuring tools for proper scale
- Mounting hardware for safety
- Cleaning supplies for maintenance
Maintenance and Practical Considerations
While focusing on aesthetics, don’t forget the practical aspects of styling cabinet tops. Kitchen environments present unique challenges that must be considered when deciding what to put on top of kitchen cabinets.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Accessibility: Ensure items are easily accessible for regular cleaning. Kitchen environments generate grease and dust that will accumulate on cabinet-top displays.
Material Selection: Choose materials that can withstand kitchen conditions. Avoid items that might be damaged by humidity or temperature changes.
Safety First: Secure heavy items properly and avoid placing anything that could fall and cause injury or damage.
Seasonal Deep Cleaning
Plan quarterly deep cleaning sessions where you remove all items, thoroughly clean the cabinet tops, and reassess your styling choices. This regular maintenance ensures your displays remain fresh and your choices for what to put on top of kitchen cabinets continue serving your space well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learning what not to do is just as important as understanding what to put on top of kitchen cabinets.
Overcrowding
The biggest mistake is trying to fill every available inch. Modern design principles emphasize restraint and intentional placement over abundance.
Ignoring Scale
Items too small for the space will appear insignificant, while items too large will appear cramped. Always consider proportion when making styling decisions.
Forgetting Maintenance
Beautiful displays require regular upkeep. Choose items you’re willing to clean and maintain regularly.
Style Mixing
While eclectic mixing can work in some contexts, modern kitchen design benefits from consistency. Stick to a coherent style vision rather than mixing multiple design aesthetics.
Working with Professional Designers
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by choices for what to put on top of kitchen cabinets, consider consulting with professional kitchen designers. At The Cabinet Craftsmen, we work with homeowners to create comprehensive kitchen designs that consider every element, including styling the space above cabinets.
Professional designers bring expertise in spatial relationships, color theory, and practical considerations that ensure your styling choices enhance rather than detract from your kitchen’s functionality and beauty.
Conclusion: Creating Your Perfect Modern Kitchen Aesthetic
Deciding what to put on top of kitchen cabinets doesn’t have to be daunting. By focusing on clean lines, intentional placement, and functional beauty, you can transform this often-neglected space into a stunning focal point that enhances your entire kitchen.
Remember that the best choices for what to put on top of kitchen cabinets are those that reflect your personal taste while maintaining the sophisticated, uncluttered aesthetic that defines contemporary design. Whether you choose living plants, curated artwork, stylish storage, or a combination of elements, the key is editing your selections to ensure each piece earns its place in your design.
Take time to assess your space, consider your maintenance preferences, and choose elements that will continue to bring you joy while serving your kitchen’s practical needs. With thoughtful planning and careful curation, the space above your cabinets can become one of your kitchen’s most compelling design features.
The modern kitchen celebrates both form and function, and your choices for what to put on top of kitchen cabinets should reflect this balance. Start with one or two key elements and build your display gradually, ensuring each addition enhances rather than overwhelms your space. With patience and attention to detail, you’ll create a kitchen that’s both beautiful and brilliantly functional.