The space above kitchen cabinets often leaves homeowners wondering whether it should be decorated or left alone. While woven baskets and artificial greenery were once popular choices, today's interiors favour a cleaner, more intentional approach. Whether you're updating your kitchen or simply refreshing its appearance, there are plenty of stylish alternatives that feel current and practical. Decorative baskets once became the go-to solution for filling empty space above cabinets, especially in farmhouse-inspired kitchens. Today, many designers recommend moving away from this look for several reasons.
Why Baskets Are Falling Out of Favour
Baskets tend to collect dust and cooking residue over time, making them difficult to clean. A row of identical baskets can also create visual clutter and make ceilings appear lower than they actually are. Modern kitchens typically emphasise simplicity, open space, and carefully selected decorative pieces rather than filling every available surface.
Extend Cabinets to the Ceiling
One of the most popular kitchen design trends is eliminating the gap above cabinets altogether.
If you're planning a renovation, extending cabinetry all the way to the ceiling creates a seamless, custom-built appearance while providing additional storage. For a more budget-friendly update, adding a matching trim panel or a smaller row of upper cabinets can achieve a similar effect without replacing your entire kitchen.
This approach not only modernises the room but also removes a dust-collecting surface.
Display Oversized Decorative Pieces
Instead of arranging numerous small ornaments, consider displaying just a few larger statement items.
Some popular choices include:
- Large ceramic vases
- Sculptural pottery
- Decorative bowls
- Framed artwork leaning against the wall
- Oversized lanterns
Using fewer, larger objects creates a more sophisticated appearance while preventing the area from feeling overcrowded.
Turn Everyday Items into Décor
Practical items can double as attractive displays when chosen thoughtfully.
Ideas include:
- Attractive cookware
- Decorative serving platters
- Wooden cutting boards
- Vintage kitchen scales
- Ceramic mixing bowls
- Quality cookbooks stacked neatly
Displaying items you actually use helps create a warm, lived-in kitchen while keeping frequently used pieces accessible.
Add Greenery Sparingly
Plants continue to be popular in kitchen design, but today's styling is far more restrained than in previous decades.
Rather than filling the entire cabinet top with artificial vines, consider using one or two carefully placed plants. Suitable options include:
- Pothos
- Heartleaf philodendron
- Trailing ivy
- Snake plants (if space allows)
If natural light is limited, high-quality artificial plants can still provide colour and texture without appearing dated. Choosing realistic foliage and simple pots helps maintain a contemporary look.
Let Empty Space Work for You
One of the biggest shifts in modern interior design is embracing negative space.
Leaving the area above your cabinets undecorated can make the kitchen feel brighter, larger, and less cluttered. This approach works particularly well if your kitchen already features attractive cabinetry, statement lighting, decorative splashbacks, or architectural details that deserve attention.
Sometimes the most effective styling choice is simply allowing the room to breathe.
Keep Functionality in Mind
Before decorating above your cabinets, consider practical factors such as cleaning and accessibility.
Ask yourself:
- Will these items collect grease and dust?
- Can they be cleaned easily?
- Do they complement the rest of the kitchen?
- Are they securely positioned?
Decorations should enhance the space without creating unnecessary maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should every kitchen cabinet have decorations above it?
Not necessarily. Many contemporary kitchens intentionally leave the space empty to create a cleaner, more open appearance. Whether you decorate depends on your cabinet height, ceiling height, and overall design style.
What is the easiest way to clean above kitchen cabinets?
Begin by removing loose dust with a vacuum fitted with a soft brush attachment or a microfibre duster. Afterwards, wipe the surface with warm water mixed with a grease-cutting washing-up liquid to remove cooking residue.
Can I place heavy decorative items above cabinets?
Only if your cabinets are securely installed and capable of supporting the additional weight. If you're unsure, choose lightweight décor such as framed artwork, empty ceramic vessels, or decorative wooden objects instead of heavy cookware.
What style works best in modern kitchens?
Modern kitchens generally benefit from a minimalist approach that combines clean lines, natural materials, and carefully chosen decorative accents. A few high-quality statement pieces often create a more timeless look than filling the space with numerous small accessories.