The space atop kitchen cabinets is typically disregarded, often collecting dust and forgotten items that are rarely used. Many of us consider it a design quirk or an inconvenient gap that serves no real purpose. However, this overlooked area has potential that is only limited by our creativity and organizational skills.
When utilized correctly, the tops of kitchen cabinets can be transformed into functional storage or an expressive corner of your kitchen’s decor. Here, we will explore how you can make use of this space to its full potential. Whether you’re looking for extra storage, an aesthetic display, or an organized home for infrequently used items, the top of your kitchen cabinets can become a versatile and valuable space.
1. Storing Infrequently Used Items
One practical use for the space above your kitchen cabinets is to store items that you don’t need to access on a daily basis. Think of seasonal dishes, special occasion serveware, or large appliances that are only used for specific tasks. Items such as fondue pots, ice cream makers, or holiday baking tins can take up valuable space in lower cabinets or drawers but don’t need to be readily accessible.
To maintain a tidy and organized space, keep these items in decorative bins or baskets that match your kitchen’s aesthetic. This way, they remain out of sight but are still easy to retrieve when needed. You can even label the baskets or bins to make it clear what is stored inside, making it easier to grab the right item without fuss.
2. Displaying Collections
For those who love to collect items such as vintage tins, ceramics, or cookbooks, the tops of kitchen cabinets offer the perfect stage to showcase these treasures. Displaying items you love is an excellent way to add personality and charm to your kitchen. If you enjoy collecting items, the top of the cabinets can serve as a dedicated space for your unique collection.
When arranging your display, be sure to consider varying heights and textures to create a visually dynamic arrangement. For example, you might want to place taller objects at the back and shorter objects at the front. Mixing materials such as ceramic, wood, and metal can also add depth and interest. Just remember that the kitchen environment can cause dust and grease buildup, so you’ll need to clean your displayed items regularly to maintain their shine.
3. Adding Greenery
Plants have the power to breathe life into any space, and the kitchen is no exception. If your kitchen cabinets don’t reach the ceiling, you can utilize this extra space for plants that thrive in indoor conditions. Choose low-maintenance plants that can tolerate varying conditions of light and temperature.
Herbs, succulents, or even small trailing plants like pothos can all be great choices for adding a pop of green to your kitchen. Having plants on top of your cabinets not only makes the space more inviting but also provides air-purifying benefits, improving the overall atmosphere in your kitchen.
4. Extra Lighting
The right lighting can make all the difference in creating ambiance in your kitchen. Installing LED strips or small lamps on top of your kitchen cabinets can provide soft, indirect lighting that adds warmth to the space. This kind of lighting can help highlight your kitchen’s decor or the items displayed above your cabinets.
In addition to its decorative value, the extra lighting can also serve as a functional element. A subtle light at the top of your cabinets can serve as a nightlight for late-night kitchen ventures, ensuring you can navigate the space easily without turning on bright overhead lights. It’s a simple but effective way to enhance both the aesthetic and functionality of your kitchen.
5. Seasonal Decorations
If you love decorating your home for the holidays or different seasons, the space above your cabinets offers an excellent opportunity to add seasonal decor. Whether it’s garlands during Christmas, spooky accents for Halloween, or springtime florals, this space can be used to bring a festive touch to your kitchen.
Seasonal decorations placed atop your cabinets can help tie the room together and make the space feel more connected to the time of year. Additionally, by using this higher space for seasonal items, you free up counter and shelf space for other day-to-day uses. It’s a clever way to make your kitchen feel fresh and fun without overcrowding the rest of the room.
6. Extra Storage for Bulk Supplies
For those who love to buy in bulk, having extra storage space in your kitchen is always a bonus. The top of your cabinets can serve as a spot to store extra non-perishable items, like canned goods, extra bags of flour, or boxes of pasta. These are items that don’t need to be accessed frequently but can be bulk-bought to save money and reduce the need for constant trips to the store.
You can keep these items in stylish bins or baskets to ensure your kitchen maintains a cohesive and clean look. Additionally, using clear containers allows you to see exactly what you have stored, preventing the need to open every container when you need something specific.
7. Wine Storage
For wine enthusiasts, storing bottles of wine above your kitchen cabinets can be a practical use of this space. While not ideal for long-term wine storage, it’s a great place to keep bottles that you plan to open soon or those you’re saving for special occasions. Displaying your wine bottles on top of your cabinets can also add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your kitchen.
If you’re storing wine in this space, try to keep the bottles in a cool, dark spot, and avoid placing them in direct sunlight, which can negatively affect the flavor and quality of the wine over time. Consider using a wine rack or similar storage solution to keep the bottles organized and secure.
8. Creating a Cookbook Library
For those who love to cook, displaying cookbooks on top of kitchen cabinets is both a practical and aesthetically pleasing option. Instead of stacking your cookbooks in a drawer or on a lower shelf, showing them off on top of your cabinets can turn them into a functional part of your kitchen’s decor. This can create an inspiring kitchen atmosphere, and you’ll always have your favorite cookbooks within easy reach when you’re ready to try a new recipe.
To make the display even more appealing, consider organizing the books by genre, color, or size. You can also create a visually dynamic stack by placing smaller books at the front and taller ones at the back.
9. Hidden Sound Systems
Music lovers can use the space atop their kitchen cabinets to tuck away a small stereo system or Bluetooth speakers. By hiding the technology above eye level, you can keep the space clutter-free while still enjoying music throughout your kitchen. This way, your kitchen can double as a place for both cooking and entertainment.
Setting up a sound system above your cabinets is a clever way to keep the technology discreet while still filling the room with your favorite tunes. Whether you’re preparing a meal or hosting a dinner party, your kitchen can be transformed into an enjoyable space for cooking and socializing with the right music.
Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Kitchen’s Top Space
The space above your kitchen cabinets doesn’t have to remain a neglected, dusty area. With a little creativity and organizational thought, it can serve a wide range of functional and decorative purposes. By transforming this area into a space for storage, plants, lighting, or display, you can enhance both the practicality and beauty of your kitchen.
With ideas like storing infrequently used items, displaying collections, or adding extra lighting, the possibilities are endless. The tops of kitchen cabinets can help you create a well-organized, stylish, and even festive environment. So, instead of letting that space go to waste, start reimagining how you can use it in a way that works for you and your home.
Taking advantage of this often-overlooked area can elevate the design and functionality of your kitchen, proving that every inch of your home has the potential to be useful and beautiful. Whether you’re looking for extra storage, aesthetic appeal, or a place to hide away kitchen gadgets and supplies, the top of your cabinets is a prime spot waiting to be utilized to its fullest.
