11 Clever Ideas for What to Do With the Awkward Space Above Kitchen Cabinets
Turn that gap into stylish storage or a chic design element.
You probably don't think about the space between the top of your kitchen cabinet and the ceiling very often. But with these ideas for the space above your kitchen cabinets, you just might see this awkward gap in a new light.
The area above your cabinets can be used to store any excess kitchen items. Think surplus canned goods, dishes you only pull out once or twice a year for holiday gatherings, or infrequently used appliances. You can put these items in a chic basket or box before storing them above the cabinets to avoid making the kitchen feel visually cluttered.
If you don’t need to use the area above the cabinets for storage, designers note that it’s also an underrated design surface. Consider displaying artwork, your favorite cookbooks, or plants atop the cabinets. It can add personality to your kitchen and even make it feel more spacious.
Ahead, see more of our expert-approved ideas for what to do with the space above your kitchen cabinets. For more tips on making the most of your space, read up on clever kitchen organization ideas, the kitchen items pros say you should declutter, and clever ways to organize your pots and pans.
Store pantry items
Bring in wicker baskets to corral backup ingredients, like coffee grounds, seltzer water, or bottles of liquor. The key is to store items you won't need until your current bottle or bag runs out.
Show off artwork
Draw the eye upward by leaning artwork over kitchen cabinets. It's a great way to add color and personality, especially in an all-white kitchen.
Arrange cookbooks
Open shelving above upper cabinets is the perfect place to display cookbooks—remember it's more about decor, it will be too difficult to pull them down on a regular basis. Designer Jenn Feldman also hangs picture lighting above.
Photo by: Amy Bartlam
Add baskets to hide clutter
Not only do wicker baskets add texture to any space, they're great for storage. Tuck infrequently used items (think small appliances or seasonal dishtowels) into baskets to keep them out of sight.
Display vases and sculptures
Countertops should be clear for cooking, which means there aren't many spaces to showoff art and decor in the kitchen. Arrange decorative vases, sculptures, and wood cutting boards on top of cabinets.
Let houseplants grow
In this sunny kitchen, designed by Proem Studio, houseplants thrive on top of kitchen cabinets. The fresh greenery fills dead space and creates a calming effect.
Photo by: Christopher Sturman
Layer in small decor
Make the most of vertical space and add charm. Going for a "cottagecore" vibe, this blogger weaves in cozy decor, including wicker bins, faux houseplants, and vintage books.
Fill food storage containers
Store extra ingredients on top of kitchen cabinets—ideally in pretty storage jars, like these pink and bronze ones. Think flour, sugar, and grains that you don't use on a daily basis.
Organize wicker baskets
After organizing every cabinet and drawer, this blogger takes it a step further: wicker bins on top of the cabinet for hidden storage. It also adds a much-needed pop of texture.
Build in cubbies for storage
If you have dead space over kitchen cabinets, add dividers to create cubbies for baskets. It's a great place to stow away back-up items, like unopened spices or boxes of pasta.
Embrace natural materials
Natural textures—pampas grass, wicker, or rattan—add warmth to an industrial space. A statement light fixture also draws attention to the ceiling, to create the illusion of a larger space.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) leads Good Housekeeping’s gift guide strategy. She writes and edits commerce content, where she analyzes lifestyle trends, shopping data, and works closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute to recommend top-tested products. Previously, she was the associate lifestyle editor for GH and wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, BobVila.com, and Unique Homes Magazine. When she’s not tracking down buzzy products, you can find her walking her dog, Skye, around Jersey City.
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