Most people believe the tops of kitchen cabinets serve no purpose. Here’s how to use them effectively.

Many people think the tops of their kitchen cabinets are just empty spaces, serving no real purpose. They see them as places that only collect dust. However, this area can be very useful. It can help you store things and make your kitchen look nicer. By changing how you think about this space, you can make your kitchen more useful and more beautiful.
Whether your kitchen is big or small, using the tops of your cabinets can help you get rid of clutter from your counters, show off your style, and make the room feel more welcoming. Let’s talk about some easy ways to use this often-forgotten space.
Storing Things You Don’t Use Every Day
One good way to use the space above your cabinets is to store things you don’t use every day. This could be things like special dishes for holidays, big serving plates, or kitchen tools you only use sometimes, such as ice cream makers or bread machines. By putting these things up high, you have more room in your cabinets and on your counters for the things you use all the time. To keep everything neat, you can use clear plastic boxes or boxes with labels. This will make it easy to find what you need when you need it.
Showing Off Your Collections and Pretty Things
The tops of your cabinets are a great place to show off things you collect or things that are pretty. Maybe you have a set of old teapots, colorful vases, or old kitchen tools. These things can make your kitchen look interesting and nice. Arrange them in a way that tells a story or matches the style of your kitchen. This not only makes your kitchen look personal but also gives your guests something to talk about.
Adding Plants to Make It Look Fresh
Putting plants above your cabinets can bring a little bit of nature inside, making your kitchen feel fresh and welcoming. Choose plants that are easy to take care of and that like indirect light, such as pothos, ferns, or succulents. You can use pretty pots or planters to make it look even nicer. Plants also help clean the air and add a bright splash of color to your kitchen.
Making a Small Library for Cookbooks
If you love to cook, you can turn the space above your cabinets into a small library for your cookbooks. This keeps your favorite recipes close by and makes your kitchen look fancy. You can organize the books by color or size to make them look nice. This way, you use the space well and show off your love for cooking.
Using Baskets to Keep Things Organized
Baskets are a great way to store things on top of your cabinets. You can use them to store many different things, from extra towels and napkins to food items like canned goods or snacks. Choose baskets that match your kitchen’s style, whether they are made of woven material, wire, or fabric. Put labels on each basket so you know what is inside. This helps keep your kitchen tidy and makes sure everything has a place.
Showing Off Art or Pictures
The space above your cabinets can be like a small art gallery for your favorite art or family pictures. This is a good way to make your kitchen feel personal and warm. Choose pieces that you like or that match the theme of your kitchen. Use frames that match your kitchen’s colors or use different frames for a more mixed look. This personal touch can make your kitchen feel more like home.
Putting Up Decorations for Different Seasons
Changing the decorations above your cabinets for different seasons is a fun way to keep your kitchen looking new and festive. In the fall, you could put up pumpkins and leaves. In the winter, you could put up lights and pinecones. This lets you celebrate holidays and seasons without making your main living areas cluttered. It also gives you a chance to change the look of your kitchen regularly.
Adding Extra Lights
Adding lights above your cabinets can make your kitchen look nicer and more useful. You can use LED strip lights or small spotlights to highlight your decorations or just add a warm glow. This is especially helpful in kitchens with high ceilings or not much natural light. Extra lights can make your kitchen feel more open and welcoming, and also provide light for tasks.
Thinking About Safety with Heavy Things
When you use the space above your cabinets, it’s important to think about the weight and stability of the things you put there. You should avoid putting heavy things up there, because they could fall and hurt someone. Instead, use light decorations or storage options. If you must store heavy things, make sure they are placed securely and use things like anti-slip mats or brackets for extra safety.
Thinking About Air Flow in Your Kitchen
Before you fill the space above your cabinets, think about how it might affect the air flow in your kitchen. Blocking air flow can cause moisture to build up and possibly lead to mold. Make sure that anything you store or display doesn’t block vents or air circulation. If needed, talk to a professional to check the air flow in your kitchen and make any changes.
In Conclusion: Using Every Part of Your Kitchen
By using the space above your cabinets in creative ways, you can make your kitchen more useful and more beautiful. Whether you use it for storage, decoration, or both, this often-forgotten area has a lot of potential. With careful planning and a little creativity, you can turn your kitchen into a more organized, personal, and welcoming space. Take the chance to rethink this space and enjoy the benefits of a kitchen that uses every inch well.