Is Decorating Above Your Kitchen Cabinets a Good Idea or Just a Dust Trap

Hey everyone! It’s so good to have you back here. If you’ve been following my journey, you know I recently moved into a new place, and let me tell you—the kitchen was a project.

One of the biggest headaches I faced (besides trying to figure out where the previous owner hid the light switches) was that awkward, dusty gap between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling.

It’s like this weird “no man’s land.” Do I put a fake ivy plant up there like it’s 1994? Do I leave it empty and just let the dust bunnies throw a party? Or do I just call a contractor and close the whole thing off?

If you’re staring at that gap right now and feeling totally overwhelmed, don’t worry.

I’ve spent the last month researching, DIY-ing, and testing every possible option. Whether you want a sleek, modern look or a cozy, farmhouse vibe, this guide is going to help you figure out exactly what to do with that space.

---

The Big Debate – To Decorate or To Close?

Before we dive into the “how,” we have to talk about the “why.”

Every kitchen is different. What works for my tiny apartment might not work for your massive open-concept home.

Here is a quick breakdown of why you might choose one over the other.

At a Glance: Decorating vs. Closing

Feature	Leaving it Open (Decorating)	Closing it Off (Built-in Look)
Vibe	Airy, eclectic, and personalized.	Clean, high-end, and architectural.
Cleaning	Requires regular dusting (it gets greasy!).	Zero maintenance. No dust allowed!
Storage	Great for “overflow” items.	Can add “hidden” storage if you use doors.
Cost	Super budget-friendly (mostly DIY).	Can be pricey if you need custom trim.
Height	Makes ceilings feel higher if styled right.	Makes the room feel more structured.

---

Pros and Cons of Leaving the Space Open

I’ll be honest with you guys—I’m a fan of the open look, but it isn’t for everyone.

When I first moved into my dorm, I used the top of the cabinets to store literally everything (including my textbooks… don’t ask). But now that I’m in a real adult apartment, I see the pros and cons a bit more clearly.

The Good Stuff (Pros)

• The Illusion of Space: If you have a small kitchen, closing off the top can sometimes make it feel like the ceiling is crashing down on you. Leaving it open keeps things “breathing.”
• Personal Expression: This is your chance to show off who you are! Whether it’s your collection of vintage teapots or just some cute baskets, it adds character.
• Easy Access: If you put things up there that you actually use (like that giant turkey platter you only touch in November), it’s easy to grab without digging through a deep pantry.

The Not-So-Good Stuff (Cons)

• The Dust/Grease Monster: This is the biggest one. Kitchens are oily. That oil floats up, mixes with dust, and creates this sticky film that is a nightmare to scrub off.
• Visual Clutter: If you put too much up there, it starts to look like a thrift store exploded. You have to be careful with their placement. (Oops, I mean the placement—see, I’m still caffeinating!)
• Outdated Vibes: If you use old-fashioned fake vines or cheap plastic decor, it can make a modern kitchen look like a time capsule from thirty years ago.

---

Creative Ways to Decorate (Style Like a Pro)

If you’ve decided to keep it open, please, for the love of design, don’t just throw a single silk plant up there and call it a day. We can do better than that!

Here are my favorite ways to style the space so it looks like a professional designer walked into your house.

1. The “Indoor Jungle” Vibe

Plants are the easiest way to add life to a room. However, since the top of the cabinets is usually pretty far from the light, you have to choose wisely.

• Pothos: These are great because they trail down the side of the cabinet, which looks stunning.
• Snake Plants: They grow vertically and are practically impossible to kill.
• Artificial (but High Quality): If you go the fake route, make sure they have “real-touch” leaves. Nothing ruins a kitchen faster than dusty, shiny plastic leaves.

2. Use Artwork and Photos

Who says art is only for the walls? I love leaning framed prints or even small canvases against the wall above the cabinets.

It draws the eye upward and makes the kitchen feel like a part of the rest of your home’s decor.

Just make sure the frames are sturdy so they don’t fall over when you slam a cabinet door!

3. The Rule of Three

When you’re grouping items, always stick to the Rule of Three. Group items in odd numbers with varying heights.

• Example: A tall vase, a medium-sized wooden bowl, and a small decorative candle.This creates a sense of balance that the human eye naturally loves.

---

Using the Top for “Secret” Storage

Let’s talk about function. If you’re like me and your kitchen cabinets are already bursting at the seams, that space up top is prime real estate.

But the key is making it look like storage, not like a mess.

The Basket Method

Buy a set of matching wicker or wire baskets.

1. Uniformity is Key: If the baskets match, it looks like a deliberate design choice.
2. Label Them: Use cute wooden tags or chalkboard labels.
3. What to Store: Things you don’t use every day. Think: Holiday linens, cookie cutters, that fondue set you bought on a whim, or extra paper towels.

Pro Tip: If you use wire baskets, line the bottom with a pretty fabric or burlap so people can’t see the “ugly” stuff inside through the holes.

---

How to Close the Gap for a Streamlined Look

Maybe you’re looking at your kitchen and thinking, “Katerina, I hate dusting. I want a clean, high-end look.” I totally get it! Closing the gap is a great way to make a kitchen look more expensive and “custom-built.”

1. Add Crown Molding

This is the classic way to do it. You can install a wide piece of crown molding that goes from the top of the cabinet straight to the ceiling. It hides the gap and gives a very finished, elegant look.

2. Create a “Valance” or Riser

If the gap is too large for molding alone, you can add a “riser.” This is basically a flat piece of wood (painted to match your cabinets) that fills the space. Then, you put the molding on top of that. It makes your cabinets look like they were custom-made for the room.

3. Install “Hat” Cabinets

If you have the budget, adding a second, smaller row of cabinets on top is a total game-changer. These are often glass-fronted and have internal lights. It’s a great place to display your “good” china or crystal without them getting dusty.

---

Matching Your Style Archetype

When you’re deciding how to style or close your cabinets, you have to think about the “vibe” of your whole house. You don’t want a Farmhouse top in a Minimalist kitchen. It would look… well, weird.

• Farmhouse: Use a lot of white-washed wood, woven textures, and maybe some vintage milk glass.
• Industrial: Think metal bins, oversized clocks, and exposed “edison” style lighting.
• Minimalist: Less is more. Maybe one single, large ceramic vase and a lot of empty space. Definetly don’t over-decorate here.
• Boho: Bring on the plants, colorful ceramics, and eclectic textures.

---

Lighting the Space (Optional but Beautiful)

I cannot stress this enough: Lighting is everything.

Even if you don’t put a single piece of decor up there, adding lighting can transform your kitchen from “basic” to “boutique hotel.”

My Lighting Cheat Sheet

Type of Light	Why I love it	Installation Difficulty
LED Strip Lights	Provides a continuous, even glow. Makes ceilings feel taller.	Easy (Peel and stick).
Puck Lights	Creates “pools” of light. Great for highlighting specific art.	Medium (Wireless ones are easy).
Rope Lights	Very flexible and cheap.	Easy.
Smart Bulbs	You can change the color to match your mood!	Easy.

Installing these is usually a DIY job.

I bought a set of LED strips that plug into the same outlet as my microwave. Now, when I walk into the kitchen at night, it has this beautiful, warm glow that makes me feel like I’m in a fancy restuarant.

---

The “Maintenance Masterclass” (The Secret I Swear By)

Okay, real talk. If you leave the space open, it is going to get dirty. But I have a hack that will save your life (and your cuticles).

The Wax Paper Hack:

1. Clean the top of your cabinets one last time (get all that grease off!).
2. Lay down a layer of wax paper or newspaper across the entire top surface.
3. Once every six months, just roll up the paper, throw it away, and put down a new layer.
4. All the grease and dust stay on the paper, and your cabinets stay perfectly clean. It takes about 5 minutes. You’re welcome!

Final Idea I Recently Got From a Pinterest Post

Cabinet decor but not for the top. This ”side” kitchen cabinet decor idea looks brilliant to me!!! And it’s also perfect for those of ya that dont have a lot of space above their cabinets.

Definitely worth it for me!!! Loved it

---

Final Thoughts: What’s Right for You?

At the end of the day, your kitchen should be a place that makes you happy. If you love seeing your favorite things every morning, decorate it! If you want a kitchen that looks like a page out of a magazine and never requires a ladder to clean, close it off.

Before you make a decision, just ask yourself: “Am I doing this because I want to, or because I feel like I have to fill the space?” Sometimes, “negative space” (empty space) is actually a good thing. It lets the eye rest.

I hope this helps you tackle your kitchen “gap” with confidence. It’s one of those small changes that makes a huge difference in how your home feels. Don’t be afraid to experiment—nothing is permanent!

What do you think? Are you Team Decorate or Team Close? Let me know in the comments below! Would you like me to create a shopping list of the best bins and lighting options I found for my own kitchen?

Until next time,

Stay safe,