Decorating above kitchen cabinets with high ceilings
19 Ideas for Decorating the Top of Kitchen Cabinets
M. Wilcox Design
Decorating the top of kitchen cabinets is an easy way to add some flair to your kitchen while filling in the empty gap between the top of your kitchen cabinets and the ceiling, an often neglected area that can look a little awkward or simply lacking when left bare.
These days many kitchen designers solve this problem by custom building cabinetry all the way up to the ceiling. But if you don't have the luxury of building a custom kitchen from scratch, prefer a less tailored look, are working with existing built-in cabinetry from a rental, or don't have the budget to renovate, there are plenty of ways to fill that dust-collecting kitchen neverland while adding visual interest or extra storage.
Depending on your space, you might choose to line the top of your kitchen cabinets with objects, or to decorate the wall above. Keep in mind that not all kitchen cabinetry comes in a flat pack, and that you can use these tips to style the top of freestanding secondhand, vintage, or antique cabinetry like china cabinets and hutches as well.
Check out these ideas in a range of styles that will help you to maximize every last inch of vertical space in your kitchen.
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Add Decorative Baskets
Design by Studio Peake
This London kitchen from Studio Peake has tall, seamless built-in cabinetry painted in a serene shade of pale gray that ends a few feet short of the glass roof. A row of decorative woven baskets defines the empty space while adding a touch of warmth that complements the organic wood bar stools.
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Add Open Shelving
Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Max Kim-bee
In this light-flooded kitchen from Leanne Ford Interiors, open shelving is installed above and around a built-in vintage-style china cabinet perched on top of a row of lower cabinetry.
The mix of old and new furniture and fittings and natural wood shelving and painted cabinetry gives the kitchen a lived-in, homey DIY feel that isn't trying too hard, making it cozy and welcoming.
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Hang Some Wallpaper
Design by deVOL Kitchens
To fill the dead space above the cabinetry, deVOL Kitchens hung some nature-themed illustrated kitchen wallpaper that complements the dark green tile backsplash and adds a layer or visual interest without cluttering up the narrow space between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling.
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Add Bar Storage
A Beautiful Mess
While it's perfectly acceptable to decorate the top of your kitchen cabinets just for show, there's valuable real estate up there that can be used for storing infrequently used items, or things that you don't want the kids to get their hands on. A Beautiful Mess child-proofed the liquor cabinet by storing it on top of the kitchen cabinets, with bottles neatly organized in a row of wire baskets.
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Add Trailing Vines
Design by deVOL Kitchens
This elegant British kitchen from the U.K.'s deVOL Kitchens is decorated with illustrated wallpaper, shades of green and cream, copper accents, and plants with delicate trailing vines perched atop the closed and glass-front cabinetry that add a natural touch.
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Balance High Ceilings
Mindy Gayer Design Co.
Mindy Gayer Design Co. layered art and objects on top of the kitchen cabinets in this high-ceilinged lower level Lake Arrowhead kitchen that focuses the eye and makes the space feel cozier. The top of similar cabinets in the corner is left bare to keep the space from feeling cluttered.
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Layer It Up
Lobster and Swan
The top of this olive green painted china cabinet in a rustic English DIY kitchen from Lobster and Swan is layered with objects and a tall vase of branches that fills in the empty space above the relatively short cabinet and draws the eye upward.
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Keep It Casual
Design by deVOL Kitchens
In this timeless English country space from deVOL Kitchens, the top of a free-standing cabinet is styled with a basket and spillover earthenware that is displayed inside and on the open shelving above the sink, creating a casual but coordinated look.
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Add Baskets
Thistlewood Farms
Thistlewood Farms added a row of matching storage baskets to the top of an open china hutch in her modern farmhouse-style kitchen.
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Add Plants
Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Alexandra Ribar
Kitchen cabinets come in various shapes and sizes. In this spacious kitchen from Leanne Ford Interiors, a large curvy antique wooden hutch that stores dishware and cookbooks is topped with a row of bushy Boston ferns that create a lush look and introduces some vibrant greenery into the kitchen.
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Add More Cabinets
Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Alexandra Ribar
Instead of leaving blank space above the kitchen cabinets, Leanne Ford Interiors added a row of glass-front built-in cabinetry that seamlessly fits the space and can be used to stow non-essential items.
The glass fronts add contrast with the larger closed cabinetry below and preserve an airy feel. A sliding library-style ladder attached to the wall allows for easy access.
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Define Space
Dazey Den
Dazey Den added plants and glassware to the tops of opposite rows of cabinetry in this colorful and kitschy midcentury modern space that help define zones in the semi-open-plan kitchen and dining room.
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Mix Materials
Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Alexandra Ribar
A pair of rustic vintage painted wood cabinets with a charmingly worn patina stacked on a side wall of this kitchen from Leanne Ford Interiors provide extra storage and give the room a sense of history. The top of the cabinet is styled with rustic objects in a mix of materials to give it an effortless feel.
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Install Open Storage Nooks
Design by Alvin Wayne
Interior designer Alvin Wayne added open stained wood niches above the white kitchen cabinets that serve as display space and storage for those cookbooks that only get trotted out during the holidays.
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Keep It Practical
Arbor & Co.
In this garage-turned-guest-house from Arbor & Co., an L-shaped kitchen has a mix of upper cabinetry and open shelving to accommodate the small space. The cabinetry top is treated as an extension of the open shelving, housing a pair of simple bowls that makes the corner space look cohesive and keeps everything visible and accessible.
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Add a Book Nook
Whittney Parkinson Design
Whittney Parkinson Design added a cookbook storage nook in the dead space between a built-in refrigerator and matching kitchen cabinetry that's built up to the ceiling in this neutral-toned 1920s Tudor kitchen renovation.
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Extend the Backsplash
Design by Laura Brophy Interiors / Photo by Tim Hirschmann
One way to eliminate the problem of filling the empty space above your kitchen cabinetry is to install an eye-catching kitchen backsplash that extends all the way up to the ceiling, like this contemporary kitchen from Laura Brophy Interiors.
A blackened wood drop ceiling also helps to fill in the space while providing additional lighting. -
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Bring In Faux Greenery
M. Wilcox Design
Decorating the top of your kitchen cabinets can be challenging from a maintenance standpoint when it comes time to watering and pruning, especially if you don't enjoy climbing up on kitchen stools and ladders to get the job done. These days you can find beautiful, realistic looking faux plants that will take care of themselves and look good doing it.
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Go Custom
Design by Louis Duncan-He Designs / Photo by Eymeric Wildling
If you're designing a kitchen from scratch, you might want to remove the need to decorate the space above your kitchen cabinets by custom building cabinets that kiss the ceiling instead, like this spacious kitchen from Louis Duncan-He Designs that maximizes every last inch of vertical space.
18 Ideas for Decorating Above Kitchen Cabinets
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Transform the entire room with a bit of creativity.
By Sarah Lyon
Astronaut ImagesGetty Images
You spend enough time in the kitchen as it is, so why not make it as stylish as possible? Decorating above your cabinets is a great way to showcase favorite items and keep the supplies you need within reach. Whether you've got loads of extra room or are cooking in a small space, you'll be inspired by these clever solutions.
David Tsay, styling by Becki Griffin
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Cattle Collection
David PapazianGetty Images
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Antique Treasures
Eric Piasecki
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Pretty Plates
Own a set of plates that are too special to use for dining? Make like this charming farmhouse and display them over your cabinets instead for an extra pop of pattern.
SHOP BLUE AND WHITE POTTERY
Clean and Scentsible
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Get Festive
Christmas, Halloween, Valentine's Day, you name it! Take advantage of open space to deck out your kitchen for the season.
See more at Clean and Scentsible.
SHOP HOLIDAY GARLANDS
John Gruen
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Meaningful Memorabilia
Can't bear to part with a beloved figurine or decorative accent? Add some sentimental value to your kitchen by showing off a favorite item, just as the owners of this farmhouse did with the dollhouse, at top right.
SHOP BISTRO CHAIRS
Troa Giovan
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Collectible Items
Now's the time to break out that collection of family heirlooms and flea market scores! We're so inspired by all of the eclectic pieces these Hamptons homeowners set out on their freestanding cabinet.
SHOP VINTAGE DINNERWARE
Photograph by Eric Piasecki, Design by Gideon Mendelson
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Basket Display
David A.
Land
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Farmhouse Flair
Built-in nooks make creative use of the space above the kitchen cabinets of this historic farmhouse. The homeowners opted to display pretty porcelain, but you could also line the room with your favorite cookbooks or vases.
SHOP ROOSTER TRAYS
ANNIE SCHLECHTER
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Martha Stewart's Above-Kitchen Cabinet Decor
The kitchen inside Martha Stewart's circa-1925 farmhouse is both pretty and practical. She utilized the space above the cabinets for simple open shelving that let s the show-stopping pot rack display above the island shine (literally!).
SHOP COPPER COOKWARE
Annie Schlechter
10 of 18
Wallpaper
Say bye-bye to blah white walls and add an interesting design element above your countertops with permanent or removable wallpaper, like this songwriter did in her Tennessee home.
SHOP REMOVABLE WALLPAPER
Ryann Ford
11 of 18
Vintage Signs
Transport yourself back to a simpler time while sitting at the breakfast bar by incorporating vintage signs in your kitchen.
We love the ones hanging up in this Texas farmhouse.
SHOP BAR STOOLS
Laura Moss
12 of 18
Wall Art
A decorative sign, scale, and clock add visual interest to this rustic space.
SHOP SIMILAR SIGNS
Thomas Kuoh
13 of 18
Vintage Vignette
Alec Hemer
14 of 18
Themed Decor
It's no secret we love a good theme, and this summer home on Martha's Vineyard has a definite beachy feel. Just look at that mermaid decor above the kitchen cabinets!
SHOP MERMAID DECOR
David Tsay
15 of 18
Small Cabinet Decor
This farmhouse owner enlisted a cute cabinet to help store practical items and display pretty ones—and that includes the space on top.
SHOP STORAGE JARS
Max Kim-Bee
16 of 18
Mixed Media
You might think combining artwork, open shelving, and tile would become visually overwhelming, but it totally works in this SoCal home's kitchen.
SHOP BACKSPLASH TILE
Kim Cornelison, styled by Matthew Gleason
17 of 18
Rafter Shelving
Christopher Dibble
18 of 18
Door-Free Cabinets
57 Craftastic Home Decor Projects
Sarah Lyon Sarah Lyon is a higher education professional and freelance writer who lives in Washington, DC, and covers products, lifestyle, and interiors.
How to use the ceiling space in a high kitchen
06/11/2021
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Designers advise placing the upper tier of the kitchen set under the ceiling. But if the height of the room is too high, it will be inconvenient to use hanging shelves and drawers: you will have to constantly use a mini-ladder or other device. Therefore, with high ceilings in the kitchen, a number of closed cabinets have to be placed lower, within reach.
This leaves an empty space under the ceiling. We offer a few ideas on how to arrange it.
● Accent ceiling skirting
If there is not too much space between the top edge of the shelves and the ceiling, the gap can be filled with a beautiful ceiling skirting. It will protect the surface of the shelves from dust accumulation and will allow you to create a holistic impression of the kitchen set, and at the same time diversify its design somewhat.
● Upper tier with open shelves
If the distance to the ceiling is large enough, fill it with open shelves. To protect them from the accumulation of dust and kitchen dirt, glazing will be required.
You can place on such shelves items that are rarely used, but look beautiful or simply have a decorative function: vintage dishes, “ceremonial” service, knick-knacks or even grandmother's crystal. Such an impromptu showcase will look especially impressive with internal lighting.
● Open storage systems under closed cabinets
If it is inconvenient for you to constantly use closed shelves, feel free to hang them right under the ceiling, and place open storage systems in the free space between them and the table top: shelves, rails.
Place here items that you use constantly: kitchen spatulas, whisks and other utensils, spice sets, towels, household chemicals. There is a place here for small household appliances: coffee grinders or coffee makers, toasters.
You can even put small pots with live plants - the kitchen will become more elegant and comfortable.
● Storage on the top cover of closed shelves
If you do not clutter up the space between the shelves and the ceiling randomly, but think over a certain concept of storing things in this way, it will turn out neat and original.
Boxes, baskets, drawers can be placed above the shelves. It is important that they look the same and organically fit into the design of the room.
● Plasterboard box
This solution is suitable if you need to hide utilities, pipes, electrical wiring.
Of course, it will not be possible to use the space above the shelves for storage in this case, but if you move the box a little beyond the kitchen gable, it will become a good basis for placing lighting above the work surface.
● Wall decoration
The empty space between the cabinets and the ceiling is annoying if the shade of the wall and the kitchen set are different: visual dissonance occurs.
There are two ways to solve the problem:
● choose the color of kitchen furniture in exact accordance with the wall finish or, on the contrary, decorate the wall in the color of the cabinets;
● "build on" a kitchen apron over the cabinets - create a so-called "bonnet".
In both cases, the wall will look complete. At the same time, it is important not to use the top of the hanging drawers as a storage shelf.
● Stretch or suspended ceiling
If you install the ceiling structure after furniture has been installed, you can leave no gap at all between the cabinets and the ceiling sheet. It is worth remembering that the height of the ceiling in this case will decrease.
pluses and minuses, design ideas with photo
Kitchens under the ceiling have been at the peak of popularity for several years now. Together with experts, we understand the pros and cons of this option
Photo: shutterstock
A set without gaps between walls and ceiling is an attractive and functional solution for the kitchen.
It can fit into any interior, from a small-sized Khrushchev to a spacious new building. There are no significant restrictions for such kitchens, but in some cases it will be more difficult to assemble the facade. All the nuances of installation and examples of successful design are in the material.
- When appropriate
- Pluses and minuses
- Design rules
- Photo with ideas
Experts in this material :
- Kirill Aksenov , expert, founder of Aksenov Service partner network for real estate repair;
- Andrey Sekerin , head of interior design studio SmartRoom.
adv.rbc.ru
Kitchen to the ceiling: when appropriate
A ceiling-mounted kitchen is one of the options for organizing a kitchen facade, in which wall and floor cabinets occupy the entire height of the wall.
Another name for such a solution is kitchens with a mezzanine, this is the name of the last level, which comes close to the ceiling. The mezzanine hides an unsightly gap, which, as a rule, remains between an ordinary wall cabinet and the ceiling. In kitchens under the ceiling, this niche is masked with a cornice or a special strip around the entire perimeter.
Ceiling mounted kitchens are a design trend that has been popular for several years (Photo: SmartRoom interior design studio)
The result is a monolithic and continuous façade acting as a wall. Structurally, such kitchens consist of several levels (usually two or three), each of which is filled with modules (cabinets) of different types:
- Floor . Vertical columns or canisters that occupy the entire space from floor to ceiling.
They place shelves for storage or hide household appliances. As a rule, such cabinets have three or two wings (the lower ones are hinged, the upper ones are lifting). Another option for a vertical cabinet is a retractable column. - Mounted . The design of each module may differ in geometry (horizontal/vertical), color and texture. For example, it can be a combination of deaf, open or glass cabinets. According to the designers, the tiers look good with a ceiling height of 2.7 m. If the ceiling is lower, then swing facades up to the ceiling with one door can be used.
- Mezzanine . There are two types: in the same plane with the rest of the headset and hinged. In the first case, a single and continuous facade is obtained, which visually increases the height of the ceiling and expands the space. When the mezzanine is hinged, its depth is the same as that of cabinets under the countertop. At the same time, the central part of the kitchen seems to be recessed inside.
This technique, especially when using contrasting colors, adds more depth and texture to the entire interior.
As a rule, ceiling-mounted kitchens are made in small rooms, for example, in Khrushchev apartments or in the kitchen-living room, says Kirill Aksenov, expert, founder of Aksenov Service, a partner network for real estate renovation. There are practically no height restrictions, it all depends on the design and personal preferences. In shape, such a kitchen, like a regular one, can be straight, corner, U-shaped and island. In general, according to the expert, high facades are a good solution in favor of zoning and freeing up space, they are appropriate in almost all difficult cases:
- in small kitchens . In the case when the area on the floor is very limited, the kitchen under the ceiling allows you to organize additional storage space for dishes and products;
- in rooms with low ceilings .
Due to various design techniques, such a headset visually stretches the height of the ceiling. This effect can be achieved by resting the mezzanine on narrow cabinets or by choosing the color of the upper facade to match the ceiling; - in studio apartments . In open spaces, where there is no clear separation between the kitchen and the living room, a ceiling-mounted set will hide everything superfluous from the eyes and relieve the feeling of disorder and clutter.
Style, light, layout: how to properly equip a small kitchen
Advantages and disadvantages of a ceiling-mounted kitchen
The main advantage of ceiling-mounted kitchens is aesthetics and functionality. At the same time, like everything non-standard, such a set will cost more than typical furniture, and its installation is associated with some nuances.
When designing a kitchen, designers advise to follow a simple rule: either the gap between the cabinet and the ceiling is large, or there is none at all (Photo: Dmitry Vysotsky/Aksenov Service)
Pros:
- capacity .
With a headset under the ceiling, the amount of storage space will increase. Another thing is that many items can lie idle on the mezzanine for years, so it is better to periodically revise the contents of the cabinets; - purity . Since such kitchens do not have an open gap between the cabinet and the ceiling, dust will not collect on the furniture. This will eliminate the need to wipe the upper shelves;
- functionality . High facades are not only a fashion trend in terms of design, but also a great way to elegantly hide unsightly communications, such as an exhaust duct or electrical wiring;
- assorted design . A ceiling-mounted set creates a solid and complete look for the kitchen. Numerous layout options allow you to implement various design ideas. For example, in order to visually make the facade lighter, the upper level is filled with glass cabinets.
Contrasting tiers look no less successful, echoing other elements of the kitchen. In addition, with such a headset you don’t have to think about how to decorate the wall along which it is located.
Cons :
- price . Furniture traditionally makes up a significant part of the budget when renovating a kitchen, and if the cabinets are larger than standard, then the price will rise accordingly;
- difficult access . To get to the mezzanine, especially in kitchens with high ceilings, you will need a ladder or a small ladder. Over time, the constant ups and downs can get tiring, and the top shelves will simply become a useless space;
- combination with ceiling . Beams, caissons, and other architectural ceiling details can add further confusion in terms of proportions and complicate the installation of a tall façade.
In addition, the ceiling surface itself must be pre-levelled; - access to ventilation duct . In many kitchens, especially in older homes, the vent (with a square grate) is either centered or on the side of the wall along which the kitchen sits. You can’t close it with cabinets, which means that in this place you either have to lower the facade, or come up with an alternative.
Kirill Aksenov:
— When installing the kitchen in the ceiling, consider the material of the wall. If it is made of drywall, mortgages must be provided (several pieces, for the second and third tiers). Pay attention to the location of the fixtures: they should not interfere with opening cabinet doors. Therefore, the best solution for lighting directly at the facade will be point built-in lamps. Consider the type of ceiling: if it is stretched and the facades are hinged, it is important that the doors do not touch it - otherwise the canvas will be damaged.
Colors, sizes and sockets: 10 common mistakes when renovating a kitchen (Photo: Dmitry Vysotsky/Aksenov Service)
Side cabinets can hide all household appliances (Photo: Dmitry Vysotsky/Aksenov Service)
Ceiling-mounted kitchens have become the hallmark of trendy minimalist designs in styles such as Scandinavian, high-tech, loft or japandi. But in classic interiors that require decor, reliefs and a variety of textures, such large-scale facades with additional decoration will be excessive and too heavy. From the point of view of design, general design rules apply to ceiling-mounted kitchens, but there are also some nuances:
- color scheme .
As in any other project, when planning a future kitchen, you should use a maximum of two or three primary colors and one or two natural textures, says Andrey Sekerin, head of the SmartRoom interior design studio. Aggressive colors and an abundance of glossy surfaces should be avoided. “Such accents can spoil the interior, and gloss in everyday life is quite whimsical. To diversify the design, the doors of one of the tiers can be made in contrast, " - advises an expert; - height . On the advice of designers, when planning facades, it is better not to go beyond the standard height of 2.4 m. Otherwise, the kitchen will not only be more difficult to use, but also visually load the interior. If the ceilings in the apartment are more than 3 m, it is better to pre-build a drywall box. It will allow you to lower the ceiling in the kitchen area, and make the backlight in the structure itself;
- fittings . Almost all kitchens under the ceiling on the facades do not have handles.
This technique creates smooth and monolithic planes and does not overload the interior with unnecessary details. In such kitchens, as a rule, the tipon system is used - a one-touch door opening mechanism. If you cannot do without handles, it is better to make a choice in favor of the most concise fittings that blend with the facade in color; - aspect ratio . Making the design of the kitchen under the ceiling, experts advise adhering to the rule of symmetry both horizontally and vertically. In particular, it is better to design the width of cabinets up to the ceiling so that the extreme lines of the facades coincide with the lower drawers. The same rule applies to the horizontal drawing. Otherwise, inconsistencies in the lines will lead to a feeling of chaos and disharmony.
How to choose the right furniture color: instructions and tips
Kitchens under the ceiling: photos with ideas
There are many options for designing a kitchen under the ceiling.
In addition to playing with form and layout, colors and façade finishes provide additional variety. From the point of view of composition - the arrangement of kitchen modules relative to each other - there are several common and successful solutions. Here are some of them.
Symmetrical kitchen
This layout is considered classic and consists of two base cabinets located on opposite sides of the countertop, on which the upper tiers of the hanging modules rest. This is the simplest solution in terms of symmetry and proportions. The facade can be made plain, or you can highlight the lower bases or one of the upper tiers with color.
Two levels of the same width
With this layout, the suspended modules are the same height and width. The result is a breakdown of the upper part of the facade into equal parts. Depending on the shape of the kitchen modules, you can specify a square or rectangular geometry.
Levels of different heights
In these kitchens, the lower tier wall cabinets are taller than those under the ceiling.
This solution not only looks interesting, but also practical - there will be more storage space in the access zone. If desired, a slight asymmetry can be emphasized with a different color of the facade or with mirrored doors.
Hanging mezzanine
In this case, the depth of the last level of cabinets is the same as the lower bases. Usually it is 600 mm. The space between them, that is, the zone of the countertop and the apron, turns into a kind of niche. As a result, the interior becomes deeper, a feeling of additional volume appears in it.
Hinged mezzanine will look good in spacious kitchens, but in small rooms it can crush and eat up the space above your head (Photo: Dmitry Vysotsky/Aksenov Service)
If, in addition to the mezzanine, there is other glazing on the facade, it is better that they match - all matte or all transparent (Photo: SmartRoom interior design studio)
Stained-glass mezzanine
It can be either hinged or flush with the facade.
