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Kitchen cabinet top decorating


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.

Decorating above kitchen cabinets: 10 statement looks |

If you have a gap between your kitchen cabinets and the ceiling, then you might well be wondering how to fill this space. Decorating above kitchen cabinets is a wonderful way to fill the space with an attractive feature, rather than just letting it gather dust. 

Whether you prefer a classic look with lots of detailing or something more modern, these decorating above kitchen cabinet ideas will provide you with the inspiration you need to create a scheme that fits your home's period, your decorating style and the room's proportions. 

If you're looking for more kitchen cabinet ideas, these clever ways to decorate above kitchen cabinets will provide kitchen styling inspiration for all your kitchen wall decor desires.

Decorating above kitchen cabinets – 10 ways to add interest

We asked the experts for their top decorating above kitchen cabinet styling ideas and tips. Adding them to your list of must-have kitchen ideas will ensure a more charming space, and needn't drive up your budget, but will create a unique room you, and your guests, will want to spend time in.

1. Use an accent color above cabinets

(Image credit: Neptune)

‘An accent color above eye level is a simple way to add strong contrast to a room, without overpowering. As it’s not immediately noticeable, the accent color will draw the eye up for a visual surprise,’ says George Miller, home designer, Neptune . ‘This can have particularly good results in rooms with taller ceilings or grand cornicing, accentuating either feature to great effect.’ 

Continuing the kitchen color idea across different surfaces and planes – for instance, the cooker hood here – has a blocking effect that feels modern and can help smooth out any awkward architectural junctures.

2. Enhance the visual interest 

(Image credit: Jessica Summer)

Bring a little joie de vivre to your kitchen by exploring kitchen art ideas and decorating with art above cabinets and shelving. Many would argue that art belongs in the kitchen just as much as it does any other room, and we can't help but agree.

Here, interior designer Jessica Summer sets the scene with earthy tones and plenty of texture. ‘The cabinetry is minimal and contemporary to allow the materials above to stand out, but also to balance the traditional features like the antique butcher’s block and open shelves. ’ 

3. Take paneling to the ceiling

(Image credit: Charlotte Crosland Interiors / Radu Palicia)

Add interest to the space above a kitchen cabinet with wall panels.  In period properties, wall paneling ideas that match or complement the original style and architecture of the property are a wonderful way of marrying old with new. Alternatively, in a plain kitchen that is lacking decorative details or any original architecture of its own, adding a paneled area is a clever way of bringing character to a featureless space.

Here, tongue-and-groove paneling, linen curtains and wall-hung storage all contribute to a French country kitchen feel in this space designed by Charlotte Crosland . Keeping your batterie de cuisine in view and close to hand via magnetic knife blocks, utensil racks and pot stands adds to the laid-back, ‘unfitted’ ambience. Decorate with typical brocante finds like chic vintage china, enamelware and artwork inspired by country pursuits.

4.

 Fill the space above cabinets with objects you love

(Image credit: Alice Naylor-Leyland of Mrs. Alice)

'Colorful kitchen ideas have been enjoying rather a renaissance, and we’re seeing brighter colors on walls, cabinets and even ceilings,’ says Emma Bulmer, head color consultant at Edward Bulmer Natural Paint . ‘The colors and color combinations being used are also becoming more creative and confident.' 

Use the space between cabinets and ceiling to really make your space sing. 'An absence of top cupboards really opens up this kitchen, allowing the dusky pink paint color and artwork to add character and personalize the space.’ 

5. Raise your game

Urbo and In-Frame Classic kitchen cabinetry, Roundhouse. Project by SPPARC

(Image credit: Mary Wadsworth)

The sky – or in this case – the ceiling is the limit when decorating above kitchen cabinets. On maximizing the potential of statement ceilings, architectural practice SPPARC has the drop.  

‘Ceiling ideas featuring interesting shapes and materials can be used to achieve an articulation and rhythm with architectural features elsewhere – in this case the floating stairs that lead from the kitchen to the living spaces above,’ says Trevor Morriss of SPPARC . Crafted from stained ash and oak, this chunky ceiling is certain to have everybody talking.

6. Decorate to delight 

(Image credit: deVOL )

Put a performative and decorative stamp on a room with wallpaper ideas that delight the senses. Kitchen wallpaper ideas offer a beautiful way to decorate above kitchen cabinets – and there is a huge range of paint colors, as well as wallpaper and fabric patterns, to choose from. Traditional paper patterns, which were frequently inspired by nature such as here, are often block-printed in the same way now as when they were first produced. Classic motifs, such as botanicals, checks and stripes, are eternally popular, while also being particularly on trend at present.  

Wallpapers made for kitchens and bathrooms are particularly durable, and we see many clients combining tiled walls with wallpapers to great visual effect – in fact, people seem to go bolder in the kitchen as it is a creative space,' says Paula Taylor, head stylist and trend specialist at Graham & Brown .

7. Curate a smart display

(Image credit: Paul Massey / Sculleries of Stockbridge)

Building a kitchen backsplash out into the room may be of more value to your kitchen than the space it initially takes up. Here in the kitchen of Roddy Murray, founder of interior design practice RJ Murray Design , is a marble kitchen backsplash providing clever cubby-style kitchen storage within, as well as creating a shelf above to display the couple’s favorite pieces of crockery and kitchenware.

8. Light the way 

(Image credit: Kitchens By Holloways)

When decorating above kitchen cabinets it can be all too easy to forget about kitchen lighting. However, a few LED strips can go a long way in the kitchen, bringing shelving to life and dialling the mood to relax. The most sophisticated solutions are completely hidden when the lights are off, which requires early discussions with your designer. 

‘It is essential to ensure that the LED strips are properly set into recesses within the shelves or cabinetry,’ explains Mark Holloway, managing director, Kitchens By Holloways . ‘Angling them at 45 degrees, back towards the wall, will achieve the best lighting effect and prevent garish reflections or visible fittings.’ 

9. Introduce decorative elements

(Image credit: Studio Jake Arnold)

The whole purpose of interior design is to create decorative room ideas that answer the needs of the individuals living in them while reflecting their personalities with good design, and that is just what Jake Arnold has achieved here.

Careful consideration of materials and their placement has the ability to transform your existing kitchen ideas into a decorative room that is truly spectacular.  The kitchen of this Californian home is anchored by the carefully-chosen decorative objects above the kitchen cabinets. These materials add interest yet they don’t compete nor do they overpower the room of this size.

10. Install a gallery wall

(Image credit: Future / Paul Massey)

Unexpected as it may seem, we are seeing more and more people experiment with beautiful gallery wall ideas in the kitchen. Now this may not seem like a most sensible space for displaying an expensive art collection, done right, it could be your most admired.

If you are dedicated to the cause, then we suggest taking your gallery wall above the backsplash, or perched on a shelf away from the kitchen sink or stove. However, it is imperative that you speak to a specialist framer before doing so. ‘Objects you might not notice, such as kettles and toasters, can cause damage,’ says Daniel Syrett, Runway Gallery owner. ‘If the artwork is going to go in a kitchen it needs to be sealed in a particular way. ’

Is decorating above kitchen cabinets outdated?

The short answer is no. There are so many beautiful ways to decorative above kitchen cabinets that will inject modernity, textural interest and decorative style to your kitchen. 

There are many interesting kitchen styling techniques and designs to chose from. First and foremost, you should focus on what you love, whether that be certain colors, patterns or textures. Next, think about how these elements can work together to create a harmonious scheme that is bursting with decorative flourishes. 

If you are not planning a full revamp, then art and ceramic objects are the perfect place to begin adding color and pattern contrast to the space above your kitchen cabinets.

on the "ear", corner or rail, how to hang evenly and securely

Properly selected fastening of kitchen cabinets to the wall is the key to high-quality installation of the kitchen and its safe operation. To prevent the story of a warped headset or a fall in its upper half from becoming a reality, it is important to choose a reliable method of mounting and fixing furniture.

Contents:

Before we start reviewing possible mounting options, here are a few important principles that must be observed when installing both top and bottom modules:

  1. Consider wall material. It affects the possibility of installing the kitchen as a whole, as well as the choice of building fasteners. Additional measures to reinforce the wall may be required.
  2. Cabinets must not block the natural ventilation of the room.
  3. The height of the upper modules is determined by the average height of the family members or the one who will use the kitchen most often.
  4. If the wall has significant irregularities, it is better to level it first. Minor defects will not interfere if adjustable fasteners on the bar were chosen.
  5. Make sure that sockets, switches and utilities do not interfere with the installation. The number and location of outlets in the work area should be considered in advance.
  6. The bottom row of the headset is installed first. Floor modules are also fixed to the wall on the profile, aligned with each other in height and fastened with furniture ties.
  7. If the kitchen is angular, then the installation of the kitchen set begins with the installation of corner modules.
  8. Internal filling (drawers, shelves, drawers and other storage systems) and fronts are installed last, when the furniture is securely fixed to the wall.

There are several types of fastening: on corners, furniture hinges and mounting rail. Each option has its own characteristics, pros and cons. Knowing them, you can easily determine which fastener option is needed in your case.

1. "Ear", or furniture hinge

The most common and budget way. With this method of installation, the cabinets are hung on a screwed-in screw using a special suspension (the so-called "eye")

2. On corners

Modules are mounted on rigid metal corners and self-tapping screws screwed into the dowel.

This fastening method has the same features as the version with furniture hinges. Suitable for fixing not only a kitchen set, but also any other furniture.

Although this option is more budgetary, it is very outdated, therefore it is rarely used, as it loses to a more modern rail mounting method.

3. Mounting rail

With this method of fastening, the furniture is hung on special hooks or canopies, which in turn are inserted into the grooves of the mounting rail. The hinges are fixed inside the modules in the corners.

Of all the proposed mounting methods, mounting on a mounting rail is the most modern and reliable.

Mounting rail mounting instructions

Align walls and corners if necessary. The latter should be clearly under 90 0 . Various materials are used to level the walls - putty, plywood, drywall, etc.

1. Required tools

For fixing kitchen furniture we need a minimum set of tools:

2. Determine the hanging height

The height is selected individually depending on the height of family members. If we take into account the standard parameters, then the level of location on average should begin at about 130-155 cm from the floor.

3. Making markings on the wall

Having determined the height of the hanging modules, you can start marking. It is necessary, using the building level, to draw horizontally the upper and lower boundaries of the location of the modules, starting from the corner. The upper level is determined by the height of the hinged headset modules. Depending on the chosen method of fastening, a place for fasteners is marked.

The mounting rail is positioned 3-4 cm below the top edge of the cabinets.

4. Install fasteners

Holes are made in the fastening points with a perforator and fasteners are installed depending on the chosen method.

If the wall at the drilling site will crumble, then start with a thinner drill and only then use a thick one of the desired diameter.

What about drywall?

For various reasons, fastening can be done on a plasterboard structure. The material is very fragile, therefore it requires a special installation technology. Here are a few basic points that are important to know when working with this material.

  1. Drywall has its own fasteners - butterfly dowels (pictured below).

  1. Cabinets are hung on a special bar, which is attached to the largest possible area to ensure even distribution of the load.
  2. Fastening is best reinforced with anchor bolts.

Conclusion

The service life of a kitchen set depends not only on the quality of the furniture itself and its material. Reliable fastening of kitchen cabinets to the wall also plays a significant role. In addition, it is also a safety issue, so it is recommended to choose more modern installation methods and expensive, reliable mounting hardware.

How to hang kitchen cabinets: tips from Furniture Shara

The upper tier of kitchen modules is pencil cases, showcases, bedside tables, corner endings. They must not only be assembled correctly, but also hung correctly so that under their weight they do not collapse on the head of the hostess. The craftsmen of the Furniture Shara store told how to hang cabinets in the kitchen, taking into account the material of the walls and the type of fasteners. You will find step-by-step detailed instructions, which, we are sure, even a beginner will understand.

General Rules

Even before buying a kitchen unit, you probably already planned where to hang your kitchen cabinets. Recall the basic rules:

Fixings are selected taking into account heavy loads and the type of walls.

Wall preparation

Modules are usually installed after repair and finishing. But if the wall is curved, it will have to be leveled before installing the cabinets.

Basic leveling methods:

In the age-old question: what should come first: installing cabinets or installing a backsplash, the experts at Mebel Shara are unambiguous. First, an apron is made, then the upper and lower modules are mounted. Before starting work, using a level and a simple pencil, markings are made on the wall. Marking will allow you to hang kitchen cabinets evenly and neatly.

Mounting options

Furniture from the store is supplied without mounting fittings. Fittings are selected before hanging cabinets. Let's take a look at the popular options.

Ear or loop hanger - metal plate with a slot for fastening. With one side it is screwed to the rear or side wall of the module, the other side is hung on the head of a screw screwed into the wall. The loop is the cheapest and easiest way to fasten. But it is not designed for heavy loads.

Hanging angles - the same hinges, only bent 90 degrees. They can be attached to horizontal surfaces through slots. They are more reliable than a conventional loop, the suspension is adjustable if necessary.

Mounting plate consists of a metal strip and a canopy on a plastic housing with a hook for attaching to a rail. The bar is up to 3 m long. Attaches to the wall with dowels or self-tapping screws along the horizontal markings. In this method of fastening, it is possible to adjust the position of the hooks. Hanging cabinets when mounted on a bar are located right next to each other, the gaps are minimal.

How to hang kitchen cabinets on hinges or corners?

Hinges and corners when installing the upper level of the modules, are screwed to the cabinets in the same way.

Algorithm:

How to hang kitchen cabinets on a mounting rail?

Before you hang the kitchen cabinets on the rail, you need to prepare for the fact that it “organizes” a gap of a couple of millimeters between the wall and the module. You will need an extra slat at the bottom to level the cabinet.

Work algorithm:

Interesting! Hanging brackets can be adjusted up and down and closer and further relative to the wall.

Learn more