Top of kitchen cabinets

4 Dreamy Floral Arrangements to Try This Spring

Sienna Livermore Senior Editor Sienna is a senior editor at Hearst.

9 New Ways to Decorate Above Your Kitchen Cabinets

By

Shelby Deering

Shelby Deering

Shelby Deering is a lifestyle writer who specializes in decor articles and home tours. She spends her spare time at flea markets and hunting for vintage finds. Shelby is a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 01/05/22

The Spruce / Candace Madonna

There are those random areas in our homes that seem to be begging for décor, but they tend to be a little, well, awkward. The wall next to the front door. That open spot under the stairs. And the space above the kitchen cabinets, where it seems as if something should go there…but what?

If the styling in your kitchen seems to be lacking in some way and needs just the thing to create a finished look, filling that area above the cabinets might be the answer. There are actually myriad possibilities for decorating that space, proven through featured designers, bloggers, and Instagrammers. From vintage art to practical storage, you can put that space above the cabinets to work.

• 01 of 09

  Display a Meaningful Collection

  @sawdust.angel / Instagram

  You may enjoy collecting certain objects, but you may not have a specified place for them and end up keeping the pieces hidden away in the basement or a closet. If you haven’t been able to find the right place to showcase that collection, look to the space above your cabinets. The eye will naturally be drawn upward toward your finds, which have their own particular place to stand out. Vases, vintage letters, and even books are ideal to display above cabinets. A series of pitchers filled with faux flowers is also an ideal way to fill the void. You want to make sure, though, that the objects are large enough to see once up high; a collection of salt and pepper shakers, for example, may not be the right scale for that spot.

• 02 of 09

  Hang Vintage Finds

  Melissa Goodwin / Getty Images

  If you have enough room, you can hang items on the wall in the space above your cabinets. Whether it’s framed family photos, mirrors, small macramé creations, or vintage baking or cooking tools, this extra wall space surprisingly caters to wall art of almost any kind—but flea market treasures seem to look even more charming.

• 03 of 09

  Find Spots for Practical Items

  @white. oak.shop / Instagram

  Sometimes no matter the size of the kitchen and how much storage there is, we still run out of space. It may be that there's just not a spot for the extra rolls of paper towels, or the vintage kitchen scale won't fit in a cabinet or on the countertop. That's where the spot above the cabinets comes in handy. Display surplus kitchen necessities, cake stands, and trays, while mixing in a few decorative pieces for visual interest. Stick to one color palate for a streamlined look.

• 04 of 09

  Fill the Space With Tall Pieces

  Remick Associates

  If you have high ceilings, it can be tough to track down décor objects that are tall enough to fill the space above the kitchen cabinets and work seamlessly with the rest of your kitchen styling. Tall, artful vases and ceramic art can visually reach upward toward the ceiling, filling up the bareness above the cabinets and making for a modern feel.

  6 Tips for Decorating Rooms With High Ceilings

• 05 of 09

  Weave in an Art Gallery

  Honey N Hydrangea

  Gallery walls are always a classic, decorative element to bring into any home. While they are timeless and traditional, it’s refreshing to see a gallery that’s presented in a new and different way. Leaning a group of similar style artwork onto each other and the back wall makes for an interesting visual, and using frames that are all the same color creates uniformity. Whether a collection of vintage oil paintings or black and white photographs, this design element is somewhat easy to accomplish and joyful to look at.

  Click Play to Learn Ways to Decorate Above Your Kitchen Cabinets

• 06 of 09

  Showcase a Sign

  @robynssouthernnest / Instagram

  Perhaps you picked up an overscale sign on your last trip to the flea market or local design accessory shop but just can't find the right spot for it in your home. That empty, cold space above the kitchen cabinets is just perfect, whether to fit a long, vintage-inspired sign or custom family saying. It will look cozy above the cabinets, and even better when matched up with bouquets of darling faux flowers.

• 07 of 09

  Create an Indoor Garden

  ErikaWittlieb / Pixabay

  If you have a green thumb and don't mind climbing up to water the plants every week, setting up the space above cabinets to grow an indoor garden is ideal—just be sure to purchase plants that don’t require a lot of sunlight. Low-light plants, nestled above the cabinetry, add a natural, vibrant accent to the kitchen. Using similar style and colored pots will keep the look clean and contemporary.

  10 Kitchen Cabinet Styles

• 08 of 09

  Bring in Artificial Plants

  M. Wilcox Design

  You may think artificial plants are old-fashioned, reminiscent of the kitchen decor of the 1980s where climbing vines trailed along the tops of kitchen cabinets. But these days you can find beautiful, realistic faux plants that will bring a modern vibe to any space. A bit of greenery in the kitchen is always a welcome touch, and buying a few of the same style will keep the room looking fresh and clean. Add a few other similar arrangements on the counter and dining table to tie it all together.

• 09 of 09

  Include Nooks for Storage

  Alvin Wayne

  The space above your cabinets can be built up to serve a specific purpose, like providing extra storage. Cleverly use the area above your cabinets to hold baskets, making for additional storage space in your kitchen. The baskets can keep small items and extra kitchen supplies out of sight while adding a decorative touch to the room. Using a set of matching baskets creates a uniform look, and adding vertical dividers will give the space an even more organized and clean appearance.

Dimensions of kitchen cabinets and their standard, dimensions of modules and location

Arranging a kitchen is not an easy task, it is necessary to equip it so that it is functional and not cluttered. For this reason, when buying furniture for this room, it is worth considering its parameters. That is why the standard dimensions of kitchen cabinets often coincide with the parameters of typical high-rise kitchens. But it is better to first measure the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthis room, height, length, depth, this will help you most accurately select the desired set.

Content

9000 cabinets

In order to correctly calculate and choose the dimensions of kitchen cabinets, you need to know some features, as well as what size of kitchen cabinets there is a standard. If you have not had to deal with this matter, then of course certain difficulties may arise. First you need to take measurements of the room, calculate the area of ​​the kitchen, measure the place where you plan to install the future kitchen set. It is advisable to preliminarily develop an approximate project for the future kitchen. But in order to perform correctly and accurately, it is imperative to understand what height, width, length are, as well as the correct placement of modular furniture in space.

Many resort to the help of professionals, because knowledgeable specialists in this matter will be able to do everything as it should. The professional himself will come home, take the necessary measurements and select suitable designs. However, even in these cases, you will need to know some rules. A person from the outside may not take into account important nuances - preferences for furniture (built-in or modular), the growth of the hostess, the style of the future design of the kitchen room, and much more. For this reason, you must first study the rules for calculating kitchen furniture.

Bottom row

When installing cabinets in the kitchen, it is worth knowing the parameters of the bottom row. It does not matter at all the style of the kitchen room - classic, loft or high-tech.

The standard dimensions of the bottom row of the kitchen are usually as follows:

• standard height (total) should be 85 cm;
• the height of the plinth or the height of the lower kitchen cabinets from the floor is 10 cm;
• the depth of the cabinets must be at least 46 cm. If there are drawers, then the drawer itself usually takes 45 cm and 1 is left for free space up to the surface of the back wall of the modular design. The most popular are the depth dimensions from 56 to 58 cm;
• the standard depth or width of the tabletop can have three sizes - 60 cm, 90 cm and 1 meter and 20 cm;
• worktop thickness sizes - 28, 30 and 40 mm. This parameter determines the strength and cost of furniture;
• Worktop overhang level - 30-50 mm from the front and 50-100 mm from the back of the cabinets. If this margin is taken into account, then it will be possible in the future to normally place electrical wiring and pipes that run along the wall surface;
• front width dimension is from 30 to 40 cm. It is not necessary to install furniture with a front width dimension greater than 90 cm, because it will cause severe inconvenience during the operation of the furniture;
• height indications in the intervals of the inner shelves. These parameters usually range from 20 to 40 centimeters. But they are not considered mandatory, each consumer can select the optimal size at will.

The parameters are closely related, for this reason it is important to strictly observe the dimensions, this will help maintain the style and functionality of the kitchen space. The height of the lower kitchen cabinets can be adjusted, for example, with the help of unscrewing legs. If there is a high cabinet, then legs can be removed from it, and if it is low, then, on the contrary, to add height, you can supplement it with legs. But do not forget about functionality, it is important that the modular kitchen look organic. But the size of the cabinets depends on the countertop, on its parameters.

Consider the size of the worktop. Countertops from 60 cm are considered to be in demand. The depth of kitchen cabinets can be from 46 cm. You should not make a countertop smaller than this size, because the kitchen room requires a large and comfortable work surface on which it will be possible to perform the necessary work on cooking. With this size of the surface, it will be easy to pick up cabinets for sinks, gas stoves, and built-in appliances.

Worktops from size 90 cm are ideal for large kitchen spaces. The depth of the lower cabinets is usually from 76 cm. But countertops with a size of 120 cm are suitable for professional kitchens or loft-style kitchens. With these large surfaces, you can create an island in the room.

Top modules

Considering the dimensions of wall-mounted kitchen cabinets, it is also worth considering the parameters of the top modules. This will greatly facilitate the task of choosing, as well as determining at what height to hang kitchen cabinets. To ensure functionality and proper storage in the kitchen of dishes, food and other utensils, you should carefully read the rules for calculating the dimensions of the upper modules. This will help to understand at what height kitchen cabinets are hung.

Wall-mounted top cabinets usually have the following dimensions:

• The height of the top cabinets should be between 790 and 900 mm;
• the standard depth of upper cabinets is from 300 mm. If the kitchen has a wide work surface, then the depth will be equal to half of it;
• , the distance from the working area (apron area) is at least 450 mm. But this indicator can be adjusted for convenience for growth parameters, it can reach 55-60 cm;
• the width of the fronts with high upper cabinets must match the parameters of the bottom row;
• adjustment of the distance to the equipment depends on its type - to the kitchen hood it is usually about 70-75 cm for an electric stove, and for a gas stove - 75-80 cm;
• the height of wall-mounted cabinets from floor to ceiling must be 210 cm. The tall cabinet can be larger, two meters 50 cm.

Kitchens with the above dimensions are the most optimal for kitchens in typical high-rise buildings. The main parameters that must be taken into account are the dimensions of the distance from the bottom row to the upper shelves, they must be at least 450 mm. This will help with maximum convenience to place all the necessary appliances, crockery and kitchen utensils.

Corner models

Corner models are often installed in this room for storing dishes, utensils, products in the kitchen. But in order for its installation to be successful, it is worth carefully considering the parameters of this type of furniture. The table below shows the exact calculation scheme for the corner models.

Designation	Size (in centimeters)
The height of the headset from the floor to the ceiling surface should be standard.	From 180 to 250, the cabinet column will be the highest area of ​​the headset (almost 250).
Depth of upper and lower cabinets.	30-40 and 46-50
Front width. This parameter is usually standard, as in all types of kitchens.	30 to 40
Worktop thickness settings. It is advisable to choose products with a large thickness, especially for washing in the kitchen.	2, 3, 4
The distance from the work surface can be adjusted to suit you.	It must be at least 46.

But many professionals recommend choosing the size of the corner kitchen as you wish, the main thing is that it be comfortable. Modern models from different manufacturers, for example, Belarusian kitchens ZOV, loft, provide maximum convenience and functionality.

How to choose the right size

The size standard for kitchen cabinets is usually designed for typical kitchen spaces. When choosing furniture, be sure to first measure your kitchen, it is important that the set can be accurately built into the room. But at the same time, the products should not interfere, cause inconvenience. If a column for the kitchen is installed, then the pencil case should not clutter up the room and fit into the height dimensions. Of course, if furniture is selected for a loft kitchen, then there are no particular difficulties and restrictions when choosing, but for a small room it is much more difficult to choose furniture products.

Height

The optimal height from the floor should be between 180 and 250 cm. The height of the bottom row should be selected depending on the height. On average, it should be about 80-85 cm. When choosing, evaluate the dimensions of the products, they should fit your height. If you hang wall cabinets above the established level, then some difficulties may arise. It is important that there is a gap of 46-50 cm between the top row top and the upper cabinets.

The total height of kitchen cabinets must not exceed 250 cm, otherwise the set simply will not enter the room.

Depth

The depth of the cabinets is an important indicator that provides full storage of necessary items in the kitchen. The depth of standard products should be 30-40 cm, deep 50 cm. If desired, you can use a kitchen cabinet with greater depth, the main thing is that it does not clutter up the room.

Width

Width standards are usually used in the production of kitchen furniture, for this reason there are no particular difficulties in calculating this parameter. But still, it is worthwhile to first familiarize yourself with the detailed details:

• the width of single-leaf constructions is from 300 to 500 mm;
• indicator width of double-leaf products varies from 600 to 1000 mm;
• in width, corner structures are usually produced from 900 mm. But the width of the facades is calculated according to the geometric formula of isosceles triangles - it is equal to 130 centimeters;
• the width parameters of the upper cabinets depend on the bottom row - on average they range from 30 to 100 cm;
• the width of the facades of the upper corner structures is 85 cm.

Working triangle rule

There are several ideas with which you can arrange all the structures, sink, stove, and appliances, so that it provides functionality and maximum convenience. Usually for the kitchen in many stores, cabinets of standard sizes are provided. But if you arrange them correctly, as well as use some ideas for storing kitchen utensils and products in cabinets, then even a small room will look much advantageous and visually become wider. But it is worth observing some nuances, otherwise you will get a cluttered kitchen with a pile of all kinds of furniture.

It is important to take into account the preferences of the hostess when arranging the kitchen, regardless of its design (loft, hi-tech, classic). First of all, special attention should be paid to the working area, because it is in this place that a woman has to spend most of her time. Hanging cabinets should take into account the growth of the hostess, but do not forget about her preferences. The arrangement of modules should be harmonious and comfortable.

It is worth highlighting several areas of the working triangle:

• The first most important area is the work surface. It may include a gas stove, countertop, microwave;
• second kitchen area for long-term food storage - freezer, refrigerator;
• clean zone - dishes and vegetables are washed in this zone. A sink and dishwasher are installed in this area.

Looking at numerous drawings and photos, it becomes clear that the distance between the zones should not be more than two arm's lengths. From the refrigerator, you have to go straight to the sink to rinse the food. After that, you go to the work surface to prepare the food. After finishing work, you again have to go to the refrigerator to remove the remaining food or the cooled dish. When cooking, you often have to go to cabinets that store spices, seasonings and other necessary products. For this reason, during installation, as well as when hanging furniture, it is worth calculating everything correctly so that each item is located nearby, but at the same time does not violate the functionality of this room.

Hangers, shelving and other overhead structures should be in height and nearby so that the hostess always has everything at hand.

Video

drawings

90,000 nothing fundamentally different from the bottom: the same materials, the same nuances with the form. Indeed, the criteria for choosing cases and facades for the entire ensemble are the same, but the cabinets of the top line of the kitchen have their own tasks, problems and possibilities for organizing the internal space. Let's consider them in more detail.

Natalya Shirokorad

Ceiling cabinets
Inexpensive kitchen cabinets from furniture stores usually do not have enough height for ceiling installation. The result is an uncomfortable gap, which often serves as a dust collector (and the dust just pulls there).

Lares Design

Don't underestimate the space created between the ceiling and the top of the cabinet - trust me, enough of it will disappear there. If possible, be sure to design cabinets to the very ceiling. The top shelves can hold cutlery and utensils that you rarely use, as well as store a strategic supply of groceries.

Duga Studio

If you are afraid of overloading the top line, try to arrange a showcase from the cabinets under the ceiling. It won't look heavy. If in doubt, consult a specialist.

——————————————
IN YOUR CITY…
► Houzz can hire a designer or architect in any city and country. Start looking for a specialist
————————————————


Olga Shangina | Photography

Cabinets around windows and doors
To make the most of the space in a small kitchen, it is sometimes wise to use unpopular walls - with a window and a doorway.

Interested in interior design?
Let's select a contractor according to your criteria

Sergey Krasyuk

You can even place small cabinets or shelves above the window. But be careful with this technique in small enclosed spaces, it actively “eats up” the space, so that the kitchen seems quite cramped. Therefore, it is better to limit yourself to cabinets along the edges of the window.

RELATED…
Just a photo: 18 ideas for upper cabinets on the corner of the kitchen When designing a house, the architect suggested that the customer make a window instead of a standard kitchen apron. To cook while enjoying the view.

► Other photos in this project

Studio of Olesya Shlyakhtina

Hood cabinet
The hood can be very beautiful and even be the centerpiece of the interior. But in a small kitchen, it’s a shame to give a whole piece of the wall under it.

Design Studio - Sign Design

To alleviate this trouble, you can order a cabinet that closes the exhaust duct, gives the top line of cabinets a monolithic design, and allocates even a small but additional storage space.

RELATED…
Just a photo: Kitchens in three rows… cabinets

Olga Petrova-Podolskaya designer

Hinged doors for wall cabinets
The interior arrangement of upper cabinets is usually the most common: shelves, dryers for dishes. But you should think about door opening systems especially. Traditional hinged doors are a budget option, but not the most convenient option: they require space and strive to be in front of your forehead.

Hamiltoun

The simplest alternative is a lift-up door. Special fittings - gas lifts - allow you to fix the door in the raised state, without holding it with your hands. The door returns to its original position smoothly, without a characteristic pop.

This option is often used for horizontally oriented (stretched) top cabinets.

Atlas-Lux

Lift doors for kitchens with high ceilings
A more interesting option is lift doors. The facade moves forward a little and goes up vertically (as in the photo). The system is convenient, safe, does not take up much space and is therefore suitable for use in tight spaces. But provided that there is enough space between the cabinet and the ceiling. A low ceiling will simply prevent the system from raising the door to the desired height.

Hamiltoun

Lift-and-fold doors for expensive furniture
A more complex and more convenient door opening system - lift-and-fold: special hinges raise the facade and simultaneously fold the door in half.

You can't hit this design with your head and the contents of the volumetric module will be at hand. The main drawback is the high cost of fittings, and, as a result, it is a priori impossible to find such a solution for a budget kitchen: only for models of the middle and high price segment.

Webber + Studio, Architects

Sliding fronts of upper cabinets
Sliding doors, arranged on the principle of a closet - a somewhat exotic option, but convenient. The doors do not slide out into the aisle at all, which means they do not take up space and do not threaten your head.

Design flaw: the sash overlaps the adjacent sash and it is not possible to open the entire kitchen cabinet. Most often, sliding facades are used in small cupboard boxes mounted directly on the countertop.

Ekaterina Durava / DKART design studio

Adding lightness: glazed cabinets
The main aesthetic problem of the top line is its visual “heaviness”. Few things eat up space like blank facades at eye level. This feature can be somewhat compensated. One option is to make the doors glazed.

Natalya Shirokorad

This way the cabinets will look lighter, the kitchen will seem more voluminous. Of course, transparent doors oblige to order and beauty, but is it really that bad?

——————————————–
MORE PHOTOS…
► Get inspired by interiors from around the world with more photos of 21400 glass fronted kitchens
———————— ——————–

Kona Ozone

Lighting inside the cabinet
In pursuit of lightness, you can go even further and arrange lighting inside the cabinets.

Kitchens Maria

A soft diffused glow will add volume to the whole room and lighten massive structures even in a cramped room.

Natalia Katsutsevichius

Lighting from below
The bottom surface of cabinets is one of the main places for lighting. With the traditional placement of furniture and ceiling light, you will inevitably find yourself with your back to the light, and the top line of the kitchen will cast a shadow. Additional light under the top line of cabinets is vital.

DINA MASLENIKOVA

These can be built-in fluorescent, halogen lamps, or LED strip.

Design Studio Boychuk Maria

Tatyana Arkhipova's studio

Even easier: o open shelves
A radical way of planning is to abandon upper cabinets altogether and hang open shelves instead.

---

Learn more

• 
  How to remove dirt from grout
• 
  Lighting for wet rooms
• 
  Bedroom retreat decorating ideas
• 
  Most popular bonsai trees
• 
  Stainless steel rust spots
• 
  Can i grow cilantro in a pot
• 
  Where to buy evergreen trees
• 
  House and home carpets
• 
  Poison ivy killer homemade
• 
  When should i plant spinach
• 
  Setting for washing towels