15 Eye-Catching Ways to Style the Tops of Your Kitchen Cabinets
Looking to give your kitchen an upgrade but don't want to undergo a full renovation? One easy and affordable way to transform the look is by styling the often overlooked tops of your kitchen cabinets. With a mix of open shelving, closed storage, plants, books, artwork, and collections, you can make this space functional and full of visual interest.
Whether you rent or own your home, cabinet tops offer great potential for extra display and storage. Read on for 15 clever and creative ways to makeover the tops of your cabinets with style.
Open Shelving
Leaving your cabinet tops open and visible lends an airy, decorative feel to your kitchen. The key is to fill the space with eye-catching objects that also have meaning and purpose.
Pros and Cons of Leaving Cabinet Tops Open
Open shelving provides easy access to items you want to display or regularly use. It also allows you to frequently change up objects for a fresh look. However, visible shelving can appear cluttered or dusty if not styled well. Items are also exposed to grease splatter.
Tips for Styling Open Cabinet Tops
Group items in an intentional way, like collections of framed photos or stacked books and cookbooks. Use risers or ledges to add height for a more dynamic look. Incorporate lighting such as pendant lamps or track lighting to highlight your decorative displays. Rotate objects seasonally so your cabinet top vignettes stay looking fresh.
Closed Cabinet Storage
For a more streamlined look, install doors or hardware on your cabinet tops to conceal the contents inside. This is great for hiding away seldom used items while keeping your kitchen looking tidy.
Benefits of Closed Cabinet Top Storage
Closed storage allows you to stash anything out of sight in a dust-free environment. It makes cabinet tops functional and practical by providing concealed space for appliances, cookware, or serving pieces. The clean look also makes your kitchen appear more spacious.
Ideas for Outfitting Closed Cabinet Tops
Add sliding doors, roll-up doors, or cabinet fronts to build in hidden storage. Designate bins and baskets within for categorized storage of baking pans, small appliances, or table linens. Label your closed storage to easily locate items while cooking and prepping.
Displaying Plants
Houseplants are a simple way to bring life and freshness to your kitchen. Arrange a trio of petite succulents or trailing ivy in pretty pots for a dash of living decor.
Opt for low light plants that can thrive in the kitchen environment. Use plant stands or risers to give them added height on top of cabinets. Take care to water and fertilize plants regularly. Choose pots that complement your overall decor scheme.
Books and Cookbooks
Displaying cookbooks you use often is both decorative and functional. Organize them standing upright or leaning for easy access while cooking.
Stack a combination of hardcover books and plants together for contrasting shapes and textures. Install angled shelves to store cookbooks attractively. Wall mounted rails or hanging shelves are space-saving options for bulky books.
Artwork and Photos
Make a design statement by outfitting your cabinet tops with artwork, framed photos, prints, or a gallery wall display. Incorporate pieces that reflect your personal style and tie into the kitchen's decor.
Hang a range of artwork like landscapes, black and white photography, or abstract prints for visual interest. Floating ledges are perfect for displaying favorite framed photos or family mementos.
Collections and Knick Knacks
Collections of vases, baskets, candles, or antiques make great cabinet top decor. Group items in ways that are visually cohesive based on color scheme, texture, or theme.
Avoid clutter by limiting collections to just a few eye-catching pieces. Rotate items seasonally to keep the look fresh and dusted. Place collections on risers for added height and dimension.
More Styling Tips and Tricks
When decorating your cabinet tops, don't forget to also style the walls above. Add molding, shiplap detailing, or wallpaper to give this area character.
Lighting is key for illuminating cabinet displays. Use LED strip lighting, pendant lamps, or recessed lights. For open shelving, install task lighting for extra shine.
Most importantly, choose cabinet top decor that makes you smile. Display favorite pieces that reflect your personality and lifestyle. Reinvent the forgotten area for extra panache in your kitchen.
With a mix of open and closed storage, greenery, artwork, and collections creatively displayed, your cabinet tops can become a functional and eye-catching focal point.
Need more inspiration? Save photos from magazines or Pinterest of cabinet styling you love. Dream up ways to make this often overlooked space sing.
We'd love to see how you style your kitchen cabinet tops. Share photos with us on Instagram or Facebook for a chance to be featured!