Spruce Up Wasted Space: Clever Cabinet Top Decor on a Budget
Kitchen cabinets extend to the ceiling, yet the space on top often goes overlooked. This awkward, empty real estate has so much potential to become an eye-catching focal point and display area. With a little creativity, those dusty cabinet tops can be transformed into an enviable feature that adds personality to your kitchen design.
Turning this forgotten space into a stylish accent doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. With clever organizing ideas, attractive displays, and budget-friendly DIY projects, you can customize your kitchen in a way that reflects your personal taste. Read on for inspiring tips that will help you spruce up wasted space with cabinet top decor on a budget.
Clever Organizing and Storage Solutions
Before decorating, consider using the tops of your cabinets for concealed storage. Baskets, racks, jars and other organizing tools can help harness the space to neatly corral items like spices, cooking oils, snacks, utensils and more.
Baskets
Woven baskets made of natural fibers, metal or plastic make for an easy organizing solution. Cluster a few matching baskets or get creative and combine different colors and textures. Stash kitchen essentials like packets of tea, coffee and hot chocolate or keep baking staples handy. Baskets can also hide other items like cookbooks, manuals and bills. Labeling helps identify contents at a glance.
For a homier look, use baskets to hold kitchen linens like dish towels, pot holders and napkins. Opt for open baskets or ones with a handle to make retrieval easier.
Racks
Mounted wine glass racks are perfect for safely storing and displaying delicate stemware. For dishes and cookware, look for tiered racks sized to neatly hold plates, cutting boards, pans and more. Choose materials like powder-coated metal, wire, wood or plastic. Use racks to store lids near their pots and make items easily accessible while cooking.
Display racks are also handy for cookbooks. Prop them open to a favorite recipe or to showcase the covers. Just don't overload shelves with too much weight.
Jars
Glass jars are ideal for corralling small supplies like cotton balls and Q-tips in a bathroom, or kitchen tools like cooking utensils, spatulas and measuring tools. Look for jars with tight-sealing lids in a range of sizes for different uses. Keep a unified look by using the same style jars. For dry pantry goods like sugar, flour, beans and rice, display in clear glass or stainless steel canisters. They'll keep contents fresh and make it easy to see when supplies are low.
DIY Shelving
Open shelving maximizes storage potential. Built-in shelves with sturdy brackets take advantage of vertical real estate. Browse Pinterest and DIY blogs for step-by-step instructions. Prefab shelves are widely available too. Prioritize durable materials like finished wood, metal and rigid plastic organizers.
Freestanding shelves introduce another storage option while adding visual interest. Place a slim bookshelf atop cabinets for displaying cookbooks, ceramics and decorative objects. Or get creative and use an old ladder, crate or salvaged piece of wood.
Stylish Display Ideas
Once you've organized the necessities, the cabinet tops provide the perfect platform for elevating your kitchen's style with attractive displays. Photos, plants, collections and lighting upgrades are easy ways to lend character.
Photos and Art
Nothing personalizes a space quicker than photos. Display favorite family shots, vacation pics or wedding photos using framed prints, floating ledges or wire racks. You can also decorate the tops of cabinets with artwork, Prints are affordable and easy to switch out. For a creative alternative, lean canvases or paintings against the wall.
Collections
Built-in cabinetry provides the ideal backdrop for showing off collections in an organized way. Neatly line up ceramic urns, glassware, pottery or other treasured finds. Collections introduce color and give visitors a glimpse into your passions and travels.
Plants and Greenery
From air plants to succulents and trailing vines, a dose of greenery energizes any kitchen. If you have the light, consider an indoor herb or spice garden. Teapots, mugs and glass containers also work for mini accent plants. Avoid large plants that accumulate dust or require frequent watering.
Lighting
Proper lighting instantly elevates a kitchen. For illuminating cabinet tops, sconces provide task lighting when prepping ingredients or cooking. Pendant lights hang directly above to accent displays. Track lighting offers a modern look and casts light wherever needed.
Budget-Friendly DIY Accents
With minimal time and money, you can craft custom accents that show off your unique style. Here are thrifty project ideas for cabinet tops that don't require expert DIY skills.
Painted Wood Signs
Divine up witty, inspirational or encouraging quotes and paint them on wood or faux wood canvases. This makes for inexpensive wall art that jazzes up dull spaces. Look for sign sayings that reflect your kitchen's vibe.
Woven Baskets and Textiles
Try your hand at beginner fiber crafts like macrame or rag rug making. These woven wall hangings add natural texture. Dye burlap and raffia scraps to coordinate with your color scheme. Display homemade projects with pride.
Repurposed Finds
Visit flea markets and salvage yards to discover one-of-a-kind home decor items. Upcycle your finds by painting, stenciling or decoupaging them with scrapbook paper. Display repurposed items like old crates, tins and boxes to highlight your resourceful DIY abilities.
With a dash of creativity, the awkward vertical space on top of kitchen cabinets can gain new purpose. Use it wisely for storage, organizing and eye-catching displays. The ideas here, from baskets and racks to photos, shelving and lighting, offer stylish ways to customize your kitchen's look on a budget. We hope these tips inspire you to spruce up the wasted space above your cabinets.
Have you found clever ways to decorate the tops of your kitchen cabinets? Share your designs and ideas below!