How to Decorate on top of Cabinets

In many homes today, the ceiling height has risen from 8 feet to 9 feet. While a taller ceiling can make a home appear larger by drawing the eye up, it can also create a difficult design challenge. Stand alone cabinets are usually six feet tall, creating a 2 to 3 foot gap between the cabinet and the ceiling. Also, in kitchens with nine foot ceilings, even with 42" upper cabinets will still have a significant gap between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling. Closing that gap can make the space above the cabinet less obvious. The trick however, is to choose the right items to fill that space. The goal is to enhance the cabinet, not detract from it.  

1.  Choose the right scale.  Larger items fill the space better than smaller ones.  Here the large wicker tray is the correct scale to fill both the height and width of the space. 

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Carla Aston

2. Use objects with varying heights and textures. Choose objects with differing heights to add interest. The pottery urns and greenery add a pop of color and texture.

decorating above cabinets
Thrifty Decor Chick

3. Display a collection. Choose items that are similar in color or style to create impact. Varying the height of the objects keeps it from being monotonous.

Moroccan Maryam

4. Keep it simple. There can be too much of a good thing.  A uniform palette or leaving open space allows the eye to rest and the other objects to shine.

An open display cabinet above the refrigerator is perfect for showcasing special pieces.
Worthing Court

Stick to these basic principles and you will be happy with the results. Filling in the gaps above cabinets creates a finished look and gives your space a warm and inviting feel.

Happy decorating.

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