Kitchen Wall Art Ideas for Above Cabinets
The space above kitchen cabinets is often overlooked, but it can become an attractive part of your kitchen design. Stacy and Home offers practical décor inspiration for turning this unused area into a warm and stylish display without making the kitchen feel crowded.
From framed artwork and vintage pieces to baskets, plants, and decorative ceramics, there are many ways to use this space. The best approach is to choose pieces that complement your kitchen’s colors and style while keeping the arrangement simple.
Here are 15 kitchen wall art ideas for above cabinets to inspire your space.
1. Create a Gallery Above the Cabinets
Display Framed Artwork
Place a small collection of framed prints above the cabinets. Botanical illustrations, landscapes, vintage prints, and abstract artwork can all work beautifully.
Mix Different Frame Sizes
Using two or three frame sizes can create a more collected appearance. Keep the frames connected through a similar color or material.
Leave Some Empty Space
Do not cover the entire cabinet top. Leaving small gaps between pieces helps the arrangement feel intentional rather than cluttered.
2. Add Vintage and Decorative Pieces
Use Vintage Kitchen Signs
Old-fashioned kitchen signs can add character and personality. Choose designs that complement your existing décor rather than competing with it.
Display Antique Finds
Old pottery, wooden utensils, vintage containers, and traditional kitchen objects can create a charming collected look.
Combine Old and New
Mix vintage pieces with modern artwork or simple ceramics. This creates visual interest while keeping the kitchen feeling current.
3. Bring in Plants and Natural Elements
Add Greenery
Small artificial or low-maintenance plants can bring life to the space above the cabinets. Choose varieties that suit the available light and maintenance level.
Use Woven Baskets
Woven baskets add natural texture and warmth. Place a few different sizes together for a relaxed arrangement.
Include Wooden Décor
Wooden cutting boards, trays, signs, and sculptural objects can complement cabinets and create an organic appearance.
4. Style Artwork Around Your Kitchen Colors
Coordinate With the Cabinets
Choose artwork that contains colors already present in your cabinets, backsplash, countertops, or flooring.
Add One Accent Color
A small amount of sage green, blue, terracotta, black, or another accent shade can create contrast without overwhelming the kitchen.
Use Neutral Artwork
If your kitchen already has several colors, neutral artwork in cream, beige, brown, or black and white can create balance.
5. Create a Cozy Display With Kitchen Accessories
Display Decorative Ceramics
Ceramic pitchers, vases, bowls, and plates can work as decorative pieces above cabinets. Choose pieces with complementary shapes and colors.
Layer Trays and Cutting Boards
Lean decorative trays and wooden cutting boards against the wall to create height and depth.
Add Decorative Books
A few carefully selected cookbooks or decorative books can add color and personality. Keep them stable and protected from heat and moisture.
6. Keep the Above-Cabinet Arrangement Balanced
Vary Heights
Combine tall, medium, and low pieces to create a more dynamic display. Avoid arranging everything at exactly the same height.
Repeat Materials
Repeating wood, ceramic, metal, or woven textures helps connect different decorative pieces.
Avoid Overcrowding
The area above cabinets can collect dust and grease, so a simple arrangement is often easier to maintain. Keep enough space between objects for practical cleaning.
FAQs About Kitchen Wall Art Above Cabinets
What can I put above my kitchen cabinets?
You can use framed artwork, vintage signs, baskets, plants, ceramics, wooden trays, decorative plates, and other lightweight décor that suits the kitchen environment.
Is it a good idea to put artwork above kitchen cabinets?
Yes. Framed artwork can add personality and color to an otherwise empty area. Choose pieces that are suitable for the kitchen and easy to clean.
How do I decorate above cabinets without making the kitchen look cluttered?
Choose a limited number of larger pieces instead of many small objects. Vary heights and repeat colors or materials to create a cohesive arrangement.
Should décor above kitchen cabinets match the kitchen?
It does not need to match exactly, but complementary colors and materials can make the entire kitchen feel more cohesive.
Can I put plants above kitchen cabinets?
Yes, if the plants can tolerate the available light and temperature. Low-maintenance or realistic artificial plants can also work well.
How do I keep décor above cabinets clean?
Choose easy-to-clean materials and avoid excessive layering. Regularly dust the area and wipe washable objects when needed, especially in kitchens where cooking can create grease.
Final Thoughts
The area above kitchen cabinets can become a beautiful extension of your kitchen décor when styled thoughtfully. Instead of leaving it completely empty, use it to introduce artwork, vintage pieces, greenery, baskets, ceramics, and natural textures.
The kitchen wall art ideas above offer different ways to create an attractive display while maintaining balance. Choose pieces that complement your cabinets and existing colors, then vary their heights and textures for visual interest.
Remember that less can often be more. A carefully selected collection with enough breathing room will usually look more polished and remain easier to clean. With thoughtful styling, the space above your cabinets can become a charming feature that adds personality to your entire kitchen.
