That awkward gap between your upper cabinets and the ceiling can become a display area, extra storage, or a design feature with the right approach. If you are wondering what to do with the space above kitchen cabinets, you have more options than you might think. This guide walks you through practical ideas that fit different budgets and styles.
The space is usually 12 to 24 inches tall. It collects grease, dust, and random clutter. But with a plan, it can work harder for you.
What To Do With The Space Above Kitchen Cabinets
Start by measuring the height and depth of the gap. Also note how visible it is from your main living areas. A gap above cabinets in a closed-off kitchen feels different than one open to a dining room.
Your choice should match how you use the kitchen. A busy cook needs easy-to-clean surfaces. A collector wants a spot to show things off.
Option 1: Extend Cabinets To The Ceiling
This is the most permanent fix. You add cabinets or a soffit that reaches the ceiling. It removes the gap entirely.
Benefits include:
- More storage for rarely used items
- A clean, built-in look
- Less surface area for grease and dust
Cost runs from a few hundred dollars for a simple soffit to several thousand for custom cabinets. You can also use stock cabinets if the sizes work. Paint them to match your existing ones.
A word of caution. If your ceiling is uneven, you may need a filler strip. That is normal. A good carpenter can handle it.
Option 2: Add Open Shelves
Open shelves are cheaper and easier than full cabinets. You install brackets or a floating shelf system. Then you style the shelves with items you like.
Good things to put on open shelves:
- Cookbooks you actually use
- Mason jars with dry goods
- Small potted herbs
- Decorative bowls or pitchers
- Baskets for loose items
Keep it simple. Too many small items look messy. Group things in odd numbers. Leave some empty space.
One downside is dust. Open shelves above cabinets get greasy over time. Wipe them down every few weeks.
Option 3: Use Baskets And Bins
This is the fastest and cheapest solution. You buy matching baskets or bins. You fill them with things you do not use every day.
What to store up there:
- Holiday dishes
- Extra paper towels
- Rarely used appliances
- Seasonal cookie cutters
- Party supplies
Choose baskets with lids. They hide the clutter and keep dust off your stuff. Wicker, fabric, or plastic all work. Just make sure they match your kitchen colors.
Label the bottom of each basket. That way you do not have to climb up to check what is inside.
Option 4: Create A Display Area
If you have nice things, show them. The space above cabinets can act like a shelf in a gallery.
Ideas for display:
- Antique tins or crocks
- Family photos in small frames
- Vintage kitchen tools
- Ceramic jugs or vases
- Wooden cutting boards stood on end
Do not crowd the space. Pick five to seven items. Vary the heights. Add a small light strip if the area is dark.
This option works best if your cabinets do not have a soffit. A soffit is the boxed-in area some kitchens have above the cabinets. If you have one, you can still display items in front of it, but it limits depth.
Option 5: Add Lighting
Sometimes the best answer is not stuff. It is light. A dark gap above cabinets looks like a black hole. A lit gap looks intentional.
You can install:
- LED strip lights
- Puck lights
- Small battery-operated tap lights
Warm white light (2700K to 3000K) looks best in kitchens. Avoid cool blue light. It makes the space feel cold.
If you do not want to wire anything, go with battery lights. They stick on with adhesive. You can change the batteries every few months.
Option 6: Leave It Empty And Paint It
This is a valid choice. If the gap is small or high up, leaving it empty can look clean. But paint the wall above the cabinets the same color as the cabinets or the ceiling. That makes the gap blend in.
Do not leave it white if your cabinets are dark. The contrast draws the eye up. You want the eye to stay on the room, not the gap.
Option 7: Add A Soffit Or Trim
A soffit is a box that fills the space. It is usually made of drywall or wood. You can paint it to match the walls or cabinets.
This is a middle ground. It costs less than new cabinets but more than baskets. It gives a finished look without adding storage.
Some people add crown molding to the top of the cabinets instead. That does not fill the gap, but it makes the cabinets look taller. It is a cheap trick that works well.
How To Choose The Right Option
Ask yourself three questions:
- How much do you want to spend?
- Do you need more storage or just better looks?
- How often are you willing to clean up there?
If you need storage, go with cabinets or baskets. If you want style, go with display or lighting. If you want low maintenance, fill the gap with a soffit or extend the cabinets.
Also think about reach. If you are short, you may not want to climb a ladder every week. Put only seasonal items up there.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Do not overload the space. Cabinets above cabinets are not built to hold heavy items. Keep weight low.
Do not mix too many colors. Pick one or two accent colors. Stick with them.
Do not forget to clean before you style. Grease builds up fast. Wipe the area with a degreaser first.
Do not ignore the view from other rooms. What looks good from the stove may look bad from the sofa. Check both angles.
Finally, do not rush. Live with an empty gap for a week. See how the light hits it. Then decide. The best solution is the one that fits your daily life, not just a photo online.