Should I put anything on top of my cabinets?

Author: Prof. Juanita Bernhard  |  Last update: Sunday, January 18, 2026

Most of the time, I just let the space above my cabinets go to waste, but there are ways you can make better use of it—as a display for decorations, extra storage space, or a combination of both.

Should you put items on top of kitchen cabinets?

Add large kitchen items: the space above kitchen cabinets is perfect to store items that don't fit anywhere else or to display items that you are proud of. (eg, vases, pots, crockery, or appliances).

Is greenery on top of cabinets outdated?

Greenery above kitchen cabinets will never be outdated! Placing plants high above the cabinets creates a calming effect.

What to put on top of cabinets to keep them clean?

I have found parchment or waxed paper on the top of cabinets works great and is much faster than cutting up plastic bags. Just rip and fold to cabinet depth. Also use it on top of refrigerator!

What not to put above kitchen cabinets?

Don't draw too much attention. “You don't necessarily want to draw eyes up there,” says Joo. When dealing with the gap, she cautions against bold design choices that might accentuate the gap as a focal point in your kitchen. Things like decorative lights or an accented wall color can pull too much focus.

Do You Install Flooring Before Cabinets?

What do you put on upper cabinets?

Upper kitchen cabinets are most often used for storing dishes, glasses and dinnerware, but they can also be used to store spices, mixing bowls and small appliances, or even as a small pantry.

What should not be placed on kitchen counters?

Small Appliances

This includes things like toasters, blenders, and excess countertop clutter. Instead, use drawer organizers, pull-out pantry shelves, and hidden appliance garages to keep things accessible but out of sight.

How to avoid grease on top of kitchen cabinets?

How to prevent kitchen cabinet grease
  1. Use Ventilation – Ensure your kitchen has proper ventilation. ...
  2. Cook with Lids – When cooking, especially frying use lids on pans to contain splatters and reduce the release of grease.
  3. Regular Cleaning – Develop a routine for cleaning your kitchen cupboards.

How can I make my cabinets look better?

Let's Begin!
  1. 9 Ways to Update Kitchen Cabinets without Replacing Them. Paint Kitchen Cabinets. ...
  2. Distress the Cabinets. ...
  3. Whitewash. ...
  4. Two-Tone. ...
  5. Change the Cabinet Handles. ...
  6. Add Molding. ...
  7. Change the Kitchen Door Fronts. ...
  8. Install Under-Cabinet Lighting.

How often should you clean on top of kitchen cabinets?

Daily: Wipe spills and splatters with a damp cloth as soon as possible. Cleaning as you cook will make the need for a deeper clean less frequent. Weekly: For a quick touch-up, wipe the outside of the cabinets once per week using a cabinet cleaner and microfiber cloth.

What makes kitchen cabinets look dated?

Experts agree that the primary thing making your cabinets look dated is their color — but those same experts are divided on what, exactly, that color is. Erica Lugbill of Chicago-based interior design firm Lugbill Designs says all-white cabinets are a dead giveaway that your kitchen is stuck in the stone ages.

Can you put plants on top of cabinets?

You can use tons of plants to decorate your kitchen cabinet tops and spice up your space. They could be anything, from cascading plants to succulents or herbs.

What color cabinets never go out of style?

Kitchen Cabinet Colors That Never Go Out of Style
  • The Eternal Whites. White. Off-White. Creamy White.
  • Graceful Grays. Light Gray. Dark Gray.
  • Wood Tones.
  • Two-Tone Designs.
  • Timeless Elegance for Your Kitchen.

How do you stage the top of kitchen cabinets?

Install a series of spotlight sconces across the length of your upper cabinets. This technique instantly makes the awkward gap overhead appear intentional and grants your space a luxe, designer-worthy look.

Do you put a top coat on cabinets?

Considering the amount of use your cabinets will receive, a topcoat may be beneficial to prevent scratches and other damage from regular wear and tear.

Should you do countertops or cabinets first?

It's generally recommended for the cabinets to be done first, protecting their integrity and making countertop installation as smooth as possible. This will ensure that: The countertop material(s) are only moved/installed once. There is less chance of cracking, breaking or chipping of countertop material(s)

How can I make my cabinets look more expensive?

5 simple ways to make your kitchen cabinets look more expensive
  1. Opt for high quality hardware.
  2. Style the cabinet contents.
  3. Paint your cabinets.
  4. Add under-cabinet lighting.
  5. Add decorative moldings.

What color cabinets make a kitchen look bigger?

White kitchens are very trendy right now, but they offer more benefits than just being beautiful. Light colors are more reflective than dark colors and they will make your kitchen appear bigger as well as more open and airy.

How can I update my cabinets cheaply?

If your goal is to update the look of your existing cabinets, the cheapest route is to simply reface them. This process involves either stripping the stain or paint from the existing cabinets and adding new stain, varnish or paint; in some cases, you might even want to refinish the cabinets with a stick-on veneer.

What to put on top of kitchen cabinets to keep clean?

After your cabinet tops are clean, put wax paper on top of them. The wax attracts the dust and grime like a magnet. All you have to do is replace the wax paper a couple times a year and you're good to go.

What is the best thing to use on greasy kitchen cabinets?

Greasy Cabinet Cleaning Method: Vinegar Soak

The method: Soak a washcloth in distilled white vinegar, like this classic from Heinz. Apply to cabinets, let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then wipe off with a damp sponge.

Can you use greased lightning on cabinets?

A: No, it is not recommended to be used on cabinets.

What are three things that you should never do in the kitchen?

Without further ado, here are things you should never do in the kitchen:
  • Never try to catch a falling knife. ...
  • Don't add dry flour or cornstarch to hot liquid. ...
  • Never use wet oven mitts to handle hot pots or pans. ...
  • Don't put a hot glass dish on a wet surface. ...
  • Never serve a dish before you taste it.

What kitchen countertops never go out of style?

5 kitchen countertops that never go out of style – timeless choices to suit any homeowner
  • Marble.
  • Quartz.
  • Granite.
  • Butcher block countertops.
  • Soapstone.

What countertops to avoid?

Avoid countertops that are largely plastic such as cultured marble, solid surface, and those that introduce formaldehyde, like laminate. If using laminate countertops, specify that the substrate be made with a no added formaldehyde (NAF) resin. Additionally, CDPH-certified laminate materials are preferred.

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