What can I do with the empty space above my cabinets?
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Use the space to display a collection or put pretty baskets up there to store rarely used items in them.
Kauala Bear...If the cabinets open on top as shelving I would add pretty collectible items, such as: some greenery in a low basket, if you like roosters or hens they would be nice, a pretty plate with a stand, pretty bottles, cookie jars, even some old antique items. Lots of ideas! Good luck !
Hi Kauala,
This is truly wasted space,
An idea I have looked at is to decorate it nicely and install lighting, this would draw attention to that area especially when the kitchen lights are off. Kind of like a night light for the kitchen.
People have also put theme oriented items up there, like a collection of ceramic chickens, nautical, teapots, etc...and have matching accessories in their curtains, towels, & pot holders.
Some just leave it empty, which amounts to a dustcatcher.
Other have chosen to fill in the area with matching the cupboards.
Paint a contrasting color.
Add lattice.
Put decor items.
Add wood to make it look finished.
Plants and greenery.
I would first install rope lighting to make the area bright. Yes, you can put art, sculpture, collectibles up there but they then need dusting. I'm happy with mine just lit up. You could also consider putting a different paint color or wallpaper up there.
I think from the little we see of your kitchen that it would be better for you to leave the space empty. My cupboards go to the ceiling but I have high shelving. I don't think you are a "maximalist" person, just for the little we see of your kitchen. If you do decide to use this space you best can determine the type of item you want, but I would stay away from anything like fake greenery, fabric, anything difficult to clean because of course things do get dirty up high. It would actually help to see more of your kitchen so we get a better view of your taste.
A hint....if you leave the space blank above your cupboards, put waxed paper down to catch the dust.....when time to dust, take the waxed paper down and put up new. I had a few things above my cupboards and put the waxed paper down and it really cut down on dusting. I had some rooster statues on top of my china closet last year and put waxed paper down under them.....so easy to redo. This works for any type of furniture you have....in fact I have some on top of my refrigerator with an apothacary jar on it. Just change the wax paper out when needed.
Whatever kind of collection you decide to put up there, make sure you line the top of the cabinets with wax paper. This way you will not have to clean grease off the top of the cabinets, and believe me it does collect. Wax paper is so inexpensive you can change it whenever you want.
The FIRST thing you should do is to cut about 6 layers of newspaper to fit the top of the cabinets because cooking film and dust will accumulate there. About once a month you can peel of a layer and have no cleaning issue. As for putting collectibles/decorations, etc. there, these things will, too, attract cooking film, etc. All I can say as a caution is whatever you use to decorate that space, be sure you can, or want to, clean it on a regular basis.
Items on display anywhere in the home are attractive only if they are kept clean and dusted. In a kitchen, hot and greasy air rises up. If you really want to be spending your time climbing up above the cabinets washing and dusting, then put, as others have suggested, uncovered items up there.
If you feel you could benefit from extra storage space, even so high up, then invest in having proper enclosed cabinets installed. That way whatever you do put inside, will be kept cleaner, and away from fading light.
I would but not a lot dress it up with some baskets or shelves as in the picture below. Trick to that is not too overcrowd