In many kitchens, upper cabinets measure about 30 to 36 inches tall. In a kitchen with an 8-foot ceiling, that often leaves roughly 12 to 18 inches above the cabinets. That gap can be annoying in a very specific way. It looks too empty if you leave it as it is.
Getting advice online does not make it easier to choose what to do with it. One forum post says to add some decorations. Another says to box it in. You might think the opportunities are endless until you are in your own kitchen, staring up at the gap, trying to figure out what will look good in your space.
In this guide, we’ll talk about different options for decorating the gap, closing it with a faux soffit, and extending the cabinets to the ceiling.
Decor Ideas for the Space Above Cabinets
If you want a quick refresh and you do not want to build or cut anything, decorating the area can work well. This option fits rentals. It also makes sense if you plan to sell soon or if the gap is pretty small. High ceilings can make that open strip feel airy, too, so closing it is not always the right move.
The trick is to treat the area like one design zone. A lot of failed above-cabinet decor comes from scattering small items up there and hoping it all pulls together. It rarely does. As people keep saying, that spot often becomes “a dust shelf” if the styling is wrong.
People often ask for advice on what to do with that space on different forums. Or scroll Pinterest for inspiration.
Below are the most common solutions that people came up with.
Faux Plants
Faux plants help soften the hard lines of the cabinets. Trailing greenery works especially well since it pulls the eye up and adds shape. These are usually the better choice here than real plants, since watering plants above your head is not very practical.
Vintage Pieces
Vintage finds can bring in a lot of character. Old pitchers, ironstone, enamelware, or even lunchboxes can work well. Try to keep it simple. One larger piece with one or two smaller accents usually looks better than a full row of little items.
(Source: Reddit)
Cookbooks
Cookbooks can look great above cabinets if the space is deep enough. Stack a few flat, then stand a few upright with the spines facing out for a cozy style.
Wallpaper or Shiplap
Wallpaper on the wall above the cabinets can work better than adding objects in some kitchens. It brings in a pattern without creating more dusty surfaces. A narrow plank panel or painted shiplap can do the same thing if you want a little texture with a cleaner look.
(Source: Reddit)
LED Strip Lighting
A soft glow above the cabinets can add mood and help define the kitchen’s top line. Warm light usually feels better in a home kitchen than a cool blue-white tone.
(Source: Reddit)
Woven Baskets
Woven baskets are a safe pick for the space above cabinets. They add texture and hide visual clutter better than most decor pieces. Use a few different sizes, but in the same color family.
Matching baskets or bins are a smart option if you want storage up there without adding cabinet boxes. They can hold seasonal platters, party supplies, or paper goods.
Styling Tips for Your Kitchen Cabinet Decor
Here is where styling goes off track. Too many colors make the eye jump around, and items with the same height can look flat and stiff.
Decorating works best if you style the space with purpose, not randomly. Here’s a better approach:
- Pick a maximum of two or three colors.
- Repeat one material throughout the space that matches your upper cabinet.
- Use tall and short decor items so the top line has some rhythm.
If you hate cleaning up there, though, adding decorations might not be the best idea for your kitchen. You should consider closing the gap.
How to Close the Gap Above Kitchen Cabinets?
Many homeowners get tired of the dust and greasy film that forms on top of their kitchen cabinets. That is why they often want to close that gap. Closing it also gives a cleaner cabinet-to-ceiling look without the cost of adding new storage.
You have a few ways to do it.
Flat Panel or Plywood Infill
This is usually the first fix people try, and for good reason. You fasten small wood strips to the cabinet tops and the ceiling area above, then cover the gap with thin plywood or MDF. After that, you caulk the seams and paint it.
It is a pretty low-cost project. In many kitchens, materials cost around $30 to $60. The work is manageable for many DIYers, but it does take careful measuring and a steady hand.
When it is finished well, the gap all but disappears. The cabinets look taller without replacing a single cabinet box. If you want a more consistent look, paint the new panel to match the cabinets.
Faux Soffit Above Cabinets With Drywall
If you want something that feels more like part of the room, a drywall bulkhead can do the job. Build a light frame between the cabinet tops and the ceiling, attach drywall, finish the seams, then paint.
(Source: Reddit)
This type of faux soffit above cabinets can hide wiring, pipes, or vent lines, if any. It can even hold recessed lights or LED strips if you want to add lighting. Material cost is around $100 to $200 for a basic soffit, and labor can add $300 to $500 per day.
Drywall mudding can test your patience if you have not done it before. But it can look nice, especially in older kitchens with uneven cabinet tops or a patchy wall line above the uppers.
Crown Molding Only
If the gap is small, crown molding might be enough. It ties the cabinets into the ceiling and hides that awkward strip at the top.
This is one of the quickest ways to clean up an older kitchen, especially if you have classic cabinet styles. In many cases, the cost lands around $20 to $50, depending on the molding and the size of the space.
A little care goes a long way here. Measure in a few spots since ceilings are rarely perfectly even. Caulk can hide small gaps and rough edges. Paint matters too. If you match the cabinets, the top looks more built-in. If you match the ceiling, the molding blends in more.
If you already have a soffit but it looks dated, a bit of new trim and fresh paint can make it look much better.
Extend Cabinets to the Ceiling for More Storage
Extending cabinets works best if the kitchen is already getting some updates. It makes the most sense when the gap is 12 inches or more, or when you need extra room for things you do not reach for every day.
Add Cabinet Boxes Above the Existing Uppers
The direct way is to add new wall cabinet boxes above your current upper cabinets and finish them with matching or close-to-matching doors. Some people prefer glass-fronted cabinets to fill the space.
The cost of cabinet boxes can range from about $50 to $300 or more per cabinet, based on the source and finish. Custom options may be more expensive. Stock lines from home centers or cabinet suppliers often keep the prices low.
If the old cabinets and the new boxes do not match exactly, one coat of paint across the full run can pull them together.
Faux Tall Cabinets With Panels and New Door Fronts
This method gives you the look of full-height cabinetry without installing fully usable cabinets above. Build out the area over the upper cabinets with panels or a shallow frame, then add matching cabinet door fronts so the top row looks like tall cabinets.
It is a visual trick, but it works really well. In many kitchens, that is all people want. The room feels taller. The cabinet wall feels complete. The cost stays far lower than a full cabinet swap.
A quick heads-up before you start cutting into anything. Some soffits hide wiring, plumbing, or ductwork. Some hide structural elements. If you plan to remove an existing bulkhead, first open a small inspection area. That one check can save you a lot of trouble.
And yes, cost matters here. Some homeowners get full kitchen cabinet remodeling quotes above $70,000, which puts focused upgrades like this in perspective. Extending the uppers often gives you a big visual shift for far less.
Quick Decision Guide for the Space Above Kitchen Cabinets
Still not sure? Here is a fast way to sort it out.
| Option | Budget | Effort | Result | Best fit |
| Decorate the open gap | Low | Low | Adds style and personality | Renters, quick updates, high ceilings |
| Close the gap with panel, soffit, or molding | Low to medium | Medium | Cleaner top line, less dust, more finished look | Homeowners who want a simple visual fix |
| Extend cabinets to the ceiling | Medium to high | Medium to high | Extra storage and a custom-style cabinet wall | Renovations, larger gaps, storage needs |
Here is another easy way to think about it:
- If your kitchen already feels busy, skip decor and close the space.
- If the gap is tiny, crown molding may be enough.
- If the room needs storage more than styling, take the cabinets up.
This cheat sheet will help cut through the noise and get you moving toward a choice that fits your kitchen.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to keep staring at that awkward strip above the cabinets and hoping it starts to make sense on its own. You have solid options, and each can work if it fits your budget and how you use your kitchen.
Some homes look better with a little decor up there, or need a clean panel and fresh paint. Others are ready for full-height cabinetry. Now you know what each one involves, which makes the next step a lot easier.
If you decide that the best fix for your space above the kitchen cabinets is new cabinetry or a full style refresh, you can browse our product catalog. If you work in the trade, you can also explore wholesale pricing and see what fits your next project. Check out our collections and request a free quote.
