Most folks think the tops of kitchen cabinets are pointless. Here’s how to properly use them

When it comes to kitchen storage, most people focus on the cabinets, drawers, and countertops, completely overlooking the space above the cabinets. Often seen as a “dead zone” or purely decorative, the top of kitchen cabinets can actually serve a much more practical and stylish purpose. So, instead of letting that valuable space go to waste, why not put it to good use?

Here’s how to properly utilize the tops of your kitchen cabinets, transforming them from underused space into a storage and decorative powerhouse.

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1. Display Beautiful Kitchenware and Décor

The tops of kitchen cabinets can be an excellent place to showcase decorative items or beautiful kitchenware that doesn’t get used every day. Think of items that are visually appealing but not essential for daily use, such as:

• Vases or ceramic jars
• Vintage kitchen tools like old wooden spoons, rolling pins, or antique canisters
• Plants, especially trailing vines or succulents, which can add a touch of greenery to the space
• Decorative bowls or trays that can add texture and color to the top of your cabinets
• Cookbooks, especially those with vintage or hardcovers, can be stacked for a stylish display

By putting beautiful but infrequently used items on top of your cabinets, you free up counter space and still add character and warmth to the kitchen.

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2. Store Seasonal Items

Not everything in the kitchen needs to be accessible year-round. The tops of your cabinets provide the perfect place to store seasonal items or special-occasion kitchenware. Consider placing:

• Holiday décor like wreaths, themed dishware, or decorative jars for different seasons.
• Seasonal kitchen tools, such as turkey platters for Thanksgiving or Christmas serving dishes.
• Extra sets of glassware that are only used occasionally.

Storing these items out of sight but easily accessible during the appropriate season allows you to keep your kitchen organized and clutter-free while ensuring the special pieces are available when needed.

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3. Store Bulk Pantry Items

If you’re lucky enough to have large kitchen cabinets but limited pantry space, the tops of your kitchen cabinets can be a great place to store bulk items that you don’t use every day. Some examples include:

• Bulk bags of flour, sugar, or rice that are sealed and easy to grab when necessary
• Large containers of dry pasta, oatmeal, or beans
• Extra spices or herbs that you might purchase in bulk

To keep everything organized, you can use baskets, clear bins, or labeled storage containers to keep items secure and easy to access. This helps keep your pantry area neat while taking advantage of vertical space.

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4. Use for Extra Storage of Kitchen Appliances

Many kitchens have countertop appliances that are used only occasionally, such as blenders, stand mixers, or large food processors. These bulky items can take up valuable counter space, so consider storing them on top of your kitchen cabinets when not in use. A few ideas to make this work:

• Create a convenient way to access them: Use sturdy stools or a step ladder to reach appliances stored up high. If you use them frequently, ensure they are in a spot that’s easy to grab without too much effort.
• Place in decorative boxes: If you don’t want appliances to take away from the aesthetics of your kitchen, use stylish boxes or baskets to store them on top of the cabinets. This keeps your kitchen looking neat and adds a touch of design.

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5. Organize Spare Dishes and Extra Kitchen Tools

Instead of having a cluttered cupboard or overcrowded cabinets, the top of your kitchen cabinets can be a great place to store spare dishes, glassware, and tools. This can include:

• Extra dinner plates or special occasion serving platters that aren’t used often.
• Extra glassware like wine glasses, cocktail glasses, or mason jars.
• Unnecessary kitchen gadgets that take up space in the drawers, such as slow cookers, fondue pots, or waffle irons.

Store these items in boxes or clear containers to keep them safe from dust, and label them so you can easily find what you need. This will free up space in your kitchen while still keeping everything organized.

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6. Add Personal Touches with Framed Art or Photographs

A fun way to utilize the tops of kitchen cabinets is to add a bit of personal flair with framed artwork or family photographs. These can add a personal touch and give your kitchen more of a “homey” feel. Consider:

• Framing vintage food advertisements or old kitchen prints for a retro look.
• Displaying family photos or artwork by local artists to bring warmth and personality to the space.
• Hanging small pictures or photos in quirky frames to add some visual interest to an otherwise forgotten area.

This idea works especially well in open-concept kitchens where the top of the cabinets is visible from the dining or living room area.

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