11 Smart Ways to Use the Space Above Your Cabinets

I seriously don’t understand why there is space above my kitchen cabinets. If someone knows of a historical reason, please illuminate me in the comments. Why can’t my cabinets just go all the way to the ceiling? I do not know. What I do know is that it’s a terrible waste of space and it tends to get pretty gross and dusty.

Do you share my pain? Here are a few ideas to make that space actually work for you — and me!

This is a classic move, and for good reason: The space above your cabinets is just right for little-used items like cake stands, big serving boards, and a few decorative items.

See more: A Lovely Light 380-Square-Foot “Dollhouse” Studio at Apartment Therapy

Whether it’s dry goods or just random clutter (shhh), closed canisters have an obvious kitchen-y feel. Using them is a great way to attractively conceal small odds and ends on top of the shelves.

Tour the rest of the space: Monique & Stu’s Bright Happy Family Home in Melbourne at Apartment Therapy

In addition to adding neutral texture to your kitchen, baskets, like the ones Lynne used in her Santa Barbara home, do a great job at hiding the stuff no one needs to see, like the juicer you just had to register for, or the stash of recipes ripped out of magazines you pull down for the holidays.

See more: Lynne’s Sunny Santa Barbara Sanctuary at Apartment Therapy

If you collect figurines, fans, Fiestaware, or anything in between, this spot is natural for showing off a collection — if only because you don’t actually have to dust up there that often. (What? It’s not like it’s at eye level!)

For more pics: Jeff’s Texture and Tone Abode at Apartment Therapy

Let’s be honest: For many of us, having cookbooks is as much about knowing you have them as it is about actually cracking them open for a recipe. So display them above the cabinets, like in this cute New York City apartment featured on One Kings Lane.

Tour the rest of the space: A Darling 500-Square-Foot Apartment Makeover at One Kings Lane

We’re guessing you don’t have a wine cellar, right? Don’t worry — neither do I! That’s what makes this idea so brilliant. Just stash a mini wine rack on top of your cabinets (to keep the bottles from rolling away) and start stacking.

Get more ideas: 10 Creative Wine Bottle Storage Solutions

In Kerstin & Andy’s Australian home, they used the top of the cabinets to help their plants get abundant sunlight. Bonus: It’s hard to over-water something you can barely reach!

See more: Kerstin & Andy’s Colorful and Happy Family Home in Australia at Apartment Therapy

What’s better than one shelf? Two shelves! If your above-cabinet space is tall enough, add an extra shelf above your cabinets by stacking a board atop three small wine racks. Even if you’re not handy, you can get a hardware store to cut the lumber for you. Thanks for the idea, One Kings Lane!

Get more ideas: Simple Storage Upgrades for Tiny Kitchens at One Kings Lane

Art in the kitchen can be tough. (You don’t want anything to get ruined from water, grease, and other splatters.) Art above your cabinets, however, will be relatively safe and make a bold statement. You could also hang a vintage sign, if you wanted to keep things simple.

See more: Arthur & Kristin’s Sunny Vintage Loft at Apartment Therapy

Whether it’s Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Valentine’s Day, there’s almost always a holiday coming up. This kitchen, featured on Lowe’s, uses the space to make the room a little more festive. Steal the idea any time of year.

See more: Inspiring Christmas Decor Ideas at Lowe’s

Sometimes, the best way to use a space is not to use it at all. If you don’t absolutely need the storage, save the space until you do. Especially in a small kitchen, it will make the room feel airier than if it’s jammed full of stuff.

See more: A Small Silver Lake Bungalow That’s a Little Bit Rock & Roll at Apartment Therapy

Do you have a gap between your cabinets and the ceiling? How do you use the space?