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Good Housekeeping published 11 ideas for making use of the often-overlooked space above kitchen cabinets. Suggestions include storing infrequently used pantry goods in baskets or jars, displaying artwork and cookbooks, and adding plants or decor; the right choice depends on access, available light and how the space is used.
Good Housekeeping has outlined 11 ways to use the often-awkward space above kitchen cabinets, offering options for extra storage and decoration. The ideas range from baskets and food containers for items used infrequently to artwork, houseplants and display pieces that bring color and texture into the kitchen.
The report recommends using the high space for items that do not need to be reached every day. Wicker baskets can hold backup pantry supplies, seasonal dish towels or small appliances, while open cubbies can be divided to accommodate baskets. The article also suggests placing less frequently used ingredients—such as flour, sugar and grains—in attractive storage jars, and setting aside extra pantry goods such as unopened spices or pasta.
Several options are mainly decorative. Homeowners can lean artwork above the cabinets, arrange vases, sculptures or wooden cutting boards, or display cookbooks. The report cautions that cookbooks stored up high are better treated as decor than as books for regular use, since retrieving them may be difficult. In one design example, picture lighting is added above the books.
The remaining ideas focus on greenery and materials. Houseplants can fill the space where there is enough light, while small decorative groupings can combine items such as faux plants, vintage books and wicker bins. The report also recommends natural textures—including rattan, wicker and pampas grass—to add warmth, and notes that a statement light fixture can draw the eye toward the ceiling.
Storage Without Losing Counter Space
The gap above cabinets can provide additional storage without taking up countertop area, a practical benefit in kitchens where work surfaces are limited. Baskets and jars may also keep backup goods or occasional-use equipment together rather than scattered through more accessible cupboards.
But the space is high and often awkward to reach, so its usefulness depends on what goes there. The report’s distinction between everyday necessities and infrequently used items is central: regularly needed ingredients or heavy appliances may be inconvenient or unsafe to retrieve from overhead storage. Decorative displays can make use of the gap without requiring frequent access, though they may require periodic cleaning.
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Eleven Uses for an Overlooked Gap
The Good Housekeeping report presents the suggestions as a mix of storage solutions and styling ideas, rather than a single recommended approach. Its examples include baskets for concealed storage, jars for pantry staples, cubbies for organizing backup goods, and displays of art, cookbooks, vases or sculptures. The list also includes houseplants and natural materials to soften the look of a kitchen.
The source attributes the examples to interiors and home-design projects, including work by Style by Emily Henderson and Proem Studio, as well as images from home bloggers and other design sources. It does not provide measurements, installation instructions or a comparison of the ideas’ costs. The suggestions are therefore inspiration, not a tested ranking or a guide to building overhead storage.
Access, Weight and Kitchen Conditions
The report does not specify which option will work best for a particular kitchen, or how much weight cabinets and surrounding structures can safely support. Anyone adding shelves, dividers or cubbies would need to check the construction, mounting method and load limits for their own space rather than assume the existing cabinets can bear extra weight.
It is also unclear how much light reaches the cabinet tops in the featured examples, or how often stored items and decorative objects should be cleaned. Houseplants need conditions suited to their species, while food storage should use clean, sealed containers and follow the product’s storage directions. The article offers no detailed food-safety guidance or plant-care specifications.
Choose Storage or Display First
The next step for readers is to decide whether the space should solve a storage problem or a styling one. For storage, choose light, infrequently needed items and containers that can be reached without awkward lifting. For display, group a few objects with varied heights or textures rather than filling the entire gap, and consider whether the arrangement will be practical to dust and maintain.
Before adding built-in dividers or other fixtures, check cabinet construction and seek qualified help if the installation or safe load is uncertain. The source report does not announce a follow-up project or product test; its guidance remains a set of 11 design ideas for adapting the space to a household’s needs.
Key Questions
What are some practical items to store above kitchen cabinets?
The report suggests backup pantry goods, seasonal dish towels and small appliances that are not needed often. Keep everyday items in easier-to-reach cupboards or drawers.
Can I keep food above kitchen cabinets?
The article proposes storing extra ingredients such as flour, sugar and grains in storage jars. Use clean, sealed containers and follow the food’s storage directions; the report does not give specific safety or temperature advice.
Are cookbooks a good choice for the space?
They can be displayed there, but Good Housekeeping says the high placement makes them less suitable for regular use. Store frequently used cookbooks somewhere easier to reach.
Can houseplants grow above kitchen cabinets?
The report features plants in a sunny kitchen, but results depend on available light and the plant’s needs. Check that the location suits the plant and that watering can be done safely.
What should I check before adding cubbies or shelves?
Check how the cabinets and wall are built, how fixtures will be attached and what weight they can support. The report gives no installation specifications or load ratings, so consult a qualified professional if those details are uncertain.
Source: rss
