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

For those who love to collect items such as vintage tins, ceramics, or cookbooks, the tops of kitchen cabinets offer the perfect stage to showcase these treasures. When arranging your display, consider varying heights and textures to create a visually appealing vignette. Just remember to keep these items dusted and clean, as they can easily become sticky and grimy in a kitchen environment.

Plants can enliven any space, and the kitchen is no exception. If your cabinetry doesn’t reach the ceiling, this can be an ideal spot for some hardy plants that thrive indoors. Choose low-maintenance species that can tolerate varying conditions of light and temperature. The greenery will bring a touch of life and color to your kitchen.

Adequate lighting can alter the atmosphere of your kitchen significantly. Installing LED strips or small lamps atop cabinets can provide warm, ambient lighting while highlighting decorative elements you might choose to place there. This indirect lighting can also serve as a nightlight for those midnight snacks or late-night kitchen ventures.

Take advantage of this space by using it for festive decorations depending on the season or holiday. Whether it’s garlands during Christmas, spooky accents for Halloween, or springtime florals, these touches can help your kitchen feel connected to the time of year and add a sense of celebration.

For the bulk buyers among us, extra storage space is always a perk. The tops of kitchen cabinets can house those extra cans of beans or packs of paper towels. Again, keep these supplies in nice-looking bins to maintain an organized appearance.

Wine enthusiasts with a lack of space might opt to store their bottles atop the kitchen cabinets. While not ideal for long-term storage of fine wines, this can be a handy spot for those bottles awaiting your next dinner party or casual evening in.

For those who love to cook, displaying cookbooks on top of kitchen cabinets can be both practical and pleasant to the eye. Not only is your collection easy to see, but it can also serve as an inspiration when you’re pondering what to cook next.

Music lovers can tuck a small stereo system or speakers away on top of the cabinets. This can keep technology hidden while still filling the kitchen with music during meal prep or while entertaining.