There is nothing more annoying than an awkward, empty space above your kitchen cabinets. 

You stare at it, and wonder if you should decorate it, close it off, and just pretend it does not exist. 

But if you leave it untouched it will only make your kitchen look unfinished like something is missing.

Most people do not know what to do with this space.

Some try to fill it with random baskets and fake plants, but that usually ends up collecting dust and making things look outdated.

So, in this article, I will show you exactly what this space is called, whether you should style it and leave it empty and how to make smart choices that will fit your home and your style.

Let’s jump into it!

What is the Space Above the Kitchen Cabinets Called?

The space above the kitchen cabinets is called soffit.

Most people call it “the awkward gape”, but the real name for this space is soffit.

Some people also call it bulkhead. 

In older homes, builders use this space to hide wiring, vents, and plumbing.

That is why you will often see it boxed in with drywall.

But not every kitchen has the soffit.

In many modern kitchens, the cabinets stop short of the ceiling on purpose. 

That leftover space does not serve any function. It is just.. empty.

Some designers leave it open because it can make the room feel tall.

Other times, it is simply the result of standard cabinet size not matching the ceiling.

So if you have been wondering whether this space has a fancy design term, it really depends on how it is built.

• Soffit/ Bulkhead – enclosed, usually drywall
• Cabinet gap – open space between cabinet and ceiling

Should I Put Things on Top of My Kitchen Cabinets?

If you want your kitchen to look neat and intentional, then you need to think carefully before you put anything on top of your cabinets.

This space can work for styling, but only if you do it the right way.

Otherwise, it will end up looking cluttered and outdated.

Here is the simple rule; if you decorate, keep it clean and purposeful.

For example a few large, well selected pieces will always look better than a bunch of small random things.

You can consider an oversized vase, a couple of stylish bakers, and sculptural objects.

These will create impact and draw the eye in the right way.

But if you hate dusting and cleaning in hard to reach spots, then you should not put anything up there. 

Because an empty, clean space looks better than a clutter covered in grease and dust.

In fact, many modern kitchens leave this space completely bare on purpose, it creates a clean and more open feel.

How Most People Decorate Space Above the Kitchen Cabinet?

Here are real life examples you can consider for inspiration.

Most people put a few decorative pieces in this place and it makes their kitchen more intentional.

Layer Frames for Depth

The most simple way to fill the empty space is you can layer framed artwork there.

This will only work best when you have a higher ceiling and wide run of cabinets.

It will draw the eye up and will give your space a curated, and intentional feel.

You have to stick with vintage-style landscapes and art with muted tones so it will blend, not compete with your kitchen.

Add Height with Plants

It is a great trick when your cabinets stop short of the ceiling and you want to soften those hard lines. 

If you use a trailing plant it will add height, movement, and fresh feel to your space above the cabinets.

It will work well in a kitchen that gets good natural light.

You can choose one large plant rather than clutter with several small ones.

Use Books for Color

If you want something playful and unexpected, then books can work perfectly above your kitchen cabinets.

This idea fits best in small kitchens where the space feels more personal and less formal.

You have to stack colorful spines together to add interest and bring a cozy, lived in vibe to the space.

Blend Shelves with Cabinets

If your kitchen uses floating shelves alongside cabinets, you can treat that shelf space like an intentional extension for your upper cabinets.

You have to keep the decor minimal like a mix of greenery, stacked plates, and cutting board to keep things functional. 

This will work perfectly in modern kitchens where clean lines matter.

Create a Statement Display

Tall ceilings give you the freedom to treat the space above your cabinets like a gallery wall.

You can use oversized mirrors, stacked books, and large ceramics to fill the space with purpose.

It can work best in kitchens with bold tiles and architectural details.

The trick here is to go big, because small items would get lost in all that height.

Keep it Light and Airy

Notice how small, light-colored objects help this space to feel styled without feeling crowded. 

You have to stick to a few neutral vases, open baskets, and small plants.

Then space them out instead to make the cluster of everything together.

This can work well in kitchens with lower ceilings, because it will prevent the top of your cabinets to look heavy.

Organize with Wire Baskets

Wire baskets can keep the space practical and tidy, especially in small kitchens where every inch counts.

This setup will work best when you want hidden storage but still need easy to access bottles, extra supplies, and snacks.

You have to stick with identical baskets to keep things uniform.

You can also label them clearly so you are not constantly pulling them down just to check what is inside.

Stack Art for Personality

In a modern kitchen with clean lines, stacked art pieces can bring a little charm and personality to the empty space above your cabinets.

You can consider frames casual against the wall and there is no need to hang them.

Also, make sure you keep the scale small and the style playful.

This will work perfect when you want something light and graphic, not heavy and bulky.

Mix Greenery with Baskets

When you combine greenery with natural textures it will help you to style the narrow space above your kitchen cabinet.

This look can fit best in farmhouse and cottage-style kitchens where warmth matters.

You can use small potted plants for a fresh feel and balance them with neutral-toned baskets to keep the storage practical.

Style with Warm Neutrals

Neutral toned accessories can bring soft, cozy finish to floating shelves with your kitchen cabinets.

You have to layer a mix of glass jars, simple ceramics, and a bit of greenery to keep it visually balanced.

This idea will work well in kitchens that lean into warm wood, creamy white and natural textures.

Use Built-In Storage

When you have a custom cabinet, this upper space is the perfect spot to add built-in storage that will look intentional.

Like you can make a rack to store bottles, and they will turn unused space into something practical and visually interesting.

This solution will work best in kitchens where every inch matters and you want storage to blend with the rest of the design.

Lean into Farmhouse Charm

Farmhouse kitchens feel more complete when you use that upper cabinet space for character pieces.

For example you can use signs, pitchers, and ceramics that will work perfectly here and they will add warmth in space.

The large sign will help you anchor the look and small items will create a layered, collected feel the farmhouse is known for.

Consider Vintage Finds

Vintage-style decor works best above cabinets if you want your kitchen to feel warm and collected over time.

This kind of approach fits best in traditional and farmhouse kitchens.

You can think of crates, old pitchers, cake stands and wire baskets.

These items will not just fill the space, they will bring personality and a bit of story to your space.

Balance Shapes and Heights

So, when you balance different shapes and heights it will create a styled, finished look above the kitchen cabinets.

This will work best when you will mix natural textures like wood boards with soft greenery and a few round pieces.

You can use tall items in the middle and at the end to frame the space.

Also you have to keep the colors calm and neutral so the style complements your kitchen.