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That awkward dead space above your cabinets, shelves, or other high areas in your home can feel like a waste. It’s just sitting there, waiting to gather dust, while you wonder how to put it to good use. Whether it’s in your living room, bedroom, kitchen or even your bathroom, that space has hidden potential! Here are some genius ideas for making the most out of those dead zones, turning them into stylish or practical parts of your home decor!
1. Showcase Your Favorite Collectibles
The space above your kitchen cabinets is the perfect spot to display collections that bring you joy. Whether it’s vintage cookie jars, colorful glass bottles, ceramic vases, or charming ceramic figurines, arranging your collectibles up high adds a touch of personality to your kitchen. By displaying these items, you create a beautiful visual interest while making use of that previously wasted space. Plus, it gives guests a peek into your personality!
2. Add Lush Greenery with Potted Plants or Faux Ivy
Nothing adds a sense of life and freshness quite like greenery. Use the space above your cabinets to place low-maintenance potted plants, trailing vines, or even faux ivy that cascades down the sides. Consider hardy indoor plants like pothos, spider plants, or succulents that thrive even when they don’t get much attention, or opt for faux greenery if you prefer a maintenance-free option. Either way, the greenery will breathe life into your space and create a soft, natural look that brightens up the entire room.
3. Install Stylish Baskets or Wooden Crates for Extra Storage
Baskets and wooden crates can serve as both stylish decor and functional storage, each offering a unique look and feel. Choose woven or wicker baskets that match your room’s aesthetic, or go for rustic wooden crates for a more farmhouse-inspired vibe. Both options are perfect for storing items you don’t use every day, such as extra linens, seasonal dishware, or even pantry staples. This setup keeps the space tidy and makes it easy to grab what you need.
4. Add Decorative Lighting
Decorative lighting, such as string lights, Christmas lights or LED strips, can instantly enhance the atmosphere in any room. Run a soft line of warm lights along the top of cabinets, shelves, or even a wardrobe to add a cozy glow to your space. This not only makes the room feel warm and welcoming but also adds a practical lighting element that can serve as an alternative to harsh overhead lights during the evening hours. Decorative lighting can complement seasonal decor—pairing string lights with festive items above your shelves can create a cohesive and charming look for any occasion.
5. DIY Wine Rack
Add a DIY wine rack above your cabinets; you can use plywood for a practical and stylish solution. Cut plywood to create compartments where you can securely store wine bottles horizontally. This creates a convenient wine storage area that adds an elegant touch to your kitchen or dining space. Not only is this a budget-friendly project, but it also turns a previously unused area into a functional and visually appealing feature.
6. Install a Display of Decorative Plates
If you have a collection of colorful or unique plates, display them above cabinets or shelves in your living room or dining area. Arrange the plates either leaning against the wall or using plate stands. This brings color, creativity, and a personal touch to the space, making it an ideal spot for those special pieces without risking them getting knocked over during everyday activities.
7. Install Open Shelving
If you’re looking for more permanent storage options, consider installing open shelves above cabinets or along high walls in your living or bedroom. This creates a more structured space where you can store books, decorative items, or plants. Open shelving makes great use of vertical space and provides a practical yet stylish solution for display, keeping things visible but neatly organized.
8. Use Vintage Framed Photos and Artwork
Add some charm to any room by placing vintage framed photos or artwork above your cabinets or shelves. Choose photos that reflect your family history, past travels, or special moments, you can also opt for vintage artwork like black and white designs or retro posters. Displaying framed photos and artwork up high not only protects them from accidental damage but also adds a deeply personal and artistic element to the room, making the space feel more intimate and filled with cherished memories and timeless beauty.
9. Bathroom Floor Cabinet with Organizers
Maximize your bathroom storage by using the top of a floor cabinet for additional organizers. This is an ideal spot to arrange essentials like shampoo, towels, and skincare items. To keep things accessible and tidy, place small bins or baskets on top, or use storage items with dividers for smaller items like toothbrushes and toothpaste. Adding scented candles or a small potted plant can enhance the aesthetic, creating a calming, spa-like atmosphere. Utilizing both the interior and top surface of a floor cabinet turns even a small bathroom into a well-organized, stylish space.
10. Create a Mini Library for Cookbooks
If you love cooking and have a collection of cookbooks, why not create a mini library above your cabinets? Line up your favorite recipe books along the top, making them easy to see but safely out of the way. Unlike open shelving that is meant for general dishware or decorative items, dedicating this space specifically for cookbooks adds a specialized feature to your kitchen. This not only brings a touch of color, personality, and charm but also gives your beloved cookbooks a dedicated place where they won’t clutter up your counters.
11. Store Large Serving Trays or Cutting Boards
If you’re short on storage, consider storing oversized items like serving trays or cutting boards above your cabinets. These large, flat pieces fit perfectly in that space and are easy to grab when needed. Plus, they add a touch of practicality to your decor, making your kitchen feel both organized and thoughtfully styled.
12. DIY Upper Cabinet Boxes for Rustic Storage
If you’ve been dreaming of filling the empty space above your cabinets with a unique touch, this DIY project is the perfect solution! Create custom upper cabinet boxes to maximize storage and add character without the high cost of installing traditional upper cabinets. This project allows you to build wooden boxes tailored to your space and style, offering a functional yet decorative option for your kitchen.
Turn Wasted Space into a Functional Feature
The space above your cabinets, shelves, and other high areas doesn’t have to be an afterthought. Whether you want to create a cozy atmosphere, show off personal collectibles, or add practical storage, there are endless ways to make that dead space work for you. With a little creativity, you can transform these empty areas into unique and beautiful features that enhance your home’s overall look and functionality!
