Most people believe the tops of kitchen cabinets serve no purpose. Here’s how to use them effectively.

Creative Ways to Use the Tops of Your Kitchen Cabinets

1. Store Large or Infrequently Used Items

The tops of your kitchen cabinets are perfect for storing items that you don’t use on a daily basis but still want to keep nearby. This can include:

• Large kitchen appliances: Items like blenders, food processors, or stand mixers can take up valuable space on the counter. Storing them on top of cabinets frees up your work surface while still keeping them within reach.
• Seasonal cookware: Think about holiday-specific items, such as roasting pans or cake stands, that you use only once in a while. These can be stored neatly on top of your cabinets until needed.
• Extra serving dishes: Platters, large bowls, or tiered cake stands are perfect candidates for cabinet-top storage, especially since they’re not used frequently.

To keep these items organized, use sturdy bins or baskets that can be easily pulled down when needed. Label them so you know exactly what’s inside without having to pull everything down.

2. Showcase Decorative Items

The tops of kitchen cabinets can also serve as a stylish display area. Whether you prefer a rustic, modern, or farmhouse look, this space can be used to showcase unique items that bring personality to your kitchen. Consider displaying:

• Plants: Small potted plants like succulents or air plants thrive in high, out-of-the-way spaces. They add a touch of greenery and freshness to your kitchen without taking up counter space.
• Vintage or decorative jars: Display glass jars filled with dried beans, pasta, or flour for a charming, rustic vibe. Alternatively, use decorative jars to store pantry staples and showcase them in an organized, attractive way.
• Cookbook collection: If you love cooking, the tops of your cabinets can be the perfect place to store and display your favorite cookbooks. They’ll be easy to access while also adding a personal touch to your kitchen decor.
• Antique or nostalgic kitchenware: Vintage items, such as old coffee tins, teapots, or glassware, can be beautifully displayed to create a nostalgic atmosphere.

Be sure to clean these items periodically, as the tops of cabinets can accumulate dust. However, these decorative touches can add warmth and character to your kitchen without crowding your counters.

3. Use for Pantry Overflow

If you’re running out of room in your pantry or lower cabinets, the tops of your kitchen cabinets are an ideal place to store extra pantry goods. This might include:

• Bulk items: Large bags of rice, flour, or sugar that take up too much space in your pantry can be stored above the cabinets.
• Extra canned goods: Keep spare cans of soup, vegetables, or beans in baskets or clear bins to easily access when needed.
• Bottled or jarred goods: Store extra olive oil, vinegar, or sauces that you don’t use daily. Storing them up high keeps them organized and out of the way.

Be sure to store these items in clear containers or baskets so you can quickly see what you have without having to take everything down. Labeling bins is another helpful way to stay organized.

4. Create a Beverage Station

If your kitchen is short on counter space but you still love your daily coffee or tea ritual, the tops of your cabinets can be a great place to store your beverage essentials. Consider keeping:

• Coffee beans, tea bags, or loose leaf tea: Store them in decorative jars or containers for easy access without cluttering your counters.
• Mugs and glassware: If you have extra mugs, glasses, or teacups, the tops of your cabinets can be a perfect place to display them without overcrowding your kitchen.
• Barware: If you enjoy making cocktails or hosting guests, the top cabinets can also store cocktail glasses, shakers, or mixers.

This idea helps you keep your beverage items neatly tucked away, while still having them close by when you need them.

5. Store Extra Cleaning Supplies

Keeping cleaning supplies out of sight but within reach is essential for maintaining a tidy kitchen. The tops of your cabinets can be a great place to store:

• Extra bottles of cleaning supplies: Items like all-purpose cleaners, glass cleaner, or disinfectant sprays can be stored up high to reduce clutter.
• Spare sponges, rags, or scrubbers: Use baskets or bins to store cleaning tools neatly and keep them organized.
• Paper towels: If you buy paper towels in bulk, the tops of your cabinets can serve as an ideal spot to store extra rolls.

By keeping cleaning supplies organized in this high space, your kitchen stays looking neat and free of clutter.

6. Organize Seasonal or Specialty Items

The tops of your cabinets are also a great space to store seasonal kitchen items that you use only once in a while. This could include:

• Holiday decorations: Store holiday-themed dishware, seasonal kitchen towels, or festive serving platters up high during off-seasons.
• Specialty kitchen gadgets: Items like a waffle maker, fondue set, or ice cream machine are great for occasional use but don’t need to be stored in your everyday kitchen storage.

Using clear bins or labeled boxes can help keep these seasonal items organized and easy to access when you need them.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Cabinet Tops:

• Use a step stool: Since the tops of your cabinets can be difficult to reach, keep a small, sturdy step stool or ladder nearby to make accessing these high spaces easier.
• Consider pull-down shelving: Install pull-down racks or shelves to make reaching items on top of your cabinets more convenient.
• Group similar items: To keep your items organized and easy to find, store similar items together in bins or baskets. Label everything clearly for quick access.
• Keep it clean: Dust tends to accumulate quickly on high surfaces, so be sure to clean the tops of your cabinets every few weeks to maintain a tidy kitchen.

Conclusion:

The tops of kitchen cabinets are more than just dead space; they are valuable real estate for additional storage and organization. By using these high areas effectively, you can create more room in your kitchen, reduce clutter, and even add a decorative touch. Whether you’re storing seasonal items, displaying decorative pieces, or creating a pantry overflow zone, the tops of your cabinets offer endless possibilities for improving your kitchen’s functionality and style. So, start looking up—your kitchen’s best storage solution may be right above your head!