What can I do with the underside of my upper cabinets?

Quick Answers

There are many creative ways to utilize the often overlooked underside of upper kitchen cabinets. Here are some quick answers to common questions:

Add Functional Storage

Install pull-out shelves, spinning racks, or hooks to maximize vertical storage for cookware, spices, utensils, etc. This frees up space in other cabinets.

Decorate with Lighting

LED strip lighting or puck lights add accent lighting and a gorgeous glow underneath the cabinets for ambiance.

Increase Easy Access

Mount often-used items like spices, oils, paper towels where you can easily reach them without rummaging through cabinets.

Personalize with Wallpaper

Use removable wallpaper or tiles for a pop of color and personality underneath upper cabinets.

Conceal Clutter

Add doors or sliding panels to hide rarely used items or small appliances stored on the underside. Keep your kitchen looking neat.

What Types of Storage Can I Add Under Cabinets?

There are many clever storage solutions to maximize the unused vertical space under upper cabinets. Here are some top options:

Pull-Out Shelves

Installed on tracks, pull-out shelves let you access items in the back that normally get buried. Great for cookware, bakeware, mixing bowls, etc.

Spice Racks

Spinning vertical racks keep spices organized and within arm’s reach while cooking. Mount them under cabinets to save space.

Knife Block

An upside-down mounted knife block lets you store knives overhead and keep counters clear.

Pot Lid Holder

A rack that hangs from underneath the cabinet provides a place to store pot lids upright and accessible.

Towel Bar

Install a towel bar under the cabinets by the stove to have dish towels handy when cooking or cleaning.

Paper Towel Holder

Mounting a paper towel holder frees up counter space and keeps this necessity within easy reach.

Wine Glass Racks

Metal wine glass racks mounted overhead provide organized storage for stemware. Easy to grab for entertaining.

What Types of Lighting Can I Install Under Cabinets?

Lighting is an excellent way to enhance the appearance and function of your kitchen. Here are lighting options for illuminating under upper cabinets:

Type	Features
LED strip lights	Energy efficient, long lasting. Create accent lighting or task lighting.
Puck lights	Compact fluorescent lights. Add task lighting where needed.
Rope lights	Flexible for custom designs. Create ambient lighting.
Motion lights	Hands-free lighting when entering kitchen. Operate by sensors.
Dimmable lights	Adjustable brightness suits any activity or mood.

Accent Lighting

Install LED strip lighting around the perimeter of upper cabinets to add a decorative glow for ambiance. Can be color changing.

Task Lighting

Strategically place puck lights over appliances or prep areas that need extra illumination for kitchen tasks.

Night Lights

Subtle battery-operated lights provide a low glow at night for visibility and safety when getting a late night snack.

What Are Some Ideas for Increasing Easy Access Under Cabinets?

Storing frequently used items underneath upper cabinets creates easy access and convenience. Here are ideas:

Spice Storage

Keep spices organized on racks or in slide-out drawers under cabinets near the cooking area. Quickly season foods as you cook.

Paper Towel Holders

Have paper towels handy by mounting dispensers underneath cabinets. Saves counter space.

Utensil Hooks

Install hooks for hanging utensils like wooden spoons, ladles, whisks, and spatulas for cooking convenience.

Cutting Board Storage

Slide thin cutting boards into vertical holders mounted underneath cabinets to access as needed with no clutter.

Foil and Wrap Dispensers

Dispense foil, plastic wrap, and wax paper from handy mounted dispensers to save time when preparing foods.

Pot Lid Racks

Keep lids organized and easy to access on mounted racks instead of rummaging through cabinets.

Towel Bars

Have kitchen towels handy by installing towel bars underneath the cabinets within arm’s reach.

What Wallpaper, Tiles, or Other Materials Can I Use to Decorate the Underside of Cabinets?

There are many materials that can add color, texture, or interest underneath upper cabinets:

Removable Wallpaper

– Provides myriad patterns and colors, like geometric, floral, or nature prints
– Peel and stick application for fuss-free decorating
– Change frequently for new looks

Wall Tiles

– Ceramic, metal, glass, or stone tiles in different sizes and finishes
– Create a backsplash look with coordinating or contrasting tiles
– Variety of colors and textures available like subway tile, pennies, or Moroccan fish scale

Wood Planks

– Stained wood planks in reclaimed barnwood or coastal driftwood styles
– Rustic, natural look for farmhouse or nautical themes
– Install horizontally, vertically, or in geometric patterns

Chalkboard Paint

– Matte black finish transforms surface into a chalkboard
– Write messages, recipes, grocery lists that can easily be erased
– Use chalk pens to hand letter decorative designs or quotes

Fabric

– Adhesive-backed fabric in solid colors or bold patterns
– Less expensive option than wallpaper
– Change up fabrics for seasons or holidays

What Are Some Ideas for Concealing Clutter Under Cabinets?

Hide seldom-used items or appliances stored under upper cabinets by installing:

Cabinet Doors

– Hinged cabinet doors mimic the look of lower cabinets
– Conceal clutter behind closed doors for a tidy, hidden storage area

Rolling Doors

– Roller shades in bamboo, fabric, or wood veneer roll down to hide items
– Discreetly tuck items away while maintaining access

Sliding Panels

– Paneled barn-style wood doors slide side-to-side to cover the area underneath
– Achieve a rustic or cottage kitchen aesthetic

Metal Grilles

– Perforated metal sheets attach under cabinets as a screen
– Allow airflow while discreetly obscuring items behind them

Tension Rods

– Install tension rods across the underside of cabinets
– Use clips to hang fabric panels or scarves to cover stored items

Removable Curtains

– Clip-on curtains on small tension rods hide clutter
– Choose patterned or colorful fabric for a playful pop

Do’s and Don’ts of Decorating Under Kitchen Cabinets

Decorating the underside of upper cabinets opens up creative possibilities. Follow these do’s and don’ts when planning your kitchen makeover:

Do:

• Maximize vertical storage space with pull-out shelves.
• Illuminate the kitchen’s focal point with accent lighting.
• Increase convenience with easy access to kitchen tools.
• Reflect your personal style with wallpaper or tile.
• Conceal rarely used appliances or items behind sliding doors.
• Consider easy install and cleaning when choosing materials.

Don’t:

• Store frequently used dishes or glassware overhead.
• Mount items that will regularly need to be accessed overhead.
• Use delicate wallpaper that could tear from reaching up frequently.
• Allow moisture damage by neglecting proper ventilation.
• Overload storage space with too many heavy items.

Creative Design Ideas

Here are some unique ways to transform the space under your upper cabinets into a functional and stylish design feature:

Modern Metal & Wood

Combine wood floating shelves with sleek silver hardware, puck lights, and stainless steel accent tiles for an industrial modern vibe.

Rustic Farmhouse

Use reclaimed wood planks, woven baskets, and Edison bulb pendant lights to create a cozy, countryside look.

Boho Chic

Make a bohemian style statement with woven rattan storage, printed fabric panels, and macrame hanging planters.

Coastal Cottage

Echo casual seaside living with beadboard, anchors, ropes, and driftwood accents under gorgeous blue cabinets.

Retro Diner

Use retro-patterned wallpaper, neon lights, and nostalgic tin signs to achieve a fun, vintage diner aesthetic.

Wine Bar

Designate space under cabinets as a personalized wine station with racks, a wine fridge, bar tools, and pendant lights.

Planning Your Project

Follow these steps for a smooth cabinet makeover process:

1. Clean surfaces to remove grease and debris before installing decor.
2. Measure to determine the exact dimensions you have to work with.
3. Select materials and hardware suited for kitchen use.
4. Create a plan for the layout to guide the installation.
5. Install lighting if needed before decorating to avoid damaging lights later.
6. Prep surfaces before applying wallpaper or adhesive tile.
7. Follow instructions carefully for clean application and optimal adhesion.
8. Caulk edges around installed decorations for waterproofing.
9. Organize storage using containers, racks, or dividers.
10. Enjoy your transformation!

Conclusion

The underside of upper kitchen cabinets offers prime real estate for creativity. With the right storage solutions, lighting, décor accents, and accessories, you can completely transform this often underutilized space into a highlight of your kitchen design. Take advantage of the many possibilities to make the space totally yours while increasing functionality. With some thoughtful planning and innovative ideas, you’ll love showing off your stylish new underside cabinet makeover.