How to Decorate Soffits Above Cabinets

Hang colorful plates along the soffit.

Often found in a kitchen, a soffit is an architectural feature consisting of a filled-in gap above the cabinets. More common in older homes, the space reaches from the tops of the cabinets to the ceiling. While a soffit may not be ideal since it prevents you from placing items on top of the cabinets, that’s no reason to ignore the area when it comes to decorating.

Things You'll Need

• Molding
• Artwork
• Picture hooks
• Wire plate hangers
• Paint
• Narrow accessories
• Tile

Instructions

1. Blend the soffit in with your cabinets, making it appear as an extension of them. Nail molding in place on the soffit that matches the cabinets in color and style.

2. Use the soffit to display a row of artwork with pieces of the same size. Hang a row of small canvas paintings, framed photographs, trivets or ceramic plates. Choose colorful pieces to draw attention to the space. Space the objects evenly, with a gap of at least 3 inches between to avoid a feeling of overcrowding. Use picture hooks to mount pictures and wire plate hangers for ceramic objects.

3. Create visual interest by painting the soffit area in a color that contrasts the rest of your kitchen walls. A soffit forms a natural border that you can either paint, cover in wallpaper border or paint a decorative border directly on the surface.

4. Hang narrow, 3-D accessories from the soffit to make the area pop. Mount an antique sword, pair of skis, basket collection, golf clubs or similar objects above the cabinets for an eclectic appeal.

5. Cover the soffit with tile to contrast against the texture of the cabinets and the other walls. Use tile that matches the kitchen backsplash or floor or make a detailed mosaic display on the soffit.

References

• Kitchen-Cabinets-and-Hardware.com: Decorating Above Kitchen Cabinets
• Pier 1 Imports: Our Soffit Side