11 Cute and Practical Ways to Decorate the Space Above Your Stove
Some areas of a home practically decorate themselves, while others can feel tricky and uninspiring. One of the most common problem spots is the open wall above the stove. It often sits empty, quietly waiting for something thoughtful to fill the space—something pleasant to look at while you’re busy cooking.
Every kitchen seems to have that one awkward area that gets overlooked. For many homes, it’s the space above the stove—or even the stovetop itself when it’s not being used. It can feel empty, unfinished, or simply forgotten. But once you notice it, you realize just how much potential it has.
That spot is valuable kitchen décor real estate. With the right styling, it can add warmth, personality, and even function to your kitchen. If you’ve been wondering how to decorate above your stove without cluttering it or making it impractical, these ideas strike the perfect balance between style and usefulness.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make that area feel finished without cluttering it, you’re not alone. Below are a few ideas and bits of inspiration on how to decorate this often overlooked area.
Best Decor Ideas for Above the Stove
From subtle accents to bold design choices, decorating above your stove can instantly elevate your kitchen. Whether your style leans farmhouse, modern, vintage, or eclectic, there’s an option that will work beautifully in your space.
1. Add a Stylish Antique Mirror
One of my favorite examples is an aged, gilt-framed mirror hanging centered above the stove. The softly worn finish adds warmth, while the mirror itself reflects light from nearby windows, making the kitchen feel brighter and more open. It also captures glimpses of the room—cabinetry, open shelves, even a vase of flowers on the counter—creating visual interest without adding clutter.
What makes this idea especially appealing is how timeless it feels. An antique mirror doesn’t compete with the kitchen; it complements it. Whether your style leans cottage, farmhouse, or classic, a vintage mirror above the stove turns an otherwise empty wall into a thoughtful focal point and adds a quiet elegance you’ll enjoy every time you step up to cook.
2. Upgrade the Area with Peel-and-Stick Backsplash
A backsplash can completely change how the space above your stove feels. If your wall is bare, peel-and-stick tiles are an easy, renter-friendly way to add color, texture, or pattern.
If you already have a backsplash, consider enhancing it with a centered accent—such as a decorative tile panel, metal feature, or wood trim—to create a focal point that draws the eye upward.
3. Install a Hanging Board and Utensil Rack
Image: Pinterest
If you have enough vertical clearance, a hanging board and utensil rack can be both practical and visually striking. It frees up cabinet space while giving your kitchen a professional, well-used look.
Chopping boards and wooden utensils all double as décor when displayed properly. You can also hang pots or small baskets to soften the look and add warmth.
4. Lean Cutting Boards for an Effortless Look
One of the simplest ways to decorate above your stove is by leaning cutting boards against the backsplash. Wood or marble boards add texture and warmth without overwhelming the space.
This approach works especially well in smaller kitchens because it’s low-profile, functional, and easy to change out whenever you want a refresh.
5. Add Artwork or a Decorative Kitchen Sign
Artwork isn’t just for living rooms. A framed print or kitchen-themed sign above the stove adds personality and makes the space feel intentional.
Choose food-inspired artwork, typography prints, or playful phrases that reflect your style. Just be sure to place it high enough to avoid heat or steam damage.
6. Incorporate a Vintage-Style Sign
A vintage or handcrafted sign can instantly make the kitchen feel more welcoming. Phrases like “Made with Love” or “Gather Here” work well and add a cozy, lived-in feel.
You can find these signs in wood, metal, or enamel finishes—or even DIY one for a more personal touch.
7. Style an Antique or Ornate Frame
For something a little different, try placing an antique or decorative frame above your stove. Fill it with a food illustration, handwritten recipe, or even a mirror.
Mirrors are especially helpful in smaller kitchens, as they reflect light and make the space feel larger and brighter.
8. Use a Stovetop Cover When Not Cooking
When your stove isn’t in use, a custom stovetop cover can provide extra counter space while also acting as decor. Wood or marble covers look beautiful styled with a bowl of fruit, a candle, or a small plant.
As a bonus, they help keep your stovetop clean and protected when you’re not cooking.
9. Over-the-Stove Wood Hutch or Shelf
Adding a wood hutch or shelf above your stove is both charming and functional. It creates storage where you might not have had any and gives you a place to display decorative yet useful items.
Style it with matching spice jars, a couple of favorite cookbooks, or simple ceramic pieces. Wooden shelves with metal brackets work especially well in farmhouse or rustic kitchens, while sleeker wood designs suit modern spaces just as well.
10. Hang Copper Pans
A hanging pot rack is an excellent decor solution for adding style and function to the space above your stove. If you use copper or cast iron pans, they provide a dual benefit by serving as high-end kitchen decor while saving valuable cabinet space. This setup can make a kitchen feel like it belongs in a chef’s home.
In addition to pans, you can use these racks to display other items:
- Wooden utensils: Hanging these alongside your copperware adds organic texture.
- Decorative accents: You can incorporate small decor pieces to personalize the rack.
11. Mount Decorative Ceramic Plates
Another charming way to dress the space above the stovetop is by mounting decorative ceramic plates. This approach feels collected and personal, as if the kitchen has been layered over time rather than styled all at once.
In one lovely home, a small grouping of hand-painted plates is arranged above the stove in a simple, balanced pattern. Each plate has its own character—soft colors, delicate motifs, slightly imperfect edges—and together they create a warm, inviting focal point. The ceramics add color and texture without overwhelming the space, and they feel right at home in a cottage or traditional kitchen.
Decorative plates work especially well because they bridge function and beauty. They nod to the kitchen’s purpose while adding artistry to an otherwise blank wall. Whether the plates are heirlooms, travel finds, or flea market treasures, mounting them above the stove brings personality and a sense of history into the heart of the home.
Final Thoughts
The space above and on top of your stove doesn’t have to be an afterthought. With a few thoughtful touches, it can become one of the most charming areas in your kitchen.
Whether you choose shelves, artwork, a backsplash update, or a simple functional accent, the key is to keep it balanced—stylish but practical. Small changes here can make your entire kitchen feel more finished and inviting.
