We Think "Cabinet Hats" Could be the Simple Solution to Making Your Storage Actually Stylish
Don't cram stuff into awkward voids and odd gaps just because you can — add a decorative detail that says "I've considered it all"


Right now, I am picturing the awkward pocket of space between my kitchen cabinets and the ceiling, that weird gap between my bedroom closet and the ceiling, and the space above my bookshelves in the living room that feels just a bit too empty. How do you make use of these odd spaces? While I am constantly tempted to shove a box of unused bed linens, or extra appliances in these often unavoidable voids, storing things out in the open can be quite the eyesore. So what is the best way to fill this blank space? A cupboard hat, of course.
The cabinet hat is a simple triangularly-shaped trim installed to sit atop any cabinet, cupboard, closet, or creative space. Their purpose? The purpose of this interior design trend is to provide a moment of style and playfulness to one of the most mundane spots of the home.
Here is everything you need to know about the funky architectural detail and how to use it to create more stylish storage space.
What are Cabinet Hats?
In architecture, this design element is commonly referred to as a pediment and it's used more often on the exteriors of homes and buildings. "A cabinet hat is a small pitched roof that has been used for centuries in architecture and design," explains Daniel Matthews, interior and print designer and content creator at A Modest Semi. However, today it is taking a playful turn into the world of interiors.
These hard-to-reach spaces with little use are most common above shelving in the kitchen and bedrooms, but the look can be utilized anywhere. "The cabinet hat I love especially is the one in our bedroom," says Daniel, who adds that there was a void of space above the closet, which could have had two storage baskets to increase storage space, "But we decided to pop a hat up there to make it an eye-catching feature of the closet instead. It's the same color as the walls and woodwork but adds subtle interest and dimension."
Adding design features like the cabinet hat to closets and wardrobes is an instant trick to make bedroom storage look more expensive. When space is at a premium and you need all the storage can get, you may have to settle on storage units that prioritize function over form. But that does not mean you can throw a little hat on them to add a moment of unexpected fun.
Recreate the Cabinet Hat Above
Price: $5/sample swatch
Green is a color that never goes out of style. Like the design by Laura Stephens pictured above, green makes for a chic and stunning pop of color for your cabinets and matching cabinet hat.
Price: $5.95/peel-and-stick sample swatch
If you are feeling inspired by the gorgeous green cabinetry above, this teal blue is a color we have seen making a comeback this year. Plus, there are a multitude of colors that go with light blue to mix and match.
How to Style a Cabinet Hat
Like with fashion, you can choose how to incorporate this accessory in any way that reflects your personality and interior style most genuinely. You can choose to color-drench or double-drench with paint to harmoniously blend a cabinet hat in with both the furniture it is attached to and the room itself.
"My favorite way to incorporate a hat is to color drench the same as the cabinet, this could be tonal to the room, or the same color as the room, or a totally contrasting color," says Daniel. "Just have fun with it! You want to make it all look like one piece of furniture."
In the kitchen, a hat would look perfect above a pantry door or shelving unit subtly painted in a kitchen cabinet color that will never go out of style. Or if you want to experiment with a more out-of-the-box way to add cabinet hats in your home, Daniel suggests adding a hat above your mounted TV or a picture frame (as pictured in his living room design above).
When designing a cabinet hat within a space, it is all about playing into the quirky and unexpected aesthetic that this design detail brings to a room. Interior designer Laura Stephens, founder of Laura Stephens Interior Design, says "Generally if we are taking the time to make a cabinet hat, I want to make them pop within a room. One of my favorite ways to do this is to paint it in a gloss color which really stands out from the walls."
Once you have added the perfect hat, you can spice up your shelving with all the fun dressings to match. Bring on the cozy interior fun this fall season!
More Ways to Dress Up Your Cabinetry
Be The First To Know
The Livingetc newsletter is your shortcut to the now and the next in home design. Subscribe today to receive a stunning free 200-page book of the best homes from around the world.
Olivia Wolfe is a Design Writer at Livingetc. She recently graduated from University of the Arts London, London College of Communication with a Masters Degree in Arts and Lifestyle Journalism. In her previous experience, she has worked with multiple multimedia publications in both London and the United States covering a range of culture-related topics, with an expertise in art and design. At the weekends she can be found working on her oil paintings, reading, or antique shopping at one of London's many vintage markets.
-
Your Kitchenware Could Use Some Italian Elegance — Get the Look With Crate & Barrel's Tuscan Kitchen Collection
Complete with products all made from sleek, beige marble, this collection captures the rustic charm of Tuscany through practical kitchenware that's simply stunning
By Devin Toolen Published
-
Miele Just Made One Tiny Tweak to Its Pans That Makes So Much Sense (and Solves a Big Cooking Bugbear)
These new pots are perfect for open-plan kitchens and here's why
By Maya Glantz Published
-
Okay, These TV Wall Ideas Might Be the Best Inspiration to Stop Your Screen Becoming an Imposing Black Box
I've found 10 of the very best ideas for TV walls if you're looking for creative interior design
By Luke Arthur Wells Published
-
5 Renter-Friendly Ways to Upgrade Your Kitchen Lighting — Without Having to Call in an Electrician
Whether you want to make a rental kitchen feel like home, or just improve your space's lighting, these tips can be actioned today
By Maya Glantz Published
-
How Do I Make My Kitchen Look Expensive? 7 Tricks That Will Always Work to Elevate Your Space's Style
Our experts share all their tips for building an expensive-looking kitchen
By Maya Glantz Published
-
5 Problems With Waterfall Kitchen Countertops That No-One Ever Talks About
While they may look great, this kitchen feature comes with a few problems, and here's what you should know
By Maya Glantz Published
-
So, Just What Is a 'Leathered' Countertop? "To Touch One Is to Want One," Says Our Editor
Our experts break down the 'leathering' technique and tell you whether it's right for your worksurfaces
By Maya Glantz Published
-
These Are the 3 Living Room Colors That Are Out of Style in 2025 — And the Shades to Use Instead
Before you begin your living room renovation, you may want to consider what colors are better left in the past
By Olivia Wolfe Published
-
A DJ Booth in Your Cabinets? How a Hidden Turntable Turned This Home Into the Perfect Venue for Kitchen Discos
This Brighton kitchen makes for the most stylish house parties
By Maya Glantz Published
-
I Asked Architects for Their Tips to Make a Kitchen Extension More Cost-Efficient — Without Feeling Like You're Cutting Corners
We spoke to the experts to find out the best design hacks to create a wow-factor space, without breaking the bank
By Rebecca Foster Published