When it comes to kitchen counter decor, it can be hard to find items that look cute without being in the way. These are 17 kitchen counter decor ideas that are easy to accomplish, and that won’t be in the way!
Let’s be real: most pretty things aren’t useful, and most useful things aren’t pretty. What if I told you that there was a way to combine the two and make something that’s both pretty and useful? The key to finding kitchen counter decor ideas that won’t be in the way is fairly simple: find the prettiest useful items you can find, and display them in a way that is visually appealing!
In this blog, you’ll be given 17 easy kitchen counter decor ideas that won’t be in the way. You will also learn how to arrange these items in the most aesthetically pleasing way.
After reading this blog, you’ll be able to easily decorate your kitchen counter with useful things that add to your counter rather than take away from it.
This blog is all about 17 easy kitchen counter decor ideas that won’t be in the way.
Kitchen Counter Decor
A lot of homes have counter space that doesn’t look right empty, but that can’t be taken up by useless decor items. Your kitchen is meant to be used and made messy, and we can’t have pretty little decorative objects getting in the way of that! The trick to finding the right kitchen counter decor is to find everyday, useful kitchen items that are also pretty. Finding these items will take more time (and possibly more money) than finding those generic, run-of-the-mill ones, but they’ll serve two purposes: decor & function! So really, you’re saving money because you’re spending money only on one useful item rather than on useful items and decorative objects. (That probably isn’t true, that’s just what I tell myself. And my husband.)
7 Easy Kitchen Counter Decor Ideas
As a home chef, I know how important every square inch of countertop is. That’s why I’m giving you 7 easy kitchen counter decor ideas that won’t be in the way! From cutting boards to canisters, your kitchen counter will never be boring again! If you’re looking for only one kitchen counter decor display idea, check out my post, “4 Things You Need For The Most Darling Kitchen Counter Decor.”
1. Lamp
Having a lamp on your kitchen counter is the perfect mix of cute and useful. Tucking it in a corner on your kitchen counter will give your kitchen charm and light! I use mine all the time, but it’s coziest during dark, rainy days, and in the evenings! If you’re cramped on space, try finding a mini table lamp. This will still give you the ambiance and light, but it won’t get in your way or take up too much space! There are so many different options when it comes to lamps. Try to choose a base and shade that fits both your current decor, and the vision of decor you have in mind. I chose a mini lamp with a basic shade and rattan base, creating a cozy, cottage core feel!
2. Fruit Bowl
Instead of having all your fruits and veggies hanging out on your counter without a home, buy a large bowl or basket to store them in. This will neaten up your counter, which means saving space! Not only is it a cute kitchen counter decor idea, but it’s something that will actually organize your counter.
3. Candles
I know… basic. I’ll do better with the next 14 kitchen counter decor ideas. BUT, candles really are one of the best creations in home decor and functionality. It makes the perfect accent piece, and helps to get rid of any lingering food smells. Plus, you can swap them out with the seasons, and can use them for ambiance. How could you go wrong?
4. Flowers/Plants
I promise: this is the only kitchen counter decor idea that is purely decorative. I have to add it because I’m a plant nerd and derive great joy from plants and flowers. Having one small plant on your counter will bring life into your kitchen, and having a bouquet of fresh flowers every couple of weeks will add a homey elegence to your kitchen. Using real plants and flowers is always preferred, but you can also use fake ones for easier and less expensive upkeep!
5. Butcher Blocks
Until I found a beautiful butcher block that I couldn’t wait to display on my kitchen counter, I never thought of knives as decorative! I always thought of just tucking them into a drawer and taking them out when needed. However, there are some very pretty knife sets out there that come displayed in a butcher’s block. There are so many different blocks to choose from, from white to wood. Different sets have knife handles that are made out of different materials, meaning you can choose a set that matches the rest of your kitchen tools! Whatever butcher block you choose, it will serve as a functional decor item that will fit seamlessly into your kitchen counter decor.
6. Cookbooks
Remember your mom’s old cookbook she had when you were growing up? The one that was overflowing with recipes, full of food stains and falling apart? That’s not the kind of cookbook that would fulfill this kitchen counter decor idea (sorry, Mom. Your food is still the best, regardless of how they’re stored). Although those kinds of cookbooks have the best recipes and character, the kind of cookbooks that would work for this are a little more put together. There are some adorable binders out there that are specifically made for housing recipes, and that have a “dinner” theme to them. Using your favorite cookbooks as decor is also a good idea, and can be paired with your own cookbook binder for a cute, kitchen-themed display.
7. Cutting Board
All my life, I’ve had those plain, plastic cutting boards that don’t have one aesthetic fiber in them. As these cutting boards work like a charm, they’re charmless. These types of cutting boards are meant to be hidden in a cupboard until you need them. Recently, I had a gap in my kitchen counter space that needed to be filled with something. Rather than buying a useless item, I instead replaced my ratty old plastic cutting board with a BEAUTIFUL, large, wooden cutting board. Marble/stone cutting boards are also “in” right now. Leaning the cutting board of your choice up against the wall with other items around it will create the perfect little decorative accent that can be used daily! Try pairing your cutting board display with some other functional items listed below!
8. Olive Oil Dispenser
Rather than leaving your olive oil in the plastic jug it comes in, try transferring it into a decorative olive oil dispenser. Not only will this look beautiful sitting on your counter, but it will make using olive oil so much easier (and not to mention, much more fun!). Using an olive oil dispenser makes me feel like I am on the cooking channel, and I don’t hate it. I found my olive oil dispenser at my local grocery store, and thought the label and style added a cute flare to my kitchen counter. Arranging this with your cutting board is a simple yet creative kitchen counter decor idea.
9. Salt & Pepper Grinders
Finding stylish salt and pepper grinders are fairly easy to come by, and add the perfect touch to any kitchen counter decor display. Combining salt and pepper grinders with your cutting board display is a great mixture, and is just as pretty as it is useful!
10. Hand Soap & Lotion Dispenser
If you’re trying to level up your kitchen counter decor, PLEASE don’t leave that ugly, plastic soap pump near your sink. It will immediately distract from any other cute displays you have. Trade up for a more classy option, and purchase ANY other soap pump that doesn’t come pre-filled. Buying 2 of the same one can create a cute hand soap/hand lotion setup. You can also find a soap/lotion pump set that comes in a decorative caddy. This will look 100x better than having a plastic hand soap pump and ugly lotion container by your sink!
11. Dish Soap Dispenser & Brush
Another easy kitchen counter decor idea is to purchase a dish soap dispenser, wood dish brush (the one with a round handle on top) and a stand. These three elements will make a darling set-up that serves a purpose as well! To create the whole setup, place the dish soap dispenser and wooden brush on a small marble or wood stand, and place it near your sink. Instant cuteness!
12. Cooking Utensils & Holder
Need a way to decorate your counter AND free up drawer space? Find a utensil jar that fits all your cooking utensils, and that matches the decor of your kitchen. Place it in a corner or as part of one of your decor set-ups on your kitchen counter. Fill it up with all the kitchen utensils you use the most! This will make your utensils readily available while you’re cooking, and is a great kitchen counter decor idea.
13. Storage Canisters
If you’re lucky enough to have a lot of kitchen counter space to decorate, storage canisters is a great option! Finding unique ceramic canisters to add to your kitchen counter decor will not only look nice, but they can hold different ingredients that you use regularly. This makes it much easier than having to dig in the pantry for certain ingredients! You can use these canisters to store things such as flour, sugar and brown sugar.
14. Kitchen Towels
Having a kitchen towel with a cute print on it resting on your kitchen counter is one of the easiest kitchen counter decor ideas. It will come in handy when you make a mess, and when you need to wipe your hands! Since kitchen towels are relatively cheap, you can have a stock of different designs. You can swap them out regularly to add a new element of color/design to your kitchen counter decor.
15. Teapot
Having a teapot sitting atop your kitchen counter is a darling, cottage core addition to your kitchen counter decor. Arrange it near your stovetop with some other elements mentioned in this post, such as with cookbooks or an herb plant. Not only will it provide you with a cozy mug of your favorite tea, but it will add a charming piece of decor to your kitchen! If you want more cottage core decor ideas, read my post “15 Unbelievably Charming Cottage Decor Ideas For Your Home.”
16. Mugs
Have you noticed how CUTE mugs are these days? When I was a kid, mugs were just another part of your serveware that came in a matching set with your bowls and plates. You kept them in a cupboard until you wanted a cup of coffee or hot cocoa. Now, they’re MEANT to be displayed, and look the part! Pairing a set of mugs with a mug holder of some sort can really create a useful and cute set-up on your kitchen counter.
17. Herbs
More useful than a plant, having fresh, potted herbs on your kitchen counter will add an element of freshness. It will also fill your kitchen with the smell of herby goodness. You can plant herb plants in a beautiful ceramic pot, and can fit it right into your kitchen counter decor! Having potted herbs on your kitchen counter is the gift that just keeps on giving!
There you have it, 17 easy kitchen counter decor ideas that won’t be in the way! Whether you have room for all 17 of these ideas, or room for only a couple of them, they’re guaranteed to add decor and function to your kitchen. Now that you have 17 easy kitchen counter decor ideas, you can choose the ones that work the best and look the best in your kitchen!
This post was all about 17 easy kitchen counter decor ideas.