Imaginima/Getty Images
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
Lots of us dream of having a bigger kitchen, but a full remodel can be super expensive and a hassle. The good news is there are smart tricks, like adding a pediment to the design, that can make your kitchen feel more spacious. You may not know what a pediment is, but you’ve probably seen them before – they’re the triangular shapes on top of classical buildings, especially ancient Greek and Roman temples.
As interior designer Karen Laine explains, one key to making your kitchen seem as big as possible is filling in the empty space above your cabinets. That’s because “it’s not how far your feet can move, it’s how far your eye can move that lets your brain know how big a space feels.” Pediments catch the eye and encourage it to travel upwards, adding visual interest and making the room feel more expansive. These days, pediments are super popular inside homes, used as accents above windows, doors, and even kitchen cabinets.
When adding a pediment, start by measuring the width of your cabinets and the empty space above them to choose the right size. Make sure the cabinet tops are clean, then attach the pediment using caulk, a nail gun, or construction adhesive, depending on the material. You can also get creative and place the pediment above a pantry, fridge, or oven hood. Finally, paint the pediment and cabinets in matching light colors to make the space feel even bigger and brighter.
Considerations to make when installing a pediment in your kitchen
When choosing how to incorporate a pediment, think about the dimensions. For wall-to-wall cabinets, go with one big pediment across the whole thing. For sectional shelving, opt for smaller pediments on each cabinet. As interior designer Tom Cox says, “It’s important to ensure the pediment’s width is proportional to the cupboard’s size” – you don’t want it to overwhelm the space or get lost.
The design possibilities for pediments are endless, but you want to pick something that complements your kitchen, not overpowers it. If you like traditional or fancy decor, you can search online for secondhand wooden options that are super nice. This style can be an investment. But if your style is more minimalist, you can find simpler (and sometimes more affordable) alternatives at places like Home Depot. These PVC and PU options are easy to cut down to size and mount.
