30 Beautiful Kitchen Pass Through Ideas

Is your kitchen pass through feeling boring or just plain useless?

These openings are key to connecting rooms and sharing light, but they need some love.

Don’t worry, we’ve got easy, budget-friendly ways to turn that hole in the wall into the hardest working spot in your house!

Make It A Bar

If the ledge is deep enough, add two or three stylish bar stools on the non-kitchen side. This immediately creates a casual eating spot perfect for quick breakfasts or homework.

• Pick stools that tuck neatly underneath.
• Ensure the ledge hangs over by 10 inches.
• Use wipeable stool fabrics.

Pro Tip: Install charging ports right under the overhang so people can charge phones while sitting there.

Thick Wood Ledge

Replace a thin or plain counter slab with a thick piece of butcher block or reclaimed wood. This adds warmth and a natural texture that feels expensive but is easy to install.

• Seal the wood well against moisture.
• Use oak or maple for durability.
• Let the wood overhang slightly past the wall.

Pro Tip: If you don’t want to stain it, just use a clear varnish to bring out the natural grain.

Frame It Out

Treat the pass through like a large interior window. Install thick, decorative trim around the entire opening. Painting this trim a crisp white makes the opening pop.

• Use standard 3-inch molding.
• Miter the corners carefully for a clean look.
• Paint the trim before you install it.

Pro Tip: For a bold look, paint the trim black or a deep gray to match modern hardware.

Add Open Shelves

If your pass through is high on the wall, install shallow floating shelves directly above the opening. This is perfect for displaying small plants, cookbooks, or pretty glassware.

• Keep the shelves narrow (6 inches deep max).
• Use brackets that match your kitchen hardware.
• Do not overload them; keep it light.

Pro Tip: Stack shelves high enough so they don’t block the light coming through the opening.

Use Chalkboard Paint

Paint the section of wall directly below the counter ledge with chalkboard paint. This creates a fun, functional spot for grocery lists, reminders, or doodle art.

• Apply at least two coats of paint.
• Frame the chalkboard area with thin wood strips.
• Keep chalk and an eraser nearby.

Pro Tip: This idea works best on the dining room side where it is easily seen by the family.

Install Hidden Lights

Mount a thin LED strip light or small puck lights to the top, inside frame of the pass through. This highlights the opening and gives soft, ambient light to the other room.

• Use battery-operated lights for easy install.
• Choose warm white light, not cool blue.
• Hide the wires behind the trim.

Pro Tip: If you use plug-in lights, run the cord down the wall behind the trim to keep the look clean.

Sliding Cover Panel

If you hate seeing kitchen mess, install a simple sliding wood panel or barn door mechanism that lets you cover the opening when guests arrive. It’s functional privacy.

• Ensure you have enough wall space for the door to slide.
• Use lightweight MDF or plywood.
• Install quiet, soft-close hardware.

Pro Tip: Paint the sliding panel the same color as the dining room wall so it disappears when closed.

Contrast Paint Color

Paint the inner section of the pass through frame (the part that sits inside the wall) a strong, dark color like navy or forest green. This makes the opening look deeper and more dramatic.

• Use painter’s tape for crisp lines.
• Match the color to an accent piece in the living room.
• This works best if the surrounding walls are white.

Pro Tip: Make sure you paint the full depth of the wall opening for the best effect.

Add Storage Drawers

Build shallow, built-in cabinets or drawers directly under the ledge on the dining side. These are perfect for storing napkins, placemats, or small silverware used for serving.

• Keep the storage depth less than 8 inches.
• Use simple push-to-open hardware.
• Match the cabinet front style to the kitchen.

Pro Tip: If you don’t want drawers, use this space for a narrow built-in wine rack instead.

Display Plants

Place small, hardy houseplants like succulents or trailing ivy directly on the ledge. The natural light from the kitchen helps them thrive and brings life to the space.

• Use small pots with drainage trays.
• Choose plants that don’t need huge amounts of light.
• Keep the plants pushed back from the edge.

Pro Tip: Use a long, narrow planter box that runs the length of the opening for a cohesive look.

Use Peel-and-Stick Tile

Apply easy peel-and-stick tiles to the wall area directly underneath the pass through counter. This adds texture, is easy to clean, and protects the wall from scuffs.

• Choose a subway tile or geometric pattern.
• Clean the wall well before sticking.
• Use a sharp utility knife for cuts.

Pro Tip: Match the tile color to the kitchen backsplash for a feeling of connection.

Hang Mugs Below

Install simple cup hooks or a narrow rack underneath the counter ledge on the kitchen side. This is a great, easy way to store mugs and free up cabinet space.

• Use heavy-duty hooks.
• Measure to ensure mugs don’t hit the counter.
• Hang only your favorite matching mugs.

Pro Tip: This works best if the pass through is located near your coffee maker station.

Add A Fold-Down Shelf

If space is tight, attach a hinged shelf underneath the main ledge that can fold up when you need extra counter space and fold down flat against the wall when not in use.

• Use strong folding brackets.
• Make sure the shelf is lightweight.
• Ensure the shelf is flush when folded.

Pro Tip: This temporary shelf is perfect for holding serving dishes during a party.

Wrap It In Stone

Use thin stone veneer sheets or stacked stone panels to wrap the lower half of the wall below the pass through. This gives a rustic, custom look and hides fingerprints.

• Use lightweight faux stone panels.
• Use construction adhesive to stick them on.
• Keep the color neutral like gray or beige.

Pro Tip: This material is very durable and great if you have kids who often kick the wall near the bar stools.

Install Glass Shelves

Instead of a solid ledge, install two or three thick glass shelves inside the opening. This allows maximum light transfer while still providing display space for small items.

• Use tempered safety glass.
• Use metal brackets that hold the glass tightly.
• Only display clear or light-colored items.

Pro Tip: Install small LED strip lights under each glass shelf for a sleek, modern glow.

Match Counter Tops

If you are replacing your kitchen counters, make sure the pass through ledge uses the exact same material. This makes the opening feel like a natural extension of the kitchen.

• Use the same granite or quartz slab.
• Ensure the edges are finished the same way.
• Keep the surface clear when not serving.

Pro Tip: If you can’t match the material, use a simple white quartz to contrast cleanly with colored kitchen counters.

Arch The Top

If your pass through is currently square, soften the look by adding a gentle arch to the top. This is a simple framing job that adds architectural interest and charm.

• Use flexible MDF board for the curved shape.
• Hire a handyman if you aren’t skilled with curves.
• Paint the arch interior white.

Pro Tip: This idea works wonderfully in homes with farmhouse or traditional decor styles.

Add Shiplap Walls

Install shiplap boards horizontally on the entire wall area surrounding the pass through. This texture draws the eye and gives the space a coastal or farmhouse feel.

• Use thin plywood or MDF planks.
• Paint the shiplap white or light gray.
• Keep the gaps between planks very small.

Pro Tip: If you don’t like shiplap, use vertical wood slats for a modern, Scandinavian look.

Display Art

Hang a single, striking piece of framed art or a large mirror on the wall directly above the pass through on the living room side. This elevates the space visually.

• Choose art that matches the room’s color scheme.
• Ensure the art is centered over the opening.
• Use heavy-duty hanging hardware.

Pro Tip: A mirror helps reflect light from the kitchen deeper into the living space.

Use Woven Baskets

Place two or three small, decorative woven baskets on the ledge. They can hold remote controls, keys, or napkins, keeping the surface tidy while adding texture.

• Choose baskets with tight weaves.
• Vary the heights slightly.
• Use them for items that always clutter the surface.

Pro Tip: If using baskets for serving bread or snacks, line them with a clean tea towel first.

Build A Mini Library

If the wall below the opening is deep enough (at least 6 inches), turn it into a recessed bookshelf. This is perfect for holding cookbooks or decorative home items.

• Use thin wood strips to build the frame.
• Paint the inside of the shelf a bright accent color.
• Ensure books fit vertically.

Pro Tip: Recessed shelves look custom and professional, but require cutting into the drywall carefully.

Install Hooks For Keys

Put a row of small, attractive hooks on the wall below the ledge on the non-kitchen side. This gives a dedicated drop zone for keys and dog leashes right near the entry.

• Use decorative metal hooks.
• Keep the hooks low enough for kids to reach.
• Attach them directly into wall studs.

Pro Tip: If you have a decorative bowl on the ledge, use the hooks underneath it to complete the drop zone.

Add Curtains

Install a simple, narrow curtain rod above the opening and hang a sheer or lightweight curtain panel. This softens the light and can hide minor kitchen activity.

• Use a tension rod inside the frame for easy setup.
• Choose light-colored, airy fabric.
• Keep the curtains pulled back most of the time.

Pro Tip: This gives a cozy, European cafe feel to the space.

Use A Towel Bar

Mount a small, decorative hand towel bar or ring directly underneath the ledge on the kitchen side. This keeps dish towels handy and off the counter.

• Ensure the bar is short (12-18 inches).
• Use a finish (like brushed nickel) that matches your sink faucet.
• Hang one nice-looking towel.

Pro Tip: This location prevents dripping water from reaching the floor when you grab a towel.

Create A Serving Station

Keep a large, attractive wooden serving tray permanently displayed on the pass through ledge. When entertaining, you can load the tray in the kitchen and slide it right over.

• Choose a tray with handles.
• Use the tray to hold salt and pepper shakers.
• Keep the tray empty when not in use.

Pro Tip: If the ledge is deep, use two smaller trays instead of one large one.

Add A Spice Rack

On the kitchen side, build a thin, custom spice rack inside the wall cavity below the opening. This uses otherwise wasted space for necessary storage.

• Measure spice jars before building the shelves.
• Use thin wood for the shelves.
• Make sure the rack is easy to reach while cooking.

Pro Tip: If you can’t cut into the wall, use a magnetic strip inside the frame to hold metal spice containers.

Mirror The Surface

If you have a high pass through, consider installing a thin mirror panel on the wall below it on the dining side. This visually extends the space and reflects light beautifully.

• Use safety-backed mirror panels.
• Ensure the mirror is securely mounted.
• Keep the surface clean of fingerprints.

Pro Tip: This trick makes a small dining room feel much larger instantly.

Deepen The Ledge

If your current ledge is too narrow to be useful, replace it with one that is 16 to 18 inches deep. This creates true counter space for plating food or setting up a buffet.

• Use heavy-duty support brackets.
• Ensure the brackets are hidden if possible.
• Use a durable, scratch-proof material.

Pro Tip: The deeper ledge means you can easily store bar stools underneath without them sticking out too far.

Use Pegboard Storage

Attach a sheet of decorative pegboard to the wall below the pass through on the kitchen side. This allows you to hang utensils, small pans, or kitchen tools right where you need them.

• Paint the pegboard a fun color.
• Use attractive copper or brass hooks.
• Change the layout easily when needed.

Pro Tip: This idea makes the most of vertical space without the need for complex construction.

Beadboard Under Counter Lip

That short wall right under your pass-through counter is probably getting kicked and scuffed all the time. Instead of trying to clean drywall, put up some simple wood paneling! It instantly makes the whole area look finished and expensive, even though beadboard is super cheap and easy to install yourself.

• Measure the height and width of the wall section under the pass-through counter.
• Buy pre-cut beadboard panels (they come in big sheets) or thin shiplap planks.
• Use construction adhesive (the stuff in the tube) and a few small nails to secure the paneling right over the existing drywall.
• Caulk any gaps along the edges for a clean look, then paint it white or a color that matches your trim.
• This works great if you have bar stools that constantly hit the wall below the counter.

Pro Tip: If you are using beadboard, make sure the lines run straight up and down (vertical). It makes the wall look taller and less squatty, which is always a good thing.

A pass through is a perfect spot for quick upgrades that make a huge difference in how your home feels. Whether you add storage, seating, or just a fresh coat of paint, make that opening work for you! Which idea are you trying first? Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to Pin this list for later!