Open kitchen shelving isn’t always a sign of chaos or disarray, despite your fears to the contrary. When done correctly, open shelves can give the kitchen a neat, orderly appearance and offer a chance to customize the focal point of the house. Look through these open kitchen shelving ideas that you’ll want to steal right away if you’re unsure if kitchen wall shelves will work for your layout.
Open shelving is a stylish substitute for upper kitchen cabinets, according to several interior designers. “From a design perspective, there are many reasons for open kitchen shelving: to take away weight in an otherwise heavy cabinet-centric design; to create a more well-lived-in, warm and welcoming aesthetic; to break up an otherwise repetitive look; and to display beautiful dishes, vases, plants, books, cookware, and spices,” says Nastassja Bowman, an interior designer with Kristen Elizabeth.
15 ideas that you can use
1. Display Antiques and Books
Designer Melissa Wood’s clients fill floating shelves with treasures and hang a vintage panel in front of their kitchen window in this Art Deco-inspired home. Cooking books, ingredient containers, and glassware are useful pieces, but don’t be scared to add more ornamental pieces (think antiques, houseplants, and figurines).
2. Select a Display with Multiple Tiers
Installing three or four levels of open shelves that reach the ceiling will allow you to make the most of the vertical space. Everyday objects are kept low while less-used items are kept high, according to Elsie Larson, co-founder of the lifestyle site A Beautiful Mess.
3. Intentionally Create a Divide
A backsplash can be broken up with well-placed floating shelves. Here, designer Michelle Bordeau places floating wood shelves between a geometric tile backsplash and top walls painted terra-cotta (Dunn-Edwards’ Revival Rose).
4. Make Your Own Spice Rack
When your spices are arranged, visible, and accessible, meal preparation will go more smoothly. Here, the Hub of the House Studio team covers a little kitchen alcove with slender shelves that are ideal for displaying spice jars.
5. Include It in the Marble
Hang a shelf made of the same material to match a quartz backsplash; the finished effect is remarkably smooth. “You can switch out art to add personality,” adds Tanya Smith-Shiflett, owner of Unique Kitchens & Baths, in addition to providing convenient access to culinary necessities (think oil and spices) via the backsplash shelf.
6. Take a Chance With an Integrated Library
Take note from designer Jessica Davis of JL Design and bring a full library into the kitchen. This quirky nook displays the homeowners’ favorite cookbooks in a variety of hues and patterns.
7. Hang Small Shelves in the Corner
A rustic touch can be added to your kitchen by hanging small reclaimed wood shelves in the corner. As designer Kate Lester does here, adorn the layers with books, herbs, and containers.
8. Keep a Long Shelf Up
Installing a single shelf that spans the whole wall serves as a backdrop for showcasing artwork, houseplants, and glassware. We adore the striking cabinet color and dark green subway tiles chosen by designer Jean Stoffer.
9. Buy Daily Necessities
Nastassja Bowman, an interior designer at Kristen Elizabeth Design, places common dishes on adjacent open shelves instead of putting away plates, bowls, and cups. Setting the table is now quick and simple, and your visitors can enjoy your stylish collection.
10. Select Warm Wood
This contemporary kitchen feels a little cozier and friendlier with the addition of wood floating shelves that span the full wall. Additionally, you can put shelves in front of your windows, as suggested by Pure Salt Interiors.
11. Install a Contemporary Shelving System
AMMOR Architecture installs a sizable shelving unit over the kitchen counters in place of floating shelves. Whether it’s special racks for pans, plates, or mugs, you might be able to locate a system that will help you get organized.
12. Designate a Space for Alcohol
Even if you don’t have enough room for a full-scale home bar setup, setting off a corner of the kitchen will work. Designer Christina Kim arranged bottles of the homeowners’ preferred liquors and hung corner shelves in this contemporary room.
13. Give Double-Duty Shelves a Try
Replace conventional shelves with wall shelves that have pegs to double the functionality. Store dishes on the shelf, then hang kitchenware, chopping boards, and other items from the hooks.
14. Change the Upper Cabinets
Avoid large upper cabinets that might make a small layout seem even smaller if there is little room, particularly in a galley kitchen. Here, glassware and dishes are kept on thin, open shelf by interior designer Tiffany Gowler.
15. Keep the ingredients close at hand
Having all of your supplies on hand makes it easy to prepare dinner. Add stylish labels after placing everything in coordinating glass containers.
Conclusion
Additionally, stylistic advice is provided, such as which pieces are most suited for open-shelf arrangements. You may be confident that you will find an open shelving option that suits your kitchen, regardless of how small it is. From large shelves that span the full width of the wall to tiny corner shelves to sky-high shelving, we’ve got it all.