15 Practical Open Kitchen Shelving Ideas for Everyday Organisation
If you have a living room with an open kitchen, then you should know about these 15 Stunning Open Kitchen Shelving Ideas for every style and budget.
I want to ask you about your dream of a kitchen. Every person has a dream of open kitchen shelving in their kitchen, but styling is a task.
We always aspire for our kitchen to look like the influencer or celebrities, as well as the feel, warmth, and personality.
This versatile open kitchen shelving décor trend isn’t just about additional storage – it’s all about your self-expression that can completely transform your cooking space.
Whether you want to decorate a minimalist, you are a collector of colourful dishes, or somewhere in between, open kitchen shelving decor ideas offer endless possibilities to showcase your crockery that reflects your style and makes your kitchen truly yours.
This post is all about 15 Stunning Open Kitchen Shelving Ideas for Every Style and Budget.
Open Kitchen Shelving Ideas
1. The Classic White-on-White Look
There is a charm in the white-on-white look. White open shelves against a white wall give a clean, crisp look and create an illusion of more space by making it more perfect for small kitchens.
You can add textures by using mixed smooth ceramics with rough-hewn wooden boards or woven baskets, and I suggest you play with shapes by combining round plates, square storage containers, and uniquely shaped vases.
I also prefer to add some pops of colour by adding a few green plants and colourful cookbooks.
2. Rustic Charm with Reclaimed Wood
If you are a person of rustic or farmhousie look, I suggest using reclaimed wood for your kitchen open shelving ideas.
If you want to make it more interesting, look for a wood grain pattern or knots and pair it with wrought iron brackets for an industrial-rustic vibe.
Make sure to display your granny’s vintage kitchenware or antique cooking utensils to complement the rustic theme.
3. Glass Shelves for Open Kitchen Shelving Ideas
Modern, Airy Feel
Glass kitchen shelves are perfect for small kitchens and maximise light and the feeling of space.
These shelves add openness to space without the visual weight and create a sleek, modern look when paired with stainless steel brackets.
4. Mix and Match: Open Shelves with Closed Cabinets
If you are a person who always wants to hide messy parts, then a mix of Open Shelves with Closed Cabinets is for you!
You don’t need to commit to all open shelving by combining, you can use open shelves for frequently used items in your kitchen and display decorative pieces that are aesthetically good, and keep closed cabinets for less attractive essentials or occasional-use appliances.
These open kitchen shelving ideas allow you to experiment with the open shelving trend while maintaining some hidden storage.
5. Floating Shelves for a Sleek Look
If you are looking to give a modern and minimalist aesthetic to your kitchen, go for floating shelves because they will create a clean, uncluttered and sleek look.
I recommend choosing thick shelves for a bold statement or thin ones for a more delicate appearance.
You can install them at various heights on your kitchen wall, and use them to break up a large expanse of wall tile or to frame a window.
Ensure your floating shelves are properly installed to support the weight of dishes and appliances. Consider taking help from a professional if you’re unsure about the process.
(I just watched a video by Alexandra Gater on YouTube about the floating shelves without brackets and the kitchen makeover. I am a big fan of her studio apartment makeovers!)
6. Color Pop: Painted Open Shelves
Now is the time to break the mentality of neutral shelves and cabinets, and go for something poppy and vibrant paint to make a conversation starter.
I recommend choosing a bold colour that complements or contrasts with your kitchen’s colour scheme.
For these open kitchen shelving ideas, there are 2 options:
- Paint just the edges of the shelves for a subtle pop of colour.
- Use different colours for each shelf to create a playful, eclectic look.
7. Industrial Chic with Metal bracket Shelving
To implement industrial style in your kitchen, you can install metal bracket shelving.
Also, you can go visa-versa and opt for stainless steel kitchen shelves with a sleek, modern look.
I suggest combining metal shelves with wooden or marble countertops to create an interesting contrast.
One more thing is that metal shelves are great for holding heavier items like cast iron cookware or small appliances.
8. Natural Elements for Open Kitchen Shelving Ideas
Rattan and Wicker Baskets
Rattan and woven baskets are great for incorporating natural textures, and aesthetics and add additional storage to hide unaesthetic items.
You can choose different sizes and shapes, like rectangular, circular or free forms, to store smaller items like napkins, utensils, or spice jars.
Add plants and herbs on the wall or the kitchen window sill to add natural elements to your kitchen.
9. Open Shelving as a Room Divider
In an open-plan living space, use open shelving as a stylish room divider.
Install a freestanding shelving unit between the kitchen and living area, and make sure to use both sides of the shelves – kitchen items on one side and living room decor on the other.
Make sure not to overfill the shelves to pass the light easily.
10. Embrace Asymmetry for Open Kitchen Shelving Ideas
Days are gone when we always seek symmetric shelves.
Rattan and woven baskets are great for incorporating natural textures, aesthetics and add additional storage to hide unaesthetic items.
You can choose different sizes and shapes, like rectangular, circular or free forms, to store smaller items like napkins, utensils, or spice jars.
Add plants and herbs on the wall or the kitchen window sill to add natural elements to your kitchen.
11. Open Shelving for Small Appliance Display
You can turn around your styling game by displaying small appliances as décor pieces in your kitchen.
You can display stand mixers, espresso machines, or vintage toasters on these open kitchen shelves.
12. Create a Coffee or Tea Station
I am a coffee lover! If you are like me, then you just need a coffee or a tea Station in your kitchen.
Dedicate a section of open shelving to create a charming coffee or tea station.
You can display collected cute mugs over time, tea tins, and a coffee maker or teapot. Secondly, add a small tray for sugar, cream, and spoons.
Lastly, you can incorporate a small plant or artwork related to coffee or tea.
This works like magic to make our morning routine more enjoyable and efficient.
13. Open Shelving for Cookbook Display
I am not so much into cooking, but if you are a person who is interested in cooking or baking, open shelving is perfect for showcasing your cookbook collection.
Arrange books by colour for a rainbow effect or by size for a neat look. At the end, use decorative bookends to add style and keep books upright
14. Lighting-Integrated Open Shelving
Lighting is a must-have for open kitchen shelving ideas.
Use lighting in these three sports in your kitchen:
- Install LED strip lighting under each shelf for a soft, ambient glow.
- Use spotlights to highlight specific items, like antique crockery or areas of the shelving.
- Consider battery-operated puck lights for a wire-free option.
Lastly, Integrated lighting not only looks great but also provides practical task lighting for cooking and prep work.
15. Seasonal Rotation for Open Shelving Decor
Always keep your kitchen feeling fresh with some seasonal changes.
Do these small changes without breaking the pocket: Spring/Summer: Light, bright colours and fresh greenery.
Fall: Warm tones, squash-shaped ceramics, and cozy textures.
Winter: Metallic accents, evergreen branches, and festive dinnerware.
Practical Tips for Successful Open Shelving:
1. Weight Distribution: Place heavier items on lower shelves for stability and ease of access.
2. Regular Cleaning: Open shelves collect dust more easily than closed cabinets. Develop a regular cleaning routine to keep everything looking fresh.
3. Cohesive Colour Scheme: Choose a colour palette for your displayed items to create a unified look.
4. Vary Heights and Sizes: Mix tall and short items, as well as different shapes, for visual interest.
5. Functionality First: While aesthetics are important, ensure frequently used items are easily accessible.
6. Leave Some Breathing Room: Don’t overcrowd your shelves. Empty space is important for a clean, organised look.
7. Group Similar Items: Create small vignettes or group like items together for a curated feel.
