22 Open Kitchen Shelving Ideas to Revamp Your Cooking Space
Ranging from rustic to modern, these DIY looks will inspire a redesign.
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While you may fear that open kitchen shelving is a gateway for clutter or disorganization, that isn't necessarily the case. When properly executed, open shelving can make the kitchen look clean and organized, plus provide an opportunity to personalize the heart of the home. If you're wondering whether kitchen wall shelves will work for your setup, browse these open kitchen shelving ideas that you'll want to steal immediately.
Many interior designers agree that open shelving is a chic alternative to upper kitchen cabinets. "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, interior designer at Kristen Elizabeth Design.
As you scroll, you'll find suggestions for what kind of shelving and shelving units to mount, as well as styling tips — like items that work best for open-shelf setups. Rest assured that even if you have a small kitchen design, you'll find an open shelving idea that works for you. We've included everything from tiny corner shelves and sky-high shelving to long shelves that run the width of the entire wall.
Show Off Books and Antiques
In this Art Deco-inspired home, designer Melissa Wood’s clients hang a vintage panel in front of their kitchen window and lines floating shelves with collectibles. Cooking books, canisters filled with ingredients and glassware are functional, but don't be afraid to layer in decorative items (think figurines, houseplants and antiques).
Choose a Multi-Tier Display
Take advantage of vertical space by installing three or four tiers of open shelves, all the way to the ceiling. Elsie Larson, co-founder of the lifestyle blog A Beautiful Mess, stores everyday items down low and less-used items toward the top.
Create an Intentional Divide
You can strategically hang floating shelves to break up a backsplash. Here, designer Michelle Bordeau installs floating wood shelves between terra-cotta-colored upper walls (Dunn-Edwards’ Revival Rose) and a geometric tile backsplash.
RELATED: Stylish Kitchen Backsplash Ideas for Every Style and Budget
DIY a Spice Rack
Breeze through meal prep when your spices are organized, in sight and within reach. Here, the team at Hub of the House Studio fills a small alcove in the kitchen with narrow shelves, perfect for showcasing spice jars.
RELATED: Best Spice Rack Ideas to Save on Kitchen Counter Space
Make It Part of the Marble
To pair with a quartz backsplash, hang a shelf in the same material — the end result looks incredibly seamless. Not only does the backsplash shelf offer easy access to cooking supplies (think oil and spices), but "you can switch out art to add personality," says Tanya Smith-Shiflett, owner of Unique Kitchens & Baths.
Go Bold With a Built-In Library
Take note from designer Jessica Davis of JL Design and bring a full library into the kitchen. With a mix of colors and patterns, this eclectic corner shows off the homeowners' favorite cookbooks.
Suspend Tiny Shelves in the Corner
Hang small reclaimed wood shelves in the corner to add a rustic touch to your kitchen. Adorn the tiers with books, herbs and canisters as designer Kate Lester does here.
Hang a Long Shelf
Install a single shelf that runs the width of the entire wall, which becomes a backdrop to show off glassware, houseplants and artwork. We love how designer Jean Stoffer opts for dark green subway tiles and a vibrant cabinet color.
Store Everyday Essentials
Rather than stowing away plates, bowls and cups, Nastassja Bowman, interior designer at Kristen Elizabeth Design, arranges everyday dishes on nearby open shelves. Now, setting the table is quick and easy, and your guests get to admire your chic collection.
Go for Warm Wood
With the addition of wood floating shelves running the width of the entire wall, this modern kitchen feels a bit more cozy and inviting. And take it from Pure Salt Interiors, you can hang shelves in front of your windows.
Mount a Modern Shelving System
In lieu of floating shelves, AMMOR Architecture hangs a large shelving unit over the kitchen counters. Shop around and you may be able to find a system that'll help you get organized, whether it's dedicated racks for pans, plates or mugs.
Carve Out an Area for Liquor
You may not have the space for a complete home bar setup, but designating a corner of the kitchen will do the trick. In this modern space, designer Christina Kim hangs corner shelves and arranges bottles of the homeowners' favorite liquors.
Try Double-Duty Shelves
For double the function, swap traditional shelves for wall shelves with pegs, instead. Use the shelves to store dishes, then the hooks to hang cutting boards, kitchen tools, etc.
Replace Upper Cabinets
If space is limited, especially in a galley kitchen, nix bulky upper cabinets that can make a narrow layout feel even more narrow. Here, interior designer Tiffany Gowler opts for slim, open shelving to store dinnerware and glassware.
Keep Ingredients Within Reach
Whipping up dinner isn't a problem when you've got all of your ingredients close by. Put everything into matching glass canisters, then add sleek labels.
Have Fun With Styling Decor
If you have the luxury of a spacious kitchen like this design by Four Brothers Design + Build, hang floating shelves strictly with the intention of presenting your favorite decorative items. You can never display too many books or houseplants, right?
Let Glassware Act as Decor
Not only does this collection of elegant glassware look beautiful, but it's safely stowed high above the cabinets. We're loving this gold shelving unit selected by designer Erin Fetherston.
Cover a Corner
This bracket-less open shelving looks sleek and minimal, yet proves to be very sturdy. Bring shelves into the corner to make the most of your wall space.
Match the Cabinets
For a seamless style, find floating shelves in the same shade as your kitchen cabinets. To style these slim shelves, designer Christina Kim arranges glasses and spare beverages.
Pair Shelves With a Bold Backsplash
In the vein of more is more, designer Maureen Stevens merges a vibrant, geometric backsplash with wood floating shelves. To avoid a cluttered look, the shelves are adorned with neutral items.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
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