Published: February 8, 2025 I HOME DECORATING
This post is all about open shelves kitchen design ideas.
Having a kitchen with functional open shelves and cabinets is a must because it helps when you’re working in the kitchen. It may take a little more creativity and careful planning to ensure the shelves and cabinets flow well with the rest of your kitchen design.
What works for one person might not be ideal for another, so it’s key to design and decorate your shelves in a way that suits your needs. Here are 16 open shelves kitchen design ideas and suggestions on what to put on kitchen shelves to help you get started.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I’ll receive a commission if you buy through my link, at no extra cost. Flair Decorum is an affiliate marketing partner (Amazon Associate) of Amazon.com.
Open shelves kitchen design ideas:
1. Shelving in between the cabinets
Open shelves can be nicely situated in between the cabinetry to create a balanced look in the space. It will also give you different options for more storage. Wall-mounted shelves are the easiest and are not so expensive to install.
2. Create a focal point with black details
If you have a neutral kitchen, black or dark lamps can instantly upgrade its look by creating a striking contrast and adding to the kitchen’s elegant feel. The black wall lamps also serve as a focal point, drawing attention and creating an element of interest.
3. Provide contrast between dark cabinetry
Do you have dark wooden kitchen cabinets? Light-colored or marble shelves can beautifully break up the monotony of dark cabinets, while adding gold or brass lighting can elevate the look of your kitchen.
4. Open bottom shelves
Open shelving doesn’t have to be limited to the top of the kitchen counter. The bottom shelves are also a great option, especially for providing easy access in the kitchen during busy days. This is also ideal for your pantry, where you can store frequently-used food items, pots, cups, and more.
Related post: 6+ Great & Easy-to-do Living Room Shelf Styling Ideas
5. Start from the top
A brilliant way to maximize the limited area of a small kitchen or a corner space is by installing shelves that extend from the ceiling to the countertop. You can use the lower shelves to store food in canisters, and display cookbooks, condiments, or dry goods that you regularly use. The upper shelves can hold items that you don’t use that often, like small kitchen appliances.
Also, the soft blue color of the cabinets and the patterned backsplash tiles beautifully complement the light wood finish of the shelves.
6. Go minimalist with expanded shelving
Need more open shelves kitchen design ideas?
Instead of building cabinets, you can extend shelves across most of the kitchen wall. This spacious layout won’t feel cluttered and will create a beautifully minimalist aesthetic.
7. Try an industrial look
For a cool industrial feel to your shelves, try a combination of distressed wood and brass matched with simple drop bulbs. Then add empty bottles, glasses, and vintage items to complete the look.
8. Gold detailing for modern shelves
If you have a completely neutral shelf, a great way to add sophistication is by incorporating a wooden shelf with a modern gold finish that complements the marble wall. This is one of the simplest open-shelving kitchen design ideas, yet it creates a beautiful, impactful effect.
9. Add patterns
Spice up the look of your open shelves and cabinets by incorporating tiles with bold patterns or a more subtle option like marble tiles. The combination of a geometric pattern, white oak, and white sconces makes this open shelving design truly stunning.
Get powder-blue pendant lights that match the marble background of the shelf.
10. The wine connection
An open shelf is strategically built right beside the wine cabinet to hold all the wine and champagne glasses for easy reach when you’re in the mood for a drink.
11. The marble trio
Marble is one of the best choices for countertops, but according to Gathered Group, it can also be used in other places in your kitchen. “Marble doesn’t have to just be on your countertop! Here @fificheek used it as a backsplash, a shelf, and to trim out her hood.”
12. Accessorize your shelf with everyday items
Decorate your open shelves with simple items like books, cups, and flower vases.
13. Place taller items on the top shelf
Homeowner Krystle Marie Nickels, shared how she decorated her shelves, specifically placing taller items on the upper shelf to make it appear taller.
“Would you believe, everything I used to style our home today. I already had. It seriously amazes me how many looks you can create from your home decor pieces & collections.
When I go to style my open shelving… I take everything down. Give all of the shelves a good cleaning & then start piecing the look together. I love creating more height to this space by adding taller items on the top shelf— this creates the illusion of a taller space… simple but great tip.
Looking at this cozy kitchen corner brings my heart so much happiness because it includes all of the things I love.”
14. No cabinets? No problem!
Shelves are a super-easy solution if you’re just renting an apartment and don’t have the option to build cabinets. Just install a floating shelf to have a place to store all your dishes, glasses, and food.
15. Go for an eclectic wall art
Hang eclectic wall art that mix different styles to create a visually appealing display and add more personality to your kitchen.
Related post: 18 Nice and Unique Wall Décor Ideas to Copy for Your Living Room
16. Glass all the way
Instead of wooden shelves, glass shelves are also great for showcasing your glass or china collection!
This post is all about open shelves kitchen design ideas.
Related post:
6+ Great & Easy-to-do Living Room Shelf Styling Ideas
18 Nice and Unique Wall Décor Ideas to Copy for Your Living Room
