DIY Kitchen Shelves To Double Cupboard Space

If your kitchen cabinets seem perpetually stuffed while essentials end up stuffed in odd corners, it's time to seek storage solutions. Installing DIY shelves can double your cupboard space seemingly overnight!

Shelving opens up new real estate to neatly store everything from extra dishes to small appliances. And you can style shelves to complement your decor, whether modern minimalism or farmhouse chic.

Assessing Your Kitchen's Storage Needs

First, let's explore your kitchen's layout and storage shortfalls. Assessing available space for shelves and items needing storage means your DIY project checks all the boxes--functional and fabulous!

Taking Measurements

Grab a tape measure and notebook. Catalog unused nooks like the space between countertops and ceiling. Measure wall areas lacking cabinets. Even a few inches can accommodate a small shelf. Note measurements and locations, along with obstacles like vents or pipes. This data ensures you select optimal spots for ample shelving later.

Identifying Items to Store

Next, rummage through cabinets and pantries. What essentials surreptitiously piled behind stacks of plates? Corralling these stray items is our mission. Make a list with approximate dimensions, prioritizing most wanted storage. Planning for future needs with some spare capacity prevents a replay down the road.

DIY Shelf Materials

Now for the fun part--picking shelf building materials aligning with your budget and style!

Wood

A natural material bringing warmth to any area, wood offers durability and simplicity. Opt for moisture-resistant wood like poplar or pine. For a modern edge, try polished concrete or stone. Solid boards or plywood both work for basic shelves. Or showcase carpentry skills with decorative wooden corbels supporting shelves. Prices range from $30 up to $500+ depending on wood types and shelf sizes.

Metal

From sleek stainless steel to industrial piping, metal shelves infuse an edgy, contemporary vibe. Metal withstands heavy use and cleaning. Black iron piping is inexpensive and easy to install. Or for a lighter look try aluminum tracks or rails holding floating tempered glass shelves. Metal shelves range from $25 for basic brackets up to $500+ for more intricate designs.

Glass

Other Materials

For sustainable styling, salvaged wood shelves made from old barn beams, crates and pallets sport rustic character. Or showcase collections with open metal wire units. Whatever your taste, materials abound for customizing your own signature shelves!

DIY Shelf Types

Shelving spans a spectrum of configurations--freestanding units, versatile wall-mounted ledges, even building customized shelves within cabinetry.

Freestanding Shelves

Freestanding shelving on legs offers flexible storage you can roll anywhere. Try a baker's rack to display dishes alongside cooling baked goods. For seasonal items, wheeled units easily tuck away off-season. Remember to lock wheels once positioned. Leveling feet combined with anti-tip anchoring braces prevent precarious tipping disasters!

Floating Wall Mounted Shelves

Wall mounted ledges lend a lightweight, floating effect. This also eases cleaning underneath. Measure carefully and use a level during installation. Drywall anchors suffice for lighter shelves. Heavier storage requires drilling into wall studs or using hollow wall anchors for added support. Utilize sturdy brackets, making sure recommended weight limits aren't exceeded.

Built-in Customized Shelves

For more extensive projects, construct fitted shelving recessed into unused spaces between cabinets. Build around pipes or ventilation holes as needed. Wood cleats anchor shelves firmly to walls. Match your cabinetry finishes by staining or painting shelves and edging for a built-in custom look. Or mimic cabinet door styles with raised panels, trim and other decorative touches.

Design and Functionality Considerations

Balancing beauty and purpose, keep form and function equally in mind for shelf success.

Aesthetic Design

Select shelf styles complementing your existing kitchen motif. Floating ledges keep modern lines clear. Rustic exposed piping suits farmhouse spaces. Match wood tones to cabinetry for a cohesive built-in look. Paint or finish shelves coordinating with wall colors for a polished application.

Functional Design

MeasureCun Chu items to determine ideal shelf sizes before installing. Keepfrequently accessed items at eye level while lesser-used items ride higher. Stackables like plates and saucers fare better on deeper shelves. Shallower ledges suit small cans or spice jars. Sized right, shelves keep everything visible so Nothing gets lost in back cabinets again!

Lighting Features

Lighting presents shelves in their best light! Under-cabinet lighting illuminates wall shelves for perfect prep visibility. Low-voltage rail lighting spotlights pretty stemware. Battery-powered LED puck lights add dramatic accents shining down on beloved cookbooks or ceramics.

Accessory Elements

Hooks catch keys near the entry, freeing up shelf space. Bins neatly corral packets and wraps hiddenout of sight. Pretty baskets disguise ugly plastic containers. Glass canisters showcase snacks. Customize with any accessories keeping items orderly and dust-free.

Step-by-Step Building Instructions

Preparation and accuracy ensure your DIY shelves look professionally installed.

Planning the Project

Utilize your measurements and storage requirements to sketch a shelving plan for each space including exact shelf dimensions. Compile a materials list with lumber dimensions, hardware and fasteners needed. Watch online tutorials to familiarize yourself with steps involved before diving in. Careful planning prevents costly mid-project pivots!

Prepping the Area

Clear the construction zone of furnishings and belongings to avoid damage. Lay drop cloths securing floors and countertops beneath. Wipe down walls removing grime that could impede adhesion. Cover nearby appliances and food surfaces while prepping, cutting and drilling to maintain cleanliness.

Mounting and Installing Shelves

Measure twice, cut once as the adage goes. Clamp shelves during assembly to keep everything square and true. Drill pilot holes preventing wood splits. Use a level with each mounting bracket for accurate alignments. Don't overload shelves with everything at once. Gradually loading distribites weight evenly. Step back scrutinizing your shelving aptitude once mounted. Make any necessary leveling adjustments before loading.

Decorating and Organizing Shelves

Pretty up plain shelving with charming adornments. Weave florals and greenery throughout. Bookend with artwork or colorful cookware. Group items by category or color. Designate organizational bins "Baking Supplies" or "Teas and Cocoa". Spin practical storage into eye-catching displays!

Maintaining DIY Shelves

Achieve enduring enjoyment from your customized shelves with proper maintenance.

Regular Inspections

Periodically inspect shelves for damage potentially jeopardizing sturdiness. Tighten any loosening hardware or connections right away. Check anchors to confirm shelves remain securely fastened avoiding collapses. Refinish any scratches marring wood shelf appearances.

Cleaning

Dust shelves first before washing to avoid streaking. Use mild dish soap and soft microfiber cloths. Avoid harsh chemicals possibly discoloring finishes. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Review cleanser product directions before applying to delicate glass, stone or metal surfaces.

Optimizing Over Time

Reevaluate your shelving setup annually. Rearrange containers or baskets grouping similar ingredients. Add upgraded storage accessories tailoring to changing needs. Embellish blank walls behind shelves with a fresh accent color or gallery wall. Reinventing your shelves prevents dull kitchen doldrums!

Reviving wasted space with DIY shelves opens up storage possibilities. Gaining organized capacity minimizes daily frustrations hunting down essentials buried behind hoards of less-used items. Displaying beloved dishware ensures everyday enjoyment. DIY shelves deliver custom style on a budget. And showcasing your carpentry skills rewards with satisfying self-sufficiency!

Follow these guidelines for shelves as flawless as store-bought. Measure meticulously and level precisely for sturdy shelves supporting your treasured belongings without fail. The effort invests multiple returns-- doubled storage, de-cluttered cabinets and dazzling displays!