Get Organized! Ideas for Open Shelves in a Small Kitchen
If you're struggling with limited storage space in your small kitchen, open shelving can be a game changer. Visually opening up the room while providing functional display space, open shelves are ideal for tiny kitchens in need of a little organization. Read on for clever tips and inspiration to add this versatile storage option to your compact cooking space.
Gone are the days when closed cabinets were the only kitchen storage solution. Open shelving creates visual interest while keeping necessities at your fingertips. Maintaining an organized appearance is key, but with a few styling tricks, your shelves can be both fashionable and functional.
Maximize Your Storage Potential
Unlike bulky cabinets, open shelves don't require large footprints, making them perfect for small kitchens. Mount them on walls, corners or even the ceiling through creative installations like hanging rails or ledges. Their airy, open design instantly makes rooms appear larger and less cluttered. Shelving also adds storage vertically, taking advantage of often overlooked wall space. For a truly customized look, mix and match woods, metals and styles to suit your needs and aesthetic.
Seek Out Corner Shelves
Take advantage of wasted space by installing corner shelves. Triangle-shaped shelves fit neatly into 90 degree corners, while rounded corner shelves with a bullnose edge maximize workable surface area. Their petite size makes them ideal for displaying small decor items, spices, cookbooks and other kitchen accents.
Stack Shelves Vertically
Vertical stacks aligned floor to ceiling provide ample storage real estate. Anchor tall, slim shelves to the wall securely and populate them with frequently used items. Baskets, bins and jars keep everything organized so you can easily grab spices while cooking or cooking utensils when baking.
Display with Style
Beyond adding storage, open shelves allow you to add personalized flair. Use them as a fun focal point to exhibit your favorite cookbooks, locally crafted pottery or a vivid pop of color. While closed cabinets hide everything behind opaque doors, open shelves put your coveted kitchen items on display.
Add Pops of Color
Paint, stain or accessorize shelves with bright colors like citrus yellow, sky blue or fire engine red. Paint the back wall a complementary hue to create a cohesive palette. Colored containers in hues that pop against your shelf finish also directs eyes towards favorites you wish to showcase.
Incorporate Tasteful Decor
Style open shelves with elegant accents that show off your design taste. Ironstone pitchers filled with utensils or vintage cake stands are perfect for displaying in plain sight. Just don't forget to dust those precious knickknacks!
Keep Clutter at Bay
The downside of open shelving is that everything remains exposed. Don't let your organizational systems become chaotic eyesores. Edit ruthlessly, keeping only essential items on display. Bins, baskets and storage canisters neatly corral smaller objects while ensuring shelves look uniform and tidy.
Use Baskets to Contain Clutter
Woven baskets in natural hues bring warmth while hiding clutter. Use different sized baskets to sort items like cooking oils, canned goods or packaged snacks. For extra flair, line them with dish towels printed with cute patterns.
Fill Jars with Staples
Large glass jars display pantry staples like flour, sugar and coffee while preventing spills. Their transparent design makes contents visible so you can easily track when supplies are low. For variety, mix jars with other organizational containers like tin canisters or ceramic crocks.
Small kitchens can definitely benefit from the stylish storage and organization of open shelves. Fill them with everyday essentials or turn them into eye-catching displays. Just be sure to regularly tidy, dust and edit to keep your shelves looking their best. With an array of style and installation options, it's easy to find the right open shelving solution to maximize your petite cooking space.