Ingenious Ways to Style Your Kitchen Shelves
If you have open shelves in your kitchen, you have ample opportunity to showcase your style. While the functional purpose of these shelves is storage, with a bit of creativity, you can transform them into an eye-catching focal point that reflects your personal taste.
Decorating your kitchen shelves may seem challenging at first. But have no fear - there are plenty of ingenious styling ideas that will make your shelves as stunning as they are practical. From lighting techniques to display methods, you can easily infuse personality into your kitchen's open storage.
Complement Your Kitchen's Existing Style
When decorating your open shelves, the first step is to take cues from your kitchen's overall design aesthetic. Is your kitchen modern and sleek? Traditional and homey? Farmhouse chic? Keep this bigger picture in mind as you choose shelf accessories and objects to display.
Select items that align with your kitchen's color scheme and materials. For example, if you have a neutral, monochromatic kitchen, opt for white dishes and clear glass containers. Or if your space features lots of wood and metal, incorporate more of those natural textures onto the shelves.
Rustic Kitchen Shelves
In a rustic or farmhouse kitchen, aim for a collected, informal look. Woven baskets in natural fibers are perfect for holding vegetables and fruit. Display stoneware crocks and galvanized metal buckets to reinforce the casual vibe. Cluster herbs in terra cotta pots for an organic touch.
Modern Kitchen Shelves
For a contemporary kitchen, keep shelves looking tidy and streamlined. Canisters and jars with clean lines maintain the minimalist aesthetic. Clear glass vessels allow contents to shine through. Wire baskets offer open storage with a lightweight, airy appearance. Make sure metals and finishes coordinate.
Use Lighting for Drama and Function
Strategically placed lighting can make or break your kitchen shelf display. Not only does lighting provide much-needed illumination in key areas, but it adds style and visual interest.
Under-cabinet lighting is ideal for open shelves, casting a glow to brightly display your favorite dishware and accessories. For a more dramatic effect, install LED strip lighting along the undersides or edges of the shelves.
Task Lighting
Focus functional lighting over prep areas or sections of the shelves where you'll be working with food and tools. Opt for bright, focused lights that you can adjust as needed. Dimmable lights allow you to set the right ambiance.
Accent Lighting
Use accent lighting, like puck lights or miniature spotlights, to draw attention to prized objects or collections on the shelves. Rope lighting with a warm glow can be affixed underneath to highlight the shelves themselves.
Take Advantage of Heights
When organizing your shelving display, take advantage of the full range of available heights. Place items you use most regularly at eye level for convenient access. Reserve higher shelves for displaying statement pieces or special serveware.
Lower shelves are great for larger, heavier dishes that would be difficult to lift down from overhead. You can also stash bulky appliances here to free up prime real estate.
Maximize Vertical Space
Don't waste vertical storage opportunities. Stack plates and bowls vertically with risers to double your display capacity. Install extra shelves or cubbies if you need more layers. Hang utensils from the undersides of shelves to get them off the counters.
| Shelf Height | Recommended Items |
|---|---|
| Eye Level | Frequently used glassware, dishware, cooking tools |
| Higher Shelves | Decorative or special occasion dishware, serveware |
| Lower Shelves | Large platters, bulky appliances, heavy items |
Group Functional Items Together
While you want your shelves to look stylish, don't sacrifice utility for looks alone. Think about how you use your kitchen and group items accordingly.
Keep dish sets and glassware together so it's easy to grab what you need. Cluster herbs and spices by cuisine for convenient cooking access. Designate shelves for baking supplies, barware and other specialty items.
Get Organized
Use organizational tools like trays, baskets and bins to corral small items. Label any storage canisters with contents and dates. Have a "garage sale" area for things you rarely use to clear everyday clutter.
Separate special occasion dishware or sentimental pieces from your daily plates and mugs. This keeps your daily essentials handy while protecting delicate items.
Mix Textures and Materials
Nothing makes shelves look more one-dimensional than displaying items all in the same material. For visual appeal, blend glass, wood, ceramic, metal and other textures.
Show off your collections by mixing round bottles with angular boxes, or combine matte finishes with shiny metals. Keep things dynamic by playing with shape, silhouette, colors and sizes.
Create Visual Interest
Incorporate natural materials like rattan, stoneware or concrete for organic contrast. Display vintage or handmade pieces to add character. Alternate solids with patterns to maintain movement and rhythm.
Avoid looking too matchy-matchy. Eclectic shelves with personality are far more intriguing than cookie-cutter displays.
Incorporate Easy-Care Greenery
Nothing brings life into a space like plants and greenery. Fortunately, many low-maintenance varietals are perfect for open shelves.
Succulents, air plants and cacti are ideal since they don't require frequent watering. Herb gardens allow you to snip fresh herbs while infusing your shelves with scent and color.
Bring Life to Shelves
For a pop of color, place a bowl overflowing with fresh lemons, limes or oranges. Hang trailing ivy or pothos from macrame hangers attached to the undersides of shelves.
Potted herbs like mint, basil, oregano and thyme can be grown right on the shelves for easy access while cooking. Change out cut flowers in pretty vases weekly for seasonal blooms.
When it comes to styling your kitchen shelves, don't be afraid to think outside the box. The key is finding ways to infuse your personality into the space while keeping things functional.
You can create show stopping shelves with inventive lighting, smart organization and fresh greenery. Let your shelves reflect the spirit of your kitchen and transform them into an inspired display.