Spruce Up Your Kitchen With Stylish Book Shelves That WOW
Is your kitchen looking a little lackluster? Do you need more storage and surfaces but don't want clutter? Then it's time to seriously consider adding some stylish book shelves that will make your kitchen look amazing.
With the right book shelves, you can completely transform the look and functionality of your kitchen. Shelves add tons of storage for cookbooks, dishes, and decor while also serving as chic display spaces. You can choose designs to complement your kitchen's decor, from sleek modern floating shelves to rustic industrial bookcases. And placement options abound - mount shelves on walls, islands, or even room dividers.
Ready for a kitchen makeover? Read on as we share creative book shelf ideas that will upgrade your cooking space with beauty and storage galore.
Book Shelves Add Functional Storage
One of the best aspects of book shelves in kitchens? All the storage space they provide! Shelves give you spots to neatly arrange cookbooks, organize spice jars or food cans, and display pretty dishes and servingware. Here are some of the many storage solutions shelves offer:
- Stow cookbooks upright or sideways to access covers easily.
- Keep spices, oils and condiments within reach.
- Stand mixer, Instant Pot and other gadgets can be displayed.
- Stylishly store plates, bowls and glassware.
For maximum storage, built-in shelves that stretch floor to ceiling are ideal. Custom shelves built around pipes or windows make smart use of unique spaces. Enclosed cabinet shelves conceal less attractive items while open shelves provide grab-and-go access to frequently used ingredients and tools.
Use Book Shelves To Showcase Decor
While shelves provide excellent storage, they also make beautiful display spaces to elevate your kitchen's style. Alternating books with decor items creates enticing vignettes. Here are some eye-catching ways to decorate shelves:
- Collections of vintage cookbooks, pottery or colorful glassware.
- Cute bookends like brass animals or solid wood cubes.
- Framed family recipes, photos or art prints.
- Trailing plants, wreaths, flowers and other greenery.
Try lighting shelves to really make decor pop. Under-cabinet LED strip lights or pendant lamps aimed at wall shelves highlight displayed items beautifully. Remember to leave some negative space between books and objects so shelves don't look overcrowded.
Complement Your Kitchen's Decor Style
The wonderful thing about book shelves is they come in so many materials, colors and designs to match your kitchen's decor. Here are some style ideas:
- Industrial: Iron piping or galvanized metal shelves have an urban loft vibe.
- Rustic: Weathered solid wood planks make handsome shelves.
- Modern: White lacquered wood or floating glass shelves look sleek.
- Farmhouse: A wood ladder with woven baskets has vintage cottage charm.
Match your shelves to other kitchen elements for a cohesive look. For example, pipe shelves with a butcher block island or reclaimed wood shelves to complement shaker cabinets.
Get Creative With Book Shelf Placement
While shelves often go on kitchen walls, don't overlook other areas! Browse these unique shelf placement ideas:
- Shelves mounted to the end of a kitchen island or peninsula provide storage and display.
- Corner shelves utilize wasted space wonderfully.
- Line shelves along a wall or use as a room divider between kitchen zones.
- Repurpose an entryway console table as a bookshelf.
Consider traffic flow when deciding where to install shelves. Allow enough walking space around islands and peninsulas. Floating shelves are great for small kitchens since they don't take up floor space. Place shelves away from appliances and sinks to avoid splashes.
Choose Materials and Finishes
Book shelves come in a variety materials, colors and finishes to suit your style. Consider these options:
- Wood types like oak, maple, pine in light to dark stains.
- Distressed, whitewashed and reclaimed wood has vintage appeal.
- Metal finishes including black, bronze, copper, nickel and stainless steel.
- Painted wood shelves in bold colors to contrast neutral walls.
The combinations are endless! For a harmonious look, integrate shelf finishes with your cabinetry. Wood veneer shelves complement stained cabinets while painted metal shelves pair well with solid colored cabinets.
Add Lighting for Drama
The right lighting takes book shelves from mundane to magnificent! Illuminate your shelves in these creative ways:
- Under cabinet lighting casts a lovely glow over wall-mounted shelves.
- Sconces or picture lights mounted above shelves provide task lighting.
- Shelves with built-in LED strip lighting create dazzling displays.
- Wire pendant lamps hovering over an island shelf make a stylish statement.
Accent shelves with both ambient and task lighting as needed. Dimmer switches allow you to control brightness. Uplighting and downlighting also help highlight specific shelves or objects.
Style Your Shelves With Decor Items
The styling you add to shelves is key to creating captivating displays. Follow these tips when decorating shelves:
- Alternate books vertically and horizontally with decorative objects.
- Bookends like chunky wood blocks or metal sculptures keep books upright.
- Weave in greenery like succulents or air plants for an earthy touch.
- Display similar items together, like white porcelain canisters or ceramic planters.
Edit decor frequently and refresh displays seasonally for a revitalized look. Group items by color, texture or theme. Artful vignettes that blend books, objects and momentos make shelves visually compelling.
With endless style possibilities, from industrial pipe shelves to cozy cottage wood ladders, adding book shelves is an easy way to upgrade your kitchen's form and function. Maximize storage, display treasure collections artfully, and complement your decor seamlessly with book shelves tailored to your space.
Ready to wow guests with a kitchen makeover? Just add shelves! With storage solutions and design inspiration, you'll be cooking and entertaining in a kitchen you adore.