Open shelving in your kitchen offers a nice way to show off your things, but getting it right for both looks and usability can be tough. Don’t worry, these 24 suggestions will help you style your shelves to actually work for you, without a lot of fuss.
Open Shelves With Varied Greenery and Artwork
Source: ig: sophia.at.home
Greenery of varying sizes populates the open kitchen shelves alongside framed prints. A taller plant positioned behind a framed piece adds to the arrangement.
Varying Heights and Textures for a Plant Display
Source: ig: stayinginstudio
Arrange plants at different levels on your open shelves, using both woven baskets and ceramic pots. You’ll get varying textures and heights.
Keep Pantry Staples Visible and Organized in Labeled Glass Jars
Source: Etsy
Store flour and pasta in large, labeled glass jars with lids on your open shelves.
Large Wooden Pizza Paddles as Vertical Decor
Source: Adam Albright
On open shelves, oversized wooden pizza paddles lean against the backsplash. Their pale wood provides a warm, vertical element.
Style Shelves with Sculptural Objects and Earthy Bowls
Source: thehouseofsilverlining.com
Interconnected wooden rings on a simple stand bring an artistic touch to the top shelf. A mix of dark and light ceramic bowls provides strong contrast below it.
On the next level, a woven basket and pitcher introduce varied textures.
White Cylindrical Canisters for Tea, Coffee, and Sugar
Source: gramydeco.com
On the counter sit three matching white canisters with prominent black lettering. They’re labeled for tea, coffee, and sugar.
Lean Wooden Cutting Boards Together for Rustic Charm
Source: ig: leelahloves
Lean several wooden cutting boards of varying sizes against your backsplash. They’ll introduce a warm, natural wood tone to the counter.
Stack Books to Elevate a Wooden Bowl
Source: Halfway Wholeistic
Use two books stacked horizontally to lift a large wooden bowl. This adds height on your open shelves.
Anchor Your Shelf Display with Textured Black Art
Source: ig: public311design
On the middle shelf, a square of heavily textured black artwork commands attention. Its depth and modern edge play well against the organic shapes of the surrounding vases and wooden bowl.
You wouldn’t want it next to more angular items.
Group Potted Herbs in Textured Planters on a Woven Tray
Source: Milligan Consulting
If you’re looking for fresh herbs within easy reach, group a few potted ones on a woven tray on the kitchen counter. The varied planters add texture.
Keep Pantry Staples Visible with Clear Jars and Chalkboard Labels
Source: Thomas Loof For Country Living
If you want to identify dry goods quickly, clear glass jars with airtight lids are a good option for pasta and flour. A small chalkboard label on each one tells you what’s inside.
Group Small Lidded Pots for Metallic Accents
Source: Stacy Zarin Goldberg
Three small, lidded metallic pots sit together on the shelf. Their textured, golden finish provides a pop of shine.
Spice Jars With Metal Rails Keep Everything Accessible
Source: hubofthehousestudio.com
It’s easy to see and reach your entire spice collection when each jar is secured by a metal rail on the four shelves of this built-in wall unit.
Group Copper Canisters for Warm Metallic Shine
Source: chrislovesjulia.com
Hammered copper in varying sizes forms a collection of canisters on the wooden shelf. They’re a rich, warm metallic.
Two White Vases Hold Golden Leafy Branches
Source: ig: thehillarystyle
Group white vases of varying heights on a shelf, filling them with striking golden branches for a touch of metallic drama and visual height.
Decorate Corner Shelves with Rustic Wood and Tile
Source: ig: stayhomestyle_
In a corner nook, layered wood shelves sit against a white subway tile backsplash. It’s a spot for displaying vases and framed art.
Stack Cookbooks to Create Height for Utensils
Source: domino.com
On open shelving, a stack of cookbooks supports a speckled ceramic crock. It’s filled with wooden spoons and spatulas for cooking.
White Bowl of Artichokes Adds Freshness to Countertop
Source: Pinterest
Artichokes fill a simple white bowl on the white countertop. Their spiky texture adds something unexpected.
You don’t always need fruit there.
Soften Shelf Edges with a Cascading String of Pearls Plant
Source: Pinterest
Let a trailing string of pearls plant, potted in a white ceramic pot, spill over the shelf’s edge.
Carved Wooden Bowl Holds Artichokes for Rustic Kitchen Decor
Source: Etsy
It’s a large, carved wooden bowl filled with artichokes, sitting on the countertop and adds a substantial, natural texture to the kitchen.
White Ceramic Salt and Pepper Grinders Add Classic Style
Source: ig: house_to_home_at_no1
Tall, classic ceramic salt and pepper grinders sit next to a decorative cutting board on the shelf. Their smooth white finish contrasts with the rustic wood.
Don’t underestimate a good set.
Engraved Bread Box Adds Natural Texture to Countertop
Source: Effie’s Home
This bamboo bread box, with its simple engraved label, keeps loaves fresh. The material’s innate warmth provides a contrast to the clean white subway tile behind it.
Wooden Shelves With Slatted Fronts Hold Cutting Boards
Source: Nicole Pankopp
A tall, dark wall unit features multiple narrow wooden shelves with slatted fronts, perfect for displaying cutting boards and other kitchen essentials while keeping items securely in place.
Marble Backsplash and Brass Hooks Create a Chic Utensil Display
Source: ig: brepurposed
Behind the stove, a marble wall guard provides a durable and stylish surface. Brass hooks on a rail offer an accessible location for suspending cooking area essentials such as oven mitts and utensils.
