How to Style Kitchen Shelves
My open kitchen shelves have been on my mind lately. I want to do something different with them but I need ideas. I found a few inspirational photos to get the creative juices flowing.
Photo by CapeRace Cultural Adventures
When it comes to styling my kitchen shelves I first have to decide if I want them to be pretty, or functional. I could see clear jars of dry goods or a group of flavored vinegars and oils that are easily in reach when needed.
Photo by
But I also can see pottery pieces lining the shelves, which is kind of what I have now with my white ironstone pieces. I could display my ironstone elsewhere though.
Photo by Pinemar, Inc
I like this mix of metal bowls with white dinnerware on wooden floating shelves. It has a neat and tidy look.
Photo by bba ARCHITECTS
And I also l like the idea of placing attractive cookware on the shelves. The only problem is that I’ll need wider shelves for that.
Photo by Bret Franks Construction, Inc.
Putting dishes and glasses on open kitchen shelves would free up space in the cupboard, but I’d be afraid they’d have to be dusted before using them.
Photo by Harvey Jones Kitchens
Wood shelves with black brackets add character – I have white shelves and white brackets and to be honest, I’m a little bored with them. I think plants are a must-have on my shelves.
Photo by Samuel Design Group
Photo by Laura Moss Photography
Somehow I’ll figure out a new styling arrangement for the kitchen. I’m leaning toward functionality because I’m tired of dusting and cleaning the white ironstone.
Photo by Julie Ranee Photography
If you have open shelves in your kitchen, what do you have on display?
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I struggle with my open shelves. Love the inspiration! xo laura in CO
I love the look of open shelves and I vision what my kitchen would look like and how I would style the shelves if I had them. Unfortunately I can’t get the husband on board with this idea, he says anything used to serve food needs to be covered in a cabinet.. My only option was to put a shelf above my buffet server and place display only items on it, so I display colorful plates not used for food, a few ceramic chickens and country baskets and candles. It’s become my fun shelf, the only one in the house that I can arrange, re arrange, add to or completely change whenever I desire, and truthfully, it’s nice to not have to worry about dust on the daily dinnerware.
Right now i have things i use everyday so they don’t get dusty but, i would like to put some prettier dishes up there, i get tired of white. Thanks for the ideas.
I took the doors off of the kitchen cabinet designated for good china. Then I painted the back of my cabinet a deep green/teal called Poseidon, from Dixie Belle. Now I display all white thrifted and gifted dishes along with some old blue Mason jars filled with small staples (dried fruit, chocolate chips, rice, nuts, etc.) and a few pots of faux greenery mixed about. It’s a nice change and actually makes the kitchen look larger.
I have two big dogs who go in and out of my kitchen sliding door, so the only things I have on open shelves (which happen to be near the door) in my kitchen are plants, cookbooks, and some pottery pieces. Even those things must be dusted and cleaned frequently. Open shelving, while useful for those dishes and glassware that get used every day, does create work when the items are left in place to collect dust – and in my case, also dog fur and whatever else clings to them from outside. Everyone’s circumstances are different ……
I have one open shelf. It matches the dark walnut butcher block counters we have. It is set against a white wall and around white cabinets. I change it up regularly. Presently I have some teal green pottery displayed and some champagne flutes that are clear with the same teal green coming from the lower part of the glass fading closer to the top. I love this shelf as one of the focal points in the kitchen.. Enjoy changing yours !
Beautiful. I love the colorful ones.
These are all pretty ideas but I’m a practical person and the two shelves in my kitchen are for decorative things, and are easy to dust. I can’t imagine having dishes, bowls and glasses out. What happens when they are in the dishwasher? Then the shelves would not look right to me! There’s also the dust issue. For me, those items belong in cupboards.
All good ideas. Maybe a combo in your kitchen? Mix it up with some books, a nice basket for oils etc, some plants and a few dish pieces? The variety would be pleasing.
I love open shelves! Every one of these was beautiful and then there’s people like me with a gadzillion non matching, all odd shape and size items with sentimental value that would look horrible on display! 🤣😂
If I ever get to design a new kitchen I will have very limited upper cabinets because I’m short – so I’ll skip uppers if possible (no shelves or cabinets ) and do a pantry or pantry cabinets. I’d have more windows! I do have a kitchenette downstairs with shelves – two on each side of the sink. The lower shelves have dishes and the upper are decorated – small painting, plater, antique oil lamp etc. That way only the lower shelves need to be kept super clean. Love the pics!