Open shelves in the kitchen can be used to store almost anything, but what should you put on top of it that is really the most effective? Here are some of my favorite uses for open shelves, as well as some style tips for making the best arrangement for your kitchen.
Open shelves are a like-or-give idea, but for those who like them, the effortless appeal is undeniable. They require an extra time investment (as more tidying is required) than closed cabinets, but they can add a lot of style and functionality without much work.
In my opinion, open shelving is particularly suitable for transitional kitchen designs, where traditional and modern sensibilities are balanced to create beautiful livable spaces.
Some of the most common items on open kitchen shelves are everyday necessities, such as coffee cups, plates, and bowls. Items like this work well on open shelves for two reasons.
First, they are within easy reach, which can speed up your morning a little bit. This is especially handy for guests who want to grab a coffee cup or water cup without having to rummage through each cabinet.
Secondly, keeping frequently used items on a shelf can avoid the problem of dust accumulation. If these items are used regularly, they won’t sit out for long. If you place rarely used items, such as specialty glasses or large jars, on an open shelf, be prepared to rinse them before use.
Glasses are particularly attractive items to store on open shelves because of their transparent materials that create a refreshing look. Storing a basic water bottle upside down (which is often done in restaurants) is effective at keeping dust and debris out, so whenever you pick up a glass, you can always use it.
Similarly, for items as infrequently used as martini glasses (for some people anyway), a quick rinse before use is usually sufficient, with occasional seasonal dusting.
Storage jars are another great use for easy-to-reach shelves. This keeps items away from the counter so you have more free space to work with, but the jars are still handy so you can grab them without having to open the cabinet with (possibly) messy fingers.
In addition to their practical use, open shelves can add a lot of character and beauty to your kitchen. Whether you already have a colorful kitchen or a more neutral scheme, a shelf is a great place to introduce new shades, such as a classic dark blue tumbler or a copper mule mug.
Contrary to the previous tips, sometimes items on open shelves can serve as a visual break on an already busy wall. If you have an eye-catching tile, or a brick feature as stunning as this coveted space, simple white porcelain and other pastel pieces can provide a pleasing contrast.
When it comes to the mouthwatering kitchen, this one seems to have everything a chef needs, including open shelves for storing a range of spices. Who knows what new dishes you’ll cook with each spice and seasoning?
If you have a decent coffee maker, you may want to leave a little space for fresh coffee beans, sugar, coffee spoons, and other supplies to make the perfect coffee. The floating shelves above the machine create a simple station to store everything, as well as some nice cookbooks.
Of course, for tea drinkers (or home soda lovers), you can stock tea bags, honey and syrup, cups and saucers… The list goes on. Be sure to consider whether these items can be kept outside the refrigerator and may be exposed to warm sunlight or exhaust fumes from nearby appliances.
If you’re drinking, you can also grab a selection of fine bottles and turn them into a simple home bar. The richly coloured glass bottle with ornate labels creates a subtle display of colour and a sophisticated atmosphere, especially when paired with classic bar tools with a gold finish. To keep this arrangement long-lasting, you can always fill empty bottles with water and put them back on the shelf.
If you cook regularly, you probably want more than just the ingredients you have on hand. Stacking casseroles, cake pans, and even pasta pots on shelves will prevent them from getting buried behind cupboards. This look is particularly suited to kitchens with a rustic or industrial style, where a little bit of controlled chaos adds to the charm.
Here’s an option you probably never thought of: use open shelves to dock your devices, such as tablets or laptops. Tilted shelves like this one are great for storing devices safely, and all the charging cables are carefully tucked behind the shelves. It is especially convenient for those who follow online recipes to cook. Alternatively, you can place them on the side wall outside the main cooking area and pair them with some books for an attractive library-like display.
Do you like the look of an open shelf but are worried about having to dust a lot of items? Consider using only one shelf with only a few decorative pieces. You won’t have much space to worry about filling or maintaining, but it will add a fun, modern touch to the space.
To help you get the features and look you love, try these kitchen shelf style tips.
Playing with height and direction. Notice how the books on these shelves are stacked in both directions. Arrange them by mixing objects of different sizes and piles of small or short items to create a dynamic look.
Mix eclectic items. It also helps to mix different items, including practical and decorative items. There are many textures and some pops of color on these shelves, and some framed items are mixed in with cooking tools, cutlery, etc., so the overall effect is fun and approachable.
The tone is consistent. If you prefer a softer look, try using all light-colored objects. Note, however, that even this serene look still contains ceramics in a variety of shades and materials, so the palette is restrained, but not monotonous. Try contrasting white and off-white to accentuate subtle undertones, as well as vitreous textures and occasional metallic tones.
There is an upper shelf at the top. Sometimes, the best thing to put on the top shelf is: nothing! Leaving a bare top shelf as a decoration can make your shelf look sleek and make the whole space feel neater.
Highlight with a wall lamp. Finally, to really bring out the best in your shelf, add a wall lamp on top to illuminate your surroundings. Don’t have the option to hardwire fixtures? Choose a plug-in wall light with an elegantly simple metal channel to hide the wires, place them behind a shelf or next to a cabinet, and let it add an open look – or simply direct the wires back to the cabinet so they can be hidden for power.
