Open Kitchen Shelving Ideas
One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to modernize a kitchen is to remove some upper cabinets and replace them with open shelves. Open kitchen shelving is a timeless interior design concept. Whether you’re looking to update your kitchen or simply enhance your pantry, open shelving quickly adds depth and makes the space feel cozier. You can also adjust the shelves to fit your kitchen’s needs.
Whether you’re budgeting for a full renovation or just a small-scale upgrade, we’re here to help. These open kitchen shelving ideas can guide you in making the right decision.
The History of Open Kitchen Shelving
While open shelving may seem like unfinished cabinetry, it’s been used for a long time. In the 20th century, open shelving was seen by home organization experts as a time-saving solution, as there were no doors to open. It also became a popular choice for showcasing cherished dishware collections.
In the U.S., open kitchen shelving first gained popularity in the early 1930s. During the Great Depression, open shelving was favored over covered cabinets in residential kitchens. It was all about practicality, not elegance. Open shelves made dishware easily accessible. As time went on, open shelving remained a popular concept in kitchen design and became a steady trend. History has shown that open shelving outperforms closed cabinets in many ways.
Most Popular Open Kitchen Shelving Ideas
1. Wall-Mounted Open Shelving
Wall-mounted shelves in the kitchen not only enhance storage but also add character to the space. Floating shelves and horizontal decks are great for displaying antique pottery or porcelain bowls. Wall-mounted or floating shelves are affordable and easy to install.
Make sure the floating shelves you buy are a good fit for your kitchen. If you choose a linear layout, the shelf style should match your home decor. One challenge homeowners face with open shelving is dust. Just like other exposed items in the home, dishes left out will accumulate dust.
2. Corner Open Shelving
It’s easy to line open shelves along an entire wall and stop at the end, but consider forming a right angle and using corner space instead. This area can be ideal for placing a microwave and other less visually appealing kitchen gadgets, as most corners are naturally out of sight. You can also use this space for items you don’t often reach for.
Corner open shelving kitchens offer unmatched practicality. The shelves are affordable compared to most other products and also provide additional storage space. You don’t have to store plates or glasses here—use this area for displaying special pictures or artwork.
3. Modern Open Shelving
Modern open shelves can be made from metal, wood, or glass. The goal is to find a good combination and balance between these materials. Open shelves are often less expensive than other storage models.
Remember, open shelving isn’t limited to rustic decor. There are plenty of ways to design shelves to fit your personal style. Consider brass and gold finishes with geometric designs for a more modern look, and opt for glass shelves instead of wood for a sleek, contemporary feel.
If you enjoy both casual and formal aesthetics, modern shelving techniques will refresh your kitchen and bring a touch of urban sophistication to your cooking space.
4. Farmhouse-Style Open Shelves
Floating shelves in farmhouse kitchens are often made from stained or reclaimed wood, and they suit most rooms well. These wooden shelves exude a cottage-like charm, often featuring iron hooks and reinforced with exposed wooden beams above.
Farmhouse open shelving has grown in popularity as the core theme of cottage-style living resonates more with American homes. If you’re aiming to bring a rustic or ranch-like atmosphere to your kitchen, this shelving style complements your farmhouse decor perfectly.
5. Transform Open Shelving into a Pantry
If your kitchen has an unused wall or kitchen island with no pantry, this is a great option. Open shelving works best when it’s both practical and stylish. This technique will help organize your pantry better, while the open design lets you keep track of dry goods at a glance.
6. Open Shelves Above the Sink
Many classic kitchen layouts include a shorter cabinet above the sink. For a more open feel, remove that cabinet and replace it with a couple of well-placed open shelves. This area is great for storing dish soap and other items that don’t mind exposure to the damp environment around the sink. Installing shelves higher up can also be beneficial for placing glassware, cups, and other items you don’t mind leaving out. Many houseplants will also thrive in this type of environment.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to save space or become more organized, open shelving is a fantastic solution for solving kitchen storage challenges. No matter which idea you choose, your open kitchen shelves will look great. At GoldenHome, we offer a wide range of cabinet and shelving solutions—contact us today for great deals!
Whether you’re budgeting for a full renovation or just a small-scale upgrade, we’re here to help. These open kitchen shelving ideas can guide you in making the right decision.
The History of Open Kitchen Shelving
While open shelving may seem like unfinished cabinetry, it’s been used for a long time. In the 20th century, open shelving was seen by home organization experts as a time-saving solution, as there were no doors to open. It also became a popular choice for showcasing cherished dishware collections.
In the U.S., open kitchen shelving first gained popularity in the early 1930s. During the Great Depression, open shelving was favored over covered cabinets in residential kitchens. It was all about practicality, not elegance. Open shelves made dishware easily accessible. As time went on, open shelving remained a popular concept in kitchen design and became a steady trend. History has shown that open shelving outperforms closed cabinets in many ways.
Most Popular Open Kitchen Shelving Ideas
1. Wall-Mounted Open Shelving
Wall-mounted shelves in the kitchen not only enhance storage but also add character to the space. Floating shelves and horizontal decks are great for displaying antique pottery or porcelain bowls. Wall-mounted or floating shelves are affordable and easy to install.
Make sure the floating shelves you buy are a good fit for your kitchen. If you choose a linear layout, the shelf style should match your home decor. One challenge homeowners face with open shelving is dust. Just like other exposed items in the home, dishes left out will accumulate dust.
2. Corner Open Shelving
It’s easy to line open shelves along an entire wall and stop at the end, but consider forming a right angle and using corner space instead. This area can be ideal for placing a microwave and other less visually appealing kitchen gadgets, as most corners are naturally out of sight. You can also use this space for items you don’t often reach for.
Corner open shelving kitchens offer unmatched practicality. The shelves are affordable compared to most other products and also provide additional storage space. You don’t have to store plates or glasses here—use this area for displaying special pictures or artwork.
3. Modern Open Shelving
Modern open shelves can be made from metal, wood, or glass. The goal is to find a good combination and balance between these materials. Open shelves are often less expensive than other storage models.
Remember, open shelving isn’t limited to rustic decor. There are plenty of ways to design shelves to fit your personal style. Consider brass and gold finishes with geometric designs for a more modern look, and opt for glass shelves instead of wood for a sleek, contemporary feel.
If you enjoy both casual and formal aesthetics, modern shelving techniques will refresh your kitchen and bring a touch of urban sophistication to your cooking space.
4. Farmhouse-Style Open Shelves
Floating shelves in farmhouse kitchens are often made from stained or reclaimed wood, and they suit most rooms well. These wooden shelves exude a cottage-like charm, often featuring iron hooks and reinforced with exposed wooden beams above.
Farmhouse open shelving has grown in popularity as the core theme of cottage-style living resonates more with American homes. If you’re aiming to bring a rustic or ranch-like atmosphere to your kitchen, this shelving style complements your farmhouse decor perfectly.
5. Transform Open Shelving into a Pantry
If your kitchen has an unused wall or kitchen island with no pantry, this is a great option. Open shelving works best when it’s both practical and stylish. This technique will help organize your pantry better, while the open design lets you keep track of dry goods at a glance.
6. Open Shelves Above the Sink
Many classic kitchen layouts include a shorter cabinet above the sink. For a more open feel, remove that cabinet and replace it with a couple of well-placed open shelves. This area is great for storing dish soap and other items that don’t mind exposure to the damp environment around the sink. Installing shelves higher up can also be beneficial for placing glassware, cups, and other items you don’t mind leaving out. Many houseplants will also thrive in this type of environment.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to save space or become more organized, open shelving is a fantastic solution for solving kitchen storage challenges. No matter which idea you choose, your open kitchen shelves will look great. At GoldenHome, we offer a wide range of cabinet and shelving solutions—contact us today for great deals!
