How to Decorate with Open Shelving in Your Kitchen

Bret Gum

Written by Sarah Jane O'Keefe

and by Rabekah Mattix

Open kitchen shelving is more than just another trend in interior design. This beautiful and practical look has so many advantages, we can’t seem to find a reason not to give it a try. Here are our tips on how to style your open shelving.

open kitchen shelving with dishes and bowls in bright dining room — Open shelves in this dining room give the homeowner a chance to show off their beautiful dishes! Courtesy of Bret Gum.

Location Vs. Look

The style of your shelving will likely depend on where your shelving is located. Shelves hung above a prep area or sink lend themselves to more functional usage, while shelves near the dining area or on an opposite wall are ideal for display.

A functional set of shelves can be a lifesaver in a small or cramped kitchen. Not only do they bring in easy-to-reach storage, open shelving takes up less space than a traditional cabinet. For an already-too-small kitchen, this can help give needed storage without overcrowding.

open kitchen shelving with bowls glasses and fan — The items that are used more than others, like the mason jar glasses and bowls, are placed on the bottom shelf for faster access. Fun accessories go on top. Courtesy of Sarah Crowley.

Organizing It

If you plan on using your open shelving for daily storage, create a hierarchy on your shelves. Things used most often, like plates, mugs, or bowls, should be on the lowest shelf. Larger, less frequently used items like mixing bowl sets and service ware, belong on the second shelf.

Higher shelves that may require a step stool, are a great home for items that can be difficult to store or are seldom used. Vases, heirloom pieces or vintage treasures should be stored here. Even better, putting these items on the top shelf where there isn’t a height limit will give them the space they need to truly shine.

open kitchen shelving with stacked plates in modern bright kitchen — Stacking the plates on these shelves gives them visual interest! Courtesy of Fireclay Tile.

Stack It Up

Whether your shelves are a used as a display of vintage service-ware or a replacement for a dish cabinet, don’t be afraid to stack items on top of one another. This technique will create more space and give a more interesting, layered look.

Try stacking up similar items, like a set of bowls or a few cute mugs. You can also give your shelf a fun mismatched look by layering different types of items, like a dinner plate, a salad plate, a bowl, and a glass. You can even put seldom-used items, like holiday plates, to work as a stand for some of your favorite trinkets like frames or figurines.

open kitchen shelving with mismatched wooden bowls — The mismatched theme of these open shelves gives them a fun, eclectic twist. Courtesy of Remodelista.

Mix & Match

For a different look, give your shelves a bit of color by incorporating a few mismatched pieces. If a collection of milk glasses are carefully displayed, add in a few pieces of green vaseline glass. A few carefully selected mismatched pieces will help showcase their contrasted counterparts.

Or, take a step further and throw out matching entirely! You can easily create a fun collection of dishes that span styles and decades by doing this. If your collection is more along these lines, show off your eclectic taste by piling up your favorites and enjoy their unique colors and patterns.

open kitchen shelving with trinkets and plates — Loving the shabby chic look of these open shelves. Courtesy of The Woodgrain Cottage.

Open kitchen shelving is an easy way to bring your own style into a kitchen. You can learn how to do it here, or buy some open shelves pre-made here.

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