Display Your Best with Open Kitchen Shelving

If you're remodeling your kitchen or just looking to refresh its style, open shelving offers an appealing way to instantly give your space a lighter, airier feel. Far from a trend, open kitchen shelves have become a staple look in contemporary kitchens. Compared to wall-to-wall closed cabinetry, open shelving creates a more inviting ambiance in the heart of your home. It also provides easier access to your most used cooking items and allows you to display your beautiful dishware and décor. However, open shelving impacts available storage space and requires diligent cleaning. Read on to learn how to incorporate open shelves in your kitchen design and maximize their form and function.

With smart placement and care in what you display, open shelving can transform your kitchen's aesthetic. The transparency and visibility open up the room's dimensions, while the items on display infuse personality. Take stock of your kitchen's needs and style to decide where open shelves will shine.

Why Open Shelving Earns Its Place in Kitchens

Before committing to open shelves, consider their unique advantages and disadvantages. Open shelving offers form and function benefits from showcasing décor to easy accessibility. But its visibility and cleaning needs aren't for everyone.

Pros of Open Kitchen Shelving

Open shelving epitomizes both form and function with visual appeal plus convenience.

Visually Appealing

The beauty of open shelving lies in its transparency – you can view and display kitchen items not hidden away behind closed cabinet doors. Show off ornate dishware, colorful cookbooks, decorative pottery, and more. Open shelves create the illusion of a larger, airier kitchen by not having upper cabinets closing in the space.

Convenient Access

No more rummaging through cabinets to grab your go-to spices, oils, or cooking tools. With open shelving, simply look and reach for what you need. Items are visibly organized and within arm's reach, making cooking prep faster.

Flexible Styling

Open shelves allow you to frequently change up your displayed kitchen items. Go for a complete style switch with the seasons – breezy pastels for spring, rich tones for fall. Or redecorate on a whim, showcasing your colorful new Le Creuset collection or latest thrifted tchotchkes.

Cons of Open Shelving in Kitchens

For all their appeal, open shelves also come with downsides to factor into your design. Specifically, reduced storage and increased cleaning considerations.

Less Overall Storage

Open shelving sacrifices concealed cabinet storage space. You lose an estimated 30-50% storage with open shelves compared to upper cabinets. Make sure to balance open shelves with enough closed cabinets and drawers for contained storage.

Requires More Cleaning

All those pretty open shelves will require more frequent dusting to keep items free of dust. And any kitchen messes and grease splatters will be in plain view without the protection of cabinet doors.

Not As Private

For those who prefer a tidy, concealed kitchen, open shelves expose everything. Any clutter or messy moments will be on display.

Strategic Shelf Placement Maximizes Function

Thoughtful shelf placement keeps your most-used items handy while creating visual harmony. Consider open shelving near prep zones, over the sink, or in dining areas.

Over the Sink

Open shelving over the sink provides primo visibility. Display pretty soaps, drying racks, fresh flowers or herbs, accent pieces, and more. This area gets splashed and requires frequent cleaning anyway, so open shelves work nicely.

Around Food Prep Zones

Position open shelving near appliances, the stovetop, and countertop workstations. Store oft-used cooking tools, oils, spices, gadgets, cookbooks, etc. for easy access while you work. Baskets corral items attractively.

In Dining Areas

Open shelves along the dining space perimeter or accent walls create visual interest while entertaining. Display your best dishware, drinkware, and serving pieces. This also encourages use of your special occasion kitchenware more frequently.

Materials Impact the Look and Function of Shelves

From sleek metal to cozy wood, material choice defines the shelves' aesthetic. Factor in durability, maintenance, and weight capacity as well. Popular options include:

Wood Shelving

Wood brings natural warmth and texture to shelves. Stains allow customization from light and contemporary to rich, dark finishes. Wood gains character over time. Opt for durable hardwoods like oak, maple or walnut to handle weight.

Metal Shelving

Sleek metal evokes an industrial, modern vibe. Stainless steel, black iron, brass, and copper make a statement. Metal offers excellent durability – industrial-grade metal shelves can support hefty cookware. Avoid thinner metal prone to warping or snapping.

Glass Shelving

Glass shelving imparts an airier, lighter look with its transparency. Materials like tempered glass withstand weight yet allow light to filter through. Use glass shelves to spotlight accent pieces. Add LED lighting for extra twinkle.

Mix and Match Materials

For maximum eclecticism, blend shelf materials throughout your kitchen. Accent a stainless prep zone with rustic barnwood dining shelves, or pair sleek glass and matte black metal. The material mix adds visual interest.

Design Tips for Stylish, Functional Shelves

Avoid cluttered or sparse-looking open shelves with these clever design techniques:

Style Shelves in Coordinated Vignettes

Group shelves by usage or visual theme to look curated. For example, showcase soft greens and florals on one set of shelves. Or organize cooking tools together for a utilitarian look. Clustered vignettes keep shelves organized.

Include Plenty of Concealed Storage

Balance open shelves with closed cabinetry and drawers. Stash small appliances, food boxes, cleaning supplies, and other chaotic items out of sight. Closed storage prevents a sparse, undressed look.

Use Lighting

LED strips installed under or above shelves provide both task lighting and display lighting. Illuminated shelves spotlight your best cookware and dishware. Glass shelving amplifies the light.

If used thoughtfully, open shelving adds aesthetic appeal along with convenience. Shelve frequently used kitchenware for easy access when cooking. Display special dishware and décor to show it off. Just be ready to dust diligently! Have enough closed storage for containment. remember to decorate shelves in coordinated vignettes, not random clutter. Open shelving works best for kitchens with a light, contemporary vibe versus traditional sensibilities. Take inspiration from these tips to create focal point open shelves that maximize both form and function.