Get the Most Out of Your Kitchen Cabinets with These Savvy Side Shelf Solutions
Does your kitchen seem to be bursting at the seams? Do you constantly struggle to cram pots, pans and Food containers into overstuffed cabinets? If you're looking to maximize your kitchen storage, installing shelves on the sides of your existing cabinets can provide the extra space you need.
Clever side cabinet shelves open up valuable vertical storage without requiring new cabinetry. Floating shelves, wall-mounted shelves, and open shelving all make smart use of vacant side walls. With a few brackets and boards, you can double your organizational real estate overnight!
Clever Shelving Ideas to Maximize Your Cabinet Sides
When it comes to savvy side cabinet additions, you have options. Here are some of our favorite shelf styles for unlocking extra storage on existing cabinet sides:
Floating Shelves
Floating shelves instantly add modern flair and storage. Mounted directly to the wall, floating shelves appear to defy gravity with their hovering look. The invisible mounting method keeps cabinet sides looking sleek and uncluttered.
Floating shelves are easy to install, requiring just heavy duty brackets secured into wall studs. Their airy, open design makes them perfect for displaying decorative items or storing frequently-used ingredients and kitchen tools.
Wall Mounted Shelves
Wall mounted shelves provide the same space-saving benefits of floating shelves without the need for hidden hardware. Mounted tightly to the wall, wall shelves act as extra-long extensions of your existing cabinet tops.
The simplicity of wall shelves makes them highly versatile - customize them to fit your precise storage needs. Go with solid boards for concealed storage or open shelving to display cherished dishware.
Open Shelves
Prefer to see all your shelf contents at a glance? Open shelves keep everything in sight while adding storage. The trick is to curate shelf contents carefully - too many items quickly become cluttered. Stick with practical yet aesthetically pleasing containers.
Use open shelves to store go-to cooking staples and appliances, keeping less pretty items concealed inside cabinet below. The visual appeal makes up for the lack of concealed storage.
Choosing Brackets to Match Your Shelf Style
Every set of shelves starts with the right brackets. Floating shelves require heavy duty hidden brackets anchored securely into studs. Wall mounted shelves can use lighter duty L-brackets attached to the wall and shelf.
Make sure load capacity suits your shelf needs - floating shelves typically hold 15-30 pounds per bracket. Materials also impact durability, with solid wood or steel brackets strongest.
Match bracket design to your shelf style. Low profile brackets keep floating shelves discreet. Decorative brackets complement open shelves. Get the right brackets for safe, long-lasting shelves.
Organize Your Shelves Like a Pro
Once your shelves are installed, it's time to organize. Think vertically - place heavier items on lower shelves. Use baskets, jars and other vessels to corral small items. Consider dividers to separate categories.
Label all containers clearly so anyone can find what they need. Style symmetrically with like items on each side. Edit regularly to avoid clutter from accumulating over time.
Most importantly, put your most-used items on your new shelves to enjoy easy access. Mounting shelves on cabinet sides brings everything within reach!
DIY Installation Tips for Problem-Free Shelves
Installing side cabinet shelves yourself is totally doable. Start by finding studs - use a stud finder or knock to locate wood braces in wall. Mark stud centers for accurate drilling.
Use a level during mounting to keep shelves straight. Adjust shelf clips or brackets to align. For drywall, use hollow wall anchors when screwing into just gypsum.
Take time to measure precisely before cutting shelving materials. Always pre-drill holes in wood or metal brackets to prevent cracking. Patience and careful measurement prevents problems.
Style Your Shelves to Perfection
Once your shelves are secure, make them shine with these styling tips:
- Group items by category - mugs together, spices together.
- Show off your style with artful arrangements of favorite items.
- Play with height - place larger items below, small jars up high.
- Coordinate shelves with cabinet colors and hardware for cohesion.
Your savvy side shelves keep items organized and accessible while showcasing your unique taste. Enjoy the storage and style!
If your kitchen cabinets are maxed out, it's time to think outside the (cabinet) box. Mounting shelves on cabinet sides efficiently utilizes vertical space that's typically wasted.
With the right shelves and stylish organization, you can double your storage capacity and keep go-to items in plain sight. A few hours of work yields a lifetime of expanded storage. Why cram when you can organize in style with smart side cabinet shelves?