Open Shelving Ideas to Make Your Small Kitchen Pop

Looking for ways to maximize storage and style in your small kitchen? Open shelving offers an affordable, space-saving solution that instantly gives your cooking space an artistic, airy vibe. Whether placed above the sink, next to a window, or on a high wall, open shelves showcase your pretty dishware while keeping essentials easily accessible. Read on for our favorite open shelving ideas to make your tiny kitchen pop.

Benefits of Open Shelving in Small Kitchens

From a functional and aesthetic perspective, open shelves provide several advantages in a compact kitchen.

Maximize Vertical Storage

Unlike bulky cabinets, open shelves don't take up valuable floor space. Mounting shelves on your walls utilizes vertical real estate instead. You can double your storage capacity without expanding your kitchen's footprint.

Shelves are perfect for stacking plates, bowls, and other dinnerware. Or, use them to display your vibrant spice collection. Take advantage of the higher ceilings found in many older homes.

Display Your Style

Closed cabinets keep your kitchen items hidden away. With open shelving, you can showcase your collections of stylish serving ware, antique dishware, handmade pottery, and other items that bring you joy.

Seeing these beautiful items will make you smile each time you grab a mug or plate. Open shelves also give your kitchen an artistic, gallery-like sensibility.

Easy Access to Essentials

No more fumbling around to find the olive oil or your favorite spice mix. Open shelves put your most used ingredients and gadgets right at your fingertips.

Keep breakfast items together on a shelf near the coffee maker for easy morning access. Place cooking tools like silicone spatulas and tongs near the stove.

Affordable Storage Solution

Installing open shelves is a wallet-friendly way to add storage, especially if you do it yourself. Floating shelves just require brackets and boards. For a built-in look, pick up ready-made shelf units or brackets.

Compared to installing new cabinets, open shelves provide cost-effective additional space. Go for durable solid woods like oak rather than a laminate to prevent sagging.

Open Shelf Placement Ideas

Think creatively when deciding where to mount open shelves. Beyond just walls, take advantage of odd nooks and underused spaces.

Above the Sink

An open shelf above the kitchen sink provides a perfect home for drying racks, hand soaps, sponges, and scrub brushes. Display fresh flowers, herb planters, or a trailing ivy in the window over the sink.

Curate the items on your sink shelf carefully so it looks tidy, not cluttered. Stick to daily essentials you actually use.

Next to Windows

Picture your gorgeous glassware lit by natural sunlight. Mount an open shelf next to a window to highlight and showcase special dish collections.

The light shining through glass objects makes them sparkle. Allow light to fill the kitchen by avoiding upper cabinetry near windows.

On High Walls

Use open shelves mounted near the ceiling to take advantage of unused vertical space. This is perfect for rooms with high ceilings.

Placing shelves higher draws the eye up, creating the illusion of more height. Floating shelves also keep the look light and airy.

Between Counters and Cabinets

The narrow sliver of wall space between your countertops and upper cabinets offers an ideal spot for open shelves. Install two or three shelves in that gap to grab oils, spices, canned goods, or appliances.

Keep things you need quick cooking access to. Just be sure not to impede any existing windows or light fixtures.

Stylish Open Shelving Materials

Beyond basic boards, open shelves come in a range of materials with different aesthetics. Choose one that fits your kitchen's style.

Wood

Wood brings natural warmth and texture. Floating wood shelves give a sleek, modern look. Or, go for a traditional feel with built-in stained shelving flanking the window.

Opt for durable solid woods like oak that won't sag over time. Match new shelves to existing cabinetry.

Metal

From wrought iron to galvanized steel, metal open shelves infuse an industrial vibe. The matte finish plays well off gleaming marble countertops.

Metal is less prone to water damage if installed near the sink. Sturdy metal brackets easily handle heavy dishes or pots.

Glass

Clear glass or colored tinted glass shelves maintain an open, airy aesthetic. Visible light keeps the space feeling expansive.

Glass shelves are perfect for protecting and highlighting delicate glassware and dish collections. Anchor securely to hold weight.

Design and Installation Tips

Follow these tips when planning and installing open shelves for a stylish yet functional result:

• Go for floating shelves to preserve floor space.
• Add corner shelves to take advantage of tricky angled corners.
• Mix up shelf sizes, configurations, and materials for interest.
• Check bracket weight limits and anchor securely in studs.
• Add LED puck lights or under cabinet lights to highlight displays.

While ideal for everyday dishware, open shelves won't house all your kitchen items. Use these tips to stash overflow:

• Group small items in decorative baskets or bins.
• Install shelf dividers to neatly organize space.
• Only display your most visually appealing gadgets and dishware.
• Rotate bulkier appliances or seasonal cookware in/out.

With clever placement and sleek designs, open shelves can completely transform your small kitchen. Take advantage of unused vertical space to add stylish storage. Show off your collections in the ideal light. Install open shelving to give your compact cooking space an artful, spacious sensibility.