All the Inspiration You Need to Give Open Kitchen Shelving a Try


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1

Show Off Books and Antiques

kitchen with stained glass window panel, white subway tile, farmhouse sink, open shelving a dreamy retreat modern colors
Stacy Zarin Goldberg

In this Art Deco-inspired home, designer Melissa Wood’s clients hang a vintage panel in front of their kitchen window and lines floating shelves with collectibles. Cooking books, canisters filled with ingredients and glassware are functional, but don’t be afraid to layer in decorative items (think figurines, houseplants and antiques).

2

Choose a Multi-Tier Display

ktichen with retro appliance mint
Amber Ulmer/A Beautiful Mess

Take advantage of vertical space by installing three or four tiers of open shelves, all the way to the ceiling. Elsie Larson, co-founder of the lifestyle blog A Beautiful Mess, stores everyday items down low and less-used items toward the top.

3

Create an Intentional Divide

open kitchen shelving ideas, patterned backsplash floating wood shelves, terra cotta colored upper walls, cabinets painted in dunn edwards's ecological green
Lance Gerber

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4

DIY a Spice Rack

a white shelving unit with many jars of food on it
Meghan Bob Photography
5

Make It Part of the Marble

open kitchen shelving ideas
Stacy Zarin Goldberg

To pair with a quartz backsplash, hang a shelf in the same material — the end result looks incredibly seamless. Not only does the backsplash shelf offer easy access to cooking supplies (think oil and spices), but “you can switch out art to add personality,” says Tanya Smith-Shiflett, owner of Unique Kitchens & Baths.

6

Go Bold With a Built-In Library

blue kitchen with built in shelves for cookbooks designer jessica davis of jl design
Reagen Taylor Photography

Take note from designer Jessica Davis of JL Design and bring a full library into the kitchen. With a mix of colors and patterns, this eclectic corner shows off the homeowners’ favorite cookbooks.

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7

Suspend Tiny Shelves in the Corner

kitchen organization ideas corner shelves
Lauren Pressey

Hang small reclaimed wood shelves in the corner to add a rustic touch to your kitchen. Adorn the tiers with books, herbs and canisters as designer Kate Lester does here.

8

Hang a Long Shelf

kitchen ideas
Stoffer Photography

Install a single shelf that runs the width of the entire wall, which becomes a backdrop to show off glassware, houseplants and artwork. We love how designer Jean Stoffer opts for dark green subway tiles and a vibrant cabinet color.

9

Store Everyday Essentials

kitchen with open shelving displaying dishes
Ellen Vanessa Photography

Rather than stowing away plates, bowls and cups, Nastassja Bowman, interior designer at Kristen Elizabeth Design, arranges everyday dishes on nearby open shelves. Now, setting the table is quick and easy, and your guests get to admire your chic collection.

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10

Go for Warm Wood

los angeles kitchen designed by pure salt interiors floating shelves
Jessica Alexander

With the addition of wood floating shelves running the width of the entire wall, this modern kitchen feels a bit more cozy and inviting. And take it from Pure Salt Interiors, you can hang shelves in front of your windows.

11

Mount a Modern Shelving System

465 w 23rd st 14e ammor architecture llp
Roderick Cruz

In lieu of floating shelves, AMMOR Architecture hangs a large shelving unit over the kitchen counters. Shop around and you may be able to find a system that’ll help you get organized, whether it’s dedicated racks for pans, plates or mugs.

SHOP SHELVING SYSTEM

12

Carve Out an Area for Liquor

a kitchen with white cabinets and white ceiling
Raquel Langworthy

You may not have the space for a complete home bar setup, but designating a corner of the kitchen will do the trick. In this modern space, designer Christina Kim hangs corner shelves and arranges bottles of the homeowners’ favorite liquors.

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13

Try Double-Duty Shelves

kitchen organization ideas  hanging cutting boards
Lucy Call

For double the function, swap traditional shelves for wall shelves with pegs, instead. Use the shelves to store dishes, then the hooks to hang cutting boards, kitchen tools, etc.

SHOP SHELVING

14

Replace Upper Cabinets

galley kitchen idea
Jacey Caldwell Photography

If space is limited, especially in a galley kitchen, nix bulky upper cabinets that can make a narrow layout feel even more narrow. Here, interior designer Tiffany Gowler opts for slim, open shelving to store dinnerware and glassware.

15

Keep Ingredients Within Reach

kitchen with open shelving, open shelfs
Thomas Loof for Country Living

Whipping up dinner isn’t a problem when you’ve got all of your ingredients close by. Put everything into matching glass canisters, then add sleek labels.

SHOP FOOD CANISTERS

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16

Have Fun With Styling Decor

a ladder leaning against dark green kitchen cabinets
courtesy of Four Brothers

If you have the luxury of a spacious kitchen like this design by Four Brothers Design + Build, hang floating shelves strictly with the intention of presenting your favorite decorative items. You can never display too many books or houseplants, right?

17

Let Glassware Act as Decor

a white cabinet with glasses and bottles
elizabeth messina

Not only does this collection of elegant glassware look beautiful, but it’s safely stowed high above the cabinets. We’re loving this gold shelving unit selected by designer Erin Fetherston.

SHOP SHELVING UNIT

18

Cover a Corner

a kitchen with pale blue cabinets, white tile backsplash and white shelving
Sara Tramp-Ligorria

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19

Match the Cabinets

a kitchen with white cabinets

For a seamless style, find floating shelves in the same shade as your kitchen cabinets. To style these slim shelves, designer Christina Kim arranges glasses and spare beverages.

20

Pair Shelves With a Bold Backsplash

kitchen backsplash ideas, white and green backsplash in the kitchen with light wood shelves and white cabinets
Peter Molick

In the vein of more is more, designer Maureen Stevens merges a vibrant, geometric backsplash with wood floating shelves. To avoid a cluttered look, the shelves are adorned with neutral items.

Headshot of Alyssa Gautieri

Associate Lifestyle Editor

Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.

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