12 Fantastic Ideas for Open Shelving Kitchen Cabinets

Open shelving is an increasingly popular kitchen design choice that offers both style and functionality. Going without upper cabinet doors creates a light, airy aesthetic while also providing easy access to dishes, cookbooks, and decor.

If you're considering open shelving in your kitchen, read on for 12 fantastic ideas to maximize their potential.

Group Items by Category for a Clean Look

The key to preventing open shelves from appearing cluttered is to group like items together. Place all your mugs on one shelf, bowls on another, and so on. Glassware should also be arranged by type, with wine glasses, tumblers, and pint glasses each getting their own area.

a. Utilize Bookends for Cookbooks

Cookbooks tend to fall over and look messy when stacked horizontally on shelves. Use bookends to keep them upright and organized. Metal bookends in copper or gold make for great accent pieces against the book spines.

b. Store Spices in Matching Jars

Spices stored in their original containers can look haphazard. Opt for a uniform look by decanting them into matching glass jars. Label the jars so you can still identify what's inside. This looks neater and prevents spices from getting lost in the back of cabinets.

c. Designate Shelves to Dinnerware Collections

Show off your favorite dinnerware by giving it prime open shelf real estate. Arrange place settings together or stack plates with their coordinating bowls. Keeping collections, like vintage Pyrex or handmade pottery, together shows them off while adding visual interest.

Incorporate Risers for Additional Storage

Lack of cabinet depth can limit storage capacity on open shelves. Risers are an affordable and space-efficient solution. Placing items on risers creates a second tier for storing additional kitchenware while retaining visibility and accessibility.

a. Use Risers to Layer Dinnerware

Place plates and bowls on risers to double your storage capacity. The second level keeps items visible while saving space. Stagger items by size for the most efficient use of area.

b. Elevate Decor Pieces With Risers

Show off your favorite cookbooks, vases or bottles by placing them on risers. Elevating decor makes these pieces stand out while adding stylish dimension to open shelves.

c. Opt for Tiered Storage Turntables

Lazy susans and two or three-tiered turntables keep items accessible while maximizing vertical storage. Spinning turntables are perfect for corner shelves. Tiered versions double or triple possible items able to be stored.

Incorporate Lighting for Dramatic Effect

Task lighting ensures you can easily see what's on your shelves. But decorative lighting takes the design one step further. Under-cabinet lighting or directional spotlights cast shelves in a warm, beautiful glow. Wall sconces also make a striking visual statement.

a. Use Under-Cabinet Lighting to Illuminate Shelves

Attaching LED light strips beneath wall cabinets keeps shelves brightly lit. Dimmable lights allow you to control brightness as needed. Under-cabinet lighting also minimizes shadows for improved visibility.

b. Install Sconces for Ambient Lighting

Wall sconces lend a soft, ambient glow when installed near open shelving. Opt for brass, nickel, or black metal finishes for industrial-chic appeal. Sconces with swing arms enable adjustable directional lighting.

c. Use Directional Spotlights to Highlight Collections

Discrete directional spotlights focus attention on prized pieces or collections. LED cabinet spotlights install inside upper cabinets to concentrate light on particular shelves. Mini spotlights with long arms affix right to shelves as needed.

Add Wood Brackets for Rustic Flair

Open shelves don't need to look boring. For a touch of rustic charm, incorporate sturdy wood brackets. Brackets made of reclaimed barn wood or hand-carved pine add artisanal appeal. Floating shelves without visible supports also keep the aesthetic light and streamlined.

a. Attach Reclaimed Wood Brackets to Shelves

Reclaimed wood has a rich, weathered appearance that instantly warms up a kitchen. Attaching barn wood brackets adds a charming farmhouse vibe while providing sturdy structural support for shelves.

b. Opt for Floating Shelves Without Brackets

Concealed metal rails allow floating shelves to appear unsupported for a contemporary look. The minimalist aesthetic helps maintain an uncluttered feel. Floating shelves also make cleaning easier without prominent edges and crevices.

Consider Glass Shelving for an Airy Look

Glass shelves add transparency and allow more light to permeate the space. Tempered glass panels come in various tints like smoke gray or bronze. Or go completely clear for an ultra lightweight appearance. Just be sure delicate glass shelves can bear the weight of your kitchen items.

a. Frosted Glass Provides Stylish Opaqueness

Etched, frosted, or pebbled glass shelves have an appealing stone-like look. The rubbed finish obscures visibility while allowing some light through. Frosted glass also cleverly hides dust and fingerprints.

b. Tinted Glass Lends an Artsy Flair

Colored glass shelves infuse kitchens with refreshing pops of blue, green, or amber. The transparent finish maintains visibility while adding a decorative accent. Keep other decor simple to let the vibrant glass make a bold statement.

Try Open Shelving in Select Areas Only

Completely replacing all upper cabinets with open shelves may not suit every kitchen. As an alternative, incorporate open shelving in one or two choice areas as a focal point. This prevents overexposure while still enjoying the benefits of glassware and cookware visibility and access.

a. Utilize Open Shelving Above Islands

Islands often serve as casual dining nooks separate from the kitchen workspace. Open shelves above islands keep items handy for entertaining while putting favorite dishware pieces on display.

Devoting just one wall to open cabinets prevents a busy look. When used sparingly over an oven or sink, open shelving acts as a decorative accent. The eye-catching display also eliminates closed cabinets in high-traffic zones for easier access.

Open shelving is both form and function because of smart organization strategies. Keep just a few cabinets closed for necessities like cleaning products. Then artfully arrange dishware, glassware and cherished kitchen items on open shelves to highlight these collections as artistic features of your culinary space.