Simple Ways to Decorate Open Shelves in Kitchens

Open shelving can give your kitchen a light, airy look and provides easy access to dishes, cookbooks, and ingredients. However, decorating open shelves can be challenging. Without doors to hide clutter, everything is on display. Fortunately, with some strategic styling, you can create stunning open shelves that are both beautiful and functional.

Follow these simple tips to decorate your open kitchen shelves in a way that enhances your space.

Consider the Function and Flow of Your Shelves

Before decorating, think about how you use your shelves. Are they near cooking appliances? Do you access certain items more than others? Place frequently used items within easy reach while keeping rarely used pieces higher up. Ensure your shelves can bear the weight of heavy pots and pans. Place heavy items on lower shelves.

Also consider the flow of your kitchen. If your shelves are along the main workspace, make sure they don't obstruct movement or prep areas. Leave enough clearance so they don't get bumped when cooking. Finally, leave 2-3 inches between the shelves and wall cabinets for easy cleaning.

Keep Items Within Reach

Arrange items starting with those you use most often. Everyday dishes, cooking utensils, spices, and ingredients should be most accessible. Place frequently used gadgets and small appliances on shelves at eye level or within arm's reach. Reserve upper shelves for fine china, barware, and serving platters used less often.

Allow for Air Flow

Leave space between shelves and surrounding cabinets or walls for ventilation and easy cleaning. Items pushed against walls or cabinets create a cluttered look. Allowing breathing room keeps your shelves looking neat and organized.

Mind the Weight Limit

Check the weight capacity of your shelves before loading them up. You don't want to overload them. Heavy pots, pans, and dishware are best kept on bottom shelves. Only place very lightweight items on high shelves. Distribute weight evenly to avoid sagging or buckling.

Create an Organizational System

Cluttered shelves look messy and make items hard to find. Decide how to categorize items and stick to your system. Here are some approaches:

• Group by function - dishes, cookbooks, utensils
• Place items used together near each other - oils, vinegars, spices
• Stack same-size items in rows or columns
• Use shelf dividers for separation

Label Clear Containers

For a streamlined look, keep food items like sugar, flour, and pasta in matching clear canisters. Use chalkboard labels to identify contents. This looks uniform and neat.

Store Packaged Food in Baskets

Hide packaged foods like boxes of pasta, rice, and canned goods in decorative baskets. Woven baskets in natural tones keep shelves tidy but rustic.

Designate Zones

You can create zones for different functions. Have a food storage zone, dishware zone, cooking tool zone, etc. This keeps like items together and makes them easy to locate.

Use Risers, Boxes, and Baskets to Add Height Variety

Too many items lined up neatly in rows looks monotonous. Add height variety with risers, boxes, or baskets. Place a decorative box or basket on a riser to create different shelf levels. Stack books on their side rather than flat. Use tea tins or other small boxes as risers for smaller items.

Vary Item Heights

Mix tall ceramic vases with shorter pottery pieces. Stand a few books on end rather than stacking them all horizontally to break up the uniform look. Place a tall basket next to shorter canisters. The varied heights add visual interest.

Add Greenery

Place a plant on a riser or decorative box to add freshness. For open shelves near windows, consider a mini herb garden. The greenery livens up your shelves.

Incorporate Bookends

Bookends are another way to add height variety. They can prop up cookbooks attractively while also keeping them organized. Choose bookends that complement your decor style.

Use Baskets and Containers to Conceal Clutter

While open shelves showcase items, not everything is pretty. Keep clutter like small appliances, plastic containers, or unsightly boxes out of sight in baskets, bins, or containers. Opt for baskets in natural rattan, bamboo, or neutral cotton.

Try Decorative Tins or Crocks

Vintage-style crocks or metal tins add charm while hiding unattractive items. Durable galvanized metal bins work for holding bulk foods. Matching ceramic canisters maintain harmony across shelves.

Use Lidded Baskets for Easy Access

For items you use regularly like hand towels, pot holders, or dish cloths, lidded baskets keep them handy but concealed. Label baskets so items are easily found when lids are lifted.

Conceal Less Attractive Appliances

Small appliances like coffee makers, toasters, and mixers quickly clutter shelves. Place these in baskets or bins to keep your display items front and center. Just be sure air can still circulate around electrical appliances if concealed.

Add Pops of Color and Texture with Accessories

While open shelves showcase what you already own, a few key accessories can make them shine. Consider adding:

• Plants, fruit, and fresh flowers for pops of color and nature.
• Candles, bookends, photo frames, or wall art for visual interest.
• Textured baskets, ceramic pieces, wooden cutting boards to vary materials.

Incorporate Meaningful Objects

Display special cookbooks, sentimental pottery, or unique finds from your travels. This personalizes your shelves with pieces that make you smile.

Change Items Seasonally

Rotate accessories to match the seasons or holidays. Try displaying pinecones and red candles in winter or seashells and sand dollars for summer. Keeping decor seasonal prevents your shelves from getting stale.

Add Greenery and Florals

Fresh florals and leafy plants instantly liven up shelves. Get creative with your greenery - add ferns, ivy, herbs, succulents, wildflowers, etc. Swap florals out seasonally for a refreshed look.

Use Lighting for Drama

Draw attention to your stunning shelves with lighting. Consider:

• Under cabinet lighting to brightly illuminate shelves
• Floating shelves with built-in LED lights
• Mini pendant lights over shelves
• Strip lighting on the undersides of shelves
• Table lamps or sconces nearby to cast a glow

Showcase Evening Display

Use lighting to create a gorgeous nighttime display. Try placing flameless candles, glassware, decorative vases or your best serving pieces on lit shelves after dark.

Enhance Architectural Features

If your shelves have interesting corbels, brackets or trim, use lighting to highlight these details. Sconces mounted near the shelves can create dramatic shadows.

Refresh Displays Frequently

While organization helps keep shelves neat, don't get stuck in a rut. Reassess your shelves every couple months. Refreshing your displays prevents boredom.

As you use and accumulate kitchen items, clutter can creep back in. Do an edit every few months. Remove unused items, chipped dishes, expired food, etc. This keeps your shelves decluttered.