20 Open Shelves Ideas for Small Kitchen That Will Upgrade Your Kitchen
This post shows you the best open shelves ideas for small kitchens to try today!
As someone who loves cooking, I prefer open shelves because they make reaching for condiments, plates, and anything else I need convenient.
However, I recently discovered that they can also be decorative.
Think of them as displays, and you will get what I mean.
After some trial and error, I have discovered there are a plethora of designs, styles, and décor to incorporate with open shelves, even in small kitchens.
Today, I will explore some of my favorite ones, so get ready to have your mind blown!
Pin it for later! ⤵️
Table of Contents
1. White oak shelves
For a light but woodsy kitchen look, use white oak to construct your kitchen shelves.
First, install shiny, white subway tiles along the room’s perimeter, then get white cabinetry.
Fix floating white oak shelves on the walls to match the floorboards.
2. Industrial-style shelves
Industrial-style shelves incorporate wood and metal for a charming but modern finished product.
Get grainy wood open shelves with black metallic support beams.
Accentuate the black tones with a black framed quote and hanging greenery.
The background should be white.
3. Christmas theme
Shelves can also have themed décor. In this case, get white bracket shelves and stack them with Santa Claus mugs, mason jars, and pine branches.
Beside the open shelves, hang a festive Christmas-themed wreath.
Also, birch wood elements should be added throughout the space.
4. Corner shelves
If your kitchen is very small, installing corner shelves can help organize the clutter.
Get white oak floating shelves in your white themed kitchen.
Add subway tiles with black grout under the shelves, then accessorize the space with creeping plants, clay pots, and copper elements.
5. Add herringbone tiles
An interesting tile pattern can make the perfect backdrop for your open shelves, so in this instance, get a herringbone design.
Against your dark wood floating shelves, install glossy white herringbone tiles, then add thin black grout to make them pop.
6. Go for cord shelves
Cord shelves will give a rustic edge to your kitchen, so get oak ones with thin cords across the front.
Have a wainscoted wall with panels and green-striped wallpaper.
To make the shelves more functional, install hooks at the bottom to hang your mugs and cups.
7. Nature-themed rail shelves
Rail shelves are mounted on the wall, meaning they are extra secure.
Opt for a light wood variation with silver metallic brackets.
Under the open shelves, have a utensil hanging rack.
Then, go for a nature theme by getting faux plants, green floral pots, cups, and plates.
8. Heavy-duty shelves
If you want a sturdier shelf unit, consider these heavy-duty wood open shelves.
They contrast against a glossy tile wall, grey cabinets, and steel appliances.
Atop the thick shelves are a lot of kitchen cutlery, fresh fruit, and jugs.
9. Incorporate brown notes
For an earthy look in your kitchen, try incorporating brown notes.
Start with a white oak floating shelf unit, then add grainy wood cutting boards, bronze kettles, brown ceramic bowls, and a brown painting.
Mix and match different brown shades for an even more appealing look.
10. Wall-to-wall open shelves
Maximize your small kitchen’s limited space with a wall-to-wall open-shelf design.
Go for a light birch wood material and ensure it is smooth and polished.
The wall should have a vertical white tile layout with black grout and a glossy finish.
11. Split shelves
Split shelves may help optimize your kitchen space since you can put other appliances in between them.
Achieve this look with light birch wood shelves on either side of a stainless-steel hood.
The open shelves will be smaller but will fit conveniently around your kitchen.
12. Plants and more
Make plants the focal point of your open shelves for a calming and serene kitchen space.
Get industrial-style shelves with grainy, dark wood and black supports.
Top them with white cutlery and utensils, then add an assortment of potted plants, including hanging and standing ones.
13. Quirky shapes
For a fun and unique kitchen look, consider installing open shelves with quirky lines.
Instead of the usual straight ones, go for odd shapes.
Also, opt for a limestone material with marble countertops and white cabinets.
14. Add a grey background
Grey goes well with wood accents, so get a smooth smoke-grey wall background with matching counters.
Then, install light wood open shelves to contrast against the grey.
Keep minimal décor in the kitchen space a simple look.
15. Add a shelf edge
A subtle shelf edge is classy and elegant, so first, get grainy, light wood wall-to-wall shelves, then have a tiny edge carved on the front.
In line with the simple aesthetic, choose dainty décor pieces like a sea shell, clay pots, and ceramic bowls.
16. Earthy theme
This is an outdoorsy setup that incorporates a weathered wood rail open shelf unit and similar weathered worksurfaces and cabinets.
Choose speckled grey granite for the counters, then finish the look with rock and stone sculptures and cutlery.
17. Go for boxed shelves
Boxed open shelves are modern and minimalistic.
They also look neater and are fantastic for displaying your kitchen spices, condiments, and favorite utensils.
Get them in a light wood material to complement your all-white kitchen with gold fixtures.
18. Install a pattered backsplash
An interesting backsplash can accentuate your wooden open shelves.
First, get weathered dark wood shelves with black metallic supports.
Paint the back wall a peachy orange color and install patterned tiles for the backsplash. Finally, get jungle green cabinetry.
19. Mini shelves
In a little nook in your kitchen, you can install visually appealing mini-shelf units.
This one features rustic cherry wood shelves with gold rims.
The back wall is also made of cherry wood panels.
The reddish-brown open shelves are contrasted by an all-cream themed kitchen.
20. Country house feel
For a homey-looking kitchen, try this cozy open-shelf idea.
Start with three heavy-duty wood floating shelves against a white subway-tiled wall.
Go heavy with the accessories by placing wooden artifacts, framed quotes, and rustic cutlery on the shelves.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can open shelves make a small kitchen feel more spacious?
Open shelves create the illusion of more space by eliminating the visual bulk of traditional cabinets.
Instead of solid doors, the open design draws the eye across the entire wall, making the room feel less enclosed.
The openness also allows for natural light to flow, further brightening up the space.
To maximize the effect, consider light-colored shelves and walls, and keep the items on display minimal and organized.
2. What should I display on open kitchen shelves to keep them stylish and functional?
The key to open shelving is balancing style with practicality.
Display items you use frequently, like plates, bowls, glasses, or coffee mugs, as they are easy to grab and also look decorative.
Add personality with cookbooks, small plants, or decorative jars filled with spices or grains.
Try to keep clutter at bay by grouping similar items together and using matching containers to maintain a cohesive and stylish look.
3. How do I prevent my open shelves from looking cluttered in a small kitchen?
To keep open shelves looking clean and organized, practice intentional styling.
Stick to a color palette that complements your kitchen’s design, and avoid overcrowding the shelves.
Leave some breathing room between items, and only display essentials or decorative pieces that add value.
You can also use baskets or clear storage containers to hide smaller, less attractive items, keeping the aesthetic minimal and tidy.
4. Are open shelves practical for small kitchens with limited storage?
Open shelves can be practical even in small kitchens with limited storage if used thoughtfully.
They provide easy access to everyday items and free up cabinet space for bulkier cookware or appliances.
To make them work efficiently, dedicate open shelves for items you reach for often.
Pair them with closed cabinets or drawers for less frequently used or less attractive kitchen items, ensuring that open shelves remain functional without adding to visual clutter.
5. What materials and designs work best for open shelves in a small kitchen?
The best materials and designs for open shelves in small kitchens are those that complement your kitchen’s style and maximize space.
Floating shelves with no visible brackets create a sleek, modern look, while wood shelves can add warmth and charm to more rustic or farmhouse-style kitchens.
Metal or glass shelves can offer a minimalist, contemporary vibe.
Ensure that the materials are sturdy enough to hold the weight of your kitchen essentials, and consider adjustable shelving for flexibility as your needs change.
If you love these ideas, don’t forget to pin the above image to your “Kitchen” board.
