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Open Kitchen Shelving Ideas and Practical Styling Tips

Kitchen open shelves add charm and character to a kitchen. Click through for other ways to incorporate open shelving in a kitchen.
Kitchen Open Shelving Ivory Lane

I always try to reserve at least one spot for open shelving when I design a kitchen. In past homes I even removed cabinet doors to create open shelves. Because kitchens are filled with hard surfaces, they can feel cold — open shelving brings warmth, light and personality while remaining functional.

As part of this Kitchen Inspiration series, here are practical ideas and styling tips for incorporating open shelving. These examples show a range of looks — from casual and rustic to streamlined and modern — so you can adapt the approach to suit your kitchen and lifestyle. I’ll share tips from my own experience, too.

Kitchen open shelves add charm and character to a kitchen. Click through for other ways to incorporate open shelving in a kitchen.Kitchen open shelving – Dresser Homes

An open cabinet at the end of an island is a favorite placement. I had a built-in bookcase on my island in an English Tudor kitchen; it added character, though it did collect a little more dust than wall-mounted shelves. For that reason I recommend using island shelving for cookbooks, baskets, or cookware that’s easy to clean. If you have room, lower open shelving can be worked into base cabinets as well.

Kitchen open shelves add charm and character to a kitchen. Click through for other ways to incorporate open shelving in a kitchen.Coastal Living

Shelves placed around a doorway make good use of otherwise wasted wall space. Simple brackets give the shelves a relaxed, casual feel perfect for cottage and coastal kitchens.

Kitchen open shelves add charm and character to a kitchen. Click through for other ways to incorporate open shelving in a kitchen.Our House

Tucking open shelves between two cabinets breaks up a run of closed fronts and adds visual interest. It’s an easy way to get the look of decorative backing or tile without tiling an entire wall.

Kitchen open shelves add charm and character to a kitchen. Click through for other ways to incorporate open shelving in a kitchen.open shelving – Southern Living

In small kitchens open shelving can visually expand the room and create a place for personal touches. Use shelves for everyday dishes by grouping similar items together — stacked plates and neatly arranged bowls look tidy and intentional.

Kitchen open shelves add charm and character to a kitchen. Click through for other ways to incorporate open shelving in a kitchen.kitchen open shelving – Cortney Bishop via Look Linger Love

Wood shelves add warmth and contrast beautifully with painted cabinets. They bring texture and a handmade feel that softens a painted kitchen palette.

Kitchen open shelves add charm and character to a kitchen. Click through for other ways to incorporate open shelving in a kitchen.The Inspired Room – Townhouse

You don’t need a full remodel to get open shelving. A kitchen cart, an IKEA shelf and a hanging rod can create an eclectic, practical display that adds storage and style without a major project.

Kitchen open shelves add warmth, charm and function. Click through for more inspiration in the post!House Beautiful

Corner cabinets are often underused and hard to access, making them ideal candidates for open shelving. Choosing shelves here can also be more budget-friendly than custom cabinetry.

Kitchen open shelves add charm and character to a kitchen. Click through for other ways to incorporate open shelving in a kitchen.The Inspired Room

Removing cabinet doors is the simplest route to open shelving. Adding a plank or beadboard backing gives the space extra detail and a finished look.

Kitchen open shelves add charm and character to a kitchen. Click through for other ways to incorporate open shelving in a kitchen.Kitchen open shelves – Workbrook by Westbrook

Flanking a quality hood with open shelves creates a handsome, balanced focal wall and provides convenient storage for frequently used items.

Kitchen open shelves add charm and character to a kitchen. Click through for other ways to incorporate open shelving in a kitchen.BHG

Mixing cabinets with open shelving makes a distinctive style statement. Choose brackets or floating shelves depending on the look you want — decorative brackets add character, while floating shelves read more modern and minimal.

Kitchen open shelves offer an opportunity to make a fantastic style statement as well providing storage for your everyday dishes and cookbooks. Click through for more ideas and inspiration in the post!BHG

If you collect pretty dishes, open shelving is the perfect place to display them. Your kitchen should reflect what makes you happy — arrange pieces you love so the space feels personal and uplifting.

Kitchen Open Shelving - Gray and White KitchenSouthern Living Idea House

A streamlined look is easy to achieve with floating shelves or simple brackets paired with white or clear dinnerware. Keep shapes and colors consistent for an orderly, calm display.

Kitchen Open Shelf - The Inspired RoomKitchen open shelving on The Inspired Room

A single shelf can define a zone — a coffee station, a baking corner, or a seasonal vignette. One well-styled shelf can have big impact without overwhelming the space.

Amazing kitchen open shelves to display dishes. Click through to find ideas and more inspiration for kitchen shelving in the post!kitchen open shelving via BHG

In larger kitchens you can design a feature wall with multiple shelves, bold tile, and statement lighting to create a dramatic focal point.

Kitchen Open Shelving Style Notes:

Open shelving isn’t for everyone, but choosing the right elements and styling will help it work in your kitchen. Tips to consider:

  • Reserve open shelves for attractive, often-used items — pretty dishes, glassware, cookbooks and decorative objects. Closed storage is still best for unattractive or seldom-used items.
  • If you have kids or a busy household, choose durable, unbreakable dishes for open displays so function meets style.
  • Adjust the amount of shelving to match the look you want: more shelves and relaxed styling create an eclectic vibe; fewer shelves and careful styling yield a streamlined, modern feel.
  • Shelf type affects the overall look: floating shelves read minimal, while decorative brackets add character. Consider island, wall, or inset shelving depending on how you use the space.

Open Shelving Concerns about Cleanliness:

If dust or cooking grime is a concern, these practical points may help:

  • Items used frequently collect less dust simply because they’re handled. If you enjoy styling, occasional dusting becomes part of caring for your space rather than a chore.
  • Grime near the stove is minimized with a good ventilation system. If cooking splatter is a worry, place open shelves away from the cooktop or keep frequently used cookware on lower, more protected storage.
  • Island shelves may attract more dust than wall-mounted shelves, so plan function accordingly.
  • If dust is a persistent issue in your home, improving air filtration or addressing duct cleanliness can reduce buildup on open surfaces.

What open shelving look do you love the most? To make the most of your remodeling dollars, choose classic elements that will bring lasting joy. A kitchen doesn’t need to look sterile to stand the test of time — let it reflect your personality so you’ll enjoy spending time there. A well-loved kitchen can even make routine tasks feel a little brighter.

Love the look of open shelving? Click through for lots of inspiration and tips for what to consider and what not to worry about when incorporating open shelving in a kitchen.