In the ever-evolving world of kitchen design, open shelving now competes with the ‘out of sight, out of mind’ philosophy. Today’s shelving isn’t just about storage – it's about making a statement.
But if you choose to go the open shelving route, how do you balance practicality with aesthetics?
Here are 8 ways to make open shelving work in your kitchen, creating an intriguing focal point with organisational capacity to boot.
Soho Morello kitchen with white wall shelves and open shelf in kitchen island
Not everything in your kitchen deserves the spotlight.
The mismatched plastic containers from last week's takeaway? The novelty mugs from various holiday destinations? The blender you never use? These are most likely better off stored out of sight.
Reserve your open shelving for items that are genuinely useful or beautiful – or even both. Everything else can find a home behind closed doors or in another room entirely.
The most captivating kitchen displays tell a visual story. They have a certain je ne sais quois that ties everything together.
Consider building your display around a consistent colour palette, like crisp white ceramics with warm wooden accents. Or focus on similar materials – maybe the organic feel of earthenware or the sleek transparency of glass. You might choose a unified theme, showcasing vintage kitchenware pieces or embracing clean, modern minimalist designs.
Keep in mind: you don't need perfect matching sets, which can feel sterile and soulless. Instead, aim for thoughtful connection between items that makes the display feel intentional rather than random.
Soho Balmoral kitchen with matching shelf over counter and wood shelves
Open shelves for cookbooks in blue Shaker-style kitchen cabinets
There's something particularly satisfying about seeing items organised by function or type. For example, you might:
When everything has a logical place, your kitchen workflow becomes intuitive. Cooking feels less chaotic and more seamless.
Even with standard flat shelves, you can create visual intrigue by mixing things up. Enhance your display by thoughtfully arranging items to create dimension. This might include:
This dimensional play creates visual interest that draws the eye around the entire display. It transforms a simple storage solution into something more artistic and considered.
Dunham Pebble Path kitchen with white wall shelves
Wall shelves holding handmade ceramics in Soho kitchen
Think beyond purely functional items and introduce elements that might not traditionally belong in a kitchen. A small framed artwork propped against the wall adds cultural dimension to your culinary space. A vintage kitchen scale or antique utensil brings historical character and a story to tell. Consider adding life with a trailing plant or herb pot that softens the hard lines of your kitchen while connecting your space to nature.
These unexpected touches transform functional storage into something personal and distinctive. They're the conversation-starters and mood-lifters that make your kitchen yours.
Here's a secret many people miss: you don't need to fill every inch of your shelving. Empty space providers essential breathing room that makes everything else look more considered and clutter-free.
Think of it as punctuation for your display – the pauses that give meaning to the whole composition. Strategic negative space highlights your chosen pieces rather than diminishing them.
Soho Misty Moors kitchen with wood wall shelves
Tatton Pebble kitchen with open wood shelves in cabinets and kitchen island
The reality is that one of the biggest challenges of open shelving is maintaining it. Without doors to hide behind, any disarray is immediately visible to anyone who steps into your kitchen.
With this in mind, make it a habit to reassess your shelves every few months. Start by removing items that no longer spark joy or offer usefulness. Next, adjust any groupings that have become messy through daily use – realign cookbooks and restack plates.
And don't forget the practical side: dust accumulates surprisingly quickly on open shelves, so a regular wipe-down keeps everything looking fresh.
Finally, consider seasonal refreshes. Swapping out certain items reflects changing cooking styles or entertaining needs throughout the year.
Ludlow Washed Cotton kitchen with matching wall shelves and panel
Ludlow Arboretum Green kitchen with matching open shelves
A home that looks lived-in is more inviting than one that feels like a museum. Allow for some personality and character in your display. The occasional asymmetry or slightly mismatched item adds charm and tells a story that’s unique to you.
