Best Of 96+ Striking Kitchen Cabinet Design With Open Shelves You Won't Be Disappointed

Open shelving has become increasingly popular in kitchen design, giving homeowners the opportunity to showcase their dishes, glassware, and décor in a unique and stylish way. However, with this trend comes the question of whether or not it is a practical and functional choice for a kitchen. In this article, we will discuss how to make open shelving work in your kitchen and provide some tips for designing and maintaining this type of storage.

Before diving into the design aspect of open shelving, it's important to understand the pros and cons of this type of storage in the kitchen. On the positive side, open shelving can create a sense of openness and airiness in a kitchen, making it feel larger and more spacious. It also allows for easy access to frequently used items and can serve as a decorative feature.

On the other hand, open shelving can be a source of clutter and dust accumulation if not organized properly. It also means that all dishes and items on display must be kept neat and tidy, which can be a challenge for some. Additionally, open shelves do not provide the same level of protection for dishes and glassware as closed cabinets do, leaving them susceptible to damage from cooking and heavy use.

If you've decided that open shelving is the right choice for your kitchen, the next step is to determine the best way to incorporate it into your design. Here are 10 beautiful ideas to inspire you:

1. Floating Shelves: These are shelves that are attached directly to the wall without any visible brackets or supports, giving a clean and modern look to the kitchen.

2. Rustic Wood Shelves: For a cozy and warm feel, opt for wooden shelves with a natural finish. These can also add a touch of texture to an otherwise sleek and modern kitchen.

3. Glass Shelves: If you want to keep the open shelving look but still have some protection for your dishes and glassware, consider using glass shelves. These can also help to reflect light and brighten up the space.

4. Industrial Pipe Shelves: For a trendy and unique look, use industrial piping as brackets for your shelves. This is a great option for a modern or industrial-style kitchen.

5. Corner Shelves: Utilize corner space in your kitchen by installing open shelves that wrap around the corner. This is a great way to maximize storage in a small kitchen.

6. Built-in Shelves: If you have the space, consider incorporating built-in open shelves into your kitchen design. This can create a seamless and cohesive look, especially if the shelves match your cabinetry.

7. Colorful Shelves: Make a statement with brightly colored shelves that add a pop of color to your kitchen. This is a great way to add personality and character to the space.

8. Ladder Shelves: For a unique and functional look, use a ladder as a support for your open shelves. This can add a rustic and charming touch to the kitchen.

9. Open Shelving Island: If you have a kitchen island, consider incorporating open shelves on one side for a functional and stylish storage solution.

10. Floating Shelves with Backing: To create a more defined and organized look, install floating shelves with a backing such as a wooden or metal panel. This can also provide extra stability for your shelves.

Once you have your open shelving installed, the next step is to style it in a way that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Here are some tips for styling your open kitchen shelves:

1. Keep it Simple: Don't overcrowd your shelves with too many items. Instead, opt for a few statement pieces and leave some space between them.

2. Mix and Match: Vary the sizes and shapes of the items on your shelves to create visual interest. Mix in some tall items with shorter ones and add in some curves or angles to break up the straight lines.

3. Use Baskets or Bins: For a more organized look, use baskets or bins to corral smaller items and keep everything looking neat and tidy.

4. Add Greenery: Plants can add life and freshness to your open shelves. Choose small potted plants or herbs to place on your shelves, or hang some trailing plants from the top shelf for a cascading effect.

5. Incorporate Artwork: If you have a large enough shelf, consider displaying some artwork or framed photos to add a personal touch to your kitchen.

When it comes to deciding between open shelving and closed cabinets, there is no right or wrong answer. It ultimately depends on your personal style and needs. Open shelving can be a great choice for those who want to showcase their dishes and décor, while closed cabinets may be better for those who prefer a more streamlined and clutter-free look in their kitchen.

When designing a kitchen with open shelving, it's important to consider the overall style and aesthetic of the space. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

1. Balance: Make sure to balance out the open shelving with other design elements in the kitchen. For example, if you have a lot of open shelves, balance it out with closed cabinets or a kitchen island.

2. Cohesion: Choose shelves that match or complement your cabinetry for a cohesive look. This will help to tie the design of the kitchen together.

3. Functionality: Consider the functionality of your shelves when designing their placement and size. Make sure they are easily accessible and can hold the items you want to display.

4. Maintenance: Keep in mind that open shelves require regular dusting and organizing to keep them looking their best. Be prepared to spend some time maintaining your shelves to ensure they stay clutter-free and neat.

Despite some of the potential challenges, there are many benefits to incorporating open shelving into your kitchen design. These include:

1. Increased Storage: Open shelves can provide extra storage space, especially in small kitchens where cabinet space may be limited.

2. Easy Access: With open shelving, you can easily grab items that are frequently used without having to open and close cabinet doors.

3. Decorative Feature: Open shelves can serve as a decorative feature in your kitchen, showcasing your dishes and adding personality to the space.

4. Budget-Friendly: Open shelving can be a more cost-effective option compared to closed cabinets, as they require less material and labor.

Styling open kitchen shelves can be a fun and creative process. Here are 10 tips to help you achieve a beautifully styled and functional display:

1. Start with a Clean Slate: Before styling your shelves, remove all items and start with a clean slate to help you visualize the space better.

2. Layer Items: Layering items on your shelves can add depth and interest. Place larger items at the back and smaller ones at the front.

3. Use Different Heights: Varying the heights of items on your shelves can create a more dynamic and visually appealing display.

4. Play with Colors: Use items in different colors and textures to add visual interest and create a cohesive look.

5. Use Books as Risers: Stack books or small boxes to create different levels on your shelves for a more interesting display.

6. Add Texture: Incorporate items with different textures, such as woven baskets or ceramic dishes, to add depth and texture to your shelves.

7. Group Similar Items Together: Grouping similar items together, such as all white dishes or all glassware, can create a cohesive and organized look.

8. Don't Overcrowd: Leave some space between items to avoid a cluttered look. This will also make it easier to grab items when needed.

9. Incorporate Seasonal Items: Change up your shelves with the seasons by incorporating seasonal items such as holiday décor or summer-themed dishes.

10. Personalize with Special Items: Don't be afraid to display special items that hold sentimental value, such as a family heirloom or a souvenir from a special trip. This adds a personal touch to your shelves.

If you're looking to create a modern or industrial-style kitchen, open shelving is a great option. Here are some ideas to achieve this look:

1. Use Metal Shelves: Metal shelves can add an industrial and sleek touch to your kitchen. They are also durable and easy to clean.

2. Opt for Minimalist Design: Keep the shelves simple and minimal, with clean lines and a limited number of items on display.

3. Mix and Match Materials: Combine metal shelves with wooden ones for a modern and eclectic look.

4. Incorporate Bold Colors: Add a pop of color with bright shelves or by displaying colorful dishes and glassware.

5. Add Industrial Lighting: Install industrial-style lighting above your open shelves to complete the look.

To keep your open shelves looking their best, here are some tips for organizing and maintaining them:

1. Group Similar Items Together: This not only creates a cohesive look but also makes it easier to find items when you need them.

2. Use Labels: If you have a lot of items on your shelves, consider using labels to help you stay organized.

3. Regularly Dust and Clean: Open shelves can accumulate dust quickly, so be sure to dust them regularly. Wipe down the shelves with a damp cloth as needed.

4. Rotate Items: To keep your shelves looking fresh and new, rotate items on display every now and then.

5. Declutter Often: It's easy for open shelves to become cluttered, so make it a habit to declutter them regularly to keep them looking neat and tidy.