Top 89+ Captivating Kitchen Open Shelving Design Not To Be Missed

Open shelving has become a popular trend in kitchen design, providing both functionality and style. By removing traditional upper cabinets, open shelves create an open and airy feel in the kitchen while also allowing for easy access to frequently used items. If you're considering incorporating open shelving in your kitchen, here are 10 ideas to inspire your design.

1. Minimalist Design - For a sleek and modern look, opt for open shelves with clean lines and minimal hardware. This style works well in small kitchens, as it creates the illusion of more space.

2. Industrial Vibes - Open shelves made from reclaimed wood and metal brackets can add an industrial touch to your kitchen. This style works well in rustic or farmhouse kitchens.

3. Floating Shelves - Floating shelves give the illusion of more space and can be easily customized to fit your kitchen's style. You can choose from a variety of materials such as wood, glass, or metal.

4. Colorful Accents - Use open shelves to add a pop of color to your kitchen. Paint the shelves a bold color or decorate them with colorful dishes and accessories.

5. Glass Shelves - Glass shelves provide a modern and elegant touch to any kitchen. They are also a great way to showcase your beautiful dishware and add a touch of sophistication.

6. Mixed Materials - Don't be afraid to mix and match materials for your open shelves. Combining wood, metal, and glass can create a unique and eye-catching design.

7. Corner Shelves - Utilize the often forgotten corner space in your kitchen with corner shelves. They can be a great spot to display cookbooks or decorative items.

8. Open Pantry - If you have a small kitchen with limited cabinet space, open shelves can serve as a pantry. Use baskets and bins to organize your food items and create a stylish and functional pantry.

9. Open Shelving Island - Incorporate open shelving into your kitchen island to add extra storage and display space. This is also a great way to break up a large kitchen and create a focal point.

10. Open Shelves with Lighting - Add under-cabinet lighting to your open shelves for a dramatic and functional effect. The lights will not only illuminate your shelves but also create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your kitchen.

If you're still unsure about incorporating open shelves into your kitchen, take a look at these 25 stunning examples for inspiration:

1. Bright and Airy Kitchen with White Open Shelves

2. Rustic Farmhouse Kitchen with Reclaimed Wood Shelves

3. Modern Kitchen with Sleek Black Open Shelves

4. Industrial Kitchen with Metal and Wood Shelves

5. Colorful Kitchen with Painted Open Shelves

6. Minimalist Kitchen with Floating Shelves

7. Traditional Kitchen with Glass Open Shelves

8. Chic Kitchen with Mixed Material Open Shelves

9. Cozy Kitchen with Corner Shelves

10. Small Kitchen with Open Pantry Shelves

11. Open Shelving Island in a Large Kitchen

12. Modern Kitchen with Under-Cabinet Lighting on Open Shelves

13. Contemporary Kitchen with Glass and Metal Open Shelves

14. Farmhouse Kitchen with White Brick and Wood Shelves

15. Colorful Kitchen with Floating Wood Shelves

16. Boho Kitchen with Rustic Open Shelves

17. Open Shelves with Woven Baskets for a Cozy Touch

18. Scandinavian Kitchen with Sleek White Shelves

19. Coastal Kitchen with Glass and Rope Shelves

20. Transitional Kitchen with Mixed Material Open Shelves

21. Traditional Kitchen with Open Shelves for Displaying China

22. Industrial Kitchen with Pipe Shelves

23. Modern Kitchen with Bold Blue Open Shelves

24. Chic Kitchen with Gold Accented Shelves

25. Small Kitchen with Corner Open Shelves for Extra Storage

When designing your kitchen with open shelves, there are a few factors to consider:

1. Placement - Decide where you want your open shelves to be located. Common placement options include above the sink, around the range or cooktop, or in a designated pantry area.

2. Materials - Choose materials that complement your kitchen's style and color scheme. Common options include wood, glass, metal, or a mix of materials.

3. Organization - Open shelves can easily become cluttered, so it's important to have a plan for organizing your items. Use baskets, bins, and dividers to keep things tidy and visually appealing.

4. Balance - Open shelves can create an unbalanced look if not placed strategically. Consider balancing the open shelves with closed cabinets or a backsplash to create a cohesive design.

If you're ready to incorporate open shelves into your kitchen design, here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Measure the Space - Before purchasing or building your shelves, make sure to measure the space where they will be installed. This will ensure a proper fit and help you determine the size and number of shelves needed.

2. Choose the Right Brackets - The brackets that hold your shelves in place should not only be sturdy but also complement your shelves' style. Consider options such as metal, wood, or hidden brackets for a sleek and minimal look.

3. Consider Weight Capacity - Depending on what you plan to display on your shelves, it's important to consider the weight capacity of your chosen materials and brackets. You don't want to risk your shelves collapsing under the weight of your items.

4. Plan for Lighting - As mentioned before, incorporating under-cabinet lighting can add a dramatic effect to your open shelves. Make sure to plan for this when designing and installing your shelves.

There are pros and cons to both open shelving and closed cabinets in kitchen design. Here are a few to consider:

To summarize, here are the main pros and cons of open shelving in kitchen design:

To ensure your open shelves look stylish and organized, here are 10 tips for styling them:

1. Mix and match textures and materials for a visually appealing display.

2. Use baskets or bins to group items together and keep them organized.

3. Display items of varying heights for a dynamic look.

4. Incorporate plants or other natural elements for a fresh touch.

5. Consider using a color scheme to tie the items on your shelves together.

6. Use cookbooks or other decorative items as bookends to keep items from falling over.

7. Display items in odd numbers for a more visually appealing look.

8. Rotate items on your shelves periodically to keep the display fresh and interesting.

9. Use decorative storage containers to add a stylish touch and hide clutter.

10. Don't be afraid to leave some empty space on your shelves for a clean and minimal look.

If you're worried about the lack of storage options with open shelves, here are some solutions to consider:

1. Use a combination of open shelves and closed cabinets for a balance of style and functionality.

2. Incorporate a pantry area with open shelves and baskets for storing food items.

3. Utilize the space above your cabinets for additional storage with decorative baskets or bins.

4. Install hooks on the underside of your shelves to hang mugs or other items, freeing up shelf space.

5. Use stackable containers or bins to maximize space on your shelves.

If you're feeling handy, here are some DIY open shelving ideas for your kitchen:

1. Use reclaimed wood to create rustic shelves with unique character.

2. Repurpose old crates or pallets to create open shelving.

3. Use copper pipes and wood to create industrial-style shelves.

4. Build floating shelves with hidden brackets for a sleek and modern look.

5. Paint and distress an old ladder for a unique and functional shelving unit.

Open shelving is a versatile and stylish option for any kitchen design. Whether you prefer a modern, industrial, or farmhouse style, there is an open shelving design that will suit your needs. With these ideas and tips, you can create a functional and beautiful kitchen with open shelves. So don't be afraid to ditch those upper cabinets and embrace the open shelving trend in your kitchen design.