22 Ideas How to Style Open Shelves in Kitchen for a Fresh and Fun Look

Styling open shelves in your kitchen can make the whole space feel fresh and inviting. Here are some simple tips and ideas to help you arrange and decorate your shelves with both function and style in mind.

Thinking about swapping out your kitchen cabinets for open shelves? You’re not alone!

Open shelving can make your kitchen feel bigger, more organized, and show off your favorite dishes and glasses.

It might sound a little scary at first, but styling open shelves is actually a lot of fun.

You get to put your personality on display with your go-to mugs, colorful bowls, or even cute plants.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make open shelves look both neat and stylish (without turning into a cluttered mess), you’re in the right place.

Let’s look at simple, creative ways to style those shelves so your kitchen looks great and works for you.

22 Ideas How to Style Open Shelves in Kitchen

Selecting the Best Materials

When it comes to kitchen shelves, wood is probably the most popular pick. It adds warmth and goes with almost any kitchen style.

If you like a more modern look, you might want to try metal or glass instead. Some folks love reclaimed wood because it gives a rustic touch, and it’s also eco-friendly.

For high-humidity kitchens, sealed or painted wood can handle moisture better.

Metal shelves work great if you have a busier kitchen because they’re super sturdy and easy to wipe down.

Finding Your Shelf Style

Open kitchen shelves come in so many styles—classic floating shelves, simple wall-mounted shelves, or even shelves with built-in brackets for a cool industrial feel.

If you want a clean, minimal vibe, floating shelves are a great choice because they look like they’re just hanging in the air.

Looking for something homey? Thick wood shelves add character, especially if you pick a natural finish.

If you want your shelves to blend in, paint them the same color as your kitchen walls.

Need some flair? Mixing shelves with glass or bold brackets can really show off your dishes and cookbooks.

Check out how these 15 easy ways to organize kitchen cabinets like a pro!

Measuring and Placement Tips

Before you buy anything, grab a tape measure—this saves so much time (and headaches) later.

Measure the wall space to make sure your shelves won’t block cabinets, windows, or outlets.

Leave enough vertical space between shelves, usually 12-15 inches, so your plates and glasses fit easily. If your kitchen is small, one long shelf above the countertop can give a clean look without crowding the room.

In bigger kitchens, try stacking two or three shelves to hold more stuff. Always check that your shelf brackets can handle the weight, especially if you’re a fan of heavy dinnerware or lots of jars.

When in doubt, mark it out with painter’s tape first to see how your shelves will look before you put holes in the wall.

Showcasing Everyday Plates and Bowls

Think of your open shelves as a spot where your daily dishes get to shine. Stack plates in neat piles, with the biggest at the bottom, to make things look tidy and easy to reach.

When you stack bowls, try not to pile them too high—nobody wants to deal with a wobbling tower of dishes.

If you use certain plates and bowls every day, keep them on the lower shelves.

It’s handy, and it just looks good when your go-tos are front and center. For a pop of style, group bowls by color or size, or mix in a serving dish or two for a bit of interest.

Organizing Glassware

Glassware looks awesome on open shelves since clear glass catches the light and makes the whole space feel lighter.

Line up your everyday drinking glasses on the middle shelf; it’s easy to grab them but also keeps things from looking cluttered.

Wine glasses and mugs can go on higher shelves if you don’t use them as much.

Try to group your glasses by type—tall ones together, and short ones together—to make everything look calm and organized.

Adding a little tray underneath can also help keep things neat.

Mixing and Matching Pretty Pottery

Pottery adds a homey touch to open shelves. Don’t worry if your pottery pieces don’t all match.

Mixing different shapes, colors, and finishes actually makes things feel cozy and interesting.

You can place a few pottery mugs next to dishware or tuck a quirky bowl between stacks of plain plates.

If you’ve collected pottery over time, show off your favorites at eye level.

It’s fun to mix old and new, bright and neutral, just as long as you leave enough space so nothing feels crammed in.

Adding Baskets for Storage

Baskets are perfect if you want to keep things looking neat, especially when you’ve got small stuff that clutters up your shelves.

Just grab a few different sizes and shapes, and use them for things like snacks, dish towels, or even your baking tools. Check out how Deb and Danelle styled their open kitchen shelves!

You can choose natural woven ones for a rustic vibe or pretty colored baskets if you’re into bold pops.

I love how baskets almost hide the mess but still look cute sitting out in the open.

Plus, they’re easy to move around if you like switching things up. It really feels nice when open kitchen shelves look organized but not too perfect!

Cookbooks and Plants

Cookbooks make your open shelves feel personal and lively. Stack a couple of your favorite recipe books, or lean them upright between bookends.

They don’t have to be fancy—just the ones you use or that have covers you like!

Adding a small plant or two (think herbs, succulents, or even trailing pothos) makes things extra homey.

I always notice my kitchen feels fresher and friendlier with a little greenery. If you don’t feel like watering plants, go for fake ones—no one will mind.

Using Decorative Objects

Decorative objects can really add character to your open kitchen shelves.

Toss in some little vases, cool mugs, or that funny salt and pepper shaker set you love.

Try grouping stuff by color or material, like glass jars together or wooden spoons in a cup.

It’s more fun if you switch things out for holidays or just when you feel like a change.

Your shelves end up telling a bit of your own kitchen story!

Colors and Themes

When you’re choosing pieces for your shelves, stick to a main color scheme.

You might want to keep it chill with whites and soft wood shelves, or you can mix in pretty pottery in blues and greens for some pop.

Grouping similar colors helps everything look less cluttered and more intentional.

If you love a theme, like farmhouse or modern, bring it out in your shelf decor.

For example, white dishes and glass jars look great for a fresh and simple vibe, while bolder colors and patterns give a fun feel.

Optimal Placement for Everyday Use

Put the items you reach for daily—like plates, cups, and bowls—on shelves that are eye-level and easy to grab.

Keep the heavier stuff, like mixing bowls or small appliances, on lower shelves so you don’t have to lift them over your head. Less-used items can sit up higher, out of your way.

Try grouping things by how you use them.

You could stack coffee mugs next to the coffee canister, or keep your favorite spices near the stove.

This way, you can grab what you want without searching everywhere, and your shelves look planned out, not random. A good rule? If you use it a lot, it should be right in front of you.

Accent Walls for Open Shelves

If you want your open shelves to stand out, start by painting or tiling the wall behind them.

A bold color or even a plain white will make your plates and cups really pop.

Adding a shiplap or beadboard behind open shelves gives that cozy, farmhouse vibe.

You can even try a pop of deep green or navy—these shades work pretty well with both wood and metal shelving. And don’t forget about texture.

I love how a brick or stone accent wall gives off an earthy feel.

Just pick something that feels right for your kitchen and the stuff you want to show off.

Adding Wallpaper Patterns

Wallpaper is an easy way to bring a fresh look to your open shelving area.

Whether you like florals, stripes, or even something bold like geometric shapes, there’s a pattern that’ll fit your style.

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is my go-to because it’s easy to put up or change when you want a new look.

You don’t need to wallpaper the entire wall—sometimes just a section behind the shelves makes your whole space feel new.

I think mixing a simple shelf with a busy wallpaper is such a fun way to balance things out.

Your shelves stay practical but look totally unique, too.

Seasonal Rotations

Try swapping out your kitchen decor every season to keep things feeling fun and fresh.

Spring could mean bringing in pretty jars, pastel plates, or even a vase filled with fresh flowers.

You can also add some Easter decorations too!

For example, in the fall, you might add small pumpkins, warm-colored mugs, or wooden accents.

When you do this, you don’t have to buy all new stuff—just rotate what you already have. Store extra dishes or decor in a box and bring them out when the season changes.

This keeps your shelves from feeling cluttered, and it gives you something to look forward to every few months.

Quick Styling Refresh Ideas

Sometimes you just want a fast update that doesn’t take much time.

Maybe you group your glassware in a new way or stack plates differently.

Switching up the order, or adding a new plant or picture, can honestly change the whole vibe.

Try taking everything off your shelves and only putting back what you actually love.

List of quick refreshes:

• Swap out cups or bowls for something with a pop of color.
• Add a small framed photo or handwritten note.
• Place a single decorative item, like a candle or mini vase, for a new vibe.

Personal Collections

Show off things you care about, like pottery from trips or your favorite dishware.

Stack plates or cups in small groups, or line up the mugs you reach for every morning.

Plants in little pots or a couple of cookbooks fit right in with kitchen basics.

Hanging a woven basket or adding a framed photo makes it cozy and lived-in.

The best shelves mix what you use every day with those extras that make you smile.

Mixing Vintage and Modern Finds

Blending old and new gives shelves more personality.

Put a vintage jar next to a modern canister, or pair a retro cake stand with simple white dishes.

Don’t worry about matching everything.

Or set an old metal tray behind new bowls just for the texture and history.

Play around with your favorite things until it feels right.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some creative ways to display items on kitchen open shelves?

Group similar things together—stack plates, line up mugs. Mix up textures like ceramics, wood, and glass. A few small plants or a pretty bowl can totally brighten things up and make it feel personal.

Are there any design tips for incorporating open shelves into a small kitchen space?

Stick with a simple color palette for a tidy look. Matching containers or clear jars for pasta and snacks help keep clutter away. Shorter shelves keep the space from feeling crowded.

What kind of items should I avoid placing on open kitchen shelving?

Skip stuff you rarely use or that gets dusty fast, like special occasion dishes. Open shelves aren’t great for tiny, messy things or food that spoils quickly. Heavy appliances up top? I’d avoid it—they’re tough to reach and just look awkward.

Is it true that open kitchen shelving is becoming less popular, or is it still trendy?

Open shelving hasn’t disappeared. If you’re into a modern or laid-back vibe, it’s honestly still a solid choice at home.

Sure, some folks lean toward classic cabinets, but plenty of designers and homeowners keep reaching for open shelves. This trend isn’t fading away anytime soon!