6 Open Kitchen Shelving Ideas That Put Cabinets To Shame

With the rise of country kitchen designs, open shelving is gaining popularity as an interesting and efficient addition to the kitchen. While regular cabinets work well, they can close up the room and make the space feel smaller. Open shelves do the opposite. Everything is out on display, which is a multifaceted consideration. On one hand, it may feel a little intimidating to have everything in plain sight, but it also encourages you to keep things in order. Plus, there is no opportunity to shove everything into a cupboard and close the door as if nothing happened. If anything, these shelves are one of the many elements that help people stay on top of kitchen clutter.

Compared to closed cabinets, open shelving is generally more affordable and easier to install since it requires less material. Building on this, it makes it easier to experiment with materials like glass, metal, or stone, which can give your kitchen a whole new look and feel. Ready to find the perfect style for your space? We've compiled a list of different open shelving ideas to help you envision which sort of layout is right for your kitchen, from rustic farmhouse looks to sleek, modular designs.

Categorize and segment with modular boxes

Boxed shelves offer a funky design that breaks up monotony and keeps things organized. What's more, they are often modular, so you can customize the space distribution as needed.

Set up a breakfast nook

Consider carving out a small area of the kitchen for your go-to breakfast items and crockery. Mornings will run smoother with easily accessible food, and you'll be able to better track your inventory.

Maximize space in a walk-in pantry

A walk-in pantry with open shelving is the height of accessibility and convenience. It maximizes storage in the side room while freeing up valuable space in the main kitchen.

Change things up with self-standing options

Whether it's a full-sized or small countertop addition, self-standing open shelves add a visual element while storing your items efficiently.

Fill up empty space across the kitchen

A lot of wall space in a kitchen often goes unused and can be enhanced with open shelving. While there are many stunning and affordable backsplash options, also consider using the space for additional storage.

Coordinate materials to tie the room together

Open shelving can be the perfect way to tie the room together by coordinating colors and materials. Wooden cabinets and shelving throughout will give the space a rustic feel while maintaining efficiency. On the other hand, you can infuse your kitchen with retro charm by pairing shelving in mint green or buttery yellow with classic appliances and playful accessories.

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