Ideas for kitchen shelves can be hard to visualize, especially since every home's kitchen has its own nuances. That's why we compiled this list of our favorite styles of open shelves, tips for where to place them, and open kitchen shelving ideas and decorating advice. Keep reading below before starting your own project for inspiration and design ideas.

Where to Place Open Shelving

Above Counters

One of the more traditional ways to bring your ideas for kitchen shelves to life is to replace your kitchen cabinets with open shelving. Paint the walls white or put up subway tiles to keep the backsplash clean and simple so your shelves and serveware can shine.

Over a Sink

If there is a shorter cabinet above your sink, you can remove it and place open shelving there. Store dish soaps for easy access. Bonus: Houseplants love humidity. Place a couple on shelving above the sink and watch them thrive.

In a Corner

If you aren't ready to commit to a full wall of open shelves, install one set in a corner. You'll still be able to hide dish towels in cabinets, but you'll be able to display pretty mugs and coffee beans – perfect for a coffee corner or another small space.

In a Breakfast Nook

If you have a breakfast nook, install open shelves to store larger items you don't use every day like sangria carafes or a mortar and pestle.

How to Choose Shelving

When looking for open kitchen shelving ideas, consider the style that best suits your home's style.

If you have a minimalist kitchen design, we love industrial-style shelves. Pare down to just the essentials and let your glassware and serving sets take center stage on these simple shelves.

Keep the transitional style flowing through your kitchen by pairing shiny appliances with rustic wood shelves. Alternatively, you can complement matte black appliances with gold-mirrored shelves. For the most cohesive ideas for kitchen shelves, match the color of the open shelves and cabinets to your island.

If installing open shelving is a bigger project than you had in mind, take the doors off your cabinets instead. Paint the insides a different color to create a bold statement.

Styling Ideas for Kitchen Shelves

Mix It Up

Your shelves don't have to just hold dishes. Keep things interesting by placing a couple of colorful cookbooks in the mix to shake things up. We also love the look of a trio of amphora vases or propping up an intricate cutting board for some extra decor.

Alternate Between Shelves & Hooks

To create an organizer's dream kitchen, install wall hooks near your open shelving. To do this, either alternate by hanging one row of open shelves followed by a row of hooks, or install wall hooks directly underneath open shelves. Either option will help optimize your surface area and wall space.

Create an Open Pantry

Use these open kitchen shelving ideas to create a pantry that also serves as decor. Place canisters and jars along shelves to fill with staples like nuts, spices, baking necessities, and dried pasta. Use labels if you opt for ceramic canisters and can't see what's inside.

Light Up

Show off your shelves with a set of wall sconces. Since most kitchens rely on overhead lighting, it's important to shine light on your shelves, too. If you've placed your shelves in a corner, you may be able to get by with a single sconce.

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