Open shelves in the kitchen: pros and cons, reviews, interior photos

Open shelves are increasingly found in design projects. This solution has many advantages, for example, expanding space, saving space - but there are also disadvantages. It’s easy to get lost in the variety of options, but they also have different functional features - we’ll look at them today. The first place to start when choosing open shelves for the kitchen is to weigh all the pros and cons of such a finish.

Advantages

Most often, open shelves are chosen only because it is fashionable now. This design has not yet become boring to the eye, so it instantly adds uniqueness to the room. But appearance and trend are far from the only advantages of such a solution.

Convenience and visibility

• In a kitchen with open shelves, even a guest can find what he needs. All utensils, spices, and dishes are right in front of your eyes, so not a minute will be wasted looking for the right item.
• The top shelves of the sets are rarely used because they are quite difficult to reach. With ordinary open shelves this problem will not arise, since the housewife herself chooses the installation height.
• Another nuance that relates to convenience is easy and quick installation and dismantling. Even a beginner can handle this with his own hands without any problems.

Space saving

• Shelves are often chosen to be not so deep compared to wall cabinets, so space will be saved, which is especially important in a small kitchen, for example, in a Khrushchev-era apartment.
• Such shelves do not restrict movement and action, because there is no door, a place for opening which must also be provided.
• Due to this saving of space, time is also saved: there is less waiting for the headset from the factory and it is assembled faster. This means that the repair will be completed faster, which is also an important factor.
• And here there is another option that may be important to some: time is not wasted opening and closing the door. In addition to saving time, this can also be quite convenient when your hands are busy.

Visual expansion of space

Shelves do not clutter up the design, such as wall cabinets, which in turn makes the space more spacious.
Many people encounter this feeling when they renovate: a room without furniture seems very spacious, but with it there may not be enough space. In addition, shelves, compared to wall-mounted sets, block light much less and fill the room with it, making it visually more spacious. A little life hack! If the shelves are made of glass or glossy materials, they will become almost invisible and weightless - just what you need for a small kitchen.

Space for imagination

Not only can the appearance and shape of the shelves be absolutely anything: from homemade to the most extravagant designer ones, but you can also come up with a unique decor for them. The filling of the shelves also depends only on the housewife: it can be standard cereals in jars or exotic figurines and a samovar.

Saving! The advantage is that the decor can be changed periodically and, thus, “updating” the kitchen design with small means.

Versatility

Versatility in relation to open shelves can be considered in two aspects:

• anything can be stored on them;
• they will suit any interior.

Yes, open shelves and their contents will differ in different design styles, but such a solution will be appropriate in almost any interior. The main thing is to beat him correctly.

Price

Open shelves can completely replace a wall-mounted set, which will have a positive effect on the final cost of the kitchen. Repair is a very expensive pleasure, on which you always want to save money.

Basic collection: wall shelves for the kitchen Stolplit

To implement your own individual project, you can contact custom furniture manufacturers. Or to manufacturers focused on typical small kitchens. As an example, we can consider the products of the Stolplit company, which produces wall-mounted and closed shelves for the kitchen, in the dimensional standard of Khrushchev and post-Khrushchev buildings. They fit perfectly into small modern new buildings.

Wall shelf model "Marseille"

Stolplit offers open wall shelves for the kitchen: cantilever (Marseille model), cantilever with a back wall (Terra Comfort, Dreams), sectional shelves (Nika, Amelie, Cleo). Despite their laconic appearance, they make a pleasant impression, and at a price they leave even IKEA behind.

Flaws

This solution also has disadvantages. And the main one probably comes to mind on its own. Let's start with it.

Dust

Yes, dust likes to settle everywhere. And if it settles on top of wall cabinets - where you can pretend that it doesn’t exist at all - then this is unacceptable with shelves. Dust will be especially noticeable on glass shelves, which look so good in small kitchens.

There is another problem - carbon deposits. Most often, this only applies to gas stoves, but can occur during active cooking and with alternative appliances. A partial solution to this problem is a powerful hood, but you cannot be sure that such a measure will keep all things stored on open shelves clean.

Less functionality

Yes, beautiful transparent jars filled with spices or tea look very nice, but this violates the storage conditions of the products - such things should be stored in a dark and cool place. This means that you will have to look for a new place. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with our material on storing spices.

The same applies to large items - for example, household appliances like a coffee maker, which are often stored in wall cabinets.
Placing them on a shelf is not the best idea, since the mount may not hold up, and it will not always be aesthetically pleasing. A simple solution! You don’t have to completely abandon the wall-mounted set, but combine it with open shelves. Originality will not be lost because of this, and functionality will remain.

Danger

Yes, a wall-mounted set can also fall from overload, but this happens much less often than with shelves. In addition, something from a shelf can tip over and break, glass can get into the borscht on the stove - and this is not always easy to notice.

Littering

If at first they try to monitor the filling of the shelves and put them in order more often, then later more and more items appear there, not always beautiful and chosen in style. Extra items create a cluttered effect. It is worth noting that it is quite easy to get rid of it - just “declutter” the shelf, that is, throw away everything unnecessary.

Extra purchases

If cereals are stored in a closed, hanging unit, then they can be in branded packaging or a well-worn container - in this case, no one cares about the appearance. If the cereal is now stored on open shelves, then you need to choose a beautiful container. This will result in significant time and financial costs.

Reviews

It is worth considering real reviews from those who have already decided to take a similar step and have formed a complete opinion about open shelves in the kitchen.

Irina, 28 years old: “I have a distance between the refrigerator and the wall, and my husband built a shelf on wheels, which often appears on the Internet. Yes, it’s convenient, you can put a lot of things there. But how much dust collects there! The items are small and you have to constantly rinse them. If the kitchen were more spacious, I would buy a closed cabinet and put everything there - dust wouldn’t get in there.”

Katerina, 35 years old: “I decided to make a white glossy kitchen without upper cabinets, but with shelves instead. Dust collects instantly and is clearly visible, although light colors are famous for the fact that dust is not so noticeable. In general, my immediate plans are to order wall cabinets, where some of the shelves are closed and some are open: it’s beautiful, but most things are still hidden. And I didn’t think about my things - there’s nowhere to store cereals, spices, and I don’t want to put them in sunlight.”

Lera, 20 years old: “I don’t even understand what’s beautiful about open shelves. Maybe it looks good in the photo, but I don’t believe that this order will remain two hours after the photo. It’s like on Instagram - everyone there is beautiful. There’s no time in life to think about the aesthetics of arranging cups with a blue border.”

You can also read Dasha’s opinion from the video.

Open shelves in the kitchen: yes or no?! 6+

Nastya, 26 years old: “I have a small apartment in Khrushchev with a tiny kitchen. In life, I am a minimalist and make do with a minimum number of things. Yes, yes, even in the kitchen. That is why I abandoned the wall unit and hung only a dish drainer above the sink, and above it a shelf with green flowers. I am very pleased with the feeling of lightness and space in the microscopic kitchen. But it’s not for everyone, yes.”

Evgeniya, 40 years old: “I really love lightness and space in the kitchen. If I lived alone, I would generally leave the walls bare. But since my husband lives with me, and he also likes to cook (this is a plus, yes), I hung a couple of combined fronts - there I have both closed cabinets and open shelves, which lighten the interior at least a little. On the shelves I store cups, coffee, a coffee maker and other things that are used often - the dust simply does not have time to build up.”

What can you supply?

Open shelves are still so unusual that sometimes the question arises: “What can I put there?” The answer is simple: whatever you want. The main thing is to choose the right shelf. Filling options may include:

• tableware is everyday, festive or simply beautiful;
• spices;
• bulk products such as cereals, flour or pasta;
• sugar bowl, bowl of honey;
• figurines;
• kitchen scales;
• watch;
• a container/basket with towels, a tablecloth or a large number of small items;

• appliances, such as a microwave oven or meat grinder;
• fresh or artificial flowers;
• trays;
• vases;
• candlesticks;
• cake maker;
• coffee maker;
• functional or decorative teapot;
• detergents;
• bottles.

This list can last for a long time, and will be limited only by the owner’s imagination.

Look for decor in your closet

Anything that has a beautiful label (like the alcohol bottles in the picture below) can become a decorative element in a group. Cute boxes of tea and jars of jam can play the same role. You can also take identical clear jars and fill them with flour, rice and similar foods with interesting colors and textures.

Material selection

The point that you should quickly decide on in order to facilitate the search for the ideal shelf is the material from which it will be made. Wood is considered a classic option, since the set is made from it. This solution looks great in Provence style.

Now you can approach the choice of material with all your imagination, since designers are so original that they make shelves from:

• artificial stone,
• plastic,
• glass
• and even metal.

Wood is universal, which is why it is most often chosen. Wooden shelves are durable and practical, they are easy to make with your own hands and secure.

Glass

Glass models are just as practical, but they look very unusual and light. Glass allows light to pass through and is easy to keep clean. The main thing is to use only hardened material. The downside is that it is quite difficult to make such a shelf with your own hands, and for installation you need special fasteners with:

• rubber gasket;
• clamping screws.

This will secure the glass as securely as possible and prevent accidental falls.

Plastic

Plastic is a cheap material that does not require special care, but it should not be placed near a stove, especially a gas stove. Plastic shelves themselves are not the strongest, so this material is rarely used in the kitchen, although it is easy to work with even with your own hands. On them you can place:

• small vases and figurines;
• Photo frame;
• light dishes;
• seasonings in jars.

Often there are fantasy-shaped shelves, which will help emphasize the originality of the interior.

Metal

Originality is the main feature of metal shelves. It is better to choose items made of stainless steel or other metals that do not corrode - otherwise they will not survive the microclimate of the kitchen. It is difficult to work with metal at home, so you should pay attention to ready-made options. They can be of different shades: for example, chrome-plated or gold-plated.

This material has many advantages:

• reliability - even with a small thickness they can withstand significant loads (with proper fastening);
• durability;
• beauty;
• easy to clean.

The most popular option for a metal shelf is a mesh basket for storing and drying freshly washed dishes.

Stone

Real stone weighs a lot and requires special care, so it is rarely used. But the artificial one is much lighter and more flexible, so it can be attached almost anywhere. Most often such shelves are located:

• above the fireplace - real or fake;
• above a tabletop made of the same material;
• in the side columns.

Artificial stone is environmentally friendly, durable and looks elegant in almost any design.

Other modern materials

Sometimes there are shelves that seem to have been cut out of the wall, as in the photo above. In fact, you don’t need to saw anything - this design is very easily made from plasterboard mounted on metal profiles. The main thing is to finish this work with putty to hide the seams. Then you can show your imagination and decorate it in any way, but most often they paint it to match the walls.

There are options for shelves made of chipboard or MDF. Their peculiarity is the presence of a hidden fastening, which creates the feeling that the shelf is simply floating. But there is also a minus - such a mount is not strong enough, so it is better not to place heavy objects on such a covering.

The main thing when choosing a shelf is to find a texture that will harmonize with the overall interior of the kitchen. For example, glossy steel shelves are suitable only for modern styles such as fusion, minimalism, hi-tech.

What you need to know when choosing a shelf design for your kitchen space

Open models are traditionally used to save space in small kitchens. The use of such structures allows you to visually increase the volume of the room. In turn, closed shelves are suitable for spacious rooms. Open designs can be complemented with wicker baskets, which are indispensable for storing fruit.

Beautiful open shelves can decorate the kitchen

Decorative wooden shelves primarily serve as decoration in the interior. Most often, such structures have a small width. On them you can place various items related to kitchenware or design elements on a culinary theme.

Wooden products can be equipped with lighting. Glass structures are also often backlit, which looks even more impressive. A simple option to add lightness to the interior is to install grid shelves. Such products are made of metal and are quite popular today. Metal kitchen shelves are strong and durable. Open models go well with closed kitchen cabinets.

It is worth noting that neutral colors are suitable for open shelves, such as:

• white;
• black;
• grey.

Helpful information! Most often, the color of the shelves is selected depending on the shades of the walls and kitchen units.

The design of a shelf on the wall also depends on the overall style of the room. If the walls are painted in dark colors, then in this case products of the same color on which white dishes are located look impressive.

The shelves should be in harmony in color with the walls and the overall interior of the kitchen

Decorative lighting is a very popular option for decorating a kitchen. And finally, when choosing a suitable design, you should focus on personal preferences and not be afraid to experiment.

Mounting options

The second thing you need to decide on when choosing an open shelf for the kitchen is the mounting. The shelf can be built-in, wall-mounted or hanging. Each type has its own characteristics that need to be analyzed.

Built into the wall

In old houses, there are often niches in the kitchen where open shelves naturally suggest themselves. If you place them in the same plane as the wall, this will visually smooth out sharp corners and make the room more harmonious. In addition to the shelves, you can build in a washing machine, dryer or cabinet.

In this option, either a shelving unit is built into the niche or shelves are made of plasterboard. The second method is much more impressive and not the most expensive, and the result is amazing: the shelves look like part of the wall.

Built into a kitchen island or façade

A kitchen island is a free-standing cabinet unit that is usually located in the center of the kitchen. This is a very convenient and functional solution, which, unfortunately, can only be afforded by housewives of large kitchens.

Shelves can be built into either side of the island and store kitchen utensils or recipe books there. You must approach the issue of stored items carefully, since small children can easily reach this area.

But owners of small kitchens cannot be ignored either: in this way, shelves can be built into any façade.

Hanging

It is not always possible to build in shelves or simply hang them on the wall. In this case, the ceiling comes to the rescue - thanks to a special fastening, the shelf can be mounted to it. Such decor will instantly add style and uniqueness to the kitchen, but aesthetically and practically such a solution is not always justified: only those things that are rarely used can be stored there, since access is difficult. For example:

• flowers in pots;
• textile;
• rarely used utensils.

Moreover, if a suspended ceiling is already installed in the kitchen, then attaching such a shelf is difficult.
Idea! A good solution would be to equip such a shelf with small sides to avoid things tipping over.
On the modern market you can find the option of combined fastening: simultaneous to both the walls and the ceiling. Such specimens cannot be called elegant, so for a small kitchen they must be selected very carefully, or better yet, abandoned altogether. But this design is reliable and will definitely withstand heavy loads.

Wall mounted

Wall-mounted open shelves are the most standard option that immediately comes to mind when it comes to a shelf. They are created in a huge number of different shapes, sizes and designs. Even among them you can find differences in fastening:

• the standard option is a bracket that is located under the shelf;
• a modern option is a hidden mount.

For hidden mounting, you need to purchase a special shelf with this option - most often they are made of chipboard and MDF. A hole is drilled in the wall into which a special fastener is inserted, resembling an ordinary long nail.

Later, the shelf itself, in which there are special holes for this purpose, is mounted on this nail. Such shelves look very stylish, because the fastening does not take away attention, but storing something heavy on them is not the best option: the shelf can “sag” and things can tip over.

Several recommendations for choosing shelves for the kitchen

A wide range of models often makes it difficult to find the shelf needed for a specific case. When choosing these products, you should focus on several important points. First of all, you should decide on the purpose of the shelf in the interior. It can be functional or decorative. Many models combine both.

First of all, before purchasing shelves, you need to decide on their purpose.

If the function of the shelf will be to store dishes, then it is necessary to take into account in advance what kind of load will be placed on the structure. The most reliable models are made of stone and metal. Wooden products are also a good option, but they require reliable fastening. Shelves made of chipboard and fiberboard are not very durable. Especially when they are long, so it is not recommended to use them for storing bulky items.

The shelf can be installed directly on the table. This option is very convenient for storing pepper shakers and salt shakers. It is recommended that the shelf on the table be made of the same material as the main piece of furniture.

The dimensions of the shelf must correspond to the items that will be placed on it in the future. Interesting wall shelves are made of tempered glass. Transparent designs add lightness to the interior. Before purchasing a shelf, it is also important to determine the number of tiers. The simplest models are single-tiered and made from one board, which is fixed with metal hinges. Multi-storey structures go well with wall cabinets.

Note! Multi-storey structures are best suited for storing small items. It is recommended to place larger kitchen utensils on single-tier shelves.

Where to place it?

There are also situations when you want open shelves, but there are no options where to place them. It is better to avoid the space above the stove so that drops of grease do not fall on the shelf. You can also take a closer look at the combined options for facades, which effectively combine closed cabinets and open shelves. It will look great there:

• coffee grinder;
• cookbooks;
• spice mills.

Such combined facades can be located both in place of the hinged and lower sets.

Lower cabinets with open shelves are more practical and have another undeniable advantage: they are perfect for a narrow kitchen where it may be difficult to open the door.

A selection of the following options will help spark your imagination.

In the corner

Usually the corners of kitchens are empty, so housewives do not pay attention to them when planning or renovating. But such a solution can be the most advantageous option, since a lot of new storage space is created literally out of nothing: the shelves will not be conspicuous or hide the space, but will give freedom of action, unloading the main work area.

In the rack

Shelving is an unusual solution for the kitchen, but it is becoming more and more common. Usually they decorate an entire wall: from beginning to end. But such a design may seem massive, so it is only permissible in a spacious kitchen.

The advantage is that you get a lot of storage space for things: from household supplies to household appliances, such as a food processor or steamer.

To prevent the rack from looking cluttered, you can insert special boxes into it, and put the utensils in them.

You can also place a shelving unit in a small kitchen, but the size will, of course, be different. Usually it is mounted above the work area from the sink to the stove. Moreover, it is better to avoid shelves above the stove itself to avoid contamination and, in the worst case, a fire.

Above the island

We have discussed the option of shelves built into the kitchen island above. But there is another way to give the space more functionality - hanging shelves above the island. This solution will instantly attract attention and make the kitchen more original and cozy. The main thing is to put away things that are not often used.

Instead of wall cabinets

Some housewives dare to have a kitchen without upper cabinets. If you are not ready for this yet, then there are two popular placement options for open shelves:

• on both sides of the window - most often used in country houses where the sink is located near the window. In such cases, shelves for clean dishes are placed around it;
• on both sides there are hoods - shelves with their bottoms will protect the wall and ceiling from splashes of grease, and their symmetrical arrangement will give harmony to the kitchen. They store dishes and other decor on such shelves, since food can spoil due to high temperatures.

Wall shelves can be hung almost anywhere, the main thing is to figure out what to fill them with.

Around the doorway

Often there is a lot of space left around the doorway that is not used in any way, because standard storage systems simply do not fit there. This problem can be easily solved by shelves of shallow depth, which you can fix with your own hands.

It is best to give preference to wall shelves with hidden fastenings - this will instantly add originality to the room. It is best to store cookbooks, beautiful dishes and all sorts of cute little things in such a space.

In what style are they appropriate?

Thanks to the variety of shapes, colors, and materials, open shelves can fit into almost any interior, except classic and rococo, which like to emphasize luxury and sophistication in everything. It is simply inappropriate for such styles to “save” on doors when it is possible to make them glass and once again emphasize the elegance of the interior.

Open shelves will fit into simpler designs without any problems. As usual, each design direction has its own characteristics, which we will briefly list.

Country/Provence

These two directions always go side by side. Some even call Provence French country. The main goal of the style is to create a cozy atmosphere of a country house, so open shelves will look quite appropriate. The filling is also simple: flower pots and beautiful ceramic plates with a pattern. The shelves themselves are made of wood; if desired, you can add a light curtain made of natural fabric with a pattern.

Modern styles

Modern, high-tech, loft or minimalism are also not against open shelves. The main thing is that they should be as simple as possible without unnecessary decor. It is better to choose glass or metal from materials. The content should be functional, decor should be kept to a minimum. Neutral colors - black, white, gray.

Scandinavian style

The Scandinavian style loves functionality and closeness to nature. That is why the most common option for open shelves in a kitchen in a similar interior is combined with closed cabinets made of wood. This is both stylish and functional, because everything unnecessary can be removed behind the door.

Family photographs, images of nature or landmarks will look good as decor on open shelves. Colors are also selected only those that are found in nature. Dark green is at the peak of popularity now.

IKEA shelves - modern classics

IKEA has breathed new life into such a simple piece of furniture as a wall-mounted shelf for a modern-style kitchen. Their products have no equal in terms of price – quality – expressiveness. The designers thought through all possible color options and adaptations to different styles. They did not move away from utilitarianism, but made kitchen shelves a powerful decorative element of the interior. The only “but” is that despite the wide range of models, all the wall shelves from IKEA have become rather familiar.

Wall shelves from IKEA

How to organize an open storage system?

1. One of the main life hacks is attaching the railing to the shelf. This will significantly free up your work space, since a huge number of things can be carried on the railing:

• ladles;
• knives;
• paper towels;
• graters;

• potholders;
• dishwashing detergent with sponge;
• cutting boards.

The main thing is not to overdo it so that the kitchen does not look cluttered.

1. On the open shelves themselves (at least the lower ones) you should place only those dishes that are often used - this way the surface will not become dirty and dusty, and the plates and cups will be wiped periodically.

2. To store bulk products, it is better to purchase beautiful, identical containers. It is worth noting that all chips and scratches will be noticeable, so it is better to get rid of such dishes immediately or at least hide them behind the door. But cardboard, paper or plastic packaging, even in perfect condition, are not allowed on an open shelf.
3. A collection of cookbooks or wine will look beautiful. If you need to place a lot of small and not very beautiful items, it is better to choose a container for them that matches the style of the kitchen.
4. If you want to store beautiful plates on open shelves, it is better not to put them in a pile, but to place them in a row with their backs facing the wall. To prevent plates from falling, the shelves are provided with transverse beams or sides. If you don't have them, you can buy special plate holders.

5. There are also interesting options for storing glass bottles, such as wine, on open shelves. Special holes are made in the bottom of the shelf into which the neck is inserted - in this case the bottles are stored at an angle.
6. Additional storage space for rarely used items can be arranged on a shelf directly under the ceiling. It should be wide enough to accommodate and hold pots, three-liter jars or a box of small utensils. Such a shelf will not be noticeable, but will greatly add functionality to the kitchen.

How to hang a shelf yourself

The preparatory stage in installing the profile is the precise marking of its future location. To do this you will need a pencil, ruler and level. Measure the required height with a level and make notches with a pencil, which will be the place where the entire structure is attached to the wall.

The quality of installation and selection of hardware and other fastening devices depends on the material of the future decor. For wooden structures, you should stock up on metal corners and anchor bolts. Using a drill, drill a hole in the wall at the designated markings. Connect the corner to the shelf using screws, then drive it into the wall.

The process of connecting metal shelves to the wall is not very different from the stages of installing wooden ones. The corner holders must be thicker to support the weight of the creation itself.

Glass shelves in the kitchen interior require special decorative fasteners, an electric drill, ready-made shelf holders (if required) and so on. Holes are made in the profile for future dowels. The resulting structure is attached to the wall with self-tapping screws. If you are installing a corner shelf, then in this case you should additionally install a holder on each wall.

The wall on which the element in question will be located has a different surface and coating structure. Because of this, there are several nuances regarding fastening:

1. Concrete wall. For such a field of action you will need a hammer drill, drills, screws and dowels. Using powerful pressure from the hammer drill onto the surface, drill the required holes without affecting any possible wiring. Insert dowels with self-tapping screws and then attach the shelves in the kitchen. A photo of this process clearly shows the listed actions.
2. Tiled wall. This coating material is extremely fragile, so you need to drill as carefully as possible. To do this, you need to wipe off the gloss from the cladding at the fastening points. Using a thin drill, without pressing, make a hole in the tile, then change the drill to a smaller diameter and continue the process of drilling directly into the wall itself under the tile.

Lighting

Since with open shelves there is more main lighting compared to a wall-mounted set, there is no need to think additionally about light. The only exception is when the shelves are too dark, or there is a desire to highlight the items on them. In such cases, you can make spotlights either on the same shelf or on the bottom of the shelf above.

The best option would be an LED strip that runs along the surface of wood or metal. You need to be careful with glass, because light penetrating through it can still blind your eyes due to its brightness.

If the shelves are located above the work area, a good option would be to add lighting at the bottom to make cooking in the evenings more comfortable.

Design ideas

Thanks to backlit models, it is possible to significantly expand the functionality of the kitchen space. These luminous products are complemented by a system of LED modules, spotlights or sconces; they are also sometimes decorated with a mirror wall, which allows you to give the room a special soft and diffused glow.

Quite an extravagant solution is represented by unusual designs that have a non-standard shape or multi-colored design, which contribute to the creation of a not always practical, but quite creative design.

The photo shows a kitchen interior with hanging green shelves of an unusual shape.

In order to emphasize the originality of the interior, carved products are used. Warm and cozy material with all kinds of patterns, especially harmoniously combined with a variety of jars, clay pots, wicker, wooden decor and other kitchen utensils. Forged shelves look no less advantageous, giving the decor a certain rarity, solidity and chic.

How to decorate?

Selecting decor for open shelves is a very interesting, but also responsible matter. There are several steps that will help you get the perfect result.

1. If there is something on the shelf, it must be removed. The canvas that we will paint must be clean.
2. Search in the closet, on the balcony and similar places. It's time for those things that "will be useful someday": all the beautiful jars with unusual labels are taken out, cleaned and inspected for damage. If everything is fine at this stage, then the item has a chance to go on the shelf. The main thing is that it matches the style.
3. Identify what is frequently used and put it on the bottom shelf. These could be your favorite mugs or wine glasses. It is not necessary to display the entire set - if two glasses are often used, then they should be displayed so that dust does not spread.
4. Use of books. Ideally, this would be a culinary theme, of course, but simply beautiful publications would also do. Even with such an element, it is important to respect the style: a luxurious antique book with a gold spine will look out of place in a minimalist kitchen.
5. Careful selection. All cracked or unsightly items should be removed from the shelf, even if they are very dear to your heart. The same applies to single items. An even number of things is best - it gives a feeling of harmony.

6. Unusual shape. A simple technique will help make the content more interesting and unique: collecting things in piles. If you put a cup in another cup and do the same with the gravy boats, the interior will become more comfortable. You can do the same with saucers, and put a beautiful bowl on top. The main thing is not to combine identical things in this way.
7. Choice of material. If you combine many different materials on one shelf, you can overload the interior. It is better to choose one or, at most, two materials for the composition.
8. Landscaping. A win-win option for kitchen decoration. If you don’t want to use real flowers, you can always choose artificial ones.

With all this variety of options for how to decorate open shelves, it is important not to overdo it with the decor.

There is one very simple rule here - it should be convenient for the housewife to get a specific item without touching others. If you had to move something away, then it’s better to get rid of such decor.

Open shelves for the kitchen: the best solutions for organizing space

Useful tips

The design of any kitchen, regardless of style, can be complemented with open shelves. They are beautiful and practical to use. Profiles can be placed on different walls, strictly proportionally or in discord, because any placement gives an excellent aesthetic appearance. The desired aesthetics are filled not only by the shapes, but also by the material of manufacture. Wood, glass, metal give a feeling of prosperity, plastic, plasterboard look a little simpler, but a wider range of shapes can be considered from such materials.

Open designs are not only attractive in appearance, but also play a working role, storing a lot of utensils. It’s doubly nice when you make kitchen shelves with your own hands. Photos of all possible options for decorative elements show how functional they are.

Conclusion

Open shelves are still new, but already fashionable design for the kitchen wall. Before you decide on it, you need to figure out where the shelves will be located and what will be on them. If you approach your choice responsibly, the risk will be justified by an amazing result.

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