10 Brilliant Kitchen Open Shelf Ideas: My Favorite Creative Ways to Style Kitchen Open ShelvesSophie LiangSep 24, 2025Table of Contents1. Mix Open Shelves with Closed Cabinets2. Use Floating Wooden Shelves3. Add Under-Shelf Lighting4. Play with Asymmetry5. Use Glass Shelves for a Light Look6. Integrate a Mini Herb Garden7. Embrace Open Plate Racks8. Style in Color Blocks9. Combine Metal and Wood10. Create a Coffee or Tea StationFAQTable of Contents1. Mix Open Shelves with Closed Cabinets2. Use Floating Wooden Shelves3. Add Under-Shelf Lighting4. Play with Asymmetry5. Use Glass Shelves for a Light Look6. Integrate a Mini Herb Garden7. Embrace Open Plate Racks8. Style in Color Blocks9. Combine Metal and Wood10. Create a Coffee or Tea StationFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEOne time, I had a client who insisted on placing their coffee mugs on the *very* top open shelf of the kitchen—despite being only 1.55m tall. Every morning became a stretching workout until we re-designed it. That little misstep reminded me: small spaces demand smart solutions, and open shelves can be both beautiful and practical when planned well. So today, I’m sharing my 10 favorite kitchen open shelf ideas I’ve honed over years of projects, so your space looks stunning and stays functional.1. Mix Open Shelves with Closed CabinetsCombining open shelves with standard cabinets gives you the best of both worlds: display your beautiful dishes while hiding the clutter behind closed doors. In my experience, this works brilliantly in L-shaped kitchens and compact apartments. I even mock these combinations in a room planner before starting a project, so I can test aesthetics and flow virtually first.save pin2. Use Floating Wooden ShelvesFloating shelves in natural wood warm up a white or minimalist kitchen instantly. I once used reclaimed oak planks for a rustic feel, but you’ll need to treat them against moisture if they are near the sink area.save pin3. Add Under-Shelf LightingLED strips under the shelves make everything glow—glassware sparkles, cookbooks look intentional, and midnight snacking is easier. The trick is hiding the wiring neatly.save pin4. Play with AsymmetryNot all shelves have to line up perfectly. An asymmetrical arrangement can add visual interest and break the monotony. I often place taller items like pitchers or vases to balance the negative space.save pin5. Use Glass Shelves for a Light LookGlass shelves can make a kitchen feel more open, especially in darker corners. The downside: frequent cleaning due to fingerprints, but the airy effect is worth it.save pin6. Integrate a Mini Herb GardenSmall potted herbs on the shelf keep fresh flavors within arm’s reach and add a splash of green. Just make sure they get enough light—sometimes I plan these near a window or even next to the cooktop with a grow light setup.save pin7. Embrace Open Plate RacksClassic plate racks give your kitchen a cozy, country feel while keeping dishes easy to grab. I once built one into a narrow corner, making use of otherwise wasted space and designed it virtually using a free floor plan creator to check proportions first.save pin8. Style in Color BlocksGrouping items by color can make open shelves look curated instead of cluttered. For example, all white ceramics on one shelf, warm wood elements on another—it creates harmony instantly.save pin9. Combine Metal and WoodMetal brackets with wooden planks can fit industrial, farmhouse, or Scandinavian vibes. It’s sturdy and cost-effective, but be cautious with heavy weights—always check wall studs before drilling.save pin10. Create a Coffee or Tea StationDedicate a shelf to your favorite mugs, beans, teapots, and accessories so your morning routine becomes a little ritual. I planned one recently with my client using a kitchen layout planner, so everything was within perfect reach.save pinFAQ1. Are open shelves practical in a small kitchen? Yes, if you limit them to items you use daily so they don't gather dust.2. How do I keep open shelves from looking cluttered? Stick to a consistent color scheme and group items in sets. Boxes and baskets help too.3. What is the best material for kitchen open shelves? Solid wood is durable and versatile, while glass gives a lighter feel. Metal works for industrial styles.4. How much weight can open shelves hold? It depends on the brackets and wall type—generally 15–30 kg per shelf if installed correctly.5. Should I add lighting to open shelves? Yes, under-shelf lighting enhances both function and style, especially in dim kitchens.6. Are open shelves high maintenance? They do require more frequent cleaning, but using them for everyday items minimizes dust build-up.7. Can I replace upper cabinets with shelves? Absolutely, but plan storage carefully. The NKBA recommends balancing open and closed storage for efficiency (NKBA).8. How can I display mugs and dishes attractively? Arrange by size or color, and alternate stacked and upright placements for variety.Start for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE