Small Kitchen Shelf Ideas: Practical Open Shelving Designs

Incorporating open shelving into a small kitchen can make the space feel more open and airy. Practical open shelving designs allow you to neatly display dishes, glassware and kitchen tools while also adding visual interest. With some planning and creativity, open shelves can be an excellent addition to any tiny kitchen.

Benefits of Open Shelving in Small Kitchens

Installing open shelves in a small kitchen has many advantages:

Creates the illusion of more space – Removing upper cabinets and replacing them with open shelves opens up the room visually.
Allows you to access items easily – Open shelves make items readily available instead of having to open up cabinet doors. This saves time when cooking and prepping food.
Displays items in an attractive way – Open shelves allow you to elegantly display dishes, glassware, pots and pans. It adds style and personality to the kitchen.
Makes your kitchen feel more open and airy – The absence of imposing upper cabinets gives the impression of higher ceilings and a less crowded space.
Easy to install – Many open shelving units come ready to mount on a wall. No need to do major renovations.

Factors to Consider Before Installing Open Shelves

While open shelves have their advantages, there are a few things to consider first:

Lack of storage space – Removing upper cabinets means losing a lot of hidden storage space. Make sure you have enough room in lower cabinets, drawers and pantry space.
Keeping shelves tidy – Open shelves require some work to keep them looking neat and organized since everything is visible.
Protecting items from grease – The open design means your shelves and dishware will need cleaning more often to prevent grease build up.
Choosing durable dishes – Delicate dishware may chip more easily than when enclosed in a cabinet. Opt for durable plates, bowls and glasses.

Small Kitchen Open Shelf Ideas and Design Tips

Shelving Above the Sink

Installing a long open shelf above the kitchen sink is a smart choice. This area tends to have dead space that can be utilized. Use the shelves to display canned goods, soaps, spices and stainless steel pots. Add a hanging utensil bar underneath.

Glass Door Cabinets as Alternatives

For those who want closed storage but an open look, glass door cabinets are great alternatives. The transparent glass maintains visibility while protecting your items from grease splatter. For a clean look, choose glass cabinets with hidden hinges.

Match Shelves to Cabinets

Create a unified look by selecting open shelves that match the finish and design of the existing cabinets. For example, shutter-style open shelves will complement shaker-style cabinet doors. Mixing and matching finishes risks an eclectic or disjointed look.

Shelves Above Counter Space

Counter space is limited in small kitchens. Make use of the area above by mounting shelves designed specifically to hang above a work area. Use them to store frequently used items like spices, oils and condiments for easy access.

Floating Corner Shelves

Maximize wasted space in corners by installing floating corner shelves. They utilize awkward empty areas and are great for storing small appliances, cookbooks, jars and other kitchen items. Keep the shelves minimal and stylish.

Shelves Below Upper Cabinets

For a unique look, add open shelves in the space between your countertops and existing upper cabinets. This area tends to collect clutter. The shelves corral items like cooking utensils, crockery and glassware.

Mix Open and Closed Storage

Strike a balance between open and closed storage with a mix of shelves and glass-front cabinets. The cabinets provide discreet storage for small appliances and clutter while the shelves beautifully display your favorite dishware.

Style Ideas for Open Shelves

When styling open shelves, a few design ideas create an organized, aesthetically pleasing look:

Keep items to a minimum – Crowded shelves appear messy and chaotic. Only display your most visually appealing items.
Group by color – Arrange items like dishes, glasses and pots together by color for a clean, coordinated look.
Layer heights – Create dimension by placing taller items like pitchers behind shorter items like plates and bowls.
Angle objects for depth – Turn objects like cups and utensils at an angle rather than lining them up straight. This adds depth.
Use bookends – Bookend your shelves with decorative accents like vases or candlesticks to keep things contained.
Apply risers – Use risers or mini platforms to raise items off the shelf itself. This makes layers and adds interest.
Embrace negative space – Don’t be afraid of empty pockets of space between objects. This makes the eye focus on each item individually.

Conclusion

With some thoughtful planning, open shelving can make a small kitchen feel instantly more spacious and stylish. When installing open shelves, be sure to consider what essentials you will need to keep within reach, what items will be aesthetically pleasing to display, and how you can maximize unused vertical and corner space. Mix open and closed storage options to give yourself the functionality and organized appearance you need. With creatively styled shelves and the right balance of displayed items, open shelving can be both practical and beautiful in small kitchens.