The term “open shelving” may strike fear into the hearts of most homeowners because of its immediate association with clutter. But if done right, open shelves can be a beautiful way to maximize space in your kitchen while creating some modern or rustic charm in the process. Check out these tips to ensure your open shelves make the most impact!

Organization is Key!

The bottom (and easiest to reach) shelves should house all of your most-used items, like dishware and glasses. Top shelves can be dedicated to more decorative items like cookbooks, vases or rarely-used cake trays and platters.

Also, for a uniform and tidy aesthetic, it’s important to keep similar items grouped together. Those with a more eclectic eye may want to nix this rule, but generally, keep all the cups together and stack plates neatly next to bowls for the most functional and attractive result.

Because so many items are out on display, open shelving tends to force you to keep your kitchen organized, rather than letting clutter build up behind cabinet doors! 

Choosing Your Background

While plain white walls do create a lovely contrast, they will show dust more apparently than most other colors. Opt for a soothing neutral tone to create a fresh and crisp backdrop for your shelves.

Choose a simple subway tile or beadboard backsplash so it can be wiped down in a pinch!

Color Coordinate

Open shelves allow you to add pops of color to your kitchen with which dishes and other everyday items you choose to display. The color choice is completely up to you, but it is important to select a scheme that matches or enhances the aesthetic of the space.

Pieces of different shapes and sizes can add some variety and as long as the colors complement each other. And if all else fails, white is always a clean and chic choice!

Less is More

Open shelving is best used as a decorative device to display your most aesthetically pleasing pieces. Forcing the open-shelf look on pantry items will mean lots of extra shopping for attractive containers and purchasing food items based on their packaging.

If you’re ready for that type of commitment, then by all means, turn your kitchen into an open shelving spectacle! If you’d rather skip the hassle, stick to just two to four shelves to display your absolute favorite items.

Shelving Choice

You can’t go wrong with wood shelves, but choose a color that either matches or complements your existing lower cabinets. With all the additional colors and textures open shelves bring to a kitchen, it’s nice for the base to cleanly tie into the rest of the room’s décor.

The simple, clean lines of floating shelves tend to look more modern than those with brackets. Depending on your personal style, you may lean toward a more rustic appearance with metal brackets and live-edge wooden shelves. It’s all about preference!

Not sure if you’re ready to take the plunge just yet? Do a trial run by taking the doors off of some of your existing cabinets to mimic how open shelving would look and feel in your kitchen. After two weeks, if you’re not fond of the result, simply put the doors back on. But if you love it, then follow these basic guidelines and enjoy your new open and airy kitchen!