Cheap kitchen shelving ideas


14 ways to boost storage and display space |

(Image credit: Future / Jan Baldwin)

Kitchen shelving ideas – whether open shelving or hidden within a cupboard or behind pocket doors – are a great option if you are the proud owner of an impressive crockery collection, or are a keen cook who appreciates having ingredients close at hand. 

Having everything on display, however, is not for the faint-hearted as it requires a certain amount of dedication to keep shelves looking smart and uncluttered.

Kitchen shelving ideas

Here, we take you through shelving options for all kitchen ideas, plus give you plenty of inspiration for how best to display your favorite finds on them.

1. Play with decorative shelving

Photography/Matthew Williams

(Image credit: Future)

Not everything needs to be hidden away when it comes to storage. In fact, decorative kitchen storage ideas and solutions can make a huge difference to your kitchen's look and feel.  

A cluster of simple floating shelves works particularly well in a kitchen where there may be a fair amount of closed cabinetry taking up space along the walls. They add an element of interest that draws the eye, all while helping to keep countertops clear.

It’s best to mount open shelving just above eye level and within easy reach if you intend for the shelves to hold day-to-day items, such as plates and mugs. 

For a stylised look, stack collections of your favorite crockery, line up fresh herbs and incorporate small pieces of art along a run of open shelving.

2. Use shelving to create interest

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

Shelving doesn't have to always be practical, it can be used to house quirky curios and objets. 

For kitchen art ideas, try mixing large statement pieces with smaller items grouped together. When grouping, consider the shape that the objects create collectively and play with color and form to keep things interesting.  

Glass lidded pots will look more enticing if filled with colorful props, whether they be functional or decorative.

3. Have a shelving unit fitted professionally 

(Image credit: Future / Emma Lee)

‘Commissioning a display piece or asking for kitchen cabinet ideas from a furniture maker will make the very best use of a space,' explains Richard Williams, Richard Williams Furniture. 

'A joiner will work around awkward shapes in walls and conceal service pipes or wall boxing. Large pieces will be fixed and scribed to the shape of the wall and skirting, which gives a very neat finish. 

'If shelves are to be adjustable, look for neat and unobtrusive methods of adjustability, such as 5mm shelf pegs with a limited number of peg holes for each shelf.’ 

4. Keep the look coherent

(Image credit: Future / Lisa Cohen)

When displaying items on open shelves, it is vital to keep things organized.

As shown in the black and white kitchen above, items placed in groups or in lines of threes, fours or fives will prevent the shelves looking untidy.  

When choosing the overall look, decide if you want the shelves to be made in a material which is a statement in itself, or if you want them to have a less prominent role, allow your display to do all the talking.

5. Fit shelving in a recess or alcove

(Image credit: Future / David Cleveland)

Open shelving can create a real statement in a room and is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. 

'It is also a more economical option than a fully enclosed storage unit. It is particularly suited to small recesses in areas such as either side of a chimney breast, helping to visually correct uneven proportions,' says Anne Haimes, Anne Haimes Interiors .

6. Work with wood

(Image credit: Future / Jan Baldwin)

Think carefully about the thickness you want each shelf to be. If you’re using wood, it pays to choose a chunky option, giving a strong, clean, confident appearance. 

'Wood is not a homogenous material – every single piece is different, and herein lies its beauty,' advises Keith Atkins, DesignSpaceLondon . 'Create an interplay between different timbers or use bookmatching techniques to achieve pattern and variety.'

Think too about whether you’d like shelves with adjustable heights to allow for flexibility. 

7. Add intrigue with color

(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)

Choosing your kitchen color scheme is such a personal experience – in fact no one knows for sure whether we all even see the myriad shades in the same way. 

Mark Wilkinson, founder of Mark Wilkinson Furniture , believes that the colors we choose automatically are naturally influenced by current fashions. 

'The color in a kitchen – be it on shelves or cabinets – should last for at least five years, minimum, so try to look beyond immediate kitchen trends and choose a color that will keep you feeling good long term,' he advises.

However, if you have your heart set on adding a bold color to your kitchen shelves, then look no further than Pantone's Color of the Year for 2021.  

Bright yellow shelves combined with warm gray elsewhere creates a positive and grounding feel. Open-plan kitchens especially benefit from this burst of energy and enthusiasm.

8. Keep it hidden behind a door

(Image credit: Future / Damian Russell)

The shelves in your kitchen do not always have to be permanently on display. 

Disguise your kitchen storage solutions behind streamlined doors. Go for slab doors that are completely flat to mimic a bare wall, and paint the doors the same color as your wall to help them disappear.

In this painted kitchen, the restful interior of a cabinet showcases a display of Japanese-style monochrome ceramics and wooded artisan pieces. 

9. Display elegant glass jars and ceramics

(Image credit: Future / Alex Sarginson)

If you're wondering how to organize a kitchen, decanting your cooking supplies into neat matching jars yields a certain amount of satisfaction, and makes it easy to spot if you are running low of any ingredients. As well as keeping your shelves looking tidy, your dry goods will also be kept airtight. 

Be aware, this type of shelving does require an element of frequent dusting, but we think the styling benefits are worth the extra bit of effort.

(Image credit: Future / Simon Bevan)

Kitchen shelving doesn't always have to be the star of the show. Sometimes just a single shelf is enough to add interest without detracting away from the rest of the space. 

Shelf space doesn’t have to be purely practical; here beautifully-designed ceramic plates and jugs add personality to the room. Re-use pretty tins as utensil holders, and old glass bottles as bud vases.

11. Use reclaimed shelving for a rustic appearance

(Image credit: Future / Jake Curtis)

For a country-style kitchen, modern shelving may look out of place. Why not have a shelf built from reclaimed wood to add instant character and provide the perfect ledge for your rustic bowls and utensils?

(Image credit: Future / Manolo Yllera)

Shelving doesn't have to always be practical, it can be used to house quirky curios and objets.  

Try mixing large statement pieces with smaller items grouped together. When grouping, consider the shape that the objects create collectively and play with color and form to keep things interesting. 

Glass lidded pots will look more enticing if filled with colorful props, whether they be functional or decorative.

13. Back kitchen shelving with an interesting material

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)

Lining the back of kitchen shelving with an interesting material – perhaps one that matches your backsplash ideas – will elevate your kitchen's design. Then, it's just a case of not over-stuffing the shelves so that the materials are visible. 

To enjoy your kitchen to its maximum potential, it is worth thinking, at the outset of the project, about the amount and type of storage that you need. 

'After all, this is the place at home where you will probably spend most of your time, so being able to find what you need quickly and easily is going to make cooking more enjoyable,' says designer Emma Sims-Hilditch of design agency Sims-Hilditch . 'I really do believe that a well organised space makes you feel calmer and happier.'

14. Put kitchen shelving behind a pocket door

(Image credit: Future/ Paul Massey)

An alcove, an awkward corner or an awkward room shape can be turned into a positive with kitchen shelving ideas. Typically, these might be behind a door – this one, is perfect if you are looking for pantry ideas thanks to its floor-to-ceiling proportions and space-saving pocket door.

What do you put on kitchen shelves?

Of course, you may have got them all picked out and fitted, but what do you put on kitchen shelves?

You could pop dried goods in stylish see through containers, plants, crockery and more on them - the the possibilities are endless. What's more, beautifully styled shelves with all kinds of useful knick-knacks add real interest to a kitchen. 

Open shelving for kitchens is a great way to add extra storage space to a room, as well as wow factor. Adjustable shelves, lighting and neat joinery will enhance the look of a piece like this, as well as offering a way to group favourite items and add impact to a scheme.

How do you use open shelving in a kitchen?

If you're wondering how to use open shelving in a kitchen, be sure to work to the full proportions of the room, to create maximum impact. 

A floor-to-ceiling unit, with sturdy, adjustable shelves and minimal fixtures will offer a strong, enticing look and act as an excellent  anchor and display. 

Open shelving can be an effective small kitchen storage idea that doesn't appear to eat too much space. It also works in small living rooms, too. 

Consider the look you are opting for, whether traditional, featuring detailed joinery, or sleek and unfussy with a  contemporary edge, and think carefully about what you are displaying. This will ensure each shelf is made to allow sufficient depth and to carry weight  without warping. 

Is open shelving still in style?

Yes, open shelving is still in style for 2021. 

'Open shelving can create a real statement in a room and is both practical and visually pleasing, making it a popular design element for the kitchen,' says Anne Haimes, Anne Haimes Interiors .  

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

21 Beautiful Open Kitchen Shelving Ideas

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Lauren Thomann

Lauren Thomann

Lauren Thomann is passionate about crafting and DIY home improvement, writing on both topics. While refurbishing her 1916 bungalow on her own, she shares lessons learned through her DIY and home improvement articles.

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Lacey Ramburger

Lacey Ramburger

Lacey Ramburger is a personality assessment expert based in Kansas City, Missouri, with more than five years of experience. Her areas of expertise include Zodiac, Myers-Briggs, and the Enneagram. She is the author of the book "Being Whole" and dozens of articles on personality assessments and relationships.

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Updated on 01/26/22

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to update your kitchen is to nix some upper cabinets and replace them with shelves instead.

Whether you're budgeting for a full-scale remodel or you just want a small update, these kitchen shelving ideas will help steer you in the right direction. 

The 9 Best Floating Shelves of 2022

How to choose and make what to place, photos of examples

In most modern kitchens there is a lack of storage space for all kinds of things and products. Additional cupboards or open shelves will help to solve this problem.

Many housewives have time to appreciate the significant advantages of conventional shelving. Let us dwell in more detail on how to properly organize storage and suggest some original decor ideas.

What can be placed on the rack

If you are thinking about whether you need a rack, it means that you don't know yet how many things that should always be at hand can be placed on it:

Shelves can be bought or made by hand. The second option will be more acceptable for those who are looking for individual solutions in terms of configuration, color, size.

Many modern furniture manufacturers have responded to the increased demand for these interior items among consumers, so they began to produce such furniture in various configurations:

It remains to determine what nuances should be paid attention to for those who want to choose the most optimal model for their home. nine0003

Design and color scheme

You can choose the color of the shelving you need based on a given palette of colors and shades present in the kitchen set or furniture in the dining group.

If you have a wooden tabletop, you can also focus on its tone and texture.

Pay attention to the fact that the color you choose is effectively combined with the shade specified in the design of the walls.

Be sure to take into account the style of your interior. For classic designs, a large wooden shelving unit that looks like an open sideboard will be a worthy solution. Ideally fit and elements of stucco or carving. nine0003

To accentuate country or Provence style interiors, look for models with a rough, lightly finished surface.

Ideal if there are cracks, chips, scratches and other elements of natural or artificial aging. Hand-painted furniture is also great.

Looking for models for contemporary environments? It is worth stopping the choice on metal or minimalist structures made of natural wood, glass or MDF. nine0003

Look at the selection of photos. Surely, among the presented design solutions there are those that you really like.

Choosing the optimal height

Here you also have several options. When choosing the height of the rack, you should focus on the height of the ceilings, the level of the kitchen set.

For low-rise rooms, ceiling-mounted construction is the best option. It is also a great solution for those who want to get as much free usable space as possible. nine0003

A coherent and harmonious picture with a kitchen set will be made by a rack flush with it.

It is important to keep the same height, even a couple of extra centimeters will catch the eye, causing an imbalance. This option is suitable for those who equip the bookcase on the same wall under which the headset is located.

Other options are possible when the height of such a pedestal is lower than the headset. It can be not only stationary, but also mobile structures.

In the middle of the kitchen, you can arrange a small vegetable cabinet, the height of which is commensurate with the height of the dining table.

Options for small and spacious kitchens

A small room should not be overloaded with massive and voluminous structures. Lightweight stainless steel shelves will be a great option for them.

Narrow shelving, both linear and angular, will help to visually make the kitchen more spacious, on which it will be possible to place dishes and objects of small width (small vases, plates, candlesticks and other decor). nine0003

Built-in cabinets are an excellent option for small kitchens. If there is no such niche in your kitchen, you can build an appropriate drywall structure and fill it with open shelves.

Massive, wide and high furniture, decorated with decorative elements, can be safely used in spacious rooms. If there is a desire, then one of the walls can be decorated with shelving from floor to ceiling.

Having decided on such a step, be prepared for frequent and painstaking cleaning. To remove dust, you will have to initially remove everything from the shelves, wipe them with a damp cloth, and then return everything to its place. nine0003

Storage bins

If you plan to use this cupboard for placing dishes, accessories or products, and not just for decoration, then it is better to stock up on jars and baskets. The former are suitable for filling, and the latter for things.

They are useful for keeping order and beauty. Thanks to them, it will be much easier to wipe the dust on the shelves.

To know in which basket or jar this or that thing is located, you can write the appropriate inscriptions on them: “napkins”, “cutlery”, “rice”, “salt”, etc. nine0003

It is better to choose baskets of the same shape. The most compact and at the same time roomy will be models of square or rectangular shapes.

The choice of these accessories is extremely wide. A huge selection of wicker and fabric baskets, glass, plastic and ceramic jars is on sale, allowing everyone to choose the most optimal solutions for themselves.

Choosing decor

If you don't want your kitchen to turn into some kind of storage space, use some decorative elements. nine0003

In a chaotic order on the rack you can place a couple of small vases, an old candlestick, a clock, fresh flowers, family photos or paintings of the appropriate size.

It is also important not to overdo it. The abundance of decor can significantly reduce the functionality of the bookcase itself, and the kitchen as a whole.

Are you looking for the right rack but can't find the perfect model anywhere? Take a look at the department, which presents bathroom furniture or wardrobe systems. nine0003

Modern shopping centers offer a fairly wide range of compact models. A significant advantage of such racks is their resistance to moisture, which is especially relevant for kitchens.

Original ideas

If you decide to make your own kitchen shelving, we offer you some original ideas.

Using crates

If you want to easily and inexpensively make your own bookcase or rack, stock up on a few wooden fruit crates. nine0003

Initially, you need to assemble the structure, and then it can be stained, painted in any color, artificially aged, original vintage inscriptions added.

To increase the strength of the structure, further strengthen the drawers at the joints.

Making the design mobile

Any small locker can be made mobile, which will significantly increase ease of use.

To implement this idea, attach furniture wheels or rollers to the bottom bar of the structure. Choose products that can rotate 3600.

Retainers are required. So you can move the rack from place to place, securely fastening in one position or another.

We decorate the back wall

You can use old bookshelves to make a bookcase. Remove previous layers of varnish and other finishes from their surface, and then cover with several layers of acrylic paint.

The back wall can be given a bright contrast. Paint or the remnants of wallpaper will help you with this. nine0003

Use a niche

Any niche can be turned into a shelving unit. It will be enough just to install shelves in it with the help of special fasteners.

There are a lot of ideas, you just need to use your own imagination. If you have not found a suitable model for sale and are not sure that you can handle the manufacture yourself, contact the craftsmen for help.

Top 13 Kitchen Shelf Design Ideas • inTrends

Shelves are one of the most important interior elements that we never think about, but are really worth getting interested in. They are able to give your kitchen a certain aesthetics and functionality. nine0003

Open shelving trends are all the rage right now, but that doesn't mean everyone has to mount the first shelving unit they see on their kitchen wall. To get started, check out the kitchen shelf ideas below to see which options are more suitable and more affordable for you. And then you will make an important decision - to add a couple to your kitchen or not.

Shopping Kitchen Shelf Ideas

If you like industrial style, check out these simple shopping shelving designs as part of a storage solution for bulk food and kitchen utensils. You can have a few cabinets and a few open shelves for a better harmony of both types, both of which together look good and natural in an industrial interior theme. nine0003

The best and cheapest solution for your industrial shelves is to make them yourself. Start with a wooden plank of the thickness and length you require. Then buy black pipes and use them as support brackets.

Another option is solid metal shelves. Look for the ones you usually see in commercial, office, warehouse or manufacturing environments. They will give you a real industrial feel.

Ideas for metal kitchen shelves

You can make your kitchen look like a professional commercial kitchen by replacing your kitchen shelves with stainless steel ones. They will help her look bright, like a mirror reflecting the light from the lamps, and they are very easy to care for, you just need to wipe them periodically with a damp cloth. You will also find that stainless steel shelving is the most hygienic option as it is non-porous.

We advise you to make sure that you use only high quality stainless steel for your shelves. Otherwise, you risk subjecting them to oxidation or metal corrosion. They will look disgusting and besides it is dangerous to health. Commercial metal is thicker and stronger, making it less likely to get scratches and dents. nine0003

Floating Kitchen Shelf Ideas

The floating shelf looks like it is hanging on the wall without any visual support. Thus, it seems to be floating on the wall. The current trend is to replace cabinets with floating kitchen shelves.

Be careful if you make the wrong decision to tear down all the cabinets and completely replace them with floating shelves. While they look beautiful on social media and in photos in design magazines, in practice they are not very functional. nine0003

The first dilemma is not protecting your cutlery or other kitchen utensils from grease and other food particles floating in the air during cooking.

This means that everything in the kitchen will be constantly dirty. Another problem is that clutter cannot be hidden. If you are one of those who have 1 million kitchen gadgets, then this solution is definitely not for you.

Bracketed Kitchen Shelf Ideas

The Shelf Bracket is a support that gives your shelf stability and allows you to secure it to the kitchen wall surface. But your brackets are not just functional elements. Since they are visible, it is your responsibility to make them decorative. nine0003

For an artisan, rustic or farmhouse style kitchen, you can choose wooden supports. They usually have curls cut out on them. Modern and industrial kitchens look good with metal brackets. They have a sleek and streamlined style with minimal detailing. Luxurious or elegant kitchens are adorned with gold brackets with many intricate designs.

Kitchen cabinet ideas

Most modern homes are built with built-in kitchen furniture. They usually consist of base cabinets running along the floor or top cabinets mounted on the wall. On top of your lower cabinets will be a countertop, which is the work surface in your kitchen. Kitchen cabinets are a convenient and logical method of creating storage in the kitchen, as they have doors that hide everything you store in them. nine0003

If you are in the process of renovating your kitchen, this is the perfect opportunity to create a new cabinet system in your kitchen. Check out ways to use today's innovations to increase storage space from the typical dead space in a kitchen cabinet. The most common places in the corners are hard to reach, dark and often become either unused or a place where kitchen appliances get old. Instead, you can install drawers or drawers.

Ideas for hanging kitchen shelves

Not all shelves need to be fixed to the wall. If you have high ceilings, then you have plenty of room for shelves above the counters that are not against the wall. If you have a peninsula-style counter or an entire "kitchen island", then you have space above it for open storage.

You will need to fix the kitchen shelf in the ceiling at all four corners. This will create a platform that is accessible from all sides. You can then use the space to display decorative items or eye-catching kitchen utensils like copper pots. nine0003

Kitchen wall shelf ideas

Do you have a particular place where you like to work the most? Then maybe it's time to add a wall shelf or two above it. This way, you can keep your most used items close at hand. The shelf or shelves should not be large. They just need to be large enough to fit the items you need.

You can also use the wall shelf to create a custom workstation. It would be the perfect idea for coffee connoisseurs. It doesn't have to be a regular straight wall shelf. You may have triangular shaped corner shelves that fit into a dead space that is not currently being used. nine0003

Freestanding kitchen shelving ideas


Not everyone has enough wall space in their kitchen to install cabinets and shelves. Or, if you live in a rented house, the landlord has the right to stop you from drilling holes in the walls. In both of these situations, freestanding shelving is best.

To keep your kitchen spacious, look for shelving without sides or doors. They allow you to see the wall behind the shelving unit. This also makes them the perfect place to showcase your favorite kitchen décor. Not all shelving has to be large; you may have a small block sitting on your counter. nine0003

Ideas for open kitchen shelves

You may not like the idea of ​​open kitchen shelves, but that doesn't mean you have to give them up completely. You can include one or a couple of open options in your kitchen design.

One of the most common open shelving kitchen ideas is to remove one of the cabinets and replace it with two open shelves. Another idea is to connect upper cabinets with shelves above the sink. If none of these ideas work, consider adding an open shelf attached to the bottom of your upper cabinets. nine0003

Ideas for modern kitchen shelves

If you want to create a modern kitchen feel, look for unique shelves. You can have shelves connected with long metal brackets to give the illusion of hanging from the ceiling. Or a wall with niches in which you can install and move shelves as needed. They allow you to have multiple storage solutions for specific items such as a spice rack, glassware, mugs or cookbooks. nine0003

If you prefer a modern white kitchen with an upscale look, consider using alternative materials. You can install tiled shelves on the front and top. Or you can have marble shelves that match the marble top.

Kitchen Pantry Shelf Ideas

Most modern kitchens have a separate cupboard used as a pantry. Some represent a small space, deep enough to accommodate several shelves at once. Others are shallow with wide-opening full-length cabinet doors. For the most successful homeowners, the pantry is a walk-in closet with the maximum kitchen space. nine0003

Regardless of the size of your pantry, the best thing you can do is make the most of the space available to you. Pick a storage system that suits your style of organization and is capable of holding everything you need. You may need a series of shelves, drawers or shelving.

Old Wood Kitchen Shelf Ideas

If you want a rustic or farmhouse style kitchen then using reclaimed wood is a must. Look for long boards made from old wood. They make the best wooden shelves. It's okay if your shelves are defective or don't look the same. That's the beauty of old wood. nine0003

The only thing you should be aware of is possible dangers of injury, such as splinters, sharp edges or pieces of old metal fittings that could accidentally cut in some way. It is also helpful to choose pieces of wood that can be easily flattened and flattened. Thus, you can easily stack your kitchen utensils on them.

When reusing wood, it is sometimes difficult to tell how long the shelves will be.


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