Boost Your Kitchen's Style With These 15 Brilliant Shelf Decorating Ideas
Is your kitchen looking a little dull or disorganized? Don't worry, with a few simple shelves and some clever styling techniques, you can completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen. Shelves are highly versatile and can be used in countless ways to increase storage, display favorite items, and add visual interest to your space.
From open shelving to closed cabinets, alternative materials to creative placements, we've got plenty of inspiring tips and tricks to pick from. With a mix of practicality and panache, these shelf styling concepts will have your kitchen looking pulled-together and pretty in no time.
Open Shelving Decor Ideas
Display Your Pretty Dishware
Open shelves are the perfect place to showcase your best dinnerware, cookware, and serving dishes. Play around with mixing colors, patterns, and materials for visual appeal. Stack plates of varying sizes, intersperse patterned mugs, and arrange matching bowls. Stagger items to avoid a cluttered look. Keeping everyday dishware within reach makes open shelves highly functional.
Organize Cookbooks for Easy Access
Cookbooks tend to multiply, so keep them neatly arranged on open shelves for a tidy look. Sort by cuisine type or frequency of use. Use bookends to keep them upright and accessible. Place your most referenced cookbooks on lower shelves for convenience. Not only is this decorative, it also provides easy access to recipes while cooking.
Unleash Your Inner Gardner
Incorporate some greenery into your open shelves with small houseplants native to your region. Low-light varieties like pothos and snake plants thrive in kitchens. Arrange them in colorful pots or planters that coordinate with your decor. An indoor herb garden is both beautiful and functional, providing fresh seasoning for homemade dishes.
Closed Cabinet Shelf Styling
Use Removable Wallpaper
Give boring cabinet fronts an instant facelift using removable wallpaper or contact paper. Playful patterns like preppy stripes, bohemian florals or modern geometrics add color and interest. It's an affordable and easy upgrade that allows you to switch up your look. Complement with dishes and decor in coordinating colors.
Arrange Collections for Visual Interest
Display your favorite collections inside closed cabinets to dazzle guests when you open the doors. Vintage glassware, ceramic chickens, or cookbooks arranged attractively make for great conversation pieces. Place larger accent pieces in back and smaller ones in front for optimal visibility. Rotate collections out seasonally for fresh looks.
Decorate Inside Glass-Front Cabinets
For glass-front cabinets, incorporate lighting to illuminate and accentuate decorative dishes and barware. This is perfect for showing off ornate china or holiday pieces. The enclosed case keeps items clean and organized. Remember to dust thoroughly before displaying your treasures for all to admire.
Alternative Shelving Ideas
Unconventional Materials
For something completely different, use unconventional materials like old wooden ladders, metal pipes, wire baskets or vintage crates to hold your kitchen items. This is an affordable DIY approach that adds rustic industrial flair. Mix and match materials and finishes for lots of character.
Unexpected Placement
Make the most of wasted space with shelves in unexpected spots. Install slim shelves above sinks or on the sides of kitchen islands for extra storage. Corner shelves fit nicely where countertops meet. Place frequently used items like spices, utensils or glassware on these uniquely positioned shelves for convenience.
Hanging Wall Racks
Wall-mounted racks often used in pantries can also be incorporated in main kitchens. Hang a slender rack filled with herbs and spices near your cooking area for a handy seasoning station. Mount at eye-level for easy access. Choose materials like wood, metal or wicker that coordinate with your decor.
Tips for Stylish, Functional Shelves
When decorating your shelves, remember these key tips:
- Mix up textures, colors and materials for visual interest
- Incorporate small battery-operated lights for a cozy glow
- Leave enough space between items for easy accessibility
- Maximize vertical storage with tall, narrow units
- Keep within a theme for a cohesive look
With a little creativity and forethought, your kitchen's shelves can be both beautiful and highly functional. Use these brilliant decorating ideas to give your shelves a stylish makeover that organizers items and adds a decorative focal point.
Shelves offer the perfect opportunity to simultaneously boost your kitchen's storage and style. With the brilliant decorating concepts covered here, from fun dishes to fabulous collections, you're sure to uncover inspiration for decking out your shelves with panache. Tailor these tips to your own taste and kitchen's needs. Soon you'll have shelving that makes your heart and kitchen sing.