Our kitchen is still in stud mode and no I don’t mean that in a sexy way… it’s literally still down to the studs. But I can’t help myself from dreaming ahead to our new wooden shelf, hutch inspired feature wall! I’ve been scoping out open shelving kitchen ideas and have a growing list of perfect items to use in open kitchen shelf styling.
01 Magnolia Table // 02 Sunday Suppers // 03 Fluted Bowls // 04 Shallow Basket // 05 Marble & Wood Cheese Board // 06 Blue Floral Ceramic Pitcher & Striped Crock // 07 Copper Canisters // 08 Glass Food Containers // 09 Fruit Art // 10 Blue Reactive Glaze Mugs // 11 Wood Tiered Stand // 12 Blue Striped Dish Towel // 13 Cayman Seagrass Bowl // 14 Vintage Dough Bowls
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Source: Chris Loves Julia
These open kitchen shelves are going to be a major focal point not only for the kitchen, but dining space too! They will sit between the kitchen and dining room so it’s a great opportunity for extra kitchen and dining room storage.
Naturally, I can’t stop thinking of how I’m going to style my open wooden shelves even though all I’m looking at are studs right now. I can see it!!!
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best items to style open kitchen shelves. Styling these kitchen shelves with functional items that are also aesthetically pleasing is pretty essential considering our kitchen is on the small side and we are limited on space!
Plus, the open kitchen shelving will provide opportunity for showcasing unique items that I’ve collected over the years or that have been passed down to me for a curated and lived-in look. From functional everyday items to decorative objects, we’ll cover a variety of pieces that’ll leave your open kitchen shelves look like they were styled by an interior designer. Let’s dive in!
Best Items to Use for Open Kitchen Shelf Styling
The best items to include on your open kitchen shelves include:
- Cookbooks
- Bowls and plates
- Baskets
- Cutting boards
- Pitchers and crocks
- Copper items
- Open food storage
- Art
- Glasses and mugs
- Tiered stands
- Dish towels
- Fruit bowls
- Plants and herbs
- Vintage dough bowls or wooden monkey bowls
1. Cook Books
Cookbooks not only serve as a source of inspiration and guidance in the kitchen but also make for a visually appealing display on your open kitchen shelves. Styling your cookbooks adds a touch of personality and shows off your culinary interests.
I’m all about your home reflecting you, and what better way to do that than displaying books revolved around your favorite styles of cooking. They’ll also be in easy reach when you’re in need of some edible inspirations. Start by selecting a variety of cookbooks that reflect your cooking style, favorite cuisines, or specific interests. Mix and match colors will work well to create an eclectic display or keep them all neutral for a simplified look.
2. Everyday Bowls & Plates
Since the color scheme I’m planning is for dark stained wood shelves, I’m loving the idea of some white dishes for a little contrast and maybe… just maybe a little pop of Chinoiserie (if the thrift store gods look upon me with favor).
You can even combine every day dishware with a few pieces of china or serving dishes. for extra wide pieces, consider displaying them leaned up against the back of the shelves to utilize the vertical space and create different heights as well.
3. Baskets
The beautiful thing about baskets is that they can house just about anything from tea bags, Nespresso cups or refill doggy poop bags! We’re planning to have a shallow shelf under the cabinets (very similar to the inspo photo at the top of this post) which will be the perfect spot for all of Burkley’s doggy accessories, meds and baggies.
5. Cutting Boards & Cheese Boards
These items are an easy way to add in warm wood tones or cool marble tones – whichever you’re needing for some balance in your design. The best part? You guessed it! They are also functional and used on a daily basis.
6. Thrifted Pitchers, Crocks, etc.
Thrifted items can add a unique and eclectic touch to your open kitchen shelves. I can’t wait to explore thrift stores for charming pitchers, vases, or crocks that speak to my style. an artfully curated selection of ceramics will give this space such a cozy feel!
When styling thrifted items on your open kitchen shelves, mix them with other curated pieces or newer items you already own to create a visually captivating and cohesive display. The combination of old and new items is my ultimate favorite way to get that lived-in, charming look. Even great grandma’s hand-me-down pieces might surprise you once you are mixing in other antique items.
7. Copper Items
Copper pots, pans or containers look stunning on open shelves in the kitchen. They add just a little bit of naturally occurring sparkle to the mix and I love how much warmth and depth they can give a space. Don’t be a afraid to mix other metals with copper just like Lisa from Herr Neutral Cottage did below with her gold kitchen cabinet knobs.
8. Containers for Open Food Storage
Glass jars are a stylish way to display the food you use everyday! Think dry goods like coffee beans, pasta, oats or rice – they add texture but when all in the same containers they make for a really pretty cohesive look. Open shelves are a great way to extend your pantry storage space, but reserve them for the pretty things.
9. Art
Transform your open kitchen shelves into a gallery by incorporating a piece of art. Whether it’s a painting, a framed print, or a ceramic sculpture, art can elevate the visual appeal of your kitchen and create a unique focal point.
Want to get vintage looking art on a budget?
Visit my Free Printable Art Domain!
10. Coffee Cups & Glasses
Coffee cups are a staple in many kitchens, and they can also serve as decorative elements when styled on open kitchen shelves. I’m hoping I can find a fun vintage collection to showcase.
I wouldn’t be afraid to use coffee mugs as a way to bring in a little pop of color or fun pattern to add an inviting touch. What a perfect place to display them! Placing them at eye level shelf will provide easy access for when visitors or myself needs a little caffeine boost.
11. Tiered Stands
Tiered stands are a great way to add some height and interest when styling open kitchen shelves. Grouping smaller items together on a tray or stand is a perfect approach to simplify things for our eyeballs and avoid an overcrowded look.
12. Folded Dish Towels
Dishtowels are functional kitchen essentials, but they can also be styled in a visually appealing way on your open kitchen shelves. Stacking dishtowels adds a touch of texture and softness. If you can’t proudly display them (we all have some less than pretty rags laying around), then just stick them in a basket!
I’m thinking a dusty blue might be a nice accent color for the shelves. Fabrics would be an easy way to bring that in to compliment (my hopefully) thrifted Chinoiserie or Pfaltzgraff accent pieces.
13. Fruit Bowls
There are plenty of pretty fruit bowls out there. Depending on your vibes you could go with wood, rattan, ceramic or even just use a thrifted monkey wood bowl. Adding a fruit bowl to your open kitchen shelves serves both a functional and decorative purpose. Once filled with a variety of fresh fruits, it will add a nice subtle pop of natural color to the kitchen space and provide quick access to healthy snacking.
14. Plants & Herbs
Bringing a touch of nature into any space is always a good idea and I think a potted plan or fresh herbs on kitchen open shelves is a must.. I’m imagining an aloe plant or herb that will actually be used in the kitchen. These shelves are going to be in a prime location, so I’m determined for everything to have a use.
15. Vintage Dough Bowls & Wooden Monkey Bowls
Dough bowls alone may feel too farmhousey for some, but to me they are a timeless look for curated kitchen decor. The worn wood will add a little character and can easily be mixed and matched with different decor elements. As long as you don’t use too many other “farmhouse style” items, and be sure to mix in some newer, timeless pieces, you can achieve a classic look without getting kitschy.
Making the Most of Open Kitchen Shelves
If you have limited space, make the most of your open kitchen shelves by selecting items that serve a dual purpose. With a thoughtful selection of items, you’ll utilize the available space of the open shelving while creating a kitchen with so much character. When styling your open kitchen shelves, take the time to curate a thoughtful arrangement. Group similar items together, play with varying heights, repeating textures and leave some negative space for a visually pleasing look.
Styling open kitchen shelves is so much fun and allows you to create a curated space. By displaying functional items within easy reach, showcasing glassware, art, and incorporating wooden and metal accents you can achieve a visually stunning and highly functional open shelving design. Embrace the beauty and versatility of open shelves in your kitchen and enjoy the opportunity to really personalize you space.
Do you already own some of these items? I’d love to hear which ones and the story behind them in the comments!
Girl Behind the Blog
I’m Jess, the creator of Oak & Grain. A mid-west girl at heart who now resides in Raleigh, NC. I love finding old things and giving them new purpose by way of refinishing or incorporating unexpected, overlooked thrift store finds in the modern home. I work full-time in medicine and I love dipping into my creative side and in the process, keeping my sanity. Follow me on Instagram and YouTube to see more behind the scenes action.