Yes, Open Shelving in a Kitchen Can Be Stylish and Functional (2024)

Photographer Helen Norman lined her kitchen with three levels of open shelving. This layered look is perfect for the maximalist with a ceramic collection that just keeps growing! Be sure to pull out and measure your tallest pieces to ensure you’ll have enough room between shelves.

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Don't shy away from moodier tones when painting your open shelving, especially if you live in a historic home. While bright and airy white shelves might be your first thought, shapely wooden shelves in a dark hue (these are painted black to match the trim) add age-appropriate architectural interest.

If your kitchen has multiple windows (lucky you!), try installing sets of shelves between each window. The repetition creates pleasing cohesiveness and leaves you with a lot of practical storage.

Streamline your open shelving look by ditching the brackets all together. Just be sure to double-check with your builder on the weight limit for this set-up. How much weight they will hold depends on the material used and how it was attached to the wall. As a general rule, good quality shelves attached to studs can usually hold about 50 pounds.

If wood shelves don’t fit your kitchen aesthetic, have no fear: Metal shelving looks just as chic! Galvanized steel is the preferred shelving material in many industrial cooking spaces because it doesn’t rust. Just be sure to clean regularly with stainless steel cleaner.

Bistro shelving made from glass and brass feels most at home in a kitchen with clean lines, especially when paired with classic subway tile and dark cabinetry. Channel French bistro culture by filling the shelves with aged copper and your favorite antique oil paintings, and add a dose of country charm with worn cutting boards.

No matter how big your space is, storage in a kitchen will always be precious. That’s why you've got to think practically when planning your open shelving display. Here, everyday dinnerware is just below eye-level while more decorative items such as an unframed oil painting and pair of antique jugs find a home on the top shelf. This way, pretty (and sometimes fragile antique) items can stay out of reach while still looking stylish.

From faucets to knobs, brass is perhaps the most popular finish in kitchens these days. So, extending it to shelving feels like a no-brainer. (Get the look by attaching brass strips to the front of wood shelves using epoxy.) But, perfectionists be warned: Unlacquered brass ages naturally over time with daily use as it comes into contact with finger prints. Keep patinated shelves clean with a simple mix of water and dish soap, or polish regularly with your favorite brass polish.

Traditional upper cabinetry can feel heavy when it spans the entire length of kitchen. Instead, opt for uppers on one side and open shelving on the other. Opening up the space like this works especially well in kitchens with little natural light and/or darker finishes. Be sure to save some of your pretty antique bowls to anchor the corner and stack smaller plates and cups on the outer edges.

If you have low-ceilings, work with your favorite handyman to perfect the height of your open shelving. Aim for at least 12-inches between each shelf. Deeper shelves will also help you maximize the space. Search for smaller-scale appliances for the counter to give you more space up top. White ceramic or clear glass pieces will keep them from feeling too cramped.