Kitchen Open Shelving: How to Choose the Right Type for Your Space
Because “pretty on Pinterest” does not always mean “practical in your kitchen.”
You know that moment when you see gorgeous kitchen open shelving online and think, “Wow, I want that”… right before thinking, “Wait, would that look messy in my house?”
Well, a lot of my clients feel the same.
Open shelves can be one of the best upgrades in a kitchen, but only when you choose the right type for the way you live.
A few truths to keep in mind:
→ Not all shelving works for every layout
→ Some shelves are meant for styling, others for storage
→ The wrong shelf in the wrong spot equals instant clutter
So, let’s look at the open shelving kitchen ideas that actually work in real kitchens… not just on mood boards.
Start Here: What Do You Actually Want from Your Open Shelves?
Before you start looking at different styles, ask yourself a few quick questions. These will tell you exactly which type of shelving you should be shopping for.
1. Are you looking for storage or styling?
If you want everyday dishes within reach, pick something sturdy. If you want a place to style a pretty vase or your favorite cookbook, go lighter and more decorative.
2. What is your ceiling height?
Tall ceilings can handle layered kitchen open shelving without feeling heavy. Lower ceilings usually look better with one slim shelf or a small grouping.
3. Are you leaning more functional or more personality?
Some people want shelves that make their kitchen feel warm and lived in. Others want them to feel clean, minimal, and polished. Your answer matters. It dictates the thickness, shape, and finish you should look for.
Once you know your priorities, choosing your style becomes easy.
The Classic Choice: Thick Wood Shelves
These are the shelves you see in most kitchens. Picture a one-and-a-half to two-inch wood shelf stacked one above the other, sometimes with a sconce above it. This is the workhorse of open shelving in the kitchen.
When it works best:
You want classic, flexible styling.
You love a warm, homey look.
Your kitchen has enough breathing room for thicker materials.
DESIGN TIP:
Keep your shelves at a height you can actually reach. Too many homeowners accidentally install them high enough for an NBA player when all they wanted was a place for coffee mugs.
📖 RELATED: Want help layering texture and warmth so your shelves don’t look “floaty”? Read From Flat to Finished: The 5 Layers Every Kitchen Needs to Feel Complete, one of my go-to guides for creating visual depth without clutter.
Open Shelving Kitchen Ideas for Small Spaces: The Countertop Wrap
This look has been taking over my feed and my client projects. It’s a small shelf that wraps your stone countertop and continues across the backsplash. It’s subtle and sophisticated, but also incredibly functional.
Why it works:
It gives you a clean, streamlined look.
It adds a small moment of interest without visual clutter.
It doubles as a great spice or oil ledge behind the range.
This is one of my favorite kitchen open shelving ideas when you want a modern look with very little maintenance.
For the Texture Lovers: Tile Wrapped Shelving
This is the creative cousin of the countertop wrap. Instead of continuing your stone, you carry your tile up the wall and add a matching wrapped shelf into it. You get two textures, one wall, and a whole lot of visual interest.
Best for homeowners who:
Want subtle personality without adding color.
Love a European, layered look.
Prefer something easy to wipe down in a busy kitchen.
If your goal is a kitchen renovation on a budget, this can be a smart way to use a small amount of tile to create big impact.
📖 RELATED: Thinking about how your shelves tie into your backsplash and faucet? Read The #1 Wall Mounted Faucet Install Mistake Most People Don’t Know They’re Making before you let anyone drill into your tile.
Traditional and Charming: Shelves Between Cabinets with a Brass Rail
If you love an old-world or cottage-inspired kitchen, this is for you. Picture two cabinets, a shelf in the middle, and a tiny brass rod across the front so plates and cups can lean safely.
Why I love it:
It feels collected and homey, not cookie-cutter.
It creates a focal moment without overwhelming the room.
It adds function and sweetness all in one.
This option shines in a space where you want kitchen open shelving that does not feel too modern.
For Minimalists: Glass Shelves with Brass Hardware
This look is starting to take off, and my minimalist friends love it. Think light, airy, and clean. Clear glass shelves with warm brass brackets are perfect in kitchens where you want the open feeling but not the bulk of wood.
Perfect for:
Smaller kitchens that need visual air.
Modern spaces with clean lines.
Homeowners who want display without heaviness.
Just keep the styling simple. Glass shelves show everything, which can be a blessing or a curse.
How to Style Kitchen Open Shelving without Clutter
Open shelves get a bad reputation for looking messy, but the trick is simple.
Use the 50 percent rule.
You want half functional + half decorative. For example:
Functional: plates, bowls, cups
Decorative: cookbooks, a ceramic vase, a favorite piece of pottery
Repeat your tones.
If your lower cabinets are oak, add a couple of wood elements to the shelves. If your faucet is brass, echo it with a small brass frame or spoon rest.
Keep height variation.
Mix tall items with low stacks to avoid the “lined-up cans in a pantry” look.
My Favorite Open Shelving Picks for Real-Life Kitchens
If you’ve ever wished someone would just hand you a short list of shelves that actually hold up in real-life kitchens… here you go! These are the pieces that bring warmth, texture, and personality without overwhelming your space.
Ethnicraft PI Mahogany Bracket Shelf
A single shelf with beautiful grain and a hand-finished look. Great for kitchens that need a warm, natural accent.
West Elm Emmerson Reclaimed Wood Floating Shelves
Rustic, warm, and full of charm. These are perfect for adding texture without committing to heavy open shelving.
West Elm Volume Floating Shelves
Clean, modern, and minimal. These shelves look incredible in kitchens where you want the storage without the visual clutter.
West Elm Anton Wall Shelves
A polished, natural wood look that pairs beautifully with warm stones and brass hardware.
West Elm Quinn Floating Shelves
Streamlined and sophisticated. These blend beautifully with both modern and classic cabinetry.
Port Douglas Floating Kitchen Shelf
A sturdy, reliable shelf that adds tremendous warmth. Ideal for busy family kitchens.
West Elm Takara Live Edge Shelves
Every shelf is one of a kind. These bring a natural, grounded feel to any kitchen.
*These are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase, at no extra cost to you. I only share pieces I truly love and would use in my home or my clients’ homes.
A Little Send-Off for Your Shelving Journey
At the end of the day, kitchen open shelving is not about impressing Pinterest. It is about choosing something you will still love on a random Tuesday when the dishwasher is running, the kids are asking what’s for dinner, and you are staring at those shelves thinking, “Thank goodness I picked the right ones.”
So trust your instincts, pick the option that fits your actual life, and let the pretty pictures follow. 🫶
Your Next FREE Step: Build a Kitchen You Will Still Love Next Year
If you are choosing kitchen open shelving, you might be choosing cabinets too. Before you order anything, make sure your cabinetry will support your layout, your flooring, and your daily routine.
Grab My FREE guide→ Kitchen Renovation on a Budget: Top 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Kitchen Cabinets
Inside, you’ll learn how to:
Avoid the most expensive cabinet mistakes
Understand how cabinets and shelving interact
Plan a layout that works for your real life
Stay on budget without sacrificing quality
Start your renovation with clarity. Your future self will thank you every time you walk into a kitchen that looks beautiful and works beautifully.