Ideas for Kitchen Shelves

Where to Install Shelves

• Walk around your kitchen and look at the open wall space or at spaces you might want to renovate to include open shelving. You may decide to remove upper cabinetry to install shelves in place of dark cabinets. This is ideal in a small kitchen. You might also have space for shelves in between windows, in a breakfast nook, or on an empty wall. Keep in mind that narrow shelves may require less space than wider ones and that you may have space for shelves above a kitchen cart or other small furniture pieces. You can build your own shelves, install purchased open shelves or buy or build freestanding kitchen shelves.

Using Kitchen Shelves for Storage

• If you live in a small space, you need all available kitchen shelf space. You may want to use baskets, pottery containers or bins to contain smaller items. Consider canisters, large mason jars or another attractive display option for storing dry goods on open shelves in your kitchen. Dishes can easily be stored on open shelving, especially if they are used regularly. Or use narrow shelves to display pretty plates, family photos or small kitchen items, like salt and pepper shakers or spices. Consider adding hooks to hold utensils of various sorts or cups to the underside of a kitchen shelf near a work area.

Styling your Kitchen Shelves

• Making smart choices in your kitchen ware is especially helpful if you will be using open shelving in your kitchen for storage. Consider choosing a simple color scheme and carrying that through your dishes, serving pieces, bake ware and mixing bowls. One or two colors can be displayed together in an attractive way, even if the pieces are primarily functional. You may want to use some of the space to display favorite collectibles, particularly if they work well with your dishware or other items. Intermingle a stack of cookbooks on a baking supply shelf or a few beautiful clear glass vases or vintage pottery with your dinnerware.