They have become a real life hack for those who do not have enough space to place kitchen utensils and decorative elements. In this review we will talk about how to equip open shelves and what to use them for. We hope our tips will help you and your kitchen will be transformed.
They are practically not used in the lower tiers - it is difficult to maintain order, dust accumulates.
How to choose the right model
You can buy open shelves at a furniture hypermarket or make them yourself if you have some construction skills. Parameters to consider when choosing a model:
- Shelf strength.
- Reliability of fasteners. The shelf must be able to support significant weight without the risk of falling.
- Sufficient width and depth of the shelf.
- Design. Shape, size and color play an important role in the design of a kitchen interior.
- Cost of finished products and materials for independent work.
When choosing a material, you should evaluate the treatment of surfaces to protect against moisture, corrosion and pests (fungal colonies, bark beetles that can damage the structure of the working base).
Materials - advantages and disadvantages
Shelves are a very popular piece of furniture. It is difficult to find a material that cannot be used to make them. Masters in this business are very successful, they use different approaches, making products using any available methods, for example, from old boxes, pallets, glass, plastic bottles, cans, slate and other available things. The following types of raw materials are used in industrial production:
- tree;
- MDF and chipboard;
- metal;
- glass;
- plastic.
The purpose of the shelf and its style depend on the material. This circumstance is taken into account when choosing a finished product, which should fit harmoniously into the interior of the kitchen. In order to make the right decision and choose the most suitable option, we will consider in detail the main types of raw materials used.
Tree
Wooden shelves fit almost any interior style. Natural wood is a win-win option. Products made from this material can be found in most kitchens. They can have a simple or complex shape, located horizontally, vertically, or in a corner. This raw material is easy to work with, so you can make a shelf with your own hands.
When choosing a product for independent production, first of all you need to pay attention to the quality of the board. It must be perfectly smooth, without voids, cracks, chips, or knots. The most affordable products in terms of price and quality are made from soft wood: spruce, pine. Top quality models, strong and durable, available in oak, ash and larch.
To attach wall shelves to a wooden surface, you can use self-tapping screws, on brick - dowels, on concrete - anchor bolts.
The main advantages of open wooden structures include:
- Environmental friendliness. The raw materials do not emit harmful substances.
- Duration. With careful use, the wood will last for many years.
- Nice appearance. The presence of a natural pattern always looks original.
- Force. The material is resistant to mechanical damage.
- Prestige. The interior has a rich look and is furnished with wooden furniture.
Cracking:
- Fear of humidity. Without treatment with special water-repellent compounds, the wood may swell.
- Difficult care. When cleaning, do not use detergents.
- Difficult to tolerate direct sunlight. Under their influence, the surface burns out.
- Absorbs odors.
Metal
this is the strongest material. The products are reliable. The structures are indispensable for creating a strong support for storing heavy objects. They are very convenient to use in places with high dust and humidity. They will be a great addition to professional and personal kitchens.
Metal shelves go well with kitchen cabinets that have metal fronts. They allow you to stylishly decorate your interior. And if previously the elements were associated with rough objects, now manufacturers produce thin-walled shelves with elegant shapes.
Metal products are characterized by the following positive qualities:
- long duration;
- good strength;
- lightness, especially aluminum models;
- not afraid of humidity and high temperatures.
Cracking:
- the item must be periodically painted to protect the surface from moisture;
- not suitable for all interiors;
- fake models are very expensive;
- It is very difficult to do this on your own; you will need a special tool, skills in working with an angle grinder and welding.
To avoid corrosion, do not skimp on paint. It is necessary to choose high-quality dyes intended for metal.
Glass
Glassware is more common in the bathroom. However, these models are highly valued by many designers and non-professionals. The material is neutral towards water and does not absorb odors. Glass does not visually clutter up the space, transmits light well, and gives airiness and lightness to any room. Things look everyday, so many people began to decorate small kitchens with them.
When choosing a suitable option, first of all you need to pay attention to the corners; they should be rounded and smooth to the touch. Sharp edges may cause cuts when cleaning. Another important parameter is the thickness of the material, it must be at least 5 mm. The best option would be tempered glass and laminated triplex, which are more durable.
The main advantages of shelves include:
- neutrality of humidity;
- transparency;
- duration;
- large selection of shapes, unusual design;
- attractive appearance.
Cracking:
- fragility of most models;
- low load-bearing capacity;
- difficult to maintain, fingerprints remain on the surface;
- high cost of quality products;
- heavy weight.
Plastic
Along with other materials, plastic shelves are also in demand. They fit well into the interior of the room. Manufacturers produce several models that differ in design, appearance, color, and texture. However, they are mainly represented by multi-tiered options used for storing kitchen utensils and products.
Plastic models should not be hung above the stove or near heating appliances. The surface may become deformed when exposed to high temperatures. Also, they should not be overloaded with various heavy objects. When choosing, do not give preference to cheap products, they quickly change color. The ribbed surface is very difficult to clean.
A plastic product has a number of advantages:
- affordable price;
- a light weight;
- neutrality of humidity;
- large selection of shades and shapes;
- easy installation;
- ease of maintenance.
Cracking:
- fragility, fear of mechanical damage;
- low load-bearing capacity;
- harmful, releases harmful substances when heated;
- short service life.
Pros of using models
Models without facades are used not only in conditions of insufficient square meters. A kitchen with open shelves is a convenient and practical solution for decorating styles such as Country, minimalism and Provence.
These interior details allow you to create a homely atmosphere in the kitchen area. In addition, there are a number of advantages of choosing:
- Easy access to the contents of the shelves.
- Interesting design.
- During self-construction, there is no need to install the doors and carry out subsequent maintenance of the fasteners.
- Open shelves visually create a feeling of more open space.
- Hanging miniature shelves can be installed directly above the hob or work area, for example, to store spices.
If you design your shelves yourself, the cost of consumables will be significantly lower.
Suitable for those who…
- wants to make the kitchen structure lighter and add space;
- cooks a lot;
- likes small things and dishes to always be at hand;
- abandoned the upper cabinets, but decided to compensate for the upper storage with shelves;
- wants a stylish kitchen, like in a magazine, with massive shelves, possibly made of the same material as the countertop;
- grows herbs at home;
- wants to aesthetically enjoy the kitchen contents, while dishes and jars should really be arranged hierarchically and lovingly;
- saves money, shelves are cheaper than cabinets.
Disadvantages of using shelves
There are also disadvantages of practical use:
- Insufficient shelf capacity.
- Lack of limiters, which can lead to falling contents (spices, dishes, souvenirs).
- Shelves are not able to withstand significant loads, even when made of wood or metal.
Furniture located above the work area requires more frequent wet cleaning.
Shelf design features
The interior of a kitchen with open shelves depends on many factors: shape, color design, order of shelves. There are shelves:
- Mounted models.
- Floor structures.
- Made of metal.
- Made from natural wood.
- Made of plastic.
- Made from glass panels.
Also used in production are chipboard panels, which also have all the necessary qualities for the manufacture of kitchen furniture.
Note!
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The color scheme is a separate parameter for shelves that do not have fronts. In stores you can find models with a natural shade (options made of solid wood or wood blocks) or with additional decorative finishing.
It should be remembered that dark colors help narrow the space, and light shades (white, cream, light walnut tone) allow you to turn a miniature kitchen into a free space.
Unusual options
- With backlight. A shelf lamp will add zest to the room. Equipping the structure with light, which will perform a decorative function, will also serve as additional lighting for the kitchen area. The lighting source is spotlights, LED lamps, variations finished with a fluorescent lamp.
- Modular shelves. Modular systems allow individual parts to be combined into a single whole. Also, the parts can be placed separately in different places in the kitchen. The original design is intended for storing and displaying necessary and beautiful things.
- Corner shelves. This is a great space saving option. For greater functionality, they are crafted in several levels. For those who want to effectively use every centimeter, an extraordinary shelf from floor to ceiling will help build an entire arsenal of dishes. Corner shelves are more expensive, but they help to make the most of the kitchen space
Sources
- https://kitchendizajn.ru/otkrytye-polki-na-kuxne/
- https://design-homes.ru/komnaty/kukhnya-i-stolovaya/polki-dlya-kukhni
- https://mebelsuite.ru/polki-na-kuxnyu/
- https://dizainexpert.ru/kuxnya/dizajn-kuxonnyx-navesnyx-polochek-na-stenu/
- https://minikuhonka.ru/2019/09/26/%D0%BA%D1%83%D1%85%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B5-%D0% BF%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BA%D0%B8/
- https://roomester.ru/interer/kuhnya/polki-na-kuhnyu.html
- https://happymodern.ru/polki-na-kuxnyu-foto/
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- Author: Julia
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Hanging open shelves
They can be arranged linearly, in a checkerboard pattern, in the form of cells for storing dishes and spices. In production, special attention is paid to the reliability of fastening structures and the strength of the shelves themselves.
Designers advise not to place heavy bulky dishes on such models, but to set aside shelves for spices and small kitchen utensils.
Narrow decorative shelves
Create kitchen shelving even in unexpected places. These narrow shelves in gray wrap around the facing wall and also complement the TV wall. You can put candles and decorative elements on them.
Additional open shelves. Do you have some free space left on your kitchen wall? Make small shelves with lighting at the bottom and it will decorate your kitchen.
Floor open shelves
Open wall shelves for the kitchen often have a durable metal body and shelves made of glass, wood or plastic. Rear, side walls and facades are not provided.
Some products are characterized by the presence of limiters in the form of thin slats. These models are designed for storing bulky and heavy dishes, as they can withstand significant loads.
Note!
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Advantages
Open kitchen wall shelves have obvious advantages:
- arrangement is possible even in a small kitchen;
- no need to waste time opening and closing doors;
- no need to search for items, as they are presented in the full overview;
- quick access to things on the shelves;
- demonstration of original dishes.
Wood shelves
Natural wood is an excellent material for making open shelves. The material is sufficiently durable and ideal for DIY work.
To extend the service life, pre-treatment with antiseptic, antipyretic and antifungal solutions will be required.
Metal open shelves
Metal structures are not only very durable, but also have a unique design. Most often, chrome steel is used as the main material, which favorably emphasizes interior details thanks to its glossy shine.
We select the material and type of fastening for different styles of kitchen interior
In this matter, rely on the kitchen design style that you have already chosen. For example, if you have a mezzanine, it is better to choose light gray metal shelves. They ideally support the production motives that define the entire management philosophy.
An alternative to metal in attics is, oddly enough, ordinary wood. And the rule applies: the rougher and rougher the texture looks, the better it combines with the ascetic beauty of this style.
Open storage systems made of wood will also come in handy when working with Provence. It is most chic if the texture looks slightly aged - this creates a strong organic feel with the overall atmosphere of kitchens made in a similar style.
But if the wood is treated with stain, you can integrate shelves from it into a space tailored to Scandinavian minimalism. Light beige or even white shades are usually used. Plastic fits organically into such interiors, but it is not very durable, not at all practical and is only suitable as a temporary option “for beauty”.
Also widely used:
- drywall;
- MDF;
- glass;
- counterfeit products.
What can you put on the shelves?
The filling of open shelves depends on their purpose and the wishes of the owner. The most popular solutions for filling interesting kitchen accessories:
- Crockery: frequently used patterns and decorative designs (for example, a set of painted plates).
- Kitchenware.
- When installing rails on top of the shelves, you can hang potholders, towels, and wooden spatulas.
- Souvenir products (products made of polymer clay, papier-mâché figurines).
Any shelf can be decorated with bright, original bottles of spices, sauces, and seasonings.
