Shelves for the kitchen: types, materials, color, design. How to position? What to put?

Corner shelves for the kitchen are one of the popular options for organizing storage areas for various utensils. In this material we will tell you why corner structures are so good and what their range is. But most importantly, you will learn how to make an unusual and stylish shelf for your kitchen yourself.

Corner shelves often become a replacement for upper cabinets

Types of kitchen shelves

There are several varieties.

Open

They contribute to the visual expansion of the room and make it much freer. However, the contents of open structures constantly require perfect order and frequent cleaning. In this case, to make maintenance less labor-intensive, it is recommended to install a more powerful hood.

Closed

Such models are distinguished by the presence of rear and side walls, complemented by sliding, lifting or hinged doors.

The photo shows closed rectangular shelves with a colored facade in the kitchen interior.

Mounted

They become a great addition to any free space in the kitchen or easily fit even into a wall. Hanging shelves can have a wide variety of purposes, which affects the depth, height and location of the structure. Products equipped with hidden fastenings have a particularly beautiful and trendy appearance.

Floor-standing

It is a fairly durable model that can withstand any load. Floor shelves with legs are great for placing a microwave, multicooker and other household appliances. Such structures are mainly made of metal or wood and are sometimes equipped with wheels, which makes them more mobile.

Tabletop

Such products can be stationary or folding and have several tiers. They are located against the wall on the countertop and provide a convenient place for mugs, jars of spices or cereals, a bread bin, a sugar bowl, or even a vase of flowers.

Built-in

Such shelves, built into a niche, the end module of a kitchen unit or an island, provide intelligent use of the available space and bring variety and creativity to the environment.

Shelving

These organizers with a certain number of shelves, which are combined into one box, easily complement any kitchen design. Racks provide effective organization of things, for example, various dishes, recipe books, baskets for vegetables and fruits, as well as small household appliances.

Hidden

They are distinguished by a façade that blends with the surrounding decoration, furniture, or, for example, a kitchen apron. Hidden models are especially suitable for those who prefer a laconic and discreet interior.

Criteria for choosing a shelf for the kitchen

Any piece of kitchen furniture must meet requirements such as convenience and practicality.

When choosing shelves, you should pay attention to a number of other things:

• Capacity (when considering models, it is worth taking their parameters into account);
• Strength qualities;
• Reliability of fastenings;
• Moisture resistance;
• Resistance to household chemicals;
• Unpretentious content;
• Ergonomics.

Design execution is of great importance: color scheme, configuration, dimensions, texture.

It is believed that open shelves in the kitchen, designed in light natural colors, visually expand its area, and models in black are appropriate only in contrasting interiors.

Material

In the manufacture of shelves it is permissible to use almost any materials:

• Wooden. They have a truly luxurious appearance, are environmentally friendly and, if necessary, can be easily restored.
• Plastic. They are considered a fairly economical solution that allows you to achieve interesting kitchen decoration. Plastic structures are often placed above the table or above the sink for drying dishes.
• Metal. Despite their elegant configuration, such products can withstand quite a heavy load. Stainless steel shelves or sophisticated metal gratings do not burden or overload the interior, making it truly stylish.
• Chipboard/MDF. When choosing such models, you can save a lot of money and at the same time create a very beautiful, simple and practical design.
• Drywall. Drywall products have a wide variety of shapes that can be designed with your own hands. Such shelves are more suitable for storing small accessories and are sometimes equipped with spotlights.

The photo shows a kitchen interior with hanging open shelves made of wood.

Also quite often in the kitchen interior there are shelves made of tempered glass, which look very fragile, but at the same time withstand almost any load. These transparent structures can have hidden fasteners, which creates the feeling of objects floating in the air.

Shelf material

When purchasing or making shelves for the kitchen, you should carefully consider the frame material.

The base and horizontal strips must meet the following criteria: Durability, Beauty, Environmental friendliness.

The photo of the kitchen shelves shows that the most relevant solutions are the following options:

1. From the array. This is an ideal choice for a kitchen location. Wood provides an opportunity to realize the most daring ideas. The advantages of solid wood products are strength, unique texture, aesthetics, and environmental safety.
2. From chipboard. Such furniture is valued for its availability and low cost. On sale you can easily find models for every taste. Minus - there is a possibility of releasing harmful substances if the material is of low quality.
3. Made of metal. These accessories are popular with many designers. They are in perfect harmony with all surfaces and, if properly treated, last for quite a long time.
4. Made of plastic. The advantages of plastic models are moisture resistance, ease of maintenance, and light weight. Disadvantages: brittle edges, low resistance to high temperatures.
5. Made from tempered glass. Such designs are distinguished by good strength qualities and stylish design.

Shelf sizes and shapes

In a small kitchen, corner shelves complemented with various accessories look especially appropriate. Such products occupy a minimum of usable space and blend organically into the surrounding environment. Quite an original design, they have high structures up to the ceiling, which consist of several tiers. They not only look very stylish, but also provide convenient placement of many necessary items.

The photo shows a straight narrow shelf made of wood in a kitchen interior in light colors.

A particularly interesting design of the kitchen space can be achieved using horizontal multi-level models, which can be quite long and occupy the entire wall or only part of it. There are also not only wide, but also narrow shelves that are perfect for a variety of decor and contribute to significant space savings.

The photo shows the interior of the dining room, decorated with open shelves up to the ceiling.

Ideas and options for arranging shelves in the kitchen

Open kitchen shelves will never lose their practical value. An excellent decorative element can be made in any style. Original interior decoration is an ideal solution for a small kitchen.

By choosing a good location, you can use them to increase the space, hide finishing imperfections, and create a cozy atmosphere. The shelves must be carefully integrated into the set so that symmetry is not broken.

Using corner shelves

Ideal for saving space. You can use a lot of ideas for their successful location. An interesting option for a small room is shelves under the ceiling. Wooden crossbars in the corner will look like decorative beams, while at the same time fulfilling their intended purpose.

Corner structures can be attached to the outermost drawer of the set and frequently used items can be placed on them. These can be glasses, containers with spices, cookbooks. By decorating them with lighting, you can highlight a corner when the lights are off and create an atmosphere of comfort and tranquility.

“Floating shelves” add airiness to the kitchen. A wide base will allow you to unload the closed storage area, taking on part of this function. The design and materials can be anything.

Using corner shelves in the kitchen interior

The layout of the shelves will depend on the size of the kitchen, the cooking area, the number of drawers and the style of the room. In some cases, corner shelves in the kitchen will look appropriate.

Corner shelves are ideal for saving space. You can perfectly apply interesting design ideas to them. So, a brilliant solution would be to install corner wooden shelves almost up to the ceiling. As a result, the shelves will visually look like decorative beams, which also have a functional purpose.

Corner shelves on the entire wall

Tip: kitchens with corner shelves are the best solution for saving space.

An original solution would be to use asymmetrical shelves. However, it should be taken into account that such a design fantasy is suitable for design in country, Provence, and Scandinavian styles, but will not fit in with the strict directions of minimalism.

Arrangement of shelves at different levels

Shelves for flowers

Place such stands as close to the window as possible, since plants need light. The dimensions and features of the shelves will depend on the number of colors and their type. Designs can be wall or floor, single or multi-seat.

Small pots can be placed on corner shelves; for lovers of climbing plants, ceiling-mounted options are more suitable. If space in the kitchen allows, floor shelving would be an excellent arrangement. You can place large pots with mature flowers on the lower tiers, and decorate the upper ones with small-leaved and lush bushes.

Narrow shelves made of lightweight plastic will look good on the windowsill. Also, glass shelves on suction cups with violets and decorative grass will fit into the window space. The structures reinforced at the base can support up to 10 small pots and one medium flower.

Wine shelves

For storing wine at home, many systems have been developed that meet all requirements. In addition to decorative functions, bottle shelves must fulfill their intended purpose - to preserve the taste of a noble drink.

Incorrect placement of wine racks can negatively affect the color and consistency of drinks. The main factors that can spoil the contents of bottles are direct sunlight, excessive humidity, high temperature, vibration.

When choosing a place in the kitchen for a wine rack, you need to take into account not only the design of the room and personal preferences. The type of construction and the way the bottles are placed are important. The safety of the product will be ensured by the following options:

• Vertical shelf for 5-10 bottles. The design is ideal for small kitchens. The extended strip is mounted vertically to the wall. The wine is placed in the neck holes in a checkerboard pattern;
• Horizontal suspended structures. Semi-closed boxes are also attached to the wall. The bottles are placed in a row; at the bottom you can make rails for storing glasses;
• Diagonal. The bottles are placed by grade in certain cells. This allows you to create optimal storage conditions;
• Inclined. Universal designs for simultaneous storage of wines in a convenient position and glasses;
• Presentation. Suitable for large kitchens. A simultaneous combination of large inclined racks and horizontal pull-out shelves.

Shelves under the windowsill

In small kitchens there is always not enough space to store household items. The space under the window sill often remains empty. If the battery is not hidden there and important communications do not pass through, this place can be allocated for organizing convenient shelves.

The size of the structure will determine the height and depth of the window sill. The material and design style must match the overall decoration of the room, then the original shelves will seem like part of the set.

You can place dishes, winter preparations and other items that do not have specific storage requirements under the windowsill. It is necessary to take into account the peculiarity of a dark place. Live plants and decorative elements are not placed on grounded shelves.

Shelves on the countertop

They will make the kitchen tidy and the countertops clean and spacious. Usually these are multi-tiered structures with narrow shelves. They can accommodate many useful little things (salt shaker, napkin holder, knife stand and other items).

Shelves on several floors can have different shapes and features. The choice of the most convenient option will depend on the location of the table, the design of the apron, and the presence of hanging structures.

Railings with hanging shelves

A practical, fashionable solution for the kitchen. The structures look light and airy, but at the same time very strong and reliable. A variety of shapes and sizes allows you to choose a suitable railing design with hanging shelves.

More often you can find hooks on the railing. They hold objects with handles, potholders, scissors and other household items. If there is no need for a large number of such items, the structure can be used to install shelves and expand their functionality.

Before choosing a shelf, you need to decide on its purpose. It is important to immediately indicate the approximate weight of items for future storage and dimensions. You should also take into account the weight of the product itself and the presence of sides. Railing shelves can have a variety of shapes. They can be hung in a corner, above a countertop or sink.

What to put on the shelves?

Popular filling options.

For dishes and pots

On the shelves for dishes, you can conveniently store plates that can be placed in a slide or interestingly arranged in a row. Such models can sometimes be equipped with special cross beams that prevent falls. For glasses and bottles with alcoholic drinks, various vertical holders, rotating, hanging or side shelves are used, which often act as an additional accessory to the bar counter.

Decorative

Designs that include different decor, for example, original candles, photo frames, lamps, flower pots and other cute trinkets, significantly soften the kitchen environment and give it a special taste.

For TV

With this design you can achieve a very beautiful design. When choosing a shelf for a TV, it is desirable that it blends harmoniously with all the other furniture in the room, thus creating the most comfortable and neat interior possible.

Food

Very often, for seasonings and spices, they use holder shelves or use an entire niche for storage. Depending on the size of the structure, it can be filled not only with numerous jars, but also with boxes of tea, containers with cereals, bottles with vegetable oil or sauce. For fruits and vegetables, products in the form of a rack or shelf with metal baskets are especially appropriate, which takes up little space and can sometimes be equipped with wheels.

The photo shows a tabletop wooden shelf in the shape of a ladder for storing tea and coffee.

For household supplies

Shelves with hooks are a very practical accessory that combines two functions at once. Such products are also suitable for placing sponges and, for example, hanging towels.

For kitchen appliances

For various appliances in the form of a small toaster or microwave, pull-out structures, shelves with hinged doors, floor-standing or wall-mounted models are used.

Making a shelf yourself in 8 steps

As mentioned above, the corner shelf for the kitchen is quite simple to implement and thanks to this section you can verify this. We invite you to make an interesting corner structure with your own hands.

Based on such a sketch, you can get a fairly original product.

To create a shelf, you will need to draw an approximate sketch with measurements and drawing of the number of elements you need. The basis of the structure will be an ordinary furniture panel.

If desired, your corner kitchen shelf can be painted in any color that will look organic in your kitchen. We also suggest watching the video in the article, from which you will learn about another simple way to create an original shelf.

How to place it in the kitchen?

Ways to place shelves in the kitchen space.

Over the table

The free wall above the table is often decorated with shelves for decorative items or various small jars of seasonings. In this area, models with invisible fasteners that merge with the surface of the wall and become one with it will look very advantageous.

The photo shows a kitchen interior with decorative shelves located above the dining table.

In the corner

Corner designs will fit perfectly into the interior of both a small and more spacious kitchen. Such triangular or L-shaped products provide significant space savings and, thanks to various design ideas, give the environment a stylish and unusual look.

Over the sink

For such placement, choose shelves or dryers made of materials that are not afraid of moisture, temperature changes, mechanical damage and high loads. Sometimes, to prevent the appearance of marks and stains, special decorative spraying is used.

In a niche

With this option, you can get away from template interior design, as well as make the most efficient use of space. The dimensions of the shelves are selected depending on the dimensions of the niche, and the material is selected in accordance with the style of the room.

On the apron

This placement near the work surface with a sink and stove is not only original, but also reasonable. This way you can place at hand the products and items needed during the cooking process.

The photo shows square shelves in the design of a work area with an apron in the kitchen interior.

Under the ceiling

Thanks to the additional storage space under the ceiling, it is possible to organize a practical and stylish design. The main advantage of this solution is the preservation of usable space below. Rarely used dishes, household appliances are placed on such frame shelves, towels, potholders, etc. are hung.

Above the door

It is quite a relevant option for the kitchen. The mezzanine above the door provides a convenient place to store boxes or baskets with necessary things.

On a free wall

When placing shelves on an empty wall, the main thing is to maintain a sense of proportion so as not to burden the appearance of the room. For example, quite often the structure is hung in the free space between two cabinets to create a single furniture composition or simply placed in a linear, checkerboard or chaotic order.

Above the sofa

This solution can give the kitchen interior a special zest and a sense of order. Above the sofa it is better to install less bulky and not too long or rounded models with attractive decor.

Choosing material for a kitchen shelf

Take a step back and imagine which wood would best suit your kitchen decor. Choose a tree that matches the look. If you are making a shelf with your own hands, we recommend using pine, it has a great appearance and is easy to work with. You will also need to decide how high to make it vertical (which is determined by the height of your window).

Next, you need to determine the length and height of the shelves. Once you've determined where the top shelf will be, see if there's enough space to put a shelf in between because you can't have too many kitchen shelves.

Kitchen shelves make your life easier and they also give you an extra prominent place to display your favorite kitchen utensils, cookware and decor. Everything you need is within reach and in sight.

These perfectly sized and placed kitchen shelves take up an otherwise useless corner and create a magical space for supplies, decor and other essentials. They are functional and leave room for creativity.

These shelves are ideal when you want to have more space. With the addition of these short but durable shelves, you've created several extra feet of surface space for decor and storage that would otherwise go unused. When you decide to use shelving, you begin to see that the open storage options are endless.

If you're looking for gorgeous shelves for your kitchen, then these rustic yet well-kept natural wood shelves are a great option. Maintaining the elegant natural curve of wood, they are decorative and functional.

When using this authentic and woody option, be sure to add live plants to enhance the beauty of the bare wood.

A throwback to the old days, these rounded shelves sit elegantly above the sink and are best used for things that will make you happy while washing dishes. Adding character to any kitchen, these open shelves are great for storing your favorite plants, knick-knacks—or perhaps just your dish soap.

These wide kitchen shelves rest confidently on gorgeous black iron brackets. Choosing this option gives you reliability with a wonderful decorative touch. This option is great for homes with a vintage feel and can be mixed and matched with a variety of wood or iron colors to suit your decor.

Placed in a special nook above the table, these kitchen shelves offer plenty of storage space. When you find yourself with an open wall, it seems like there are endless possibilities.

Anyone can appreciate the beauty of a well-organized pantry. With these clean and simple shelves, you'll feel inspired to create an easy and organized space. Extending from floor to ceiling, this approach allows you to store everything from cereal to dinner plates.

Tree

Wooden shelves are suitable for almost all interior styles. Natural wood is a win-win option. Products made from this material are 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 or producing it yourself, you first need to pay attention to the quality of the board. It must be perfectly smooth, without voids, cracks, chips, or knots. The most affordable items in terms of price and processing are made from coniferous wood: spruce, pine. Higher quality models that are strong and durable are made from oak, ash, and larch.

To attach wall shelves to a wooden surface, you can use self-tapping screws, to a brick surface - dowels, and to a concrete surface - anchor bolts.

The main advantages of open wooden structures include:

• Environmental friendliness. The raw materials do not emit harmful substances.
• Durability. With careful use, the wood will last for many years.
• Beautiful appearance. The presence of a natural pattern always looks original.
• Strength. The material is resistant to mechanical damage.
• Prestige. The interior with wooden furniture has a rich look.

Flaws:

• Fear of moisture. Without treatment with special water-repellent compounds, the wood may swell.
• Difficult care. Do not use detergents when cleaning.
• Does not tolerate direct sunlight well. Under their influence, the surface burns out.
• Absorbs odors.

MDF and chipboard

A cheaper option compared to solid wood are shelves made from MDF or chipboard. Both materials are made from sawdust, but the particle board is glued together using formaldehyde resins, so you need to choose a product with emission class E1 or E0. Let's consider each type of raw material separately.

1. MDF. Literally, the abbreviation stands for finely dispersed fraction. It is made by pressing crushed chips at high pressure and temperature. The main advantages of the material include: environmental friendliness, ease of processing, aesthetics, and a wide selection of colors. Disadvantages include: high cost compared to chipboard, fear of moisture.
2. Chipboard (chipboard). It is produced by pressing chips mixed with substances of non-mineral origin. If you use laminated chipboard, then in terms of external characteristics it is not inferior to MDF, and in the price category it is significantly superior. However, the raw material has limited moisture resistance, low strength, it is impossible to make figured cuts on it, it emits harmful substances.

Metal

This is the most durable material. The products are characterized by reliability. The structures are indispensable when arranging a durable stand for storing heavy objects. They are very convenient to use in places with high dust and humidity. They will be an excellent addition to both professional and individual kitchens.

Metal shelves go well with kitchen units that have metal elements on the façade. They allow you to stylishly decorate your interior. And if earlier the elements were associated with rough objects, now manufacturers produce thin-walled shelves characterized by graceful shapes.

Metal products are characterized by the following positive qualities:

• long service life;
• good strength;
• lightness, especially models made of aluminum;
• are not afraid of humidity and high temperatures.

Flaws:

• the item must be periodically painted to protect the surface from moisture;
• not suitable for all interiors;
• forged models have a very high cost;
• It is very difficult to make on your own; you will need a special tool, skills in working with a grinder and welding.

To avoid corrosion, do not skimp on paint. It is necessary to choose high-quality dyes intended for metal.

Glass

Glass products are more common in the bathroom. However, these models are very popular among many designers and ordinary people. The material is neutral to water and does not absorb odors. Glass does not visually clutter up the space, transmits light well, and gives any room airiness and lightness. The items look casual, so many people began to decorate small kitchens with them.

When choosing a suitable option, first of all you should pay attention to the corners; they should be rounded and smooth to the touch. Sharp edges will cause cuts when cleaning. Another important parameter is the thickness of the material; it should be at least 5 mm. The best option would be tempered glass and multilayer triplex, which are characterized by increased strength.

The main advantages of the shelves include:

• neutral to moisture;
• transparency;
• durability;
• large selection of shapes, unusual design;
• attractive look.

Flaws:

• fragility of most models;
• low load-bearing capacity;
• difficult to maintain, fingerprints remain on the surface;
• high cost of quality products;
• heavy weight.

Plastic

Their low weight makes them popular. Thanks to the variety of colors and different shapes, they allow you to realize any design ideas with imitation of natural materials.

The plastic is easy to attach to the wall, unpretentious, and resistant to moisture. The only drawback is the cheap appearance and limited weight.

Inexpensive plastic shelves are well suited for convenient storage of various small items

Other materials

1. Metal. The durable alloy is suitable for industrial design. You can choose hand-forged with openwork weave, made by hand. It is possible to manufacture products from chrome-plated, matte material with elements of bronze, copper material. The general part of the surface is replaced with a grating. Above the sink, a forged shelf with a drying rack for clean dishes will come in handy
2. Stone. Natural stone shelves are made of impressive sizes, requiring the strength of the wall. They are ideally combined with a similar tabletop, flooring made to look like stone. To save money, you can use crumbs.
3. Glass. Suitable for those who appreciate brevity and airiness. The glass surface is resistant to water and temperature changes. In this case, tempered glass is used, with a thickness of at least six millimeters. Make auxiliary fasteners, this will ensure reliability. Products are prone to mechanical stress. Glass shelves mounted on metal brackets will fit perfectly into the interior of a modern kitchen

Color spectrum

A kitchen decorated with shelves in white or gray shades, which are especially appropriate for creating a minimalist interior, looks truly stylish and modern. Also very impressive are designs in black or wenge colors, which most often complement both modern design and furnishings in a classic or English style.

The photo shows a two-level tabletop shelf made in chrome.

For interiors with light finishes, interesting contrasts are often used in the form of products in rich colors. No less expressive interior solutions are chrome-colored models, which favorably emphasize the overall design of the room and highlight its accents.

Shelf color and design

The design of the shelves must be combined with other items - furniture, apron, countertop. More often the color of the product is preserved, it corresponds to the material of manufacture - the surface can convey the pattern of wood, stone, or be chrome-plated or gold-plated.

However, in modern interiors there are plastic or wooden shelves painted in bright colors. In addition, sometimes shelves are equipped with lighting for an aesthetic effect or to illuminate the work area located below. Then spotlights are mounted on their surface or an LED strip is glued.

There are several changes:

• racks for dishes;

• with built-in drawers for small items;

• floor and wall shelves;

• with partitions and sides;

• with a horizontal surface.

There are also design features of the product:

• Country, Provence, rustic. Shelves for these styles should be solid wood, natural or distressed. Floral print curtains can be used as decoration. Such products are usually accompanied by themed accessories: dishes, objects made from natural materials, wooden figurines.

• Modern, high-tech. Laconic shelves made of wood, glass, plastic or stainless steel without carved sides or other decorations are appropriate here. Photo frames or monochrome paintings in small quantities; modern spice jars are placed on them.

• Classic, modern. Shelves made of stone, metal, and glass are relevant for these styles. Wood will also work, as long as the shelves are elegant and presentable. Forged sides, carvings, pillars are appropriate. On such shelves you can place vases, books, and beautiful dishes.

Design ideas

Thanks to backlit models, it is possible to significantly expand the functionality of the kitchen space. These luminous products are complemented by a system of LED modules, spotlights or sconces; they are also sometimes decorated with a mirror wall, which allows you to give the room a special soft and diffused glow.

Quite an extravagant solution is represented by unusual designs that have a non-standard shape or multi-colored design, which contribute to the creation of a not always practical, but quite creative design.

The photo shows a kitchen interior with hanging green shelves of an unusual shape.

In order to emphasize the originality of the interior, carved products are used. Warm and cozy material with all kinds of patterns, especially harmoniously combined with a variety of jars, clay pots, wicker, wooden decor and other kitchen utensils. Forged shelves look no less advantageous, giving the decor a certain rarity, solidity and chic.

How to choose and install

Before deciding how to hang a shelf in the corner, think about what kind of mount is suitable for it. If, for example, porcelain dishes are placed there, then the brackets for fastening the shelves must be strong and securely fastened to the wall. The choice of designs and models of brackets is large.

To secure shelves where kitchen utensils or light weight items will be placed, you can use lighter and more elegant corners. It is not difficult to choose the right ones. It is only important to remember that they must withstand the weight of the dishes and other items located there.

Photo of open shelves in the kitchen interior

Open shelves make the kitchen interior more expressive and at the same time very cozy and homey. Beautifully arranged dishes add a special personality to the setting.

A stylish and modern design option is the asymmetrical arrangement of open shelves. Such a solution is not always convenient, but it certainly attracts attention. With sufficient lighting in the room, open structures can be placed even in the window opening area.

Which kitchen is suitable for open shelves?

Open shelves are most suitable in interiors in rustic styles - country and Provence, cold Scandinavian and practical loft.
Practical open shelves also came into the interiors of kitchens in ordinary apartment buildings, when open layouts - a kitchen combined with a living room - became popular.

In such a space, open kitchen shelves look harmonious with bookcases and shelves, making the interior unified in style.

Pros of open shelves

Firstly, they create a homely atmosphere. Secondly, access to kitchen utensils and products becomes easy and unhindered. In addition, open shelves visually expand the space even in a small kitchen.

Open shelves help the housewife not to store unnecessary utensils; as a rule, they are stored in the farthest cabinets, but here there is no such opportunity, which means that unused items will not be stored at home for years.

Open kitchen shelves are suitable for families who often cook a lot - they are convenient to use.

If you make shelves to order, to suit your own kitchen interior, it will cost much less than ordering cabinets with doors.

Disadvantages of open shelves

Such shelves are not suitable for everyone: they are not as spacious as cabinets with doors, and you need to place carefully selected dishes and beautiful kitchen accessories on them.

Everything that stands on them must be neatly arranged. In addition, they require regular cleaning.

Options in different styles

Examples of design in popular style directions.

Scandinavian style kitchen

Nordic style primarily involves models made from predominantly natural materials. Here, semi-closed combined shelves with drawers or open shelves with decorative items that emphasize this direction, such as paintings with animals, black and white photographs or green plants, look very impressive.

The photo shows wooden open shelves located above the sink in a Scandinavian-style kitchen.

Shelves in Provence style

In this interior, they prefer vintage wooden structures with an aged appearance or choose the most simple products in white, beige and other natural colors. A particularly relevant decor for closed shelves in the Provence style will be curtains with a floral pattern.

Loft style

The loft-style kitchen space is complemented by more massive shelves made of wooden boards or metal, which have an unfinished appearance. Constructions made of concrete or brick are quite a bold design solution. In the design of these products, rusty pipes, various taps, bolts, screws and metal rods are used.

Country style kitchen

For rustic design, it is appropriate to use antique structures, characterized by simple design and decor in the form of forged and openwork elements. Most often, there are a large number of accessories and kitchen utensils on the shelves.

High tech

High-tech hi-tech is characterized by models made from more modern materials, such as glossy plastic, glass or metal, combined with chrome elements or lighting equipment. The content should be minimal and include only items with a direct functional purpose.

Classical

For classics or neoclassics, glass showcases or racks and shelves made of natural wood, which are decorated in the form of carvings or forged metal plates stylized as gold, bronze or brass, are especially often chosen.

What style to make, buy shelves for the wall

Country

You will need to use functional shelves made of natural timber. The shelves are beautiful for the kitchen, made of solid, aged wood, complemented by wicker baskets and chests. It is better to choose a color palette: light beige, gray, pastel colors.

In order to favorably emphasize the rustic orientation of the style, it is advisable to use wooden shelves with a natural texture

To emphasize the style, you can decorate individual shelves with curtains with a colorful floral pattern. This solution will prevent items from external contamination. This will also allow you to experiment: you can keep the curtains curtained or open. An important point will be to maintain a sense of proportion. A pair of shelves decorated with curtains look good.

Provence

The shelf in the kitchen is made of natural material in light colors, covered with varnish and paint. If the wood has an aged structure, this will serve as harmony in the Provence style. Here it would be appropriate to use special supports for solid wood shelves and forged corners. The peeling surface of the paint gives the overall mood. Wooden shelves of the simplest designs that can be varnished or painted in light colors are suitable for Provence.

Refined shelves will help sparkle the kitchen space with new colors. On such comfortable pieces of furniture you can place original dishes, small vases with wildflowers, as if delivered from the south of France.

Scandinavia

The embodiment of this style implies uncluttered shelves. Place only the essentials necessary for cooking on them. It is allowed to place some accessories: original stones, small candles, porcelain souvenirs, animal drawings. Such elements will tell about the Nordic character of the kitchen.

On open shelves in a Scandinavian interior you can place a variety of decorative items that highlight the stylistic direction of the room

High-tech direction

The predominance of glass materials and metal. Minimalism, nothing superfluous is a feature of the style. Black and white colors are required in the design.

High-tech and minimalism usually use combinations of open shelving and cabinets with smooth fronts

Make a balanced decision about installing open shelves in this interior. The reason is the rule of maintaining order and observing the canons of style.

Basic materials for hanging shelves:

Natural wood (solid);

• natural wood (solid wood);
• Chipboard, MDF;
• metal;
• stone;
• glass;
• plastic.

Wood is perhaps the only material that adapts stylistically to any space and brings a touch of warmth. The wooden wall shelf is durable and can withstand a lot of weight, making it great for storing large amounts of utensils. Pine, beech, alder or oak are often used to make wall-mounted kitchen shelves. The only caveat is that to use it in the kitchen, natural wood must be treated with moisture-resistant compounds.

What distinguishes wood is its great variability with different types of fasteners. Especially with metal brackets such as the industrial design style as shown below.

Hanging wooden shelves with wrought iron brackets look beautiful.

Lamps in the spirit of old water pipes look very original.

Shelves made of laminated chipboard or MDF are not inferior in strength to natural wood, but at a significantly lower cost. Their second advantage is the variety of colors due to veneered or laminated coating. In fact, chipboard and MDF are the same materials from which furniture is made. Thanks to this, shelves made of wooden panels can be easily integrated into the kitchen set as a free-standing element or as shelving systems. On such wall shelves it is convenient to place items relevant for cooking: dishes, cereals, spices, kitchen utensils.

Metal is a practical and durable material that offers many ideas for implementation, both in modern interiors and in rural areas and Provence. For the latter, small forged shelves with an openwork pattern would be an excellent addition.

Tips for arranging shelves in a small kitchen

In a small room, it is important to avoid clutter and provide ample storage space. In this sense, shelves are great for small kitchens.

The following tips will help you organize your space wisely:

• many small shelves are better than huge ones;
• It is advisable to place the shelves on the wall opposite the plug;
• corner structures can be from floor to ceiling;
• asymmetrical shelves will enliven the space;
• Hanging hooks can be used to hang cups, scoops, shovels;
• For a small kitchen it is better to choose laconic models in light shades.

Shelf design options for a spacious kitchen

In a large room, headphones with open shelves are often used as display cases. Here you can show off beautiful dishes, putting them face forward, elite alcoholic drinks, turning the shelf into an open bar.

Non-standard design designs are appropriate, including homemade and ultra-modern ones.

As storage systems, open shelves in the kitchen can replace or complement upper wall cabinets, eliminating the feeling of overhang. They are especially relevant if the work area is located near a window.

Installed in the cooking area, these structures will provide quick access to spices, utensils, and equipment. There is also space on the shelf for kitchen appliances - a multicooker, microwave, toaster and others.

Also in a spacious kitchen it is possible to install a peninsula hood, inside of which there are niches for large-sized dishes. Above it you can allocate space for hanging shelves.

Shelving for high floors is suitable for zoning a spacious room. You can place decorative elements, photo frames, candles, and flowers in them.

Features of design and placement

The idea of ​​having open themed shelves is attractive, allowing you to have a variety of designs and place items on them to suit your plan.

For example, on solid wood shelves, baskets or wicker boxes look great, in which you can store all kinds of things, as well as vegetables or fruits. This composition is often made in Provence or outside the city, creates a quiet homely comfort and transfers the atmosphere of a private home to the walls of concrete city apartments.

If you need to add more lightness and air to the room, use glass shelves with LED strip edging around the perimeter. They fit perfectly into all modern interiors and look great in the evening with the lights on.

Another option from the “practical and simple” category is lattice shelves. They really look weightless, but at the same time they can withstand quite an impressive weight. They are found in scandi, hi-tech, sometimes in pop art or fusion.

Avoid dark shades if the room has modest living space. It looks best in beige, cream or classic white. You can also use black if it can be used to create a bright spot and highlight the area beautifully.

Many owners act very wisely and in their kitchens coolly combine open shelves with wall cabinets. The result is an interesting and fresh image, with a clear claim to the relevance of the style.

Tips for designers Do not place open shelves directly above the hob - fat and fumes will invariably settle on the products and spoil the finishing material. It is best to hang them above the work surface - both are convenient for you, and the shelf is better protected from temperature and dirt.

Open shelves in the kitchen can be placed both above and below. This is very convenient and if you want to cover the bottom from prying eyes, use curtains.

If you have a corner kitchen with open shelves, use the corner wisely to add storage. You can stretch it high, but don't get too carried away—it's a lot of fun to stand on the stool when you need to season a dish or add salt.