How To Make Open Kitchen Shelves

When my husband and I renovated our kitchen, we decided to ditch the upper cabinets and opt for open shelves instead. It was a bold move, but we love the way it turned out. Not only does it make the space feel more open and airy, but it also gives us a chance to display our favorite kitchen items.

Step by Step Guide

1. Measure and Plan

The first step in making open kitchen shelves is to measure the space where you want them to go. It’s important to plan ahead, so you know exactly how much material you’ll need. Consider the height and width of the shelves and how many you need to accommodate your kitchen items.

2. Choose Your Material

You can make open kitchen shelves out of a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and glass. We opted for wood because it added warmth and texture to our kitchen. You can choose to stain or paint the shelves to match your kitchen’s color scheme.

3. Install Brackets

The next step is to install brackets to hold up the shelves. Make sure to use sturdy brackets that can support the weight of your kitchen items. You can find brackets at most hardware stores.

4. Install Shelves

Once the brackets are installed, it’s time to install the shelves. Place them on top of the brackets and secure them in place with screws.

5. Decorate

Now that your open kitchen shelves are installed, it’s time to decorate them! We love using a mix of practical items, such as plates and glasses, and decorative items like plants and artwork.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

Consider the weight of your kitchen items when choosing brackets and material for your shelves.
Use a mix of practical and decorative items to display on your shelves.
Make sure to measure and plan ahead so you know exactly how much material you’ll need.
Stain or paint your shelves to match your kitchen’s color scheme.
Install lighting above your open shelves to highlight your items.
Use baskets or bins to organize smaller items.
Consider adding a backsplash behind your open shelves for added visual interest.
Use floating shelves for a sleek, modern look.
Add hooks underneath your shelves to hang mugs or utensils.
Switch up the items on your shelves seasonally for a fresh look.

Pros and Cons

There are both pros and cons to having open kitchen shelves. On the one hand, they can make your kitchen feel more open and airy, and give you a chance to display your favorite items. On the other hand, they can also get cluttered and require more upkeep than traditional cabinets. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

My Personal Review and Suggestion

Overall, I am thrilled with our decision to install open kitchen shelves. They have transformed our kitchen into a more functional and beautiful space. My suggestion would be to make sure you have a plan in place for organizing your items, so they don’t become cluttered. It’s also important to regularly dust and clean the shelves to keep them looking their best.

Question & Answer

Q: Can open kitchen shelves work in a small kitchen?

A: Yes, open kitchen shelves can actually make a small kitchen feel more open and spacious. Just make sure to measure carefully and choose shelving that fits the space.

FAQs

Q: How many shelves should I install?

A: The number of shelves you install will depend on your personal preference and the size of your kitchen. We installed three shelves, but you could install more or fewer depending on your needs.