If you love the concept of having open shelves in your kitchen but don’t have an idea how to incorporate them in your kitchen we have some amazing ideas for you. From small shelves around the range hood to a whole wall of shelves to shelves above the kitchen sink we cover it all. You don’t know what material or color to use – we have great examples of wood, white, rustic, or metal shelving you can include in your space.
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1. Small White Shelves Around the Range Hood
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counter stool // pot filler // pendant lights // range hood // artificial magnolia // #ad
Last update on 2025-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This black and white kitchen has small white double shelves on each side of the black range hood that gives a simple yet stylish appeal. This kitchen has a combination of closed upper cabinets and shelves for the ultimate storage flexibility.
The white shelving and cabinetry harmonize perfectly with the black accents on the range hood, the bar stools, and the pendant lights.
Having double shelves on each side of the range hood makes perfect symmetry in this view. The shelving combined with the minimalist style of the range hood gives this kitchen a unique look.
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2. Coffee Bar with Live Edge Shelves
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Last update on 2025-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The open edge shelves in the coffee/wine bar area of this kitchen make a perfect combination with the star of this kitchen – the reclaimed wood kitchen island. In order not to overpower the majestic island and look too busy these shelves look perfectly paired.
The wood stain of the kitchen shelves makes a good contrast with the white subway tile backsplash. These coffee bar shelves are stacked with cups within reach for convenience but also a mix of some fun decor pieces.
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3. A Wall of Floating Shelves in the Kitchen
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bar stool // range hood // 3 tier basket // pot filler // shelves // #ad
Last update on 2025-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you have an abundance of storage space in your kitchen, opting for a wall of floating shelves makes a good idea. Having open shelves gives this kitchen an open and bright feel, while the 16′ counter-height kitchen island offers plenty of storage space.
The natural stained shelves give this bright kitchen a modern mixed with a rustic look. The wood shelves complement the big wood beam above the island and the functional yet stylish bar stools in a natural finish. We love the contrast and warmth the wood shelves give against the tiles. And the added sconces above them as a final touch highlight the beautiful open shelf styling.
Having open shelves in the kitchen is also good for ease of access if you fill them with items that you use daily.
4. Warm Wood Accent Shelves in a Neutral Kitchen
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Last update on 2025-10-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
In this elegant space, dark wood shelves make a statement against the soft neutral cabinets. Styled with ceramics, greenery, and art, they bring a cozy layer of personality to the corner. The mix of light and dark materials gives depth while maintaining a polished and welcoming atmosphere.
RELATED: White and Wood Kitchen Design Trends
5. Classic Farmhouse Shelf with Warm Neutrals
A single open shelf stretches along the wall, blending seamlessly with the neutral tones of this charming farmhouse kitchen. Styled with pottery, cutting boards, and small art pieces, it adds personality without clutter. The brass fixtures, marble countertop, and exposed wooden beam complete the look, giving the space a cozy yet refined country feel.
6. Navy Cabinets with Warm Wood Open Shelves
Combining navy cabinetry with rich wood shelving creates a striking balance of color and warmth. The open shelves break up the dark tones, offering space to showcase everyday dishes and decorative pieces. A patterned backsplash behind the range completes the design, adding character and a timeless feel to the kitchen.
RELATED: 8 Blue Kitchen Cabinet Ideas That Feel Fresh and Timeless
7. Vintage-Inspired Shelves with Brass Details
Charming brass rails give these wood shelves a vintage-inspired look that feels timeless and elegant. The open display creates room for mixing dinnerware, glassware, and framed art for a personal touch. Combined with brass fixtures and warm lighting, this setup feels curated and full of character.
8. Open Shelves Framing a Patterned Backsplash
This kitchen stands out with warm wood shelves that beautifully frame a bold patterned backsplash. The open design makes it easy to mix functional pieces like plates and bowls with decorative accents. Leather barstools and brass lighting tie everything together, giving the space a cozy and modern appeal.
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9. Sophisticated Open Shelves with Marble and Brass
Dark wood shelves paired with brass rails bring a refined touch to this elegant kitchen nook. The marble backsplash enhances the luxurious look, creating a perfect backdrop for glassware and vintage accents. Subtle lighting and simple styling keep the space feeling modern while maintaining a timeless charm.
RELATED: Kitchen Backsplash Ideas to Transform Your Cooking Space
10. Simple Wood Shelves Against a Stone Wall
A soft stone backsplash sets the stage for two floating wood shelves that bring texture and charm to this kitchen. Their natural finish contrasts perfectly with the white cabinetry, creating a balanced farmhouse look. Everyday dishes and a touch of greenery complete the inviting and simple styling.
RELATED: White Kitchen Ideas That Never Go Out of Style
11. Minimal Open Shelves for Glassware Display
Glassware neatly lined along wooden shelves gives this kitchen a crisp and minimal look. The warm tone of the wood contrasts subtly with the black hardware, enhancing the clean modern design. A large window floods the space with light, making it feel open, bright, and effortlessly sophisticated.
12. Metal Shelves for a Modern Mix
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bar stool // shelves // wine cooler // can // mat // #ad
If mixing metals is not in your comfort zone, there is nothing wrong with choosing just one. Choosing stainless steel can give your place a modern and clean look.
The double metal kitchen shelves in this kitchen go perfectly with this tile backsplash carried all the way to the ceiling. While the metal elements give a modern and clean look, the hardwood floors, the white wood cabinets, and the buffalo check mat give a farmhouse touch to this kitchen.
Contrasting the metal of the shelves with some natural wood decor elements and old cookbooks really brings the rustic and modern character of this place together.
13. Grey Kitchen with Open Shelves Above Sink
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bar stools // pendants // shelves // #ad
Last update on 2025-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you hate bumping your head against kitchen cabinets while doing the dishes and having a kitchen sink in front of a window is not really an option for you, having open shelves above your kitchen sink may be the best solution for you.
Using open shelves above the sink means you are not leaving the space fully open and at the same time gain additional storage space and display solution for your favorite decor and seasonal flowers.
14. Black and White Kitchen with Open Shelves
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pendants // bar stools // shelf // sconce // #ad
Last update on 2025-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This white modern farmhouse with a black island is giving us all the feels. The black and white hues are complemented with the neutral wood color of the floating shelves and the woven bar stools. The soft variations in this backsplash are a perfect backdrop for the greyish oak shelves.
These shelves are used to stack kitchen essentials like bowls and cups, but there is also a mix of fun decor pieces like frames and vases.
15. Coastal Kitchen with Floating Shelves
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Last update on 2025-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The classic white tiles in this symmetrical kitchen create a crisp background for the natural wood of the shelves to stand out.
These mini shelves around the range hood allow for a constant switch-up of the look of this space by rearranging and updating the shelf decor along with the change of seasons.
The light oak natural look of the floating shelves blends perfectly with the blue coastal vibe this kitchen carries.
16. Open Shelving Paired with Vaulted Ceiling
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Last update on 2025-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you have vaulted ceilings in your kitchen and struggle with how to go about the height of the upper cabinets, maybe the better solution for you is to have an open shelf kitchen instead. And cabinets being one of the biggest expenses when building a kitchen, having an open shelving plan can also save you quite a bit of money while your place will look impressive and unique.
This modern farmhouse kitchen utilizes open shelves to display art and decor pieces, while the dishes and tools are stowed away in the lower cabinets. The open shelving is mixed with hanging storage below for hanging pots and pans if needed, which gives a vintage vibe that goes perfectly with the antique rug.
17. Small Light Oak Shelves
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Last update on 2025-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you don’t want to use a lot of shelves but love the concept of incorporating open shelving into your kitchen, using smaller shelves that take a space of one or two cabinets will make a notable impact on the kitchen area.
Decorating them by using a basket, a vase with greenery and a wood cutting board will bring texture instead of one flat look.
18. Corner shelves on a shiplap wall
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pendants // #ad
Last update on 2025-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This farmhouse kitchen full of character highlights corner open shelving in a light wood tone on a shiplap backsplash. Unlike cabinetry, corners in open shelving provide a spot for a bigger decor element or maybe a pot or pitcher to be displayed.
When you are decorating your open shelves in your kitchen it is a good idea to vary the height of what you put on display. Different height of the decor makes the eye move up and down over your decor grabbing attention.
19. Rustic Shelf for a Cottage charm
A single slim white shelf runs the length of one wall in this cottage style kitchen. The white vintage shelf sits atop a vertical shiplap backsplash, all contrasting perfectly with the dark butcher block countertops.
Decorated with ceramics, a couple of vases and art pieces bring personal and rustic charm to this small L-shaped kitchen.
Recommended reading:
- Best outdoor kitchen ideas for al fresco entertaining
- Black countertop kitchen ideas for a striking impression
- Beautiful farmhouse bar stools for your kitchen
- White and wood kitchen design trends
- Green kitchen ideas to bring color in your home
- The Comeback of Wood Kitchen Cabinets
- Breathtaking Kitchen Island Lighting Ideas You’ll Immediately Want