aka “Why I Ditched Upper Cabinets and Never Looked Back”
I used to think open shelving in the kitchen was one of those Pinterest-only trends. You know, the kind of thing that looks gorgeous in a staged photo but unlivable if you’re the kind of person who owns mismatched mugs and cereal boxes that never close properly.
But then I did it. I took the plunge. I said goodbye to my dusty, creaky upper cabinets — and replaced them with open shelves. And you know what?
Game. Changer.
If you’re even thinking about adding open shelving to your kitchen, allow me to lovingly nudge you over the edge with some truly splendid ideas that don’t just look good — they actually work in real life, clutter and all.
image by pixabay
The Everyday Essentials Shelf
Let’s start with the most obvious one: the shelf for stuff you use every single day.
Think:
Favorite coffee mugs
Stack of bowls
That one plate that magically makes leftovers taste better
I keep mine right above the sink. No doors to open, no hunting around in the back of a cabinet. Just grab, rinse, repeat.
Pro tip: Matching plates are optional. Vibes > perfection.
The “I Swear I Cook” Shelf
This one’s for showing off. Olive oil in a cute bottle, a pepper grinder, maybe a tiny mortar and pestle even if you’ve never used it. Add a cutting board for good measure.
It’s giving “I host dinner parties” energy, even if you’re just heating up Trader Joe’s gnocchi.
Floating Wood Shelves for Instant Warmth
There’s just something about natural wood floating shelves that makes any kitchen feel 100x cozier.
Especially if you’re working with an all-white kitchen — the contrast is stunning. It’s like your kitchen just got a personality without trying too hard.
And yes, it’s okay if the wood doesn’t match your floors. Mixing tones is very 2025.
The Book Nook Shelf (Yes, in the Kitchen)
If you’re anything like me, you have a weird attachment to cookbooks you never actually use. Give them a home on an open shelf!
I’ve got a row of books I flip through while waiting for pasta to boil — plus a little succulent and a tiny framed photo. Because why not make your kitchen feel like a living room?
Small-Space Open Shelf Hack: Corners & Nooks
If your kitchen is tight, don’t sleep on corners.
Add a floating shelf or bracketed shelf in that awkward corner that’s been doing nothing. Suddenly, you’ve got space for mugs, jars, or a plant that only sort of thrives there.
Fun fact: I mounted one above my garbage can. Glamorous? No. Useful? 100%.
The Minimalist Moment
Just one shelf. That’s it.
🎯 Discover Your Home Decor Style
One long, clean-lined shelf above the backsplash with:
A vase
A candle
A stack of white dishes
Boom. Instant calm. This is the move if you want that high-end, “I might be a food stylist” look.
Glass Jars = Practical + Pretty
Open shelving is the perfect excuse to start decanting. Flour, sugar, oats, lentils — toss them into matching glass jars and suddenly your kitchen looks like an aesthetic TikTok video.
You’ll feel suspiciously productive every time you refill them. Plus, you can finally see when you’re running low on chocolate chips.
The Plant Shelf (Because Why Not?)
Plants belong in the kitchen. Period.
Line an open shelf with:
Pothos
Snake plant
Mini basil or mint
That one cactus you forgot to water but it’s still hanging on
They add color, life, and distract from the fact that you still haven’t organized your pantry.
Brackets That Actually Steal the Show
Let’s talk hardware. The right brackets can take your shelves from basic to boutique.
Matte black for a modern edge
Brass for that classy glow
Wrought iron if you’re going rustic
And yes, you can mix metals. 2025 says it’s allowed.
The Seasonal Shelf Swap
I do this for fun (and also to procrastinate real responsibilities): every season, I rearrange my open shelves. Winter gets cozy mugs and pine branches. Summer gets coral napkins and maybe a watermelon bowl.
You’d be amazed at how different your kitchen feels with just a mini refresh. And it scratches the decorating itch without redecorating the entire house.
Wait, But Is Open Shelving Actually… Practical?
Short answer: Yes — if you’re okay with dust and being a little intentional.
Long answer:
Don’t overstuff them. Leave breathing room.
Put most-used items on lower shelves.
Wipe them down every couple weeks (just add it to your “pretend I’m productive” to-do list).
You can mix open shelves with regular cabinets. This is not an all-or-nothing life choice.
FAQs About Open Shelving (That I Definitely Googled Myself)
Is open shelving still in style in 2025?
Yes, but with softer, more lived-in styling. Think function meets beauty — not overly staged showrooms.
Does it make your kitchen feel cluttered?
Only if you put everything you own on it. Start with one shelf and edit like a Pinterest stylist having a calm day.
How do I know what to display?
Use what you use. Mix in some pretty pieces. Keep it low-maintenance. If it sparks joy and doesn’t collect grease — you’re golden.
Your Shelves, Your Story
Open shelves aren’t about showing off. They’re about living in your kitchen. Grabbing your favorite bowl, reaching for your go-to coffee mug, seeing your cookbooks and spices and actual life on display.
Sure, it won’t always look like a magazine. But neither does real life — and honestly, that’s the charm.
So whether you install a whole wall of floating walnut shelves or just throw up a tiny spice ledge above the stove, know this: it counts. It matters. It’s your space, and it should make you smile every time you walk in.
📌 Pin this post for later
Because we both know you’ll suddenly feel inspired to redo your kitchen at 11:47pm next Tuesday.
