8 Kitchen Shelf Ideas to Maximize Storage

You’ve been slowly collecting kitchen tools and small appliances over the years.

You didn’t notice as it was happening, but you’ve now run out of counter space. It’s time to take your counters back. Adding shelves to your kitchen can give you more kitchen storage.

You could buy a utilitarian rack from your local home improvement store. But this won’t add to the decor and aesthetic of your kitchen.

Instead, why not add shelves that will be both visually pleasing and functional? These kitchen shelf ideas will help you create more storage space in your kitchen.

1. Floating Shelves

A floating shelf has a modern look with a sleek shelf and no visible hardware. You can make your floating kitchen shelves be as large or as small as you want.

You could have one large floating shelf that extends the entire length of your kitchen. Or you could have several smaller shelves mounted above each other.

Modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, open floating shelves with jars, baskets, and plants, green chevron backsplash and light wood flooring — Source: @arrowsandbow via Instagram

Wooden kitchen shelves with black brackets hold plants, ceramics, and decor, adding warmth and charm to a modern farmhouse space — Source: @dakotacottage via Instagram

Rustic wooden shelves on a brick wall hold colorful mugs, dishes, and vintage decor, adding eclectic charm to a retro-inspired kitchen — Source: @eclecticfoxhome via Instagram

Minimalist wooden shelves on a white shiplap wall display neutral-toned dishes, books, and plants, creating a cozy farmhouse kitchen look — Source: @wildwillowsfarm via Instagram

A cozy kitchen corner with wooden shelves, copper utensils, spice jars, and a white range hood adorned with flowers — Source: @myprettymess via Instagram

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, open wooden shelves, and a gray countertop decorated with plants, dishes, and jars — Source: @be_kind_and_design via Instagram

A cozy kitchen with white cabinets, wooden countertops, potted plants, and hanging shelves with jars and decor, light from a large window — Source: @dogonicwlasnemarzenia via Instagram

Bright kitchen with plants, wall floating shelves holding jars and decor, clock, and "ON AIR" sign above sink with green tiles — Source: @dorabeehome via Instagram

Sleek black floating shelves on a gray tiled wall hold small plants, decor, and art, adding a modern touch to this sophisticated kitchen — Source: @olgaashby via Instagram

Modern kitchen with copper backsplash, black floating shelves, cookware, and utensils; white countertop with knife set and jars — Source: @one.tripledecor via Instagram

Kitchen with dark cabinets, white countertop, and open wooden shelves holding plants and decor against a white shiplap backsplash — Source: @thecarpentershp via Instagram

A modern kitchen corner with white cabinets, open wooden shelves, a sink, large window, and a brick accent wall under a wall lamp — Source: @theprettyperchdesignhouse via Instagram

Modern kitchen with wooden shelves holding plates, glasses, and decor; counter has cutting boards, a knife block, and a small plant — Source: @tru.studio_ via Instagram

When mounting your floating shelves, be sure to mount them to the studs. This will ensure your shelf has the most strength to support whatever you decide to place on it.

2. Metal Shelves

If you have a modern kitchen, then add open kitchen shelving that matches this aesthetic. Metal or glass shelves are a smart choice for a contemporary kitchen design.

Floating shelf brackets are the best hardware for this style of shelf. However, you could choose a straight-line bracket with minimal hardware.

Kitchen shelf with drink syrups, mugs, plants, and tins labeled "Fit Chocotella" and "Fit Vanilla," with mugs hanging underneath on hooks — Source: @_monika_mona_ via Instagram

Bright kitchen with star-patterned backsplash, sleek black open shelves, jars, a yellow pitcher, and a red decoration — Source: @tati_creates via Instagram

Black metal shelf above a farmhouse sink holds spices, plants, and paper towels, with hooks for utensils, adding function to a cozy kitchen — Source: @house.of_.pasha_ via Instagram

A kitchen with marble counters, dark cabinets, open metal shelves with dishes, and a stove featuring a brick backsplash accentuating the space — Source: @jconradnivens via Instagram

Wall-mounted shelf with a black frame holding decorative canisters, three bottled drinks, a black teapot, and two blue mugs — Source: @kintbury_1 via Instagram

Wall-mounted metal spice rack keeps jars and herbs neatly organized in a cozy kitchen with warm wood countertops and personal decor — Source: @my_happy_home_x via Instagram

Black metal wire shelves store jars, spices, and mugs in a vibrant, bohemian-style kitchen with warm wood countertops and retro tiles — Source: @windlass_and_tiller via Instagram

When choosing the metal for your hardware, you’ll want to look for something that is corrosion-resistant and durable. You can’t go wrong with high-quality stainless steel.

Aluminum and iron are also good choices. Choose a metal that fits your budget and has the design aesthetic you’re hoping to create.

3. Narrow Shelves

If you have a tiny kitchen, then look for narrow shelves. They will take up less room by having a shallow depth. The reduced depth will help to keep your kitchen feeling open.

You can also do this by using glass shelves. Look at kitchen shelving ideas with glass shelves, and you’ll see how the kitchen still feels large.

This is because you can easily see through and beyond the shelf, tricking your eye into thinking the kitchen is larger than it is.

Black metal-framed shelves with glass panels hold decor, plants, and glassware, adding a sleek touch to this modern black-and-white kitchen — Source: @design_dan_can via Instagram

Cozy kitchen with turquoise cabinets, stainless steel appliances, wooden island, colorful dishes, and a clock on the wall — Source: @joeyjcrossgrove via Instagram

Minimalist kitchen with white subway tiles, wooden shelves holding dishes and decor items, a double sink, and a black coffee maker — Source: @mydarlingchaos via Instagram

A sleek wooden floating shelf displays glass jars, plants, and minimalist decor, complementing the modern black and white kitchen design — Source: @ninapeths via Instagram

Bright kitchen with white cabinets, black countertops, plants, decorative items, and a vintage record player on a small stand — Source: @savannabrooke_com via Instagram

Three wooden floating shelves hold glassware, jars, and decor, adding warmth and function to a sleek, minimalist white kitchen — Source: @spb.place_.apartments via Instagram

Rustic wooden shelves with metal brackets hold glassware, jars, and plants, adding charm to a minimalist white and wood farmhouse kitchen — Source: @the_beachflat via Instagram

Bold red open shelving showcases decorative plates and ceramics, adding a vintage charm to a colorful kitchen with brick walls and yellow cabinets — Source: @thekitchendesigngroup via Instagram

Metal-framed open shelves hold decorative plates, glassware, and small plants, adding elegance to a neutral-toned kitchen with a marble backsplash — Source: @urbanironcraft via Instagram

You can also think of narrow as the length of the shelves. You only need a small amount of wall space to add kitchen shelving. Perhaps you have a narrow space where you can mount several shelves above each other. Then place a single item on each shelf.

4. Open Shelves

If you love open kitchen shelving ideas, you can try them out in your home. You could go big and commit to open shelving throughout your entire kitchen. Take out all of your cabinets and replace them with open shelves.

Cozy kitchen with a wooden countertop, patterned backsplash, and shelves holding decor items and plants, modern stove and oven included — Source: @carolynjayneinteriors via Instagram

Modern kitchen with gray cabinets, white countertop, stainless steel sink, and open shelving with decor against a blue wall — Source: @colorstylelove via Instagram

Muted-tone open shelves display ceramic decor and glass jars with pantry staples, creating a minimalist, cozy feel in this modern kitchen nook — Source: @devolkitchens via Instagram

Bright kitchen corner with a sink, flowers in a vase, and wooden shelves holding glassware and a decorative plate — Source: @dukeofmontroseapartments via Instagram

Wooden open shelves with macrame accents hold potted plants and decor, creating a cozy boho-style kitchen window display above the sink — Source: @knotyouraveragedesign via Instagram

Rustic wooden shelves with black metal brackets display glass jars, ceramics, and books, complementing the farmhouse-style kitchen with blue cabinets — Source: @lamaisondebourg.farmhousestyle via Instagram

Rustic wooden shelves with black brackets hold plants, mugs, and decor, adding warmth and charm to a farmhouse-style kitchen with subway tiles — Source: @makemydaystationery via Instagram

Minimalist white floating shelves hold glassware and coffee essentials, complementing a modern kitchen with a bold tropical leaf backsplash — Source: @patriciabraune via Instagram

Rustic wooden floating shelves display framed art, decor, and plants, adding warmth to a modern farmhouse kitchen with white subway tiles — Source: @stagingbysquareone via Instagram

Rustic wooden shelves with black metal brackets hold dishes, glassware, and potted plants, adding charm to a compact farmhouse-style kitchen — Source: @ummumusa_fera via Instagram

Not everyone is ready to take out all of their cabinets. That doesn’t mean you have to give up on open shelving in your kitchen.

Instead, take out one or two cabinets and replace them with an open shelf. That way, you don’t lose all of your cabinets but can still try out the open shelving look in your home.

5. Pallet

If you’re a homeowner who enjoys doing DIY projects, then try your hand at building kitchen shelves out of pallet wood.

You could hang a pallet cut in half for a simple spice rack. Line the spice jars up in the compartment of the pallet.

Kitchen shelves with framed art, plates, glasses, plants, and decor items on a tiled backsplash — Source: @33interiorstyling via Instagram

A single rustic wooden shelf with black brackets holds plants, books, and kitchen decor, complementing a minimalist farmhouse-style sink area — Source: @barn_number_six via Instagram

Kitchen shelves with cookbooks, decor, and plants; espresso machine on counter, white subway tiles, cutting boards, and a flower tray — Source: @beyondtheblankcanvas via Instagram

Kitchen decor with shelves holding white dishes, copper mugs, a pumpkin lantern, jars with ingredients, and a rolling pin on a towel — Source: @blessedandhumbledhome via Instagram

Kitchen corner with a shelf holding jars of grains and a plant, framed botanical print above, dining area visible in the background — Source: @claudixieland via Instagram

Wooden kitchen shelves with jars of spices, grains, and cooking essentials; a small table holds bottles and a bowl of tomatoes — Source: @deborahstarling via Instagram

A small wooden shelf with hooks holds mugs, bowls, and decor, adding a cozy touch to this gray and white farmhouse-style kitchen corner — Source: @kath__cooke via Instagram

Rustic wooden shelf with black brackets holds cutting boards, ceramics, and decor, adding warmth to a modern farmhouse kitchen with white subway tiles — Source: @laurajaynehome via Instagram

Wooden shelves with decor items and jars above a white countertop, with two electrical outlets visible on the wall — Source: @our_ranch_reno via Instagram

This type of kitchen shelf works great in a small kitchen space. The wood pallet pieces are a set size, making it easy to build uniform shelves.

You could take the pallet apart and use brackets to mount the planks on your wall. Or you can use them to build your own rack with multiple shelves.

6. Pantry

Treat your pantry like you would your master bedroom closet. Skip the basic industrial-looking wire shelving and replace it with a closet organizational system.

You’ll have so much more space when you start creating shelving that’s designed with your specific pantry in mind. You could have shelves of different heights to accommodate different items.

Black open pantry shelves store jars, baskets, and kitchen essentials, adding practical storage and rustic charm to a cozy farmhouse-style kitchen — Source: @carlacjake via Instagram

Pantry shelves with various food items, jars, and spices; a microwave and toaster are on the counter with utensils and fruit bowls nearby — Source: @jordandesignbuildgroup via Instagram

A pantry shelf with various dried foods like pasta, legumes, and grains stored in glass jars with black labels — Source: @lucididit via Instagram

Neatly organized pantry shelves with clear containers filled with various dry goods, cereals, and snacks — Source: @laurenhodoul via Instagram

Organized kitchen pantry with jars and baskets, shelves with coffee station, and wooden cabinets with chalkboard panels — Source: @mylifeondoecourt via Instagram

Cozy kitchen with wooden countertops, gas stove, bar stools, shelves with jars and decor, and a black fridge — Source: @notjustagreyandwhitehome via Instagram

A pantry shelf filled with various sealed jars containing spices, grains, and dried foods, neatly organized in a wooden cabinet — Source: @oldschooltraveller via Instagram

A neatly organized pantry with shelves of food items, baskets, jars of pasta, canned goods, and sauces — Source: @organizedsolutions_ via Instagram

Organized pantry shelves with labeled baskets, jars of cereals and grains, vitamin bottles, teas, honey, and kitchen essentials — Source: @partylittledetails via Instagram

Kitchen shelves with jars of dry goods, plants, hanging mugs, and a coffee maker on the counter below — Source: @thelotusgurl via Instagram

Kitchen cupboard organized with labeled containers for pasta and rice, assorted snacks, canned goods, and spice jars — Source: @tidying_by_tash via Instagram

This kitchen organization idea works no matter what size pantry you have. Small pantries could have a few simple shelves. Larger pantries or those that are walk-in could have a complete system with shelves, drawers, and gravity can racks.

7. White

White has always been a popular color for the kitchen. It’s bright and looks clean. Consider using it for the color of your open kitchen shelves.

The shelves could block the natural light in your kitchen, so making them white will reflect the light and keep the space feeling bright.

White open shelves display neatly stacked dishes, mugs, and greenery, adding charm to a bright farmhouse-style kitchen with vintage decor — Source: @coastal.home_.nj_ via Instagram

The white color is a nice neutral, making it easy to change your kitchen’s design aesthetic. When you decide to sell your home, the broad appeal of white will come in handy. You won’t need to make any changes to make your home more attractive to potential buyers.

8. Wood

A natural wooden shelf can add warmth and a touch of nature to your kitchen. Use reclaimed wood for your wood shelf for a rustic or farmhouse look. Embrace the uneven and worn look of the wood.

For a cabin-inspired or farmhouse kitchen look, use a piece of wood with a raw edge. The edge is unfinished and may still have bark on it.

Kitchen shelves with plants, lanterns, jars, framed sign, and utensils on a counter with white tiles and a stovetop — Source: @florellaclean via Instagram

Dark wooden floating shelves display ceramic vases and decorative plates, enhancing the rustic charm of this warm-toned kitchen with tiled backsplash — Source: @forevertileandstonedesign via Instagram

Modern kitchen with wood cabinets, black marble countertops, and open shelves displaying cups and glasses; stainless steel faucet — Source: @gregoryhitchcockdesign via Instagram

A cozy kitchen corner with wooden shelves holding jars, a framed quote, herbs, cutting boards, and a toaster beside a microwave — Source: @homeforwillow via Instagram

Wooden shelves on a blue wall with potted plant, kitchen canisters, utensils, and knife rack — Source: @homewithzo_ via Instagram

Wooden open shelf with black brackets holds books, jars, and plants, while hooks below store mugs and decor in this modern farmhouse kitchen — Source: @not_a_boring_new_build via Instagram

Wooden floating shelves with black brackets display coffee decor, plants, and mugs, adding a modern touch to this stylish kitchen corner — Source: @perfecthomeland9 via Instagram

Rustic wooden shelves with black brackets display glassware, mugs, and plants, adding warmth and style to a modern kitchen with white countertops — Source: @renovating.no_.6 via Instagram

Rustic wooden shelves with black metal brackets hold jars, mugs, and vintage decor, enhancing the farmhouse charm of a brick-walled kitchen — Source: @villageviewsuites via Instagram

Not all wood shelves need to be rustic, though. Choose a beautiful piece of maple or cherry and have it finished with varnish. The shiny, smooth surface will look elegant in your kitchen. The sealed wood will also be easier to keep clean.

What should I put on my kitchen shelf?

You can put anything you want on your kitchen shelf. Many people choose to put decorative items on their kitchen shelves. Others use their shelf to store their cookbooks, spices, cooking staples, or dishware. You could grow a mini herb garden on your shelf. A shelf is also a great place to display artwork or family photos.

How do you make open shelves look good?

Fill them, but don’t overpack them. You don’t want them to look bare, but you also don’t want them to look cluttered. Vary the heights of the items on the shelf and place some more forward than others. This will create visual interest. Choose containers that are both functional and beautiful to look at.

How thick should wood be for shelves?

The ideal thickness will depend on the amount of weight you want the shelf to hold. Too thin, and the shelf will begin to bend from the excessive weight. A 3/4-inch thickness is good for bookshelves. For extra support, a thickness of 1-1/4 inches is better.