Kitchen shelving ideas to get the best out of style and storage

When it comes to getting the best out of your kitchen, the right shelving can make all the difference. Whether you’re looking to maximise space in a smaller kitchen or add character to a more expansive design, shelving is a versatile solution that brings both practicality and an aesthetic aspect to your space. From open shelving to built-in solutions, we’ll explore the best kitchen shelving ideas to help you achieve the perfect balance of style and storage.

Open shelving for a modern and airy feel

Open shelving is one of the biggest trends in kitchen design, offering both visual appeal and accessibility. It allows you to display stylish kitchenware, cookbooks, and decorative pieces while keeping everyday essentials within easy reach. This type of shelving works particularly well in contemporary, industrial, and rustic kitchen styles.
When opting for open shelving, consider using floating shelves with hidden brackets for a sleek, seamless look. Materials like solid wood, glass, or metal can complement your overall kitchen design while adding texture and contrast. Just keep in mind that open shelving requires regular maintenance to keep items dust-free and organised.

Styling tips for open shelving:

Group similar items together to create a cohesive and uncluttered look
Use a mix of functional and decorative pieces, such as stacked plates and bowls alongside houseplants or framed prints
Stick to a complementary colour palette to maintain a sense of order
Store everyday essentials on lower shelves for easy access, keeping decorative items higher up

Built-in shelving for seamless storage

Built-in shelving offers a custom look that integrates seamlessly into your kitchen design. Whether incorporated into alcoves, island ends, or above worktops, built-in shelves provide additional storage without taking up extra space. This is especially useful in smaller kitchens where every inch counts.

Consider integrating shelves into your kitchen island for extra storage or using recessed shelving in unused wall spaces. Built-in shelves near the cooking area can provide easy access to spices, oils, and kitchen utensils, while floor-to-ceiling shelving in a pantry or larder creates ample storage for dry goods and appliances.

Corner shelving for maximising space

Corners are often underutilised in kitchen layouts, yet they hold so much potential. Instead of letting them become wasted space, well-designed corner shelving can provide additional storage while maintaining easy access.

Floating corner shelves are a simple yet effective solution, particularly in small kitchens where every inch counts. For a more structured approach, consider curved shelving units or custom-built corner shelves that match your cabinetry. These work well for storing mugs, jars, or decorative accessories while softening the angles of the room.

Glass shelving for a light and elegant touch

Glass shelving is a great way to enhance light and space in your kitchen. It works particularly well in modern and minimalist designs, giving an airy and unobtrusive feel. Glass reflects light, making the kitchen appear larger and more open, especially when installed near windows or under-cabinet lighting.

For a striking effect, consider installing LED-lit glass shelves, which provide soft ambient lighting and enhance visibility. Glass shelves are also ideal for displaying glassware, decorative ceramics, or premium pantry items. However, they require regular cleaning to maintain their polished appearance, so they work best in kitchens where they won’t be subject to daily grease or steam.

Industrial-style metal shelving

For those who love an industrial or urban aesthetic, metal shelving is an excellent choice. Black or brushed metal shelves with exposed brackets can create a bold contrast against light-coloured walls or cabinets. Stainless steel shelves are also a fantastic option for contemporary kitchens, offering durability and a professional, chef-inspired look.

Metal shelving is incredibly strong, making it ideal for storing heavier items like cast iron cookware, large jars, and kitchen appliances. To soften the look, pair metal shelves with wooden boards or incorporate plants and warm-toned accessories.

Adjustable shelving for flexibility

If you want the ability to reconfigure your storage over time, adjustable shelving is the way to go. This type of shelving allows you to change shelf heights based on your needs, making it ideal for growing families or kitchens with diverse storage requirements.

Modular shelving systems are particularly useful in pantries and larder cupboards, allowing you to create space for everything from bulk ingredients to small kitchen appliances. Look for shelving units with adjustable brackets or track systems to make changes easily as your storage needs evolve.

Floating shelves for a minimalist look

Floating shelves offer a contemporary and minimalist approach to kitchen storage. With hidden brackets, they appear to "float" on the wall, creating a clean and unobtrusive aesthetic. These shelves work beautifully in kitchens that embrace a Scandinavian, modern, or bohemian style.

One of the main benefits of floating shelves is that they don’t take up visual space like bulky cabinets. They also provide a great opportunity to showcase stylish tableware, artwork, or decorative kitchen accessories.

Mixing open and closed storage for balance

A well-designed kitchen often features a mix of open and closed storage to strike the right balance between accessibility and organisation. Open shelving creates an airy, curated look, while closed cabinetry keeps less-attractive essentials hidden away.

Quartz worktop
Glass-front cabinets are a great compromise, offering the openness of shelving while protecting contents from dust and grease. Alternatively, integrating open shelves within a wall of cupboards can break up the visual weight of cabinetry and add interest to the design.