Some thoughts from our designers on bespoke open shelving kitchen ideas...
Open shelving in kitchens tends to spark strong opinions. Some people love the idea of having their favourite pieces on display, while others worry about dust & clutter, or just prefer the clean lines of closed cabinetry. But when incorporated in the right way, a little open shelving can make a kitchen feel more personal, stylish, and practical, all without overwhelming the space. We've written this blog post with top tips from our kitchen designers; here’s how to get it right and why even a small amount of open shelving can have a big impact...
The Beauty of a Simple Floating Shelf
A single bespoke oak floating shelf is an elegant way to introduce warmth and texture into your kitchen. The natural grain of the wood adds an organic feel, and because it's just one shelf the potential for dust and clutter is small. Whether you use it to display special ceramics, a few frequently used ingredients, a piece of art, a plant or two; it’s a subtle but effective design feature.
Adding Lighting for a Cosy Glow
We love thinking about how the kitchen will look both in the day and evening and through the seasons. If your kitchen has darker corners or lacks natural light in certain areas, adding lighting to open shelving can be a practical and pretty solution. Subtle, integrated lighting, with LED strips or small spotlights, can help to highlight your displayed pieces while also creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in the evenings. This is especially effective in areas where you want a softer glow, such as a pantry or a breakfast nook.
Painted Shelving with Brackets, Bead & Butt Detail
For those who love a touch of traditional style, painted shelving, brackets, & bead and butt details can be a charming addition. This style works particularly well in classic or country-style kitchens, offering a practical place to store frequently used dry goods like flour, pasta, lentils, sugar. Having these essentials within easy reach not only makes cooking more convenient but also serves as a visual reminder of what’s running low. It works well for us :0) i
Marble Shelving: The Showstopper
If you’re looking for something extra special, marble shelving is of course incredibly beautiful. This look is particularly striking in a walk-in pantry or scullery, where it can be paired with custom cabinetry for a luxurious finish. In our showroom, our marble shelving display never fails to catch the eye, it’s a perfect blend of timeless elegance and modern functionality. Whether you use it for displaying beautiful crockery, or keeping everyday essentials within reach, marble shelving makes a statement. (See the bottom left image above, the cherry blossom pink cabinetry).
A Tiny Shelf Above a High Splashback
Sometimes, it’s the smallest details that make the biggest impact. A narrow shelf on top of a high splashback provides just enough space for pretty decorative pieces & the salt and pepper. It’s a clever use of space that adds character without taking up valuable worktop area.
More Open Shelving Kitchen Ideas:
Open Shelving on the Kitchen Island End
A bit of open shelving at the end of a kitchen island can be really useful. It creates the perfect spot for displaying favourite bowls, platters, or even a small collection of cookbooks. Because it’s at the end of the island, it remains out of the main working zone of the kitchen, making it a great way to introduce 'display space' without disrupting the flow of cooking and prep areas.
It can be nice to make the shelving here adjustable. Sometimes, what works in your kitchen today might need adjusting in the future. Adjustable shelving offers flexibility, allowing you to change shelf heights depending on what you need to store.
Open Cupboards: A Balance Between Display and Storage
For those who like the idea of open shelving but still want a bit of structure, open cupboards can be a great middle ground. Dark-stained oak nooks with open shelving provide the perfect space for books, beautiful bowls, or even decorative pieces. The contrast between dark-stained wood and lighter elements in the kitchen creates some great contrast too.
Showcasing Cookbooks in an Open Wall Cupboard
If you love to cook, you probably have a treasured collection of cookbooks that you enjoy dipping into and that inspire your meals. An open wall cupboard dedicated to cookbooks is a great way to keep them accessible while adding personality to your kitchen. Whether arranged by colour, size, or theme, a well-styled cookbook shelf can be both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
Open Shelving Kitchen Ideas, Finding the Right Balance
The key to making open shelving work in your kitchen is balance. Too much can lead to visual clutter, while a well-placed, small amount can enhance your kitchen design and add personality. Whether it’s a single floating shelf, a set of painted shelves with brackets, or a striking marble display, a little open shelving can go a long way in making a kitchen feel homely, welcoming and uniquely yours. All of our kitchens are individually designed and custom-made to order. We'll always share our design experience while listening carefully to your brief. We have made many bespoke kitchens with no open shelving at all, some with only the mantle shelf on the cooker hood and others with plenty...
Are you considering a kitchen renovation? If you'd like to find out more about our bespoke kitchens, please contact us to arrange to meet at our kitchen showroom near Guildford, Surrey (open by appointment only).
Showroom 01483 202 143 [email protected]
To see more photos of the kitchens featured at the top of this blog post 'Open Shelving Kitchen Ideas':
Open Shelving Kitchen Ideas Images: From left to right, top row:
The Petworth Kitchen: click here
The Summer Kitchen: click here
The Arundel Kitchen: click here
The London Townhouse Kitchen: click here
The Vineyards Kitchen: click here
Open Shelving Kitchen Ideas Images: From left to right, bottom row:
This pink pantry is at our Kitchen Showroom. Please contact us to make an appointment.
The Dene Kitchen: click here
The Courthouse Kitchen: click here