Kitchen Shelf Decor Ideas: Easy Designer Tips

If you are looking for ideas of what to put on your kitchen shelves and tips on how to make them look well-styled, this article is for you. We cover popular kitchen shelf decor ideas for open kitchen shelves and share our top 10 designer tips on styling your kitchen shelves like a pro. 

Open shelving in the kitchen is a lovely trend that provides the perfect space to showcase your favorite kitchen and serving ware and free up valuable counter space. Plus, when paired with decorative accents and styled using these designer tips, your kitchen shelves can transform a stark kitchen wall into a beautiful focal point. First, we will share a list of the most popular kitchen shelf decorating ideas!

Some popular kitchen shelf decor ideas include attractive plates, bowls, and serving-ware, glassware and wine glasses. Practical items to place on your kitchen shelf include spices, coffee, baking ingredients, cutting boards, and kitchen gadgets. More decorative items include ceramics, pitchers, vases, potted plants, baskets, and framed art.

Whether you are keeping your kitchen shelves more practical, or you are going for a decorative statement wall utilizing kitchen shelves, these top 10 designer tips will provide some easy and stylish ways for you to arrange your kitchen shelf decor. 

Arrange items on your kitchen shelves in coordinated colors to create a cohesive and visually appealing display. Kitchen shelf decor ideas that can be color coordinated include pottery, plates and bowls and tinted drinking glasses. 

This kitchen shelf decorating tip is all about including a variety in materials to add interest. Incorporate textured elements like woven baskets, ceramic vases, or glass jars to add depth and interest to your kitchen shelves.

Opt for a minimalist look on your kitchen shelves by displaying only essential items and leaving ample empty space between them for a clean, uncluttered appearance. Even if your home decor style is not minimalist per se, this technique creates visual appeal while also helping to highlight special items.

Feature one or two statement pieces, such as a large vintage clock, a framed art print, or a unique sculpture, to anchor the design of your kitchen shelves. This designer tip can make a big impact and add a lot of personality to your kitchen shelves.

Create depth by layering items of varying heights. Place taller items towards the back and shorter items towards the front to add visual interest. Some ideas for layering include cutting boards, framed art, or wall baskets for the back layer, and pottery, bowls and small vases layered in front.

Change up your kitchen shelf decor seasonally. For example, display fresh or faux flowers and vibrant fruits in spring and summer, and switch to warm candles and cozy textures in fall and winter. More seasonal ideas are to incorporate small holiday accents and decor onto your kitchen shelves such as an Easter egg, hearts, small pumpkins, and holly.

Mixing materials is another kitchen shelf decor tip that adds visual interest and can inspire you to find items around the house to include in your kitchen shelf decor. Combine different materials such as wood, metal, ceramic, and glass to add texture and contrast to your kitchen shelves. 

Arrange everyday items like spices, cutting boards, and cooking utensils in an organized and visually pleasing manner to make them both accessible and decorative on your kitchen shelves. If your spices and baking ingredients look messy, try upgrading to glass containers or a matching set of containers.

Personalize your kitchen shelves and make them feel like home by incorporating unique personal items. Kitchen shelf decor with an individualized touch include family photos in unique frames, heirloom pieces, or travel souvenirs.

Our final kitchen shelf decor design idea is to install floating shelves against a tiled backsplash or wall to create a seamless and integrated look. This designer tip enhances the overall design and aesthetics of your kitchen. The shelves can be added above the backsplash or layered on top. 

These designer ideas for decorating open kitchen shelves offer a blend of functionality and style, allowing you to transform your kitchen into a space that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Experiment with these kitchen shelf decor tips and ideas to find the perfect balance that suits your taste and enhances your kitchen decor.

We hope that you are now inspired to rearrange and decorate your own kitchen shelves! If you are looking for special decorative items to add to your kitchen shelves, shop artisan made shelf decor. If you are adding floating shelves to more rooms of your home, you may like our article Floating Shelf Decor Ideas for Every Room. 

Happy decorating!