Open Kitchen Shelving Designs

October 1, 2020
By admin
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Open Kitchen Shelving Designs: Essential Aspects to Consider

Open kitchen shelving has become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a stylish and functional way to display cookware, dishes, and other kitchen essentials. While open shelving can be a great way to add character and personality to your kitchen, it's important to consider a few essential aspects before incorporating it into your design.

Material Selection

The material you choose for your open shelves will impact their durability, aesthetics, and maintenance. Consider the following options:

Wood: Wood shelves provide a warm and natural look, but they can be susceptible to moisture and scratches.
Metal: Metal shelves are durable and easy to clean, but they can give a more industrial look.
Glass: Glass shelves offer a sleek and modern look, but they are not as durable as other materials.

Shelving Type

There are two main types of open shelving: floating and bracketed. Floating shelves appear to be suspended in mid-air, while bracketed shelves are supported by brackets. Consider the weight capacity of your shelving and the items you plan to display when choosing a type.

Spacing and Height

The spacing between your shelves will impact their functionality and visual appeal. Too much spacing can make the shelves look cluttered, while too little spacing can make it difficult to access items. The height of your shelves should be determined by the size of the items you plan to store and the overall scale of your kitchen.

Lighting

Lighting is crucial for open shelving. Proper illumination will highlight your dishes and cookware, making them a focal point of your kitchen. Consider installing under-shelf lighting or pendant lights above the shelves to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Style and Aesthetics

The style of your open shelves should complement the overall design of your kitchen. If you have a modern kitchen, opt for sleek and minimalist shelves. For a more traditional kitchen, choose shelves with ornate details or a distressed finish. Consider painting or staining your shelves to match your kitchen's color scheme.

Practicality

While open shelving can be visually appealing, it's important to consider its practicality. Open shelves can accumulate dust and grease, so they require regular cleaning. Also, consider the functionality of your shelves. Make sure they are positioned conveniently and at a height that allows for easy access to items.

By carefully considering these essential aspects, you can create open kitchen shelving that is both stylish and functional. Open shelving can add character to your kitchen, showcase your favorite items, and make your cooking experience more enjoyable.