Open shelves look exciting and inviting, and we’ve all admired them in home decor magazines. They look appealing when we place things in colour-coordinated ways. From colored crockery to neatly stacked dishes, these shelves lend a sense of openness in your modular kitchen interior and enhance the overall Kitchen interior design, brightening up your space.
When in doubt, always go for open shelves, as they are not only good-looking but also practical and functional for your kitchen. Designing open shelves requires a lot of planning, and you need to consider a few things before going about it. Here are a few questions you need to ask before designing open shelves: What kind of items are you going to place on the open shelves? What would be the shape, size, and height of the open shelves? Is it for storage or simply for decorative purposes? Does it go with your interior design style, and more?
We come up with the do and don’t for the open shelves, that would help you take the better purchase decision. Let get started.
1. Lets start with Basics
Its impossible to decorating the open shelves if you start with the open shelves with a lot of stuff. It would be a difficult chore. Follow simple steps.
- Empty your Shelves first.
- Start with one shelves at a time.
- Don’t forget to clean it as you go.
2. Don’t put heavy items on top shelves
In our kitchen we all have heavy items like heavy casseroles, dinner sets or heavy storage items like grains which we are using once in a month. Its not wise to keep the heavy items on the upper shelf, as there would be the chance for the accidents. Lifting and lowering heavy items from these places can be cumbersome, unsafe and inconvenient. Also, these shelves may not be able to hold much weight.
3. Keep frequently items in the shelves
When arranging lower shelves, always think of practicality overlooks. Frequently used items like spoons, mugs, plates and bowls, including wine glasses can be placed here. Keep these as limited as possible, and put the rest away.
4. Don’t Overstuff in Small Kitchens
Open shelves can be a boon in small kitchens, providing sufficient storage space, making the room appear larger while enhancing its look and decor appeal.
It may be tempting to cram them with stuff but pays to exercise caution. Stick with a neutral colour and only display the bare essentials.
5. Add Pantry Elements As an Interesting Display
To add a cool look, turn towards the pantry. Try displaying interesting food cans, unusual looking bottles and jars of jam. Put them on upper shelves for a visual appeal.
6. Don’t neglect cleaning and dusting
Open shelves can gather dust and grime, and just like any open space, needs regular dusting and cleaning. Storing frequently used items in them will reduce the cleaning, because of the regular use and washing, but higher placed shelves will still get dirty. Cleaning them prevents them from turning into dust magnets.
7. DO: Use Shelving Materials Judiciously
Shelves of one or two materials either in wood or glass will give a cleaner, cohesive and chic look. Using many materials only adds to the clutter and confusion.
8. DON’T: Use Glass If Prone To Breakage Frequently
Unless you live in earthquake country, glass is perfect and gives an elegant clean look, but can this material can also break or crack at the slightest amount of stress. Use it only if it can be maintained.
9. DO: Decorate Shelves According To Tasks
Depending on what you are using particular sections of the counter for, kitchen tasks like baking and kneading can have their corresponding tools stacked in the shelves. Grouping like this, works practically as well as gives an interesting visual perspective. For example, placing baking dishes, cake stands, mixing bowls together on shelves above the counter is one way to do it.
10. DON’T: Focus Only On The Look
Include practicality during storage. Shelves that are closer to the sink can be stocked with everyday dishes, whereas those near the stove/hob can be used to store spices and cooking tools. This aids convenience and makes cooking easy. Make a note of all of the above before jumping in to style your kitchen with open shelves, as your design choices can also influence the overall modular kitchen design price. As a rule of thumb, keep everything accessible to make cooking fun. If you are struggling with it, that only means the decor’s a hindrance in your cooking space. Do let us know what you think about these ideas on open shelves.
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FAQs On Open Kitchen Shelves
1. Are open kitchen shelves a good idea for modern kitchens?
Yes, open kitchen shelves are a great choice for modern kitchens. They create an airy, spacious look while keeping essentials easily accessible. When styled thoughtfully, they enhance both functionality and aesthetics, making your kitchen feel more organised and visually appealing.
2. What should I store on open kitchen shelves?
Open kitchen shelves are ideal for frequently used items like plates, mugs, bowls, and spices. You can also display decorative jars, pantry items, or stylish crockery. Keep it minimal and organised to maintain both practicality and a clean visual appeal.
3. How do I organise open kitchen shelves without clutter?
To avoid clutter, limit the number of items on open kitchen shelves and group similar items together. Use neutral colours or coordinated themes for a cohesive look. Regular decluttering and thoughtful placement ensure the shelves remain functional and visually pleasing.
4. Are open kitchen shelves suitable for small kitchens?
Yes, open kitchen shelves work especially well in small kitchens. They make the space appear larger and less cramped. However, avoid overcrowding them and stick to essentials to maintain a clean, open feel without compromising storage.
5. How often should open kitchen shelves be cleaned?
Open kitchen shelves should be cleaned regularly, ideally once a week. Frequently used items stay cleaner due to constant use, but higher shelves may collect dust and grease over time. Regular maintenance keeps your kitchen hygienic and visually appealing.
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