Styling open shelves can be tricky. Since everything is on display, you don’t want things to look cluttered, but you also want it to be practical. Storage space in the kitchen is crucial, so it may not be possible to make your open shelves work in your kitchen if you are short on storage space. Open shelves are meant to open up your kitchen, making it feel larger. But they won’t do that if they are cluttered. So here is how to style open shelves so they open up your kitchen and add style and practicality.

Mix Style with Function

You want your open shelves to look stylish while also being functional, so mixing the two will help achieve this. Bowls and plates are easy, practical items to display. You don’t need to display your entire set though; just put out 4 or 5 of each. Next, add stylish functionality. Put a decorative bowl next to your plates and bowls and put your car keys in it. It looks solely for decoration but actually serves a purpose. Other practical items you can display are cutting boards, cookbooks, fruit bowls, mugs, oil & vinegar, spices, canisters of coffee or tea, and vases.

Use Groupings of Three

Using groupings of three creates balance throughout your open shelves. This is best done by using larger accents mixed with smaller accents. Too many small items filling the space will make it look cluttered. Use the groupings of three rule with a large accent piece surrounded by 2 small accent pieces.

Add House Plants

You likely already have house plants around your kitchen, so why not free up counter space and put them on your open shelves? It’s a great way to add life to your shelves. You could even make it more practical by displaying herbs that you can snip off for a recipe.

Think About Shelf Height

The things you are going to use most often would be better on the lowest shelf. Things like plates, bowls, mugs, and cups should be easy to grab. You probably won’t be using cookbooks and cutting boards as often as you would plates and bowls, so place these items on the top shelves.

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