Open shelving in the kitchen is having a major moment—and for good reason. It makes your space feel bigger, gives you easy access to everyday items, and lets you show off your favorite dishes and glassware. But here’s the catch: one wrong move and your beautiful open shelves can quickly turn into a cluttered eyesore that screams “I gave up halfway through organizing.”
The good news? Styling open shelving doesn’t require a design degree or a complete kitchen overhaul. With a few simple tricks and a bit of intentionality, you can create shelves that look effortlessly curated and Instagram-worthy. Let’s dive into exactly how to make it happen.
Start With a Clean Slate
Before you start styling, empty those shelves completely. Yes, everything has to come off. This gives you a chance to:
- Clean the shelves thoroughly (dust loves to hide up there)
- Assess what you actually use and love
- Get rid of mismatched items that don’t serve your aesthetic
Think of this as your kitchen’s version of a closet cleanout. If you haven’t used that chipped mug in six months or those serving bowls don’t match anything, it’s time to let them go. Open shelving only works when you’re selective about what makes the cut.
Follow the “Rule of Three”
Here’s a designer secret: arrange items in groups of three. This creates visual interest without overwhelming the eye. For example:
- Three white plates stacked together
- Three glass jars filled with pasta, rice, and coffee
- Three cookbooks leaned against each other
This rule works because odd numbers feel more natural and less formal than even groupings. It’s the sweet spot between “too bare” and “too busy.”
Create Visual Balance With Height Variation
Flat shelves lined with identical items look boring (and honestly, a little like a restaurant supply closet). Instead, play with different heights to create depth:
- Stack plates vertically with a pretty cutting board leaning behind them
- Place a tall glass jar next to shorter bowls
- Add a small plant or cookbook standing upright to break up horizontal lines
Think of it like styling a bookshelf—you want some items tall, some short, some stacked, and some standing. This layering technique makes your shelves look thoughtfully designed rather than just “stored.”
Stick to a Cohesive Color Palette
This is where most people go wrong. When you have fifteen different colors competing for attention, chaos wins. Choose a simple color scheme and stick with it:
- All white or neutral: Classic, clean, and always works
- White + wood tones: Warm and inviting without feeling cluttered
- White + one accent color: Like white dishes with blue glassware or green plants
The key is limiting yourself to 2-3 colors max. This doesn’t mean everything needs to match perfectly, but there should be a visual thread connecting your items.
Mix Function With Beauty
The best open shelving serves double duty—it’s both practical and pretty. Here’s how to achieve that balance:
- Display your everyday dishes (the ones you actually use)
- Store dry goods in matching glass jars with labels
- Show off pretty glassware or vintage finds you love looking at
- Keep a small basket for corralling loose items like tea bags or napkins
Don’t feel pressured to display items you never use just because they look good. The magic happens when form meets function, and you can grab what you need without digging through decorative clutter.
Leave Some Breathing Room
Here’s the biggest mistake people make: overfilling every inch of shelf space. Negative space—that’s designer-speak for empty space—is your best friend. It gives your eyes a place to rest and prevents that chaotic, overcrowded feeling.
A good rule of thumb: each shelf should be about 60-70% full. Leave gaps between groupings, and resist the urge to fill every corner. Sometimes what you don’t put on the shelf is just as important as what you do.
Keep It Maintained
Open shelving looks amazing—until it doesn’t. Without cabinet doors to hide the mess, you’ll need to commit to keeping things tidy. Set a quick weekly routine:
- Wipe down shelves and dust items
- Restack plates and reorganize as needed
- Put away items that have migrated from their spots
- Replace any items that look worn or chipped
Think of this as a 5-minute weekly reset. It’s way easier to maintain order than to start from scratch every few months.
The Final Touch: Add Personality
Once you’ve nailed the basics, add one or two personal touches that make the space uniquely yours:
- A small framed print or recipe card
- A vintage find from a flea market
- A meaningful serving piece from your travels
- Fresh herbs in small pots
These little touches tell your story without cluttering the space.
Styling open shelving isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating a space that feels intentional, functional, and uniquely you. Start with these guidelines, but don’t be afraid to adjust based on what works for your kitchen and lifestyle. The best-styled shelves are the ones that make your daily routine easier while looking beautiful in the process.