Open shelving is one of the biggest trends in kitchen design.
It makes your kitchen feel light, airy, and stylish while keeping your most-used items within easy reach.
But styling open shelves can be tricky—you want them to be both functional and beautiful without looking cluttered.
The key is to mix practical kitchen essentials with decorative elements for a curated, Pinterest-worthy look.
Below, we’ll break down the best ways to style open kitchen shelves and share Amazon must-haves to help you achieve a perfectly styled space.
1. Start with Matching Kitchen Storage Canisters (Stylish & Functional) 🏺
Matching storage containers instantly make your shelves look organized and intentional.
Choose glass, ceramic, or matte-finish containers for a high-end look.
Use them to store flour, sugar, coffee, pasta, or snacks while keeping everything fresh.
🛒 Best Picks:
🔗 Glass & Bamboo Storage Canister Set (Aesthetic & airtight!)
🔗 Matte White Ceramic Canisters (Perfect for a minimalist look!)
✨ Why You’ll Love It:
✔️ Keeps kitchen staples fresh & accessible
✔️ Adds texture & warmth to shelves
✔️ Creates a uniform, clutter-free look
2. Use Floating Shelf Brackets for a Custom Look 🛠️
To achieve a true open-shelving aesthetic, swap out standard brackets for sleek, floating shelf hardware.
Metal brackets in black, brass, or gold can add a modern or farmhouse touch to your space.
🛒 Best Picks:
🔗 Industrial Black Floating Shelf Brackets (Great for a modern kitchen!)
🔗 Brass Floating Shelf Brackets (Perfect for a vintage, high-end look!)
✨ Why You’ll Love It:
✔️ Gives open shelves a seamless, floating effect
✔️ Adds a decorative element to shelving
✔️ Sturdy & easy to install
3. Add Wooden Cutting Boards for Warmth & Texture 🌿
A few wooden cutting boards leaned against the wall create a cozy, layered look.
They also add warmth to white or neutral kitchens and break up the monotony of glass and ceramics.
🛒 Best Picks:
🔗 Acacia Wood Cutting Board Set (Rich wood tones for contrast!)
🔗 Bamboo Cutting Boards (Set of 3) (Sustainable & durable!)
✨ Why You’ll Love It:
✔️ Adds natural texture & color to your kitchen
✔️ Functional for daily cooking & styling
✔️ Pairs beautifully with open shelving
4. Display Cookbooks for a Personal Touch 📚
Cookbooks bring personality and a lived-in feel to open kitchen shelves.
Stack them vertically or horizontally and pair them with small decor pieces for a balanced look.
🛒 Best Picks:
🔗 The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook (Stylish & useful!)
🔗 Modern Minimalist Kitchen Decor Book (Adds a design element!)
✨ Why You’ll Love It:
✔️ Adds color and character to your shelves
✔️ Makes your kitchen feel personal & inviting
✔️ Easy to swap out for different seasons or themes
5. Include Small Plants & Greenery for a Fresh Look 🌱
Adding plants to your shelves brings in life, color, and freshness.
Small potted herbs or faux plants soften the look and create a farmhouse or modern vibe.
🛒 Best Picks:
🔗 Potted Faux Eucalyptus Plants (No maintenance required!)
🔗 Set of 3 Ceramic Herb Planters (Perfect for fresh basil, mint, or rosemary!)
✨ Why You’ll Love It:
✔️ Adds natural elements to your kitchen
✔️ Brings a pop of color to neutral spaces
✔️ Low-maintenance options available
6. Incorporate Decorative Bowls & Plates for Style 🍽️
Beautiful dinnerware on display makes your shelves both functional and decorative.
Opt for neutral ceramics, vintage-inspired plates, or minimalist dishware for a polished look.
🛒 Best Picks:
🔗 Matte Black Stoneware Dinnerware Set (Modern & elegant!)
🔗 Handmade Ceramic Serving Bowls (Great for a farmhouse vibe!)
✨ Why You’ll Love It:
✔️ Turns everyday items into stylish decor
✔️ Adds variety & dimension to open shelves
✔️ Mixes function with beauty
🛒 Best Amazon Must-Haves for Styling Open Shelving
| Item | Best For | Pros | Amazon Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass & Bamboo Canisters | Organizing dry goods | Keeps items fresh, stylish & airtight | Shop Now |
| Floating Shelf Brackets | Creating a modern or farmhouse look | Seamless, sturdy, & decorative | Shop Now |
| Wood Cutting Boards | Adding warmth & texture | Functional & decorative | Shop Now |
| Cookbooks | Adding personality | Stylish & useful | Shop Now |
| Greenery & Small Plants | Bringing freshness & life | Low-maintenance & beautiful | Shop Now |
| Decorative Plates & Bowls | Styling shelves with function | Elegant & space-saving | Shop Now |
Final Thoughts: Create a Stylish & Functional Open Shelf Look
Styling open kitchen shelves is all about balancing function with aesthetics.
By combining storage canisters, wood accents, plants, cookbooks, and stylish dinnerware, you can create a curated, Pinterest-worthy kitchen that feels warm and inviting.
With these affordable Amazon must-haves, you can easily achieve a beautiful and practical open-shelving design—without spending a fortune!
