7 Reasons to add open kitchen shelves into your scheme

Published on 12 May 2022

Unsure if open kitchen shelves are a suitable design feature for your home? Here are seven reasons why open shelving could be perfect for you.

Open kitchen shelves are a bit of a hot commodity right now, and we're here to explain why.

Well-designed open shelf placement can create a kitchen that’s equally as practical and efficient as a kitchen filled with mounted units. What’s more, opting for some open shelving will create a stunning visual with plenty of flexibility.

Our cleverly designed, roomy base cabinets, tall housing and innovative storage features have allowed open shelving to take the place of traditional wall cabinetry.

Has open shelving caught your eye? If so, read on as we look at the seven benefits of kitchen shelves.

1 - On display

Sutton Scots Grey

Pretty crockery and cherished glassware should be displayed with pride. Adding open shelving to your kitchen's design makes these items visible, creating a welcoming, homely look. If you have a collection of pretty crockery or sophisticated glassware, use open shelving to create an aesthetically pleasing display.

Why stop at cookware? If you have a one tone, neutral kitchen, kitchen shelves provide the opportunity to introduce a dash of colour into your scheme. Plants, photo frames, wall art and ornaments look fantastic on kitchen shelves and can be changed whenever you wish

2 - Open up

Hardwick Graphite. Designed by Nailsea Electrical in Bristol

Too many wall units make small and galley-style kitchens appear cramped and restricted. You'll see a drastic difference by simply replacing some cabinetry with open shelving.

Sutton Inkwell. Designed by Neat Kitchens in Portishead

Kitchen shelves can help make even the tiniest of kitchens feel open and airy. By taking a few wall cabinets out of the equation, you'll make it feel like your kitchen's doubled in square footage.

3 - Add intrigue

H Line Milano Arctic Frost with Ligna Farmhouse Oak and Metalix Bronze. Designed by Sigma 3 Kitchens in Swansea

A great aesthetic benefit of open shelving is that it presents the opportunity to introduce new textures and materials into your scheme.

H Line Sutton Graphite

Wood-effect kitchen shelves are the most popular option as the warming tones complement classic farmhouse style kitchens and add a warm, rustic touch to modern designs. However, if you're opting for a modern kitchen style, you could opt for a metallic finish for your kitchen shelves.

4 - Easy access

H Line Lumina Stone Grey

Incorporating a kitchen shelf feature into your design allows easy access to your most-used cookware and pantry staples—no more rummaging through the back of cupboards. Instead, at a quick glance, you'll see where everything is.

Ashbourne Light Grey and Graphite

Kitchen shelves are a practical and beautiful way to ensure your most-used kitchen items are within easy reach for better workflow. This will also free up cupboard or pantry space or lesser-used items.

5 - A clean look

Roma Olive and Terracotta. Designed by The Kitchen Store in Sussex

If you like the look of clean worktops, open shelving is a practical way to ensure your surfaces stay uncluttered.

Instead of letting small appliances or condiments take up precious counter space, place them on wall mounted kitchen shelves.

6 - Connect your home

H Line Hampton Light Blue. Designed by New Forest Designs in Fordingbridge

You don’t need to limit your kitchen shelves to walls. For example, if you live in an open-plan space, tall open shelving creates a beautiful design feature that allows the kitchen space to flow seamlessly into the living area.

An upright kitchen shelf feature will take the role of a wall, zoning the kitchen area from the rest of your space.

7 - Cost-effective

Larna Scots Grey with Sutton Coastal Mist. Designed by Owen Williams in Coalville

Are you ready to start your dream kitchen journey?

If you'd like a kitchen full of open shelving or perhaps something a bit different, find your nearest Masterclass Kitchens retailer. Our expert retailers can help you create a perfect kitchen for you.

For more kitchen guidance and ideas, view our helpful kitchen planning guides.