There’s a reason you see open shelving in beautiful kitchen photos. When done well, it feels airy and modern. It also gives your space that effortlessly curated look.
But if done poorly, it can end up looking cluttered.
I’ve designed kitchens where open shelving was the main focus. Everyone noticed it. In other kitchens, it took a subtle role.
The key to luxury is thoughtful execution. You need the right materials, styling, and placement to turn function into art.
Let’s explore 13 ways to make open shelving go from “meh” to magnificent.
1. Define Your Luxury Vision
Get Clear on the Vibe
Before you shop for so much as a bracket, decide the mood you want:
- Minimalist Luxe: Sleek, streamlined floating shelves with invisible supports.
- Warm Contemporary: Natural wood with soft edges and subtle grain.
- Glam Classic: Marble or quartz shelves with brass accents.
Pro tip: Scroll your saved Pinterest boards and see what you pin most — your style will reveal itself fast.
2. Choose Premium Materials
Why the Material Sets the Tone
Luxury kitchens never skimp on finishes. For shelving, your material choice instantly dictates the mood.
- Solid hardwoods (walnut, oak) add warmth and richness.
- Stone or quartz shelves scream sophistication.
- Tempered glass feels light and modern.
My take: Match your shelf material to an existing premium surface, like your countertop, to tie the look together.
3. Nail the Placement
Where Open Shelves Shine Most
Placement can make or break the look. Consider:
- Flanking a statement range hood for symmetry.
- Above a sink so you can easily grab everyday dishes.
- Around a window to frame the view.
Ever seen shelves crammed into a dark corner with no purpose? That’s the opposite of luxury.
4. Balance with Closed Storage
Keep It Practical
Even in the chicest kitchens, not everything is display‑worthy. Mix open shelving with closed cabinets to hide less attractive essentials (looking at you, chipped mugs).
Luxury isn’t about showing everything — it’s about showing the right things.
5. Curate Like a Stylist
The Art of Display
The best open shelves are intentionally styled, not crammed. Use:
- Matching dish sets
- Glass canisters with dry goods
- Sculptural vases or bowls
- Art prints or cookbooks
Designer tip: Group items in odd numbers, vary heights, and repeat colours to create flow.
6. Light It Up
Let Your Shelves Shine (Literally)
Integrated lighting takes open shelving from nice to next‑level. Options include:
- LED strips hidden underneath
- Spotlights above or beside
- Warm white bulbs for wood, cool white for glass and stone
Good lighting creates shadows and highlights that make your shelves feel like part of an art gallery.
7. Make the Backsplash a Star
Use the Backdrop to Elevate the Look
With cabinets gone, the wall behind your shelves becomes prime real estate.
- Full‑slab marble or quartz for drama.
- Textured tile for interest.
- Painted plaster for softness.
Your backsplash now has room to breathe — take advantage.
8. Play with Mixed Materials
Luxe Means Layered
Pairing two materials adds depth:
- Wood shelves on brass brackets.
- Stone shelves with matte black supports.
- Glass shelves in a wood frame.
Just repeat each finish somewhere else in the kitchen to keep it cohesive.
9. Keep Scale in Check
Proportion Is Everything
Oversized shelves can dominate a small kitchen; tiny shelves can get lost in a large space. As a guide:
- Depth: 10–12 inches for dinnerware.
- Height: Leave at least 15 inches between shelves for versatility.
Measure twice, install once.
10. Incorporate Greenery and Life
Plants = Instant Warmth
A trailing pothos or a small pot of basil adds life to all that hard surface. Fresh greenery softens the lines and makes the space feel welcoming, not sterile.
Bonus: Herbs are decorative and handy when cooking.
11. Make It Seasonal
Keep the Look Fresh
Swap out a few display pieces seasonally.
- Spring: pastel ceramics, fresh blooms.
- Summer: clear glassware, citrus bowls.
- Winter: warm woods, candles.
You don’t need to redo everything — just a few accents can shift the whole mood.
12. Keep It Tidy (Non‑Negotiable)
Luxury Loves Order
Open shelving isn’t a “set it and forget it” deal. Give them a quick dust weekly, and keep items neatly stacked.
IMO, open shelves are like owning a white sofa — gorgeous, but they demand you treat them right.
13. Commit to the Lifestyle
Own the Look
The real secret? Confidence. Open shelving in a luxury kitchen works because it tells a story: you value beauty in the everyday, and you keep your space intentional.
If you follow the other 12 tips, you’ll find they’re easier to live with than you think.
Wrapping It Up: Your Luxe Kitchen, Your Way
When it comes to how to create a luxurious kitchen with open shelving, it’s about balance — marrying stunning materials and styling with practical storage and smart placement.
Key moves to remember:
- Define your vision before you buy a single bracket.
- Invest in materials that look and feel high‑end.
- Curate, light, and proportion your shelves like a designer.
Do that, and your open shelving will feel less like a trend and more like the natural crown jewel of your kitchen.
And honestly? The best part is the moment someone walks in and says, “This looks amazing… but how do you keep it so perfect?” That’s when you know you’ve nailed it. 🙂
