Increasingly, wall and floor shelves are being used in the kitchen interior, replacing kitchen drawers. They are more compact and easy to install. In addition, unlike bulky drawers, wall shelves do not clutter up the kitchen space, maintain the size of the room and allow you to create fresh interiors.
From the outside it may seem that floor, and especially wall-mounted, shelves for the kitchen are not suitable for storing dishes and other equipment. But with the right material, the shelves can withstand heavy loads.
Particularly popular are glass shelves and open shelves in the kitchen, where dishes and other items are visible and become part of the interior.
Which kitchen is suitable for open shelves?
Open shelves are most suitable in interiors in rustic styles - country and Provence, cold Scandinavian and practical loft.
Practical open shelves also came into the interiors of kitchens in ordinary apartment buildings, when open layouts - a kitchen combined with a living room - became popular.
In such a space, open kitchen shelves look harmonious with bookcases and shelves, making the interior unified in style.
Aluminum facades for the kitchen: advantages, style, practicality, 55+ best photos
How to choose a corner sink for the kitchen: important selection parameters - the best photos of the kitchen interior with a corner sink
- How to choose the right postformed countertop for the kitchen - recommendations and photos
Shelves in a small kitchen
The dream of many people is a large kitchen that allows them to fit everything they need without any problems. Of course, this is not always possible to achieve. Buying small-sized apartments does not at all negate such fantasies. Experience suggests that small spaces can also be used effectively. Open shelves will help transform the space.
As a color solution, preference should be given to white or light tones. Another secret to visually expanding space is the use of a mirror surface and built-in lighting.
Experts believe that in a small kitchen you shouldn’t be afraid to fill the space above with open shelves. Free corners should also be used to the maximum. The only thing worth paying attention to is the objects that will be placed on suspended surfaces. Under no circumstances should they be littered.
How to make open shelves look stylish and practical
The walls on which open shelves hang should be plain. It can be any finish - classic ceramic tiles or plastic tiles, wood panels, plaster or wallpaper, but colored kitchen utensils, transparent jars with spices and bulk products will look neat against a plain background.
Old cups with chips should not be placed on open shelves; transparent bags of cereals; dishes and vessels for cereals should be beautiful.
Bright stylish dishes on open shelves will transform and make the interior of even a simple kitchen exclusive.
On open shelves you should place the dishes that are used constantly - then the shelves will not gather dust, because the dishes will be constantly taken from there, and, therefore, they will be constantly washed. There is no place for a service that is used only on special occasions.
How to choose a shelf?
Wall shelves for the kitchen need to be selected taking into account the overall interior design. In this case, they will perform not only a utilitarian function, but will become part of a single composition.
It is not enough to choose shelves for the wall of a suitable color and shape. It is necessary to pay due attention to the choice of material so that all kitchen furniture creates a harmonious picture. It is unlikely that plastic shelves in the kitchen interior will benefit from a wooden set. In addition, the material of the future shelf depends on its purpose. The greater the load, the more reliable the material should be.
Wooden
Owners of kitchens in the Provence style or in a classic interior should take a closer look at wooden shelves. They combine practicality and pleasant appearance. Wooden shelves are reliable and, despite their low weight, can withstand a large number of heavy dishes. A variety of colors and patterns on the surface of the shelves allow you to choose the ideal options for almost any kitchen. Wooden shelves can also be closed with glass.
Of course, wood products also have their disadvantages. Frequent contact with water and insects can cause significant damage to them. But shelves treated with a special solution do not face this fate.
Metal
Metal shelves will fit perfectly into modern interiors. As a rule, they are distinguished by thin fixtures and sophistication, which will look especially good in a high-tech kitchen. The metal shelf can be used for heavy objects, while it itself is lightweight. They have practically no disadvantages: they are durable, not afraid of moisture and temperature changes.
Plastic
The range of plastic shelves is amazing in its scope. A wide range of colors and a variety of shapes allows you to choose plastic shelves to suit every taste. And their low price makes them an ideal option for budget decor.
Plastic shelves are very light, but are not particularly durable. They are not suitable for storing basic kitchen equipment and heavy dishes. But plastic shelves can be used as decorative ones or as dividers in cabinets and drawers.
Glass
Glass shelves add elegance and sophistication to the interior. Glass shelves suspended in the air look very impressive. Despite their apparent fragility, glass shelves are quite durable. To confidently rely on such a shelf, choose glass products with a thickness of at least 6-8 mm.
Glass shelves are not suitable for storing bulky dishes. But glasses, crystal items and decorative elements can be safely placed on these fragile-looking shelves.
Stone
Stone shelves are rarely used in kitchen interiors. This is a very stylish piece of furniture that adds chic to the room. They will be appropriate in luxurious interiors in combination with countertops or floors made of the same material. Despite their strength, stone shelves are used for decorative purposes to store beautiful dishes. The disadvantages of stone shelves include their heavy weight, which makes their use in a room with plasterboard walls unacceptable.
https://youtu.be/4eM4r2YQQcs
Photo of open shelves in the kitchen
Making shelves for the kitchen with your own hands
The easiest way to diversify your kitchen is to buy ready-made shelves. However, not every standard solution can be suitable for implementing your own ideas. Then you can make the furniture yourself. To do this, you need to set aside a little time and prepare the following materials and tools:
- plywood sheet or board;
- jigsaw;
- drill;
- sandpaper;
- screwdriver;
- self-tapping screws;
- glue.
Now you can begin the process of making the shelf. Absolutely everyone can cope with this. The main thing is patience. The procedure is as follows:
- it is necessary to mark the detail on the prepared material;
- cut the workpiece along the contour, rounding the corners;
- clean the edges of the future shelf with sandpaper;
- paint the product;
- attach the corners and hang the shelf in a suitable place.
Properly selected materials and arrangement will allow you to create a unique, practical design with good functionality.
