28 Inspiring and Unique Farmhouse Kitchen Open Shelving Kitchen Ideas

In a farmhouse kitchen, open shelving adds a cozy and practical touch. Instead of cabinets with doors, shelves are mounted on the walls, giving a feeling of openness and warmth. It’s like having your own mini market display right in your kitchen!

With open shelving, you can easily grab what you need without rummaging through cabinets. Plus, it’s a great way to showcase your favorite dishes, pots, and pans, adding a personal touch to your kitchen decor.

Think of it as a blend of functionality and charm – where convenience meets style. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just enjoy cooking for your loved ones, farmhouse kitchen open shelving brings a touch of rustic elegance to your home.

farmhouse kitchen open shelving kitchen

Incorporate Reclaimed Wood Shelves

wood shelves in farmhouse kitchen
Photo by Odiseo Castrejon on Unsplash

Reclaimed wood shelves are a key element in farmhouse kitchen open shelving design. These shelves add character and warmth to the space, bringing a sense of history and authenticity to your kitchen. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, reclaimed wood shelves are also eco-friendly, making them a sustainable choice for your home.

Wire Basket Storage

Wire Basket Storage in Farmhouse Kitchen
Image by freepik

Wire basket storage is a stylish and functional way to organize your farmhouse kitchen open shelving. These baskets add texture and visual interest to the space while providing a convenient storage solution for smaller items. Use wire baskets to corral cooking utensils, spices, or fresh produce, keeping your kitchen tidy and organized.

Mix and Match Materials

Mix and Match Materials shelving
Photo by Anna Shvets-pexels

Mixing different types of shelving materials is a creative way to add depth and visual appeal to your farmhouse kitchen open shelving. Combine reclaimed wood shelves with metal or glass shelves to create a dynamic and personalized look. Experiment with different textures and finishes to find a combination that enhances your kitchen’s overall design.

Display Vintage Kitchenware

Displaying vintage kitchenware on your farmhouse kitchen open shelving
Photo by Oleksandr Kurchev on Unsplash

Displaying vintage kitchenware on your farmhouse kitchen open shelving is a charming way to add character to the space. Showcase antique dishes, glassware, or cookware to give your kitchen a nostalgic feel. Vintage kitchenware adds a personal touch to your space and serves as a conversation starter for guests.

Distressed Wood Shelves

wood shelving
Photo by Dane Deaner on Unsplash

Distressed wood shelves bring a touch of shabby chic elegance to farmhouse kitchen open shelving. The weathered finish of these shelves adds a sense of history and authenticity to the space, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Distressed wood shelves pair well with vintage decor and modern accents, making them a versatile choice for any farmhouse kitchen.

Glass Jar Storage

Glass Jar Storage
Image by freepik

For a more functional and organized approach, consider using glass jars as storage containers on your open shelves. Not only do glass jars create a sleek and cohesive look, but they also allow you to easily see and access your ingredients. You can use different sizes of glass jars to store anything from spices to dry goods, giving your kitchen a clean and uniform appearance.

Hanging Pot Rack

hanging pot rack
Photo by Timeless Kitchen Cabinetry 

If you have limited cabinet space, consider installing a hanging pot rack above your open shelves. This not only adds a rustic and charming element to your kitchen but also frees up valuable storage space in your cabinets. By hanging your pots and pans on a rack above your open shelves, you can create a functional and visually appealing display that showcases your cookware.

Chalkboard Wall

Chalkboard Wall
photo: https://victoriaelizabethbarnes.com/

Add a touch of whimsy and practicality to your farmhouse kitchen by incorporating a chalkboard wall above your open shelves. This allows you to write grocery lists, recipes, or inspirational quotes directly on the wall, adding a personal and creative touch to your space. Chalkboard walls are not only functional but also add a unique and customizable element to your kitchen design.

Varied Shelf Heights

Varied Shelf Heights
Photo by  M Starr Design

To create visual interest and maximize storage space on your open shelves, consider incorporating varied shelf heights. By mixing and matching different shelf heights, you can create a dynamic and eye-catching display that showcases both decorative items and everyday essentials. This not only adds personality to your kitchen but also makes it easier to organize and access your items.

Use Woven Baskets for Organization

woven baskets on open shelves
photo by @home.in.herts/Instagram

For a touch of rustic charm and additional storage options, consider incorporating woven baskets on your open shelves. Woven baskets not only add texture and warmth to your kitchen but also provide hidden storage for items you want to keep out of sight. By mixing in woven baskets with your open shelving, you can create a layered and visually appealing display that is both functional and stylish.

Brick Wall Backdrop

Brick Wall
Photo by @chrissyjhomes/Instagram

For a rustic and authentic farmhouse look, consider installing open shelves against a backdrop of exposed brick. The combination of weathered wood and rough brick adds warmth and texture to your kitchen, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.

Add a Rustic Touch with Barn Doors

Sliding barn doors on farmhouse kitchen cabinets
Photo: Flickr

Sliding barn doors are a versatile addition to farmhouse kitchen open shelving. Not only do they add a rustic touch to the space, but they also provide convenient storage solutions. You can use sliding barn doors to hide away clutter or showcase your favorite dishes and cookware. Their practicality and charm make them a must-have feature for any farmhouse kitchen.

Hanging Apron Hooks

Hanging Apron Hooks
Photo: @hartley_home/Instagram

In addition to open shelves, why not add some hanging hooks for your aprons, pot holders, and utensils? This not only adds functionality to your space but also serves as a decorative element. Choose hooks in a complementary metal finish to tie the look together.

Ladder-Style Shelves

Ladder-Style Shelves
Photo: cdn.decoist.com

For a unique twist on traditional open shelving, opt for ladder-style shelves. These shelves have a rustic charm and can be easily moved around to suit your changing storage needs. They also create visual interest by adding varying heights to your kitchen decor.

Subway Tile Backdrop

Subway Tile Backdrop
Photo: INTERIORSWAG

If you prefer a more modern farmhouse aesthetic, consider pairing your open shelves with a subway tile backdrop. The clean lines and classic appeal of subway tile provide a timeless backdrop for your dishes and decor, allowing them to take center stage.

Sliding Ladder Access

sliding ladder in farmhouse kitchen
Photo: http://www.thestudioentourage.com/

Make accessing those high shelves a breeze by installing a sliding ladder. Not only does a sliding ladder add functionality to your space, but it also gives your kitchen a touch of old-world charm. Choose a ladder in a distressed wood finish for a truly authentic farmhouse look.

Wire Mesh Drawers

Wire mesh drawers

Wire mesh drawers are a great way to add a rustic touch to your farmhouse kitchen. They are perfect for storing fruits, vegetables, or even kitchen utensils. The open design of wire mesh drawers allows for easy access to your items while adding a unique flair to your kitchen decor.

Antique Tool Display

vintage kitchen utensils
Photo: thepondsfarmhouse.com

Why not turn your open shelving into a showcase for antique kitchen tools? Displaying vintage kitchen utensils like hand-crank egg beaters, cast iron skillets, and wooden rolling pins not only adds character to your kitchen but also serves as a conversation starter for guests.

Wooden Crate Storage

Wooden Crate Storage
Photo: Pinterest

Wooden crates are not only functional but also add a touch of farmhouse charm to your kitchen. Use them to store spices, mason jars, or even fresh produce. You can stack them on your open shelves or hang them on the wall for a versatile storage solution that complements your farmhouse aesthetic.

Plate Rack Shelves

Plate Rack Shelves
Photo: ROBERT BRINSON

Plate rack shelves are a practical and stylish way to store your dinnerware in a farmhouse kitchen. Displaying your plates, bowls, and mugs on open shelves adds a cozy and inviting touch to your space. Plus, it makes it easy to grab what you need during mealtime.

Hanging Fruit Basket

Hanging Fruit Basket
Photo: pinterest

A hanging fruit basket is a clever storage solution for small farmhouse kitchens with limited counter space. Hang a wire basket from your open shelving to keep fruits and vegetables off the counter and within easy reach. This not only frees up valuable countertop space but also adds a decorative element to your kitchen.

Pantry Door Integration

pantry doors
Photo: kraftmaid.com

For a seamless and space-saving storage solution, consider integrating pantry doors with your open shelving. Install shallow shelves on the back of your pantry doors to store spices, canned goods, and cooking oils. This hidden storage option keeps your essentials organized and easily accessible while maximizing your kitchen space.

Add Texture with Linens

dish towels
Photo: Tori Murphy

One way to enhance the look of your farmhouse kitchen and add a touch of warmth is by incorporating textured linens. Opt for woven dish towels, rustic burlap placemats, or cozy knit potholders to bring a soft and inviting feel to your space. These simple additions can instantly elevate the look of your open shelving and tie together the farmhouse aesthetic.

Utilize Open shelves for Cookbooks

Open shelves for Cookbooks
Photo: RYAN BENT

If you’re an avid cook or baker, open shelving provides the perfect opportunity to showcase your collection of cookbooks. Arrange your favorite recipe books on the shelves, interspersed with decorative accents or small potted herbs for a functional and stylish display. Not only will this add a personal touch to your kitchen, but it will also make it easier to access your go-to recipes while cooking.

Create Symmetry with Matching Pieces

Matching Pieces
Photo: CapeRace Cultural Adventures

For a cohesive and organized look, consider using matching pieces on your open shelves. Whether it’s a set of matching mugs, glass jars, or ceramic dinnerware, creating symmetry in your display can help bring a sense of order and balance to your farmhouse kitchen. Mix in a few unique or vintage pieces to add character and charm to the arrangement.

Mix Functional and Decorative Items

Farmhouse kitchen shelf styling tips
Photo: ADAM ALBRIGHT

When styling open shelves in your farmhouse kitchen, it’s essential to strike a balance between functionality and aesthetics. Combine practical items like canisters, jars, and baskets with decorative elements such as plants, artwork, or vintage finds. This blend of form and function will not only make your shelves visually appealing but also ensure that everything has a purpose in your kitchen.

Opt for Distressed Finishes

Photo: lizmarieblog.com

To achieve a truly authentic farmhouse look, opt for open shelving with distressed finishes. Weathered wood, aged metal, or chipped paint can add a rustic and timeworn feel to your kitchen, evoking the charm of a bygone era. Mix and match different textures and finishes to create visual interest and add character to your space.

Install Floating Shelves

Floating Shelves
Photo:  DANE TASHIMA

Floating shelves are a versatile option for farmhouse kitchens, providing a clean and modern look while still maintaining the rustic charm of open shelving. By installing floating shelves, you can create a minimalist and airy feel in your kitchen, allowing your decorative items and kitchen essentials to take center stage. Plus, floating shelves are easy to install and can be customized to fit your space perfectly.

Why Choose Farmhouse Kitchen Open Shelving?

Choosing farmhouse kitchen open shelving can be a great idea for a few reasons! First off, it adds a cozy and rustic vibe to your kitchen. It’s like bringing a bit of the countryside right into your home.

Another cool thing about open shelving is that it makes your kitchen feel more spacious. Unlike cabinets with doors, open shelves give you a sense of openness and make the room look bigger.

Plus, open shelving makes it super easy to grab whatever you need while cooking. You can see all your pots, pans, and dishes right there, without having to dig through cabinets.

And let’s not forget the style factor! Farmhouse kitchen open shelving can really show off your dishes, cookware, and cute decorations. It’s like having your own mini display area in the heart of your home.

So, if you want to add charm, space, and easy access to your kitchen, farmhouse open shelving might just be the perfect choice for you!

Pros and Cons of Farmhouse Kitchen Open Shelving

Like any design choice, farmhouse kitchen open shelving comes with its own set of pros and cons. On the positive side, open shelves can make a small kitchen appear larger and more spacious. They also allow you to showcase your favorite items and create a personalized look. In terms of functionality, open shelving promotes organization and efficiency in the kitchen.

However, open shelving also has its drawbacks. Dust and grease can easily accumulate on exposed shelves, requiring frequent cleaning. If you tend to be disorganized or have a lot of mismatched dishware, open shelving may not be the best choice for you. Additionally, open shelves may not offer as much storage space as traditional cabinets, so it’s essential to consider your storage needs before making the switch.

Conclusion

In conclusion, open shelving in a farmhouse kitchen can elevate the look and feel of your space while providing practical storage solutions. By following these tips and incorporating open shelving into your farmhouse kitchen design, you can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere that reflects your unique style and personality. So, why not give this design trend a try and transform your kitchen into a functional and stylish farmhouse retreat?

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