So, you have a fancy new kitchen. You are all done designing your kitchen, purchasing all of your appliances, countertops, and hardware, and all it is lacking is some decoration.
Or maybe you have been using it for a while but it still looks dull and boring. Either way, you need some inspiration for how to decorate a shelf in your kitchen.
Don’t worry; you can have no artistic talents and no money to spare with this guide to decorating the kitchen shelf.
Consider Your Color Palette For Open Shelving
Most people don’t even spend an hour a day eating. For those who adore cooking and spending their time in the kitchen, it’s always nice to whip up the ultimate meal to treat yourself.
The kitchen is the heart of any home, and those who spend their time there should make it reflect their personality.
If you’re looking for some great tips on how to decorate real wood floating shelves in the kitchen, you’ve come to the right place.
Keep reading to learn what items and decorations to include when creating your ultimate kitchen shelf.
Give Neutral A Try
When it comes to decorating a shelf in the kitchen, give neutral a try! Neutral colors create a sense of calm and appeal to the eye.
Start by selecting a neutral color for the shelf, such as warm white, off white, grey, or brown. Then, choose a few accent pieces to add texture to the space.
Utilizing items such as wicker baskets, wire bins, and even wooden crates, can provide the perfect contrast against a light neutral background. Adding in a few items with a touch of pattern and texture can also liven up the room.
Finally, place some decorative items, like candles, plants, and wall art, to add color and personality to the shelf. With a few simple pieces, you can create a timeless look in your kitchen that looks stylish yet inviting.
Add A Splash Of Bright Color
Decorating a shelf in the kitchen to add a splash of bright color is easy. Start by removing all items from the shelf and sorting them into categories.
Choose a bright and bold color palette. This may include a mix of shades such as yellow, blue, green, and pink, or just a single shade.
If the shelf’s existing color doesn’t match your color palette, paint it. Then, select several items to use to represent the bright colors. You could arrange a few artificial flowers, display a bright yellow bowl, or hang up a patterned mug.
Finally, hang art or lay books that evoke the feeling of the colors you’ve chosen.
Place each item artfully on the shelf and arrange according to your desired visual effect to add a splash of bold color to your shelf.
Try Dual Tones
The kitchen is a great place to make your own decorating statement. Dual tones are a great way to make your shelf interesting and eye-catching.
To start, decide what colors you would like to have as your base color. Once you have chosen your colors, use some simple shelf accessories to make a statement with the dual tones.
Pick out something in one color, like a plant in a bright blue, to add a pop to the shelf.
You can also find small dishes to hold spices or utensils that come in a variety of sizes and colors, and place them on the shelf in a way that uses both colors.
Add some art or small photos to the shelf that bring out the dual tones and you will have a shelf that looks modern and inviting.
Embrace Mixed Metals
To decorate a shelf in the kitchen, one should always embrace mixed metals.
Start by evaluating the room and adding a mix of metals to help create contrast and dimension against the backdrop of the room.
One can mix copper, brass, chrome and silver to bring a modern and interesting look to the kitchen. Incorporate sleek modern shapes and textures to give an artistic flair. By using a combination of metals, it can bring life and character to the room.
For example, one could add a brass pot rack and matching brass wall sconces to create a farmhouse style and contrast it with a chrome pot filler faucet over the stove.
This creates both visual and material interest for the space.
Style Your Metal
When it comes to decorating shelves in a style that is fitting for a kitchen, Style Your Metal is a great resource.
To begin, decide on the type of shelf you would like to use. Then, consider how it will fit into the overall color scheme of the kitchen.
Choose a metal shelf that fits with the color palette and complements all the other elements of the kitchen.
After the shelf is chosen, decide on the accessories and decorations you will use to style the shelf. Select pieces that are interesting, modern, and contemporary.
Accessories such as napkin holders, utensil holders, small plants, and decorative items ensure that the shelf is stylish and inviting.
Finish the shelf styling with a layer of spray matte paint to protect the metal and give it a unique look. Use Style Your Metal to find the best accessories and decorations for kitchen shelves.
Mix Textures
When decorating a shelf in the kitchen, mixing textures can create a unique and personalized look. To start, choose items that are visually different but connect to each other.
For instance, pair a ceramic bowl with a metal spoon or a wooden cutting board with a glass container.
This ties in all the elements of the shelf together while maintaining visual interest.
When beginning the shelf display, start with larger items first and move to the smaller ones. Place items with different finish e.g. glossy, matt, textured on the shelf.
Incorporating textiles is a great way to add texture to a shelf, such as a woven basket or pottery, keep all decorative accents minimal and allow for breathing space between the objects.
Always Add Plants
When decorating a shelf in the kitchen, always add plants! This helps to bring in some much-needed greenery and energy into the space.
To create a cohesive look, try to pick pots with the same or similar colors or textures. Then, use geometric shapes, either pots or other items, to balance the mix.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and mix colors, materials, and sizes, too! Plants bring a touch of softness to the room and they enhance the beauty of the space in a clean and inviting way.
You can also choose to play with the heights of the plants and have one tall one and the rest shouldering out with shorter ones for more interest.
Be sure to use plenty of leafy green plants as this can create a more vibrant feel in the kitchen.
Mount Art Work
When it comes to mounting art work in the kitchen, the key is to remember the overall design style.
Decorating with artwork in the kitchen can range from traditional and rustic to sleek and modern. Start by selecting pieces that compliment the kitchen design style.
If traditional and rustic is what you’re looking for, consider framed photos that focus on nature.
For a more modern look, look for simple pieces that are bold in color and minimal in design.
When selecting the artwork, think about where it will actually hang, such as above the stove or near the sink.
Place Antiques
To decorate a shelf in the kitchen with place antiques, start by measuring the area to identify how much space you’ll have for the antiques.
This will be beneficial when shopping for antiques that need to fit the shelf area in the kitchen. Visit local antique stores or search online to find the perfect decor for your kitchen shelf.
It can be fun to mix and match styles and sizes to create visual interest. As you shop, consider adding an antique plate or platter as the focal point of the shelf.
Add smaller antiques such as collectible dishes or other charming pieces around the large antique.
Consider adding in new pieces such as a vintage-style clock or ceramic figurine to add character to the shelf.
Place the antiques on the shelf and adjust the layout so that it’s aesthetically pleasing. Finally, add a few house plants and candles to complete the shelf decor.
Use Non-Conventional Decorations
For non-conventional kitchen shelf decorations, opt for something more unique and interesting than regular items like figurines, jars, and plants.
Consider something you wouldn’t usually display on a kitchen shelf such as a woven basket or a vintage teapot. Choose a selection of colors, textures and sizes to create a balanced, well-proportioned look.
Try using interesting art pieces like an old map, framed piece of fabric, or an abstract painting. If you prefer something abstract, opt for interesting kitchen items like utensils, cookware, or kitchen equipment made from various materials.
Utilize unique or handmade items like a family heirloom, a handcrafted bowl, or an interesting collectible.
To bring all the pieces together, add some meaningful décor like a family recipe passed down from generation to generation, or framed pictures of your favorite memories with loved ones.
Play With Patterns
Decorating a shelf in the kitchen can be a fun way to add personality to the room. When playing with patterns, start with the shelf as the foundation.
Pick out two simple colors that will be used as the main patterns and use them to create a patterned wallpaper to line the back of the shelf.
Next, choose dishes and other accents that will work with the two main colors you chose. Brightly colored mugs, patterned bowls or delicate cups all work great.
Use these items to fill the shelf so it’s a visual delight. Layer objects of different heights, shapes, and patterns to give the shelf a unique, eclectic look.
Incorporate a few favorite items, like a vintage bowl or a teapot, as conversation starters. Lastly, add small accessories, like candles or plants, to create texture and complete the look.
Feel Free To Personalize
It is easy to personalize a kitchen shelf in a way that reflects your own style and personality. First, decide how you want the shelf to look and the items that you will display on it.
Measure the shelf to plan for any decorations that you will hang or place. Be sure to leave enough space for meals to be stored and prepared.
Next, choose the decorations that you want to put up. Colorful photographs, small decorative dishes, memorabilia, and artificial plants are all great options.
Finally, select lighting options to brighten up the area. Each shelf can become unique with just a few simple touches to make it your own. Have fun!
Vary The Heights Of Your Decor
When decorating a shelf in the kitchen, you can make your display look more interesting by varying the heights of the items. Begin by making a plan on where to place the items and determine what items to decorate with.
Place the tallest item on the top shelf and the shorter items on the bottom shelf. Have smaller, lighter-weight décor on the shelves in the middle.
You could also use taller items as the focal point of the shelf and use the smaller items to support it. One way to do this is use tin cans, to give it a rustic look. Place a vase of artificial flowers in the center of the shelf and carefully place the cans around it, creating a tiered look.
Hang picture frames and place other decorative items of various heights across the shelf, in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
The combination of vivid colors and different heights of the décor pieces will create an attractive, eye-catching display.
Learn How to Decorate a Shelf in the Kitchen
In conclusion, on how to decorate a shelf in the kitchen provides an inexpensive way to add personality and charm to any kitchen.
With so many options to choose from, there is sure to be something perfect for any kitchen.
Be sure to take the time to think of a design and choose decorations that really pop. Start decorating today with the ultimate guide!
If you want to explore the best topics, we’ve got you covered. Check out some of our other blogs today!