The French bistro shelving in this kitchen designed by Marie Flanigan Interiors features black metal frames (Image: Marie Flanigan Interiors)
Cover The French bistro-style shelving in this kitchen designed by Marie Flanigan Interiors features black metal frames (Image: Marie Flanigan Interiors)

If you’re looking for creative kitchen storage solutions for a sleek yet chic look, turn to these kitchen shelves for some inspiration

Besides serving as organisational lifesavers, kitchen shelves also provide a way to express your personality. They hold a medley of objects—whether it's a colourful, eye-catching appliance or cherished dishware. 

If you’re thinking of spicing up your shelves for your next #shelfie moment, we’ve rounded up all the kitchen shelf inspiration you could possibly need. Whether it’s classic cabinetry or bistro-style shelving, these storage options will make holding your kitchen essentials so much more fun. It’s time to give your shelves an upgrade.

See also: 10 Ways To Design A Modern Social Kitchen That's Perfect For Entertaining Guests

1. Play with colours

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Designed by Uncommon Projects, these shelves form a common and continuous visual throughout the house (Image: Hampstead Heath)
Above Designed by Uncommon Projects, these shelves form a common and continuous visual throughout the house (Image: Hampstead Heath)

This cheery open plan kitchen designed by London-based studio Uncommon Projects features towering yellow custom-built shelves that extend up to the upper floor study. The playful design allows for extensive storage space, whilst simultaneously creating an eye-catching backdrop.

See also: 10 Yellow Furniture And Decorative Finds For Your Home

2. Keep it simple

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Designed by Jessica Barouch, this cosy kitchen showcases the prominent use of wood, stone and ceramics (Image: Stephan Julliard)
Above Designed by Jessica Barouch, this cosy kitchen showcases the prominent use of wood, stone and ceramics (Image: Stephan Julliard)

A single linear shelf forms the narrative in this kitchen. The sleek shelf also forms a divide against the textured backsplash, adding a layer of depth to the room. Simple and rustic, the style of the shelf complements the natural charm of this cosy French villa designed by Jessica Barouch.

See also: Home Tour: A Cosy French Villa With A Rustic Charm

3. Line it up

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Designed by Outpost London, this kitchen is decked out with floating shelves (Image: FRENCH+TYE)
Above Designed by Outpost London, this kitchen is decked out with floating shelves (Image: FRENCH+TYE)
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The shelves form a cohesive, linear look throughout the kitchen (Image: FRENCH+TYE)
Above The shelves form a cohesive, linear look throughout the kitchen (Image: FRENCH+TYE)

These floating shelves that line the walls of the kitchen form a cohesive configuration throughout the space. Designed by Outpost studio, the homeowners of this refurbished cottage fully utilise the space—shelves are fitted into every corner and angle possible. The trick for a bright and airy look? To not over-clutter the space with bulky appliances.

4. Play with proportions

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Styled by Emma Hos for a house in Sweden, this contemporary kitchen features four compact shelves (Image: Alen Cordic)
Above Styled by Emma Hos for a house in Sweden, this contemporary kitchen features four compact shelves (Image: Alen Cordic)

If you’re not a fan of the long uninterrupted shelf, try amplifying the space with smaller pocket shelves instead. As seen in this kitchen styled by Emma Hos, these versatile wooden shelves keep your kitchen visually appealing, whilst still acting as a repository for your kitchenware.

See also: You've Probably Forgotten to Clean These Things in Your Kitchen

5. Hang your stemware

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Beautifully designed by E&A Interiors, this fun kitchen features the prominent use of blue (Image: E&A Interiors)
Above Beautifully designed by E&A Interiors, this fun kitchen features the prominent use of blue (Image: E&A Interiors)
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A stemware rack to display glassware is perfect for saving extra storage space (Image: E&A Interiors)
Above A stemware rack to display glassware is perfect for saving extra storage space (Image: E&A Interiors)

Designed by E&A Interiors, this chic dry kitchen with varying textures and shades of blue contains two mini mighty open shelves. The bottom of each shelf is adorned with a stemware rack, which not only frees up storage space but also allows for wine glasses to be readily accessible when entertaining guests.

See also: Home Tour: A Classic Car Is The Centrepiece Of A Couple's Elegant House In Singapore

6. Showcase your tableware

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Jinjo restaurant features its line-up of precious pottery through a noteworthy shelf design (Image: Jinjo)
Above Jinjo restaurant features its line-up of precious pottery through a noteworthy shelf design (Image: Jinjo)

You can’t mention kitchen shelves and not mention restaurants. Located at Shaw House, Jinjo is a modern sumiyaki restaurant. The cosy interior includes warm lighting and wooden influences, but the most eye-catching aspect of the space is the custom shelves holding Japanese pottery. The custom shelf compartments make flaunting your dishware so much more stylish.

See also: Singaporean Ceramicists Loh Lik Kian and Debbie Ng’s Tableware Serves as Canvases For a Chef’s Plating

7. Take inspiration from the bistros

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The French bistro shelving in this kitchen designed by Marie Flanigan Interiors features black metal frames (Image: Marie Flanigan Interiors)
Above The French bistro shelving in this kitchen designed by Marie Flanigan Interiors features black metal frames (Image: Marie Flanigan Interiors)
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Designed by Sharon Taftian, the dual French bistro shelves enhances the glamorous look of the kitchen (Image: Sharon Taftian)
Above Designed by Sharon Taftian, the dual French bistro shelves enhances the glamorous look of the kitchen (Image: Sharon Taftian)

Classic and elegant, bistro-style shelves are a statement piece in the kitchen. Typically constructed out of glass and bronze or iron holders, the shelves have a timeless appeal. They’re an easy way to add a touch of French charm to the kitchen.

See also: Home Tour: This Minimalist House In Athens Combines French Design And Modern Art

8. Make it bespoke

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Recessed shelves can help amplify visual interest and add extra storage space, as shown in this kitchen designed by Heidi Caillier Design (Image: Heidi Caillier Design)
Above Recessed shelves can help amplify visual interest and add extra storage space, as shown in this kitchen designed by Heidi Caillier Design (Image: Heidi Caillier Design)

If your kitchen leans on the smaller side, recessed shelves might be your answer. These built-in shelves sit right into the wall, adding a layered dimension to the kitchen without taking up extra floor space. Created by Heidi Caillier Design, the cabinetry in this kitchen features Shaker-style elements and gold detailing, breaking up the potentially monotonous look.

9. Make your shelves the focal point

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This kitchen designed by YSG celebrates colour with the bright and cheerful cubicle display shelf (Image: Prue Ruscoe)
Above This kitchen designed by YSG celebrates colour with the bright and cheerful cubicle display shelf (Image: Prue Ruscoe)

Designed by Australia-based studio YSG, the large cubicle display shelf provides plenty of space for kitchen appliances, dishware and recipe books. The narrow shelf against the wall adds extra dimension to the space and serves as additional storage for slender wine bottles.    

See also: 10 Colourful, Quirky Furniture And Decor Pieces Inspired By Wes Anderson's The French Dispatch Film

10. Incorporate iconic shelf designs

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The Montana Panton wire storage system from Danish Design Co allows you to showcase your creative flair (Image: Danish Design Co)
Above The Montana Panton wire storage system from Danish Design Co allows you to showcase your creative flair (Image: Danish Design Co)
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If you tire of the look, you can refashion how you use the shelves (Image: Danish Design Co)
Above If you tire of the look, you can refashion how you use the shelves (Image: Danish Design Co)

Danish furniture company Montana is known for their customisable, modular storage solutions. The Panton wire storage system works perfectly as shelves in the kitchen, too; it’s sturdy, versatile and flexible. If you ever need a kitchen refresh, you can take the shelves down and customise them to your needs by transforming them as a side table. 

Available at Danish Design Co

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