One of the most important (and often overlooked) aspects of kitchen design is storage.

No matter how big or small your kitchen is, you need to have a place for everything and that includes all of your gadgets, appliances, pots, pans, and more. Plus, it is a wonderful way to free up counter space and make it easier to find what you need. That’s where kitchen shelves come in. Shelf systems are an efficient way to make use of available space, and they can be customized to fit your specific storage needs.

There are a variety of ways to use shelves, and they can be customized to fit your specific storage needs. Here, we have compiled 20+ of the best kitchen shelving ideas to help get you started:

1. Use Under-Cabinet Shelves to Store Frequently Used Items

Use Under-Cabinet Shelves To Store Frequently Used Items
Source: Pinterest.com

To simplify your activities in the kitchen, install the under cabinet shelves where you can store frequently used items well. This way, you can keep them within reach and organized. You can use these shelves for spices, utensils, pans, and more. This is an alternative for kitchen storage to save space and keep your kitchen organized.

2. Add A Spice Rack To Keep Spices Within Easy Reach

Door-Mounted Spice Rack
Source: overstock.com

A spice rack is the perfect way to keep your spices within easy reach, and there are a few different options to choose from. Wall-mounted racks are a great choice if you have limited counter space, while freestanding racks can be moved around as needed. If you’re really short on space, consider a door-mounted rack that can be hung on the inside of a cupboard door.

3. Install Kitchenware Racks Inside The Cabinets

Easy Budget Friendly Ways To Organize Your Kitchen
Easy Budget Friendly Ways To Organize Your Kitchen | Source: dreamingindiy.com

Cutting board racks can be hung from the ceiling or mounted on the kitchen wall, freeing up valuable cabinet space. In addition, they provide easy access to your cookware, so you can quickly grab what you need when you’re ready to start cooking.

If you don’t have many walls space or ceiling space in your kitchen, consider a rack that fits inside a cabinet door. These racks provide easy access to your cutting boards while still keeping them out of the way.

4. Use Wall-Mounted Wooden Shelves To Store Cookbooks And Other Items

 Wall-Mounted Wooden Shelves To Store Cookbooks
Source: stylebyemilyhenderson.com

Wall-mounted shelves are a good idea to display your favorite cookbooks. You can also use them to store spices, pots and pans, and other kitchen items. If you have a small kitchen, wall-mounted shelves can help you save space. You can find wall-mounted shelves of different sizes and styles.

5. Add A Baker’s Rack For Additional Storage And Prep Space

Add A Baker's Rack For Additional Storage And Prep Space
Source: www.thenavagepatch.com

One of the great things about baker’s racks is that they are very versatile. You can use them to store cookbooks, display dishes, or even hang towels. Baker’s racks can also be used as a slash zone, where you can prep food or chop vegetables. If you’re short on counter space, a baker’s rack is a smart hack to get the extra space you need. Some also come with hooks or a towel rack, which can be extremely useful in a small kitchen.

6. Install The Metal Shelves

Diy Stainless Steel Shelves
Source: jennarosejournal.blogspot.com

Investing in some good quality shelving units is a wise choice. There are many different materials to choose from, including wood, metal and glass, so take your time to browse through the different options before making a final decision. Another thing to keep in mind is the size of the shelves.

Make sure to measure the space you have available before purchasing any shelves, as you don’t want to end up with something that’s too big or too small. And finally, consider what you’ll be using the shelves for. If you’re planning on storing appliances or other larger items, then opting for sturdier shelves is definitely the way to go.

7. Farmhouse Wall-Mounted kitchen Shelves

Farmhouse Wall-Mounted Kitchen Shelves
Source: Pinterest.com

This will free up some valuable counter space and make it easier to access your cookware. If you have an open wall in your kitchen, consider adding some shelves to hold frequently used items. Shelves are also a smart alternative to display decorative items or keep cookbooks within easy reach.

8. Add Some Hooks To The Underside Of Shelves

Add some hooks to the underside of shelves
Source: hoodmagazine.co.uk

By adding some hooks to the underside of your shelves, you can create a place to hang mugs, measuring cups, and other frequently used items. This will clean up space on your shelves for other things, and it will make it easy to grab whatever you need while you’re cooking. The hook installation will make your precious space well-used.

9. Place A Few Baskets On Shelves To Store Items Like Onions And Potatoes

Woven Basket With Rails In Standard Size
Woven Basket With Rails In Standard Size | Source: Pinterest.com

Store the potatoes and onions on the baskets on the shelves that provide an open, airy feel and can help you make better use of your vertical space. They’re also a great way to show off your favorite dishes and glassware.

The baskets are also can make a statement to the kitchen, which surely being functional at the same time.

10. Use Wire Shelving in Industrial-Style Kitchen

Wire Kitchen Shelves
Source: tonetastic.info

Wire shelving is perfect for pantries because it offers maximum visibility and air circulation, both of which help to keep food fresh and prevent cross contamination. Plus, it’s easy to clean and disinfect, making it the ideal choice for food storage. And because wire shelving is adjustable, you can customize it to fit your space perfectly.

And a well-organized pantry will be yours like real quick.

11. Create a Coffee Bar by Placing a Single Shelf Above Your Coffee Maker

A Single Shelf Above Your Coffee Maker
Source: Pinterest.com

A coffee station is a brilliant idea way to make your kitchen more organized and efficient. By placing a shelf above your coffee maker, you can create a dedicated space for all of your coffee-related items. This will help to free up counter space and make it easier to find everything you need when you’re making coffee. If you don’t have a lot of space in your kitchen, you can also use a corner of your counter or a small table. Just be sure to choose a spot that is close to an outlet so that you can easily plug in your coffee maker.

12. Use Glass Jars To Store Dry Goods On A Kitchen Shelf

Diy: Pallet Shelves And Mason Jar Organization
Diy: Pallet Shelves And Mason Jar Organization | Source: Pinterest.com

Mason jars are a popular choice for kitchen storage because they’re both attractive and practical. Simply screw the lids of the mason jars into the underside of the shelf, and then fill them with whatever dry goods you need to store. They can be used to store dry goods like pasta, rice, and beans, or they can be used as drinking glasses or vases.

Best of all, mason jars come in a variety of sizes and colors, so you’re sure to find the perfect ones for your kitchen. Mason jars are also very cheap, which is perfect to save money on your kitchen shelves.

13. Hang Pots And Pans From A Ceiling-Mounted Pot Rack

Pot Pan Rack Ceiling Wall Mounted Oval Shelf Hanging Kitchen
Source: ebay.co.uk

This is a great way to save space in your kitchen and keep your pots and pans within easy reach. You can also use a pot rack to store spices, utensils, and other cooking supplies.

If you don’t have a lot of counter space, consider hanging a pot rack from the ceiling over the kitchen island. You can find pot racks in a variety of sizes and styles, so it’s easy to find one that fits your needs. The most important thing is that pot racks are relatively inexpensive, so you can easily add one to your kitchen without breaking the bank.

14. Maximize The Space Over The Fridge

Shelves Over The Fridge
Source: thechecks.net

One popular option to maximize the space above the fridge is to use it as extra storage for things like seldom-used appliances or serving ware. This way, you can keep them out of sight, but still within easy reach when you need them. Another idea is to use the space to create a mini pantry. Shelves are perfect for storing cereal boxes, snacks, and other non-perishables. And if you add a few hooks, you can even hang coffee mugs or aprons from them.

15. Place A Ladder In Your Kitchen To Reach Items On High Shelves

High Kitchen Shelves With Ladder
Source: www.topinspired.com

If you have high shelves that are difficult to reach, a ladder can help you get to those items with ease. You can also use a ladder to create additional storage space by placing baskets or bins on the rungs. And if you have a small kitchen, a ladder can help you take advantage of vertical space and keep your counters clutter-free.

This is a great way to get items that are out of reach and also look great as a decorative element in your kitchen. Ladders are also great for storing vegetables that you need to keep cool, such as cucumbers and tomatoes.

16. Install Pull-out Drawers In Kitchen Cabinets To Make It Easier To Reach Items In The Back

Diy Built In Pantry Shelves With Pull Out Drawers
DIY Built In Pantry Shelves With Pull Out Drawers | Source: justmeasuringup.com

The pull-out drawers installation can be a smart solution that will make the kitchen more functional and stylish. Pull-out drawers are a great option for cabinets because they make it easy to reach items in the back.

You can also install open shelving, which is both stylish and functional. And don’t forget about bins and baskets, which are perfect for storing things like spices, utensils, and small appliances. With the right shelves, your kitchen will be both beautiful and highly functional. They’re perfect for storing cookbooks, bottles of olive oil, or even small appliances.

17. Use Stackable Shelves To Make The Most Of Vertical Space

Small Bamboo Stackable Shelf
Small Bamboo Stackable Shelf | Source: Pinterest.com

The stackable shelves can be a smart solution if you have to deal with the limited space in your space. This will give you more room to store things without taking up valuable counter or floor space. Stackable shelves also make it easy to organize your kitchen items, and they can be easily moved if you need to reconfigure your kitchen layout.

18. Best Kitchen Shelves Ideas: Corner Installation

Best Kitchen Corner Shelves Ideas
Source: www.cannibalnyc.com

Maximize the corner of the kitchen to store items that are out of the way and away from the main traffic areas in your kitchen. Corner shelves are also a cool way to display items that you want to keep within reach but out of sight. Another great advantage of corner shelves is that they can help you to maximize the space in your kitchen.

If you have a small kitchen, then corner shelves can help you to make use of the space that you do have. When choosing corner shelves for your kitchen, make sure that you select ones that are made from sturdy materials. This will ensure that they last for many years and can stand up to the wear and tear of daily use.

19. Add a wine rack to keep your favorite bottles within reach

Best Kitchen Shelves With The Wine Rack
Source: Pinterest.com

Wine racks are a great addition to any kitchen, providing both a practical and stylish solution for storing your favorite bottles. There are many types of wine racks available on the market, so it’s important to choose one that best suits your needs.

Wine racks not only look great, but they’re also incredibly functional. They keep your favorite bottles within reach, making it easy to grab a bottle of wine when you need it. Plus, they help to keep your kitchen organized by keeping all of your wine bottles in one place.

20. Use Magnetic Knife Strip For A Modern Shelving 

Magnetic stripe on the kitchen shelves
Source: rikkisnyder.com

These strips are great for storing knives and other metal items. You can also use magnetic strips to store spices, small appliances, and even pots and pans. Plus, they help to keep your shelves clean and tidy.

Best of all, these items will be easily accessible when you need them, but out of the way when you don’t. So if your kitchen currently lacks storage space, or you simply want to get more organized, consider using magnetic strips on your shelves. You’ll be glad you did.

21. Place a Few Potted Plants on Shelves to Add Some Life to the Kitchen Storage

Natural Kitchen Shelves
Source: thetrendinghouse.com

Depending on the look you’re going for, you can go for floating shelves, open shelving, or even a mix of the two. And of course, what you put on your shelves is entirely up to you.

One idea we love is using shelves to add a touch of green to the space. Whether you choose to go with a few potted plants or some hanging greenery, plants can really help to liven up a kitchen. Plus, they can also help to purify the air and make the space feel more welcoming. If you don’t have a green thumb, faux plants can also look great on shelves.

Another option is using shelves to display some of your favorite kitchen items. This could include everything from colorful dishware to pretty glassware or even cookbooks. Not only does this give your guests something to admire, but it also makes your kitchen feel more functional and stylish at the same time.

Whether you’re looking for a way to organize your pots and pans or want to find a spot for that extra set of china, we’ve got you covered. These kitchen shelves ideas will help you get your space organized, so you can cook up a storm (or just make some popcorn). And if you need even more storage solutions, be sure to check out our other posts on organizing your home. Happy organizing!