Shelves for the kitchen: pull-out, open, floor, table, forged, plastic, glass, from stainless steel, for spices, Ikea, with a kitchen table, how to make a shelf with your own hands, instructions, photos and video lessons

Gone are the days when bulky wall cabinets in the kitchen were the main attribute of a stylish space. Open shelves are what has become more popular than oversized cabinets. In our article, we will consider which models are especially popular, what materials are used for their manufacture and in what interior styles they can be used.

Range of open shelves

Looking at the various projects of modern kitchen interiors, you can pay attention to one feature - the open space is becoming more and more. This is due to the fact that items placed on shelves are much more convenient to use than if they are stored in closed cabinets. With open constructions, it is not only easier but also faster to find the necessary ingredients.

When there is plenty to choose from, a person has doubts about the correctness of the decision. We will try to provide the most extensive information about kitchen shelves - their types, materials and mounting methods.

Types of structures

There are several types of shelves that can be successfully used in the interior of almost every kitchen. These include:

• Classic. A standard open-type kitchen shelf designed to accommodate small kitchen utensils. It can be placed even in a small room, which is an undeniable advantage.

The multi-level shelves in the kitchen, which have horizontal branches in different directions, look and look especially stylish.

• Corner. Ideal for small spaces. Due to their compactness, they take up a minimum of space, while allowing maximum use of the available space.

Constructions of this type will look appropriate both in the work and in the dining area near the soft corner.

• Lattice. Metal grates are the perfect choice for high-tech kitchens. They are comfortable, practical and do not take up much space. In addition, caring for them is not difficult.

• With additional drawers. A compact shelf with built-in drawers is an excellent replacement for large wall cabinets. The drawers can be used to store spices or small kitchen accessories.

• Backlit. Such models perform two functions at once - storage and lighting of the kitchen. You can use LED strips, small sconces or spotlights as decorative lighting.

In addition to this, you can use floor-standing kitchen shelves. It is only better to place them in spacious rooms where they will not create a problem for movement. In a small kitchen, a floor shelf can be a source of constant bruising to your toes.

The shelves can differ from each other and the type of fasteners used:

• Metal corners - the appearance of such a mount is not the most spectacular, but it can be argued that this is one of the most reliable options.
• Adjustable shelf supports - come in various forms. This option is easiest to fit into the interior, since the colors and textures of the products are varied.
• Hidden mounts - they are mounted both in the shelf and in the wall so that they are not visible.

A corner or other fastening element is selected depending on the size of the shelf and its weight, as well as the weight of what will be located on it.

Materials used

Manufacturers offer shelves not only with all kinds of shapes, but also models made of various materials. There are options from:

• Glass. Glass products fit interestingly into the interior. They can be made of transparent glass or covered with matte or colored films. The thickness ranges from 6mm to 12mm. They help to visually expand the space and add depth to it.

• Plastic. Bright plastic models are made of modern high-impact PVC. There are two types: hollow - they are a frame made of polyvinyl chloride, solid - the space inside is filled with some material.

• Wood. They are made either from chipboard, which is cheaper, or from natural wood (see also article Wooden shelves for the kitchen - features of selection and manufacture). The price of the latter option differs significantly from the cost of products from pressed shavings, as well as the appearance itself. A wide range of such models is offered in the same Ikea store.

The wood is covered with a protective varnish, which prevents color loss, but, unfortunately, does not protect the product from mechanical damage. It is extremely difficult to restore a damaged wooden shelf at home.

• Metal. They fit perfectly into styles such as modern, eclectic or hi-tech. Most often they are made from stainless steel to prevent the harmful effects of moisture on the metal. There may be shelves for the kitchen and forged, repeating the patterns of curtains or carved facades.

The choice of the material you like falls entirely on your shoulders. It all depends on the preferences and capabilities that you have. When ordering a kitchen design in a furniture organization, you will definitely be asked - what materials to use? Our advice to you is to choose what you like most externally.

Purpose of structures

Hanging shelves can perform several functions at once, which makes them even more desirable acquisition. They can act as:

• Decorative element. Perhaps the most banal purpose, but at the same time playing an important role in the kitchen. After all, you must admit that the appearance of the kitchen affects not only the first impression of the room, but also contributes to the kind of emotional background a person will have.

• Structural element. The case when the shelf for the kitchen is not a stand, but a support. For example, such products connect wall cabinets, fill the void between the wall and the side wall of the cabinet.
• A practical element. Helps to use to the maximum - as a place for spices, for dishes, for household appliances. Such shelves can be of different shapes and sizes, the main thing is to fit them ergonomically into the space.

As you understand, kitchen shelves can be used in completely different ways - you just need to decide on this in advance. Fitting wall products into an already finished room, furnished and finished, is very problematic.

Despite the division between the functions of the shelves, this line is quite fragile. If needed, the decorative kitchen shelf can be used as a storage space for crockery. Or, on the contrary, the "bulky" product will suddenly become light, replacing spices with photo frames and a vase of flowers.

The location of the shelves in the kitchen

This section is important to study, if only because few know where the shelf should hang. The instructions will show you several proven options.

• Instead of a closet. Wide shelves for storing kitchen utensils are hung in place of one of the top cabinets they replaced.

• In the corner. Small and compact kitchen shelves can be hung in the corner next to the dining area. They perfectly fill the empty space.
• Above each other. Installation of several shelves on top of each other is considered ideal. This arrangement is considered to be combined, since you can use one shelf for decorative items, others for storing any valuables.

If you have purchased desktop shelves, then they can be fixed either above the table (as the name implies), or directly to the tabletop to increase the working surface. The kitchen table with shelves can be used as an additional support for hot meals.

It is worth looking at the photos given in the article, and you will surely have a lot of ideas after viewing.

Hanging shelves for the kitchen - see here.

Shelves and interior styles

In order for the shelf in the kitchen to fit perfectly into the interior, you need to know which type of structures is suitable for this or that type of interior.

• Classic. For a classic interior, it is worth choosing models with cornices and sides. They will add solidity and respectability to the decor.

• Rustic. A little rough, artificially aged solid wood options will perfectly fit into the interior in the style of shabby chic, country or Provence. They can be supplemented with small wicker baskets or chests.

• High tech. For this interior, choose glass or metal structures. They not only look impressive, but also add depth to the space.
• Loft or Art Deco. It is worth choosing shelves made of modern materials with hidden fixtures.

Read also the article "Do-it-yourself kitchen shelves - education of taste and authority."

Finally

We tried to consider in more detail what an open shelf in the kitchen is, what types of similar structures exist and what materials they are made of. If you still have any doubts or questions regarding the main topic, you can watch the video in which you will find many ideas for doing it yourself.