For many women, the kitchen remains the favorite and main place to stay in the house. A delicious lunch, pleasant tea drinking, cleanliness and order in everything distinguish the kitchen of a good hostess. It’s easy to come close to this, because each cutlery and accessory can be found in its place by conveniently placing them on a stylish shelf..
Features and Benefits
Modern designers are increasingly inclined to abandon kitchen sets with wall cabinets that visually narrow the space. Alternatively, various shelves are conveniently located on which spices, jars of cereals, cutlery and many other kitchen utensils are conveniently located..
Advantages of kitchen shelves:
- open shelves optimize cooking in the kitchen;
- there is no need to look for something in the far corner of the cabinet;
- the kitchen area is expanding;
- wide assortment allows you to choose shelves for the kitchen in any style.
There are other features of the shelves in the kitchen, which many are accustomed to attribute to disadvantages. So, dust, droplets of fat from cooking quickly settle on the open surfaces of the dishes. On the other hand, open shelves are designed for frequent use, which means that you will have to wash it often in any case. Cutlery that is on the table only on the occasion of the arrival of guests can be located in convenient pull-out shelves.
Varieties
An amazing variety of shelves allows you to hide excess dishes from prying eyes, or, conversely, show them in all their glory, placing them according to all the canons of style.
Retractable
Probably, every owner of deep and capacious drawers is familiar with the situation of obtaining the desired pan from the far corner. First you need to remove the dishes on the first line, remove the pans of the wrong size … Stop. And here we dwell on the fact that it is better to cook in a saucepan that is not the most suitable size in order to save time and, in the end, order. As a result, the amount of cooked food is more or less, you have to cook more often or throw out stale portions..
How to optimize a deep roomy but uncomfortable cabinet? It is enough to purchase pull-out shelves with a carousel design with several tiers. I would like to note right away that such a shelf will not increase the amount of dishes that can be placed in a drawer, however, even a small bowl will have its place with it. The best place for installation are corner cabinets with immense space inside.
Pull-out shelves “carousel” can be semi-oval or repeat the corner of the cabinet. An interesting solution would be a round shelf with fastening in the middle. It allows you to place the dishes around the entire circumference and, using the rotary mechanism, get the right one at a certain moment..
A practical solution is a roll-out shelf. Its peculiarity lies in the draw-out mechanism located at the bottom of the box. A narrow but deep cabinet is suitable for the location of the structure, from which it is especially inconvenient to get distant objects. The shelf has several steps with vertical stops. The design is indispensable for glasses, glasses and other utensils that do not differ in a large diameter.
The wheeled shelf is another solution for spices and storage of numerous jars of cereals. To accommodate it, a small space is enough between the kitchen set and the refrigerator, refrigerator and stove. The color of the shelf can match the tone of the furniture. A kind of rack with numerous horizontal shelves accommodates many containers.
Tabletop
An option for freeing up the dining table would be to install a tabletop shelf. The multi-tiered model is installed against the wall. This is possible if the table occupies a corner in the kitchen, as is often the case in small apartments..
There is a place for a sugar bowl, a set for spices, salt, and even a vase of flowers can delight the hostess of the kitchen without taking up space on the table. Jars for cereals, made in a single style, also look good on desktop shelves..
Decorative
If all the necessary utensils fit on convenient multifunctional shelves, it’s time to think about decorative options. Carved wood and metal shelves with ornate patterns go well with small stylistic accessories. So, a carved metal shelf with a bunch of lavender is suitable for a Provence style kitchen.
Glass shelves of various shapes are another interesting solution. The shelf can be in the form of steps or waves. In the kitchen in the style of “high-tech” and “modern” glass is additionally decorated with lighting.
The main rule for a harmonious look of decorative shelves is their non-littering. A bunch of dried flowers, a couple of cookbooks – all that is needed to add zest to the kitchen interior.
Light
Illuminated shelves expand the functionality of the kitchen. What you had to look for in the twilight for a long time, fearing to wake up loved ones with the bright light of the lamp, can now be found in a matter of seconds. Light shelves are especially relevant for families with small children, where there is still a night diet..
Backlighting can be done in the following ways:
- system of LED modules;
- Spotlights;
- sconce.
At the same time, the rear walls of the shelves are made mirrored, filling the kitchen with a soft diffused glow..
Closed and open
For owners of a small kitchen, a stylish alternation of closed and open shelves will suit, because rarely used appliances are more practical to store in places protected from dust. For example, designers skillfully place glasses and wine glasses in closed shelves with mirrored doors..
Open shelves are good for everyday dishes and decorative jars and containers. Today, designers are held in high esteem for shelves made of natural materials, be it solid oak, pine and others..
The combination of open and closed shelves in one design looks stylish. So, on top there can be closed shelves for utensils of infrequent use, and on the bottom – the rest of the necessary items. There are also complex models, for example, two closed shelves connected by several open.
Sliding
For a modern kitchen, sliding shelves are suitable. Increasing diagonally, metal models allow you to fit all the dishes, and, if necessary, become miniature. Such shelves have found their use for drying dishes, equipping a place for cleaning and detergents under the sink, and also as an addition to a kitchen set..
Floor standing
The floor shelves are robust and can withstand any kind of stress. They are ideal for microwave ovens, multicooker and other household appliances. Similar models are performed most often from wood or metal..
The advantage of a floor shelf over a kitchen set is its mobility, because many of them are equipped with casters. Corner shelves take up a minimum amount of space at all, being placed in a small free corner of the kitchen. On such models, pots with flowers, stylistic accessories look organic.
Spinning
The hinge mechanism formed the basis of the carousel shelves, which is a shelf of several round tiers. Rotating the shelf like a shelf in a supermarket, you can easily take out any dishes, and the problem of far corners disappears altogether..
It is worth saying that for kitchens with a large area, you can purchase a floor structure with many sections and tiers with stops. Condiments, jars, sauces and thousands of little things can fit in this original piece of furniture.
Wine
Aesthetes and lovers of good and noble wines are trying to replenish their collection, acquiring new types and trying interesting tastes. Bottles of such wines, as a rule, are distinguished by their sophistication and sometimes original design. It would be at least silly to hide such a collection behind a cabinet door, because there is an opportunity to turn it into a stylish element of the kitchen interior..
Every wine-versed person, when storing wine, takes into account the fact that it should be in a horizontal position. Then the loss of taste and unforgettable notes does not threaten him. And if there is no room for the bar counter, use the wall shelf with numerous grooves for each bottle. It looks very stylish and colorful..
If there is no purpose to store wine for several years, you can also use horizontal shelves with stops, in which the bottles will be placed vertically. Designers prefer models made of aged wood.
A narrow wine rack located in the space between the headset and the refrigerator is suitable for storing a small amount of drinks. It is a panel with tiers of small planks, supplemented with limiters. At the same time, the bottles are positioned horizontally, and the stoppers prevent them from rolling.
An interesting and simple option would be a single open shelf made of wood with openings for bottle necks. Additionally, it can be supplemented with glasses. The structure can be positioned both horizontally and diagonally, because the holes securely fix each instance of the collection drink.
There are also small table wine shelves. The most common form is the multi-tiered wave..
With glass doors
Shelves with glass doors combine the advantages of open and closed shelves. They do not eat up an already small space of the kitchen, while at the same time protecting the dishes from dust, greasy splashes and other inherent stains during the cooking process..
The frame of the shelves is made of wood or plastic. The back wall can be mirrored, visually making the space even larger. Installing spotlights inside the shelves will provide the interior with additional radiance, softly diffused thanks to the mirrors.
Corner
Every kitchen has a corner with wasted space. This can be above the sink or above the dining table. For the first option, a corner shelf with several tiers, made of moisture-resistant materials, is suitable. Stylish soap and detergent dispensers will surely decorate your interior.
The corner shelf above the table can be made in a wide variety of materials. Wooden shelves in two tiers and interconnected by slats. They are perfect for storing utensils for kitchen experiments, such as a collection of cookbooks..
Materials (edit)
Various materials for shelves allow you to experiment with styles, save budget and find an individually optimal solution for your kitchen design.
If the kitchen is in a classic style, it would be a good idea to arrange shelves made of wood. This material looks really luxurious, blowing the kitchen with a breeze of comfort and warmth. In addition, wood is an environmentally friendly material, and it can be restored with ease..
However, wooden shelves have their own significant drawbacks that can become problems if they are not cared for. So, without paint or varnish, wood can quickly darken. This material does not like moisture, slowly but surely collapsing in such an environment, giving the interior a sloppy look. Rodents and insects also love the tree, which is especially important in the summer season. Fire hazard for wooden shelves is high.
Metal shelves for the kitchen today have a wide range of applications in modern styles. Designers advise stopping at this option if several metal parts already exist in the interior. Contrary to stereotypes, such shelves may look airy and not burden the space if there are 2-3 small ones in the kitchen, rather than one massive one..
Metal options are also used in romantic interiors. Artistic forging with the creation of amazing patterns and motifs, for example, a shelf in the form of a birdcage in the Provence style, will be remembered for a long time by friends and family.
Choosing a shelf for the kitchen above the sink, give preference to stainless steel models. Stainless steel is a unique alloy of metals that is resistant to moisture, temperature extremes, mechanical damage, and high loads. Many of the models have a decorative coating to prevent fingerprints on the shelf.
Stainless steel models with decorative finishes look very attractive, however, the cost of good stainless steel is high and exceeds the price of glass or plastic products. In any case, when purchasing a stainless steel shelf, you can be sure of a long service life..
Experts advise, when choosing stainless steel shelves, to give preference to chrome-plated products. Such shelves are particularly durable and quite impressive in weight. Light chrome shelves are a sign of poor quality and deception on the part of the seller. When placing detergents on chrome shelves, it is important to monitor the cleanliness of the structure, because later soap stains will be difficult, and sometimes impossible.
Glass shelves look airy and weightless. Their thickness varies from 6 to 12 mm. There are also thinner shelves, however, with a decrease in thickness, the strength of the structure also decreases. Despite their light appearance, the glass models can hold up to 15 kg, which means that it is easy to place almost any kitchen utensils on them..
Plasterboard shelves are a convenient and quick option to update the kitchen interior with your own hands. Corner structures will help to avoid deflections of this material. Spotlights can be placed at the bottom of each shelf. Drywall in most of its varieties does not like moisture, so on such a shelf it is better to place small accessories that carry a style load.
Plastic shelves are a democratic option available to many. Plastic shelves can often be seen in the form of floor structures with numerous tiers. Also, roll plastic is used to cover more durable structures and is used for all types of shelves. Plastic shelves can represent a pastel range, for example, white structures fit organically into almost any interior. Color options are also available in a wide variety.
Carved wooden shelves will help to emphasize the original kitchen. All kinds of patterns made of this warm and cozy material are harmonious in combination with the clay pots and cutlery made of wood..
How to choose
Every woman dreams of a large and roomy kitchen, but what if she only has to be content with a small area? There are many ideas for a small kitchen that transform the space..
So, a small kitchen simply needs open shelves on top. The best color scheme will be light and white tones. Best of all, if one of the surfaces of the shelves is mirrored, take care of additional lighting..
Do not be afraid of the numerous shelves on the upper surface, try to place them in free corners. But in no case do not litter the structures, because then the effect will be completely opposite..
For the lower part, the best solution would be cabinets with functional shelves. These can be pull-out structures, “carousel” shelves. Use every 10 cm of space by placing narrow shelves between the stove and the refrigerator.
A large kitchen is a space for creativity. Wooden and metal shelves look great here, however, it is still not worth burdening the space with excessive abundance. Shelves in free areas can be of the most saturated colors. So, a black and white kitchen in the “high-tech” style is transformed with small splashes of red shelves.
How and where to hang
The placement of shelves is another important aspect for a successful kitchen interior. The shelves should be conveniently located and accessible for each of the household. At what height to hang the shelf is an individual question. The lower tier of the shelf should be at eye level, and the upper tier should not exceed a person’s height by more than 25 cm.For items of rare use, shelves can be placed higher, however, the principle of accessibility is violated.
The choice of materials directly depends on the location of the shelves. Metal models are suitable for the shelves under the sink, sliding models will provide functionality under the sink. Shelves above the tabletop of the working area should ensure comfortable work in the kitchen; they should not be hung below shoulder level.
Surprisingly, even a small distance between the ceiling and the window can be converted into a functional area. One open shelf made of wood or plastic is suitable for this. You can hang such a structure above the ring curtain, and in its absence, directly above the window. It is best to place items of rare use, pots with flower arrangements, jugs and vases on the shelves above the window.
It is also important to consider the length of the pendant light when installing the shelves. They should not touch the shelves, so it is important to place the lamps at a distance of twice the distance of the walls, that is, the walls for the shelves will be free and accessible for easy installation.
It is no secret that one shelf will not be enough for installation. Correctly chosen mount is the key to an aesthetic look. So, metal brackets are not suitable for wooden shelves, so special models of wood are made for them..
For closed shelves, fasteners such as mounting rail and furniture hinges are used. The first option provides maximum accuracy and evenness in work, although it will require a larger amount of money. Furniture hinges are an affordable option, but more labor intensive. So, hanging shelves on hinges alone is almost impossible..
The holder and attachment must be selected and in accordance with the material of the wall. For a wooden surface, ordinary weave nails are suitable; for a brick and concrete wall, you cannot do without a hammer drill, anchors and dowels. The most difficult situation is with walls made of plasterboard and foam concrete, because their strength is low. Using a thin drill, it is necessary to drill a hole, and then hammer in a dowel with a herringbone profile with a hammer. It is important to use the lightest materials for such a surface, for example, plastic or glass..
Decor
If your kitchen is designed in a particular style, it is important to responsibly treat bright thematic décor elements. So, open shelves in the style of French villages “Provence” can be decorated with cups, jars with floral motifs. Plates made using decoupage technique with images of wildflowers applied on them are also suitable. Lavender bouquets will also complement the delicate interior.
And Provence style kitchens love all kinds of cute crafts. Small felt accessories, delicate hearts in pink and white tones can be gracefully hung from the shelf.
The design of modern kitchen shelves requires additional lighting. Modules and spotlights are located on each tier of the shelf, playing with highlights on glass vases and jugs. Glass, it should be said, is also an important decor element in this style..
How to decorate the shelves in a non-standard high-tech style? To do this, it is enough to purchase glass containers of unusual shapes in the form of large-diameter glasses with lids, place bright spices in them and enjoy juicy accents against the background of restrained tones..
Interesting solutions in interior design
The small kitchen expands thanks to the white tone of the open shelves. Bright dishes add color saturation to the overall interior.
Open shelves made of wood and metal of unusual shapes are beautiful in the frame of flowering plants. Ornate patterns of metal shelves distinguish the Provence style.
Loft style in a small kitchen is complemented by a shelf with many sections, made in black colors. The large size not only helps to accommodate all the necessary accessories, but also to make the hood less visible.
The stylish wooden tabletop shelf allows you to free up space on the table by conveniently placing jars of spices on itself. Two tiers make the shelf not only aesthetic and attractive, but also very practical..
Vertical shelves with openings for wine allow you to keep bottles horizontal and transform the kitchen interior.
The multi-tiered and multi-section white shelf is complemented by spot lighting. Glass decor is saturated with light, softly dissipating and bringing special tenderness and elegance to the kitchen.
