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7 ideas for kitchen shelves that combine functionality and style

Explore 7 amazing shelf ideas for the kitchen that combine functionality and style, transforming your projects with creativity.

By CASACOR Publisher

Submitted at May 17, 2025, 2:00 PM

08 min de leitura
Melina Romano - Casa Alma Duratex. Project of CASACOR São Paulo 2021.

Melina Romano - Casa Alma Duratex. Project of CASACOR São Paulo 2021. (MCA Estúdio)

Choosing shelves for the kitchen is an effective and creative way to transform the look of the projects and optimize storage space. Whether for compact or spacious kitchens, the options are varied and allow for the perfect combination of design and practicality. Get inspired with smart and stylish solutions that make the space more functional and inviting, making the most of every detail when decorating.

Invest in open shelves to display utensils


Open shelves offer a sense of lightness and accessibility in the kitchen. Instead of closed cabinets, consider installing wood or metal shelves that allow for easy viewing and reaching of utensils. This choice adds a rustic and contemporary touch to the space. Besides being functional, the careful display of plates and glasses can become an opportunity for decoration. To maintain visual harmony, use pieces that complement each other in colors and style.
Cacau Ribeiro Interiores - Our Own Time. Project of CASACOR São Paulo 2024.

Cacau Ribeiro Interiores - Nosso Próprio Tempo. Aproveitar o melhor dos dias, recebendo amigos e viajando: objeto de desejo, esse estilo de vida foi personificado na forma de um casal maduro, a quem se destina esta morada de 120 m². “Valorizamos o conforto e o bom design. Os habitantes deste loft desejam viver rodeados de boas lembranças”, resume a designer. Peças de mobiliário assinadas por ela fazem companhia a outras de Alfio Lisi e Isabelle De Mari e à luminária-ícone Sampei, do italiano Enzo Calabrese. Em nome das atitudes sustentáveis, apenas tintas à base d’água, lâmpadas de led e equipamentos elétricos eficientes integram o espaço. (MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)

Open shelves also invite organization: glass jars for grains and flours, ceramic details for spices, all arranged in an orderly manner. This option is perfect for those who want a modern and practical kitchen, without sacrificing style. However, maintenance requires attention, as the shelves are exposed to dust and grease. Therefore, choose durable and easy-to-clean materials.
Neutral color palette creates lightness in a 532 m² apartment. Project by David Bastos. In the photo, kitchen with gray cabinetry and gray shelves.

Paleta de cores neutras cria leveza em apartamento de 532 m². Projeto de David Bastos. (Fran Parente/Divulgação)

Opt for floating shelves for a minimalist look


Floating shelves, mounted directly on the wall without visible supports, are ideal for those seeking a minimal and modern aesthetic. This option provides a sense of spaciousness in the projects, eliminating excess visual elements. Made of glass, wood, or metal, use shelves that are the same color as the wall, creating a sense of continuity in the design.
Without knocking down walls, a 55 m² apartment gains an integrated and functional layout. Project by Leandro Neves. In the photo, a kitchen with light cabinetry and shelves.

Projeto de Leandro Neves. (Luiza Schreier/Divulgação)

Add a decorative touch with hanging plants, cookbooks, or a collection of mugs. The combination of functionality and aesthetics is one of the greatest advantages of floating shelves. In addition to supporting decorative objects, these shelves free up space in the cabinets and make cooking routines more practical. However, it is essential to check the load capacity of the shelves to ensure security and stability for daily use.
Structural pillar and exposed bricks set the tone of this 115 m² apartment. Project by Ana Neri. In the photo, kitchen with green cabinetry, white wall, and shelf.

Pilar estrutural e tijolos aparentes dão o tom deste apê de 115 m². Projeto de Ana Neri. (Sambacine/CASACOR)

Smart solutions: modular shelves for the kitchen


For maximum adaptability, modular shelves are the ideal choice. These structures consist of independent pieces that can be rearranged as needed. This allows you to customize the layout of the kitchen, optimize space, and adjust the shelves for different heights and dimensions. This versatility is perfect for smaller kitchens or for those who enjoy refreshing the projects regularly.
Seaside apartment gets a house feel with green kitchen. Project by Vivian Reimers. In the photo, kitchen with suspended shelf, countertop and stools.

Apartamento à beira-mar ganha cara de casa com cozinha verde. Projeto de Vivian Reimers. (Luiza Schreier/CASACOR)

Modular shelves encourage creativity in organization. You can create niches for small appliances, display pots of fresh herbs, or even divide the sections for different categories of kitchen items. Flexibility also allows the design to evolve with new needs over time. For an extra design touch, choose models whose colors or finishes complement the other elements of the projects.
Paula Neder transforms the coverage into a refuge with a sea view. In the photo, kitchen with an island, a suspended shelf, and stools.

Paula Neder transforma cobertura em refúgio com vista para o mar. (André Nazareth/CASACOR)

CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creator, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.