The Top 39 Kitchen Shelving Ideas
Shelves are one of the interior design elements that we never think about, but really should. They provide your kitchen with aesthetics and function.
The open shelving trend is all the rage right now, but that doesn’t mean everyone should do it in their kitchen. Check out these kitchen shelving ideas to see all of the options that are available to you. Isn’t it about time you added a shelf or two to your kitchen?
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1. Industrial Kitchen Shelving Ideas
If you like the industrial look, then you’ll want to embrace an open shelves design as a part of your kitchen storage solution. You could have some cabinets and some open shelves for the best of both worlds, and it would look natural in an industrial design theme.
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The best solution for your industrial shelves is to make them yourself. Start with a wood shelf that’s the thickness and length you need. Then buy black pipes and use them to build your support brackets for the wood plank.
Another option is to have all-metal shelves. Look for ones that you would typically see in a commercial, office, warehouse, or manufacturing setting. These are going to give you an authentic industrial feel.
2. Metal Kitchen Shelving Ideas
You could make a kitchen feel like a professional commercial kitchen by replacing the shelving in your kitchen with stainless steel shelves. These help your kitchen to feel bright by reflecting light, and they are also easy to take care of because you can simply wipe them down. You’ll also find that stainless steel shelving is the most sanitary option because it’s non-porous.
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Make sure you only use high-grade stainless steel for your shelves. Otherwise, you risk the metal rusting or corroding. This will look gross and be a health hazard. Commercial-grade metal is also thicker and stronger, making it less likely to scratch or dent.
3. Floating Kitchen Shelving Ideas
A floating shelf is one that looks like it’s hung on the wall without any visual way of supporting it. That way, it essentially looks like it is floating on the wall. The modern trend is to replace the cabinets with floating kitchen shelves.
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Be careful if you decide to rip out all of your cabinets and replace them with floating shelves. While this looks beautiful on social media and in design magazines, it’s not very functional in practice.
The first dilemma is that there’s nothing protecting your flatware or other kitchen items from the grease and other food particles that can get into the air while cooking.
This means everything is going to be dirty all of the time. The other problem is that there’s no way of hiding the clutter. If you’re the type who has 1 million kitchen gadgets, this is not the kitchen storage solution for you.
4. Bracket Kitchen Shelving Ideas
A shelf bracket is the support piece that gives your shelf strength and lets you mount the shelf onto your kitchen walls. But your brackets aren’t just functional pieces. Because they are visible, you can also make them decorative.
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For a craftsman, rustic, or farmhouse kitchen, you could choose a wood bracket. They’ll have carved scrollwork. Modern and industrial kitchens will look good with metal brackets. They could have a sleek and streamlined style with minimal detailing. Luxury or elegant kitchens could have brackets that are gold with lots of intricate designs built into them.
5. Cabinet Kitchen Shelving Ideas
Most modern homes are built with cabinetry in the kitchen. It typically consists of base cabinets that run along the floor or upper cabinets that are mounted on the wall. Your lower cabinets will have a countertop placed on top of them, which creates the work surface in your kitchen. Kitchen cabinets are a convenient and logical method for creating storage in your kitchen because they have cabinet doors that hide anything that you’re storing in them.
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If you are in the middle of a kitchen remodel, then this is the perfect opportunity to create a new cabinet system within your kitchen. Look for ways to use modern innovations to create more storage out of the typical dead space in the kitchen cabinet set up. The most common spaces in the corners are hard to reach, dark, and often become either unused or the place where kitchen appliances go to die. Instead of letting this happen, you could install pull-out drawers, pull-out shelves, or even a Lazy Susan.
6. Hanging Kitchen Shelving Ideas
Not all shelves have to mount to the wall. If you have high ceilings, then you have plenty of space for shelves over the counters that are not against the wall. If you have a peninsula style counter or kitchen island, you have a counter with space above it to hang open storage.
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You’ll need to support your kitchen shelf on all four corners. This creates a platform that’s accessible from all sides. You can then use the space to display decor or attractive cooking tools like copper pots.
7. Wall-Mounted Kitchen Shelving Ideas
Is there a particular counter spot that you like to work at? Then perhaps it’s time to add a wall shelf or two above it. Then you can keep your most-used items within reach. The shelf or shelves don’t have to be big. They just need to be large enough to hold the cooking staples.
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You could also use your wall shelf to create a designated work station. This would be ideal for the coffee enthusiast. It doesn’t have to be a plain straight wall shelf, either. You could have corner shelves that are triangular shaped and fit into a dead space that isn’t currently used.
8. Free-Standing Kitchen Shelving Ideas
Not everyone has plenty of wall space to be mounting cabinets and shelves. If you live in a rented home, your landlord may not want you making holes in the walls. In both of these situations, a free standing shelving unit is the way to go.
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To keep your kitchen feeling open, look for a shelving unit that doesn’t have sides or doors. This lets you see through the shelving unit to the wall behind. It also makes it the perfect spot for displaying some of your favorite kitchen decor. Not all shelving units need to be large; you could have a small unit that sits on your counter.
9. Open Shelving Kitchen Shelving Ideas
Maybe the idea of having all open kitchen shelving isn’t an appealing one for you. This doesn’t mean you have to completely give up on open kitchen shelves. You could incorporate a single open shelf or a couple of shelves into your kitchen design.
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One of the most common open shelving kitchen ideas is to remove one of your cabinets and replace it with two open shelves. Another idea is to connect your upper cabinets with shelves above your sink. If neither of these ideas work, consider adding an open shelf mounted to your upper cabinets’ underside.
10. Modern Kitchen Shelving Ideas
If you want to create the feel of a modern kitchen, then look for unique shelving. You could have shelves that are connected to long metal brackets that give the illusion of the shelves hanging from the ceiling. Or you could have a wall with slots that you can mount and move shelves on as you need. This lets you have several storage solutions for specific items, like a spice rack, glassware, mugs, or cookbooks.
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If you want to have a white kitchen that looks modern and upscale, consider using alternative materials. You could have shelves that use tiles on the front and top of the shelf. Or you could have marble shelves that blend in with your marble backsplash.
11. Pantry Kitchen Shelving Ideas
Most modern kitchens have a separate closet that functions as the pantry. For some, it’s a small space that’s just deep enough to hold a few shelves. For others, it’s a shallow space that opens wide with full-sized closet doors. For the luckiest of homeowners, the pantry is a walk-in space with maximum kitchen storage.
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No matter what size your pantry is, the best thing you can do is make the most of the space you have available. Look for a storage system that fits the space, work for your organizational style, and can hold the things you need. You may need a series of shelves, drawers, or racks.
12. Reclaimed Wood Kitchen Shelving Ideas
If you want to have a rustic or farmhouse kitchen, then using reclaimed wood is a must. Look for long planks of wood that have been salvaged from old buildings. These are going to make the best wooden shelves. It’s OK if your shelves have defects or do not all look the same. This is the beauty of having reclaimed wood.
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The only thing that you want to look out for is possible injury hazards such as splinters, sharp edges, or pieces of old metal hardware that could accidentally cut someone. It also helps to have pieces of wood that you can easily make level and flat. That way, you can easily stack your kitchen items on them.
When using reclaimed wood, sometimes you don’t have a lot of say in what the type of wood is or how long the shelves are. Because of this, you’ll want to get creative with the wooden shelf that you build. You may have one long shelf that runs your kitchen’s entire length or several independent shorter shelves.
13. Storage Kitchen Shelving Ideas
Kitchen shelves aren’t about just creating pretty pictures or an attractive kitchen design. They’re also meant to give you additional storage space. So don’t forget to consider how your shelves are arranged. This could be on the wall, in your cabinets, or in your pantry.
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To maximize your storage space, your shelves need to match the items you need to store on them. You could arrange items by size. That way, you can have a shelf for shorter items closer to the next one. Another option is to create a series of narrow shelves that each store a wine bottle on its side. This not only utilizes the space best but is also the best way to store wine.
Kitchen Shelving FAQs
The most common thing you’ll see on open shelves are everyday items like plates, bowls, and mugs. This makes them easily within reach to grab whenever you’re preparing food. Another common use for open shelves is to keep pantry staples like pasta, oats, nuts, or spices in jars. Keep items that you cook with often to eliminate the need to stop and go to the pantry each time.
You need to consider the color and grain of the wood you’re using. Since your shelves are going to add to the design of the kitchen, choose a beautiful wood. Your kitchen is also a high traffic, moisture, and grease location. This means you need durable wood. The best options that fit both of these needs are maple, oak, and cherry.
The thicker the shelf is, the more weight it will be able to hold before it starts to sag. Look for solid wood planks for the most durability and strength. Another solution if you don’t want thick shelves is to add more support brackets. This will give your shelf the additional strength it needs.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
With cellphones so ubiquitous, your watch choice can be less about telling time and more about personal style. However, a watch is not ‘just’ a watch. For example, the vast majority are made for right-handed people, but a select few cater to the lefties among us. There is a wide range in functionality and size.
The wristwatch is also one of the few socially acceptable accessories for men, so why not have a small selection? If you’re not cashing a CEO’s paycheck just yet, here are the top 28 most handsome watches for men that retail for under $500.
Got a bigger budget? Then check out our guide to the best men’s watches under $1000 instead.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
1. Tommy Hilfiger Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
If you like the feel of a pliable, non-metal band but aren’t comfortable with genuine leather, this watch comes equipped with a handsome synthetic band. At 46mm in diameter, this watch is perfect for men of smaller stature, as it will not overpower your hand or make it look like you’re wearing your father’s watch. With bold Arabic numerals, a stainless steel case, and classic styling, this watch is an outstanding choice for an everyday watch and the man on a budget.
2. Nordgreen Pioneer – Black Dial
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Not everyone has an endless amount of cash to drop on a luxury timepiece. If you’re money-conscious but want something high-end, then why not consider the Nordgreen Pioneer.
An inspired take on a classic Chronograph, Nordgreen celebrates the Danish with what they call a timepiece “that captures the sustainable future.” Available in various dial colors from blue, black, and white. There’s even the choice of three case colors – gunmetal, silver, and rose gold. A perfect addition to the collection of any watch enthusiast.
3. Fossil Grant Brown Leather Watch
This lovely offering by Fossil features slim Roman numeral hour markers and delicate cut-out hands. The casing is stainless steel and is water-resistant to 165 feet, making it a great dive watch. The band is made of supple, soft calfskin leather and uses a buckle closure.
Of course, this timepiece also comes with the generous 11-year warranty and it’s own fun tin. This watch oozes class and is great for nearly every occasion in your life.
4. Citizen Sport Stainless Steel Men’s Watch With Brown Leather Band
If you don’t want to deal with changing out a battery in a digital watch, this watch is powered by either natural or indoor lighting. The mineral crystal face and stainless steel case make this watch water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for swimmers and snorkelers.
Handsome and utilitarian, this is a great watch for everyday wear. It’s one of the best watches for men who are always on the go.
5. Fossil Men’s Machine Chronograph Silicone Watch
This watch was designed with the active man in mind. The knurled silicone band stands up to sweat and oils without issue, and the timepiece itself is water-resistant to 165 feet.
The patterned bezel and quality craftsmanship of the black dial is excellent, as is to be expected from a Fossil watch. It even comes in the iconic and collectible tin!
6. Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Watch
This men’s watch features Japanese quartz movement that charges itself indoors or out when exposed to light, making it a great choice for those who don’t want to change out the battery too often. The stitched canvas strap is soft against your skin and will wick away moisture, while the mineral crystal face stands up to the rigors of your everyday life.
Water-resistant to 330 feet, this dive watch is a classic and simple design you’ll be proud of for years to come.
7. Invicta Pro Diver Chronograph Men’s Watch
Another gorgeous offering by Invicta, this watch features a bold design with a slightly nautical feel to it. It will look at home whether you’re wearing a business suit or are going for a dive of less than 660 feet. This piece is also covered by a one-year warranty as a matter of course. The luminosity feature and magnified date window make it a great choice if you work or play in low light.
If you want something that looks like a Tag Heuer but without the luxury watch brand price tag, this is a good option!
8. Casio Edifice Multi-Function Men’s Watch
This watch has three sub-dials for 12 hour, 60 minute and 60-second displays, in addition to the standard time. It also features a fold-over, push-down clasp on the stainless strap, keeping it secure throughout your activities. If you’re looking for a classy timepiece that shrieks sophistication, this is a great choice.
9. Fossil Machine Three Hand Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
This quality watch is a chameleon piece. It looks at home as a dress watch riding below the cuff of your best suit, and it also looks great paired with jeans and a t-shirt. Backed by Fossil’s 11-year warranty as a matter of course and beautifully crafted, this smoke-colored piece is guaranteed to become the go-to accessory for nearly every occasion.
10. MVMT Watches Black Face Men’s Watch
If you like the look of a simple watch, this minimalist offering from MVMT is right up your alley. With just a plain black face, tick marks to denote the hours and a single date window, there is nothing overdone or extravagant about this design. The is understated and suited to the simple design. It’s definitely a classy, low-key piece for the budget-conscious.
11. Timex Weekender Watch
If you’re looking for a fun watch to pair with casual outfits, this is a great option. The band is blue and yellow woven nylon, and the face features both civilian and military timekeeping. An Indiglo night light is also included. This watch is water-resistant to 99 feet, meaning it can withstand splashes of water or exposure to rain but you won’t want to submerge it.
12. PUMA Ultrasize Black Sport Men’s Watch
Boasting a 50mm diameter, this piece is perfect for the large-framed man or one who likes to wear his accessories oversized. A true fashion statement, this sports watch comes in eight different colors schemes to match your favorite hues.
Do be aware, however, that the dial knob is configure for left-handed men!
13. Timex Easy Reader Men’s Watch
Another dress watch designed with the older gentleman in mind, this watch features a white dial with generously sized numerals that do not appear comical to the casual observer.
It’s also an excellent choice if you take your contacts out at night and still want to be able to check the time. With classic lines and a simple white face, the watch would not be out of place at any casual gathering. It comes with Timex’s one-year warranty at no additional charge.
14. Fossil Nate Men’s Chronograph Watch
For men who like a more gritty, industrial feel to their accessories, this Fossil watch is right on point. The bezel is gear-edged and the face is utilitarian black and gray. Water-resistant to 165 feet, this watch is a great choice if you like your adornments to be understated yet add visual interest.
It’s definitely a stand-out piece, for those who would take notice!
15. Timex Expedition Field Chronograph Men’s Watch
Featuring an indigo night light, tachymeter, a date window and a buckle closure, this watch is perfect for men who like to work or play outdoors. It is also water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for snorkeling or swimming.
You won’t want to wear it for diving, however. With classic, black styling and a genuine crystal face, this is a timepiece that will stand the test of time in both form and function.
16. Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
This Seiko automatic watch has all the bells and whistles you need, but presents it all in a plain and strikingly attractive manner. It features a date window in either English or Spanish, sword-shaped hands, a sweeping second hand and a mineral dial window. This is a great option for the man on the go. The canvas strap can be removed and hand-washed if sweat or other odors become an issue.
This watch is not water-resistant, so you’ll only want to wear it when you won’t be popping by the pool for a swim!
17. Invicta Pro Diver Collection Silver-Tone Men’s Watch
For those who prefer an all-metal timepiece, the stainless steel Invicta fits the bill nicely. It has a similar aesthetic to a Tag Heuer watch, but at a more affordable price. Equipped with a unilateral bezel and removable links, the band can be customized to fit your wrist perfectly. The face is flame fusion crystal and features a magnifier to highlight the date window.
It’s also water-resistant to 660 feet. If you’re looking for a gorgeous watch that stands up to an active lifestyle, this is an excellent choice.
18. Seiko Men’s Adventure-Solar Classic Casual Watch
This Seiko watch derives its power from either natural or indoor light and can withstand water depths of up to 330 feet. The supple brown leather strap and timeless brushed steel give this piece an attractive look, and the alarm chronograph is easy to set.
If you’re looking for a watch that can serve as a backup for your wake-up call while traveling, stand up to the elements and look awesome, this casual wrist watch is a winner.
19. Nautica Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Blue Resin Band
Featuring a plethora of options and a smart, snappy style, this a great casual watch with a eye-catching blue dial. The hardy resin band is adjustable, and the face is protected by a mineral window. Whether for work or play, this bold blue design is handsome and substantial on the wrist. It comes with Nautica’s five-year warranty at no additional charge.
20. Citizen Sport Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Black Leather Band
The black, red and white face of this piece eschews the traditional two-tone color scheme so often employed in other watches, and the contrasting stitching on the band adds creative flair. It comes backed by Citizen’s five-year warranty and will compliment any casual outfit.
21. Alessi Tic15 Analog Display Analog Quartz Black Men’s Watch
Another not-quite-round offering on our list, the curved square casing of this piece gives it instant visual appeal. Sleek and clean, this unfussy design will be a compliment to almost any occasion. It has quartz movement and is water-resistant to 99 feet, making it a great choice for everyday wear.
22. Invicta 1517 I Force Collection Watch
Another on our list designed for left-handed men, this watch is something special. Water-resistant to 330 feet and featuring oversize stenciled numbers and a sub dial, this watch is great for any casual outfit. The cloth band is extremely durable and stands up to dirt, sweat and grime.
If you lead an active lifestyle, this watch will be right at home in your collection.
23. TRIWA Blue Steel Nevil Canvas Watch
This watch comes in a whopping 14 color variations, all of them beautiful. You may decide to add more than one to your collection!
Designed in Sweden, this watch features Japanese quartz movement, a stainless steel casing and a strap made from Tärnsjö organic leather. TRIWA, which stands for Transforming the Industry of Watches, believes in the artistry of fine jewelry and it shows in their product.
24. Victorinox Swiss Army Alliance Watch
Another fine dress watch from the makers of the Swiss Army knife, this watch is emblazoned with the internally recognized cross and shield emblem. It has no sub-dials, tachymeter or other add-ons to detract from its simple and appealing style.
This watch will be at home with all but the most formal of outfits and carries a two-year warranty.
25. Ingersoll Automatic Stainless Steel Bull Run Watch
Again, Ingersoll remakes the classics and brings them into the present day. With a highly polished stainless steel casing, two sub-dials, a date aperture and arrow-shaped hands, this quartz watch is beautiful.
The band features contrasting stitching on the fine-grain leather, adding depth and detail to the workmanship. This watch will compliment any casual occasion and can be relied upon for years to come.
26. Tissot Quickster Chronograph Black Leather Men’s Watch
Made with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and Swiss automatic movement, this watch is a smart and utilitarian choice. If you’re looking for a solid Swiss watch that isn’t flashy, this is an excellent option. It’s also guaranteed for two years.
27. Seiko Sport Solar Men’s Beige Watch
Are you getting tired of squinting down at your watch or holding it closer and closer to your face? Don’t worry, we all get a bit nearsighted with age, especially over the age of 40.
If you’re not quite ready for reading glasses or a comically huge watch, this is a great choice from Seiko. The numerals, indices and luminous hands stand out in stark white against a black background, and the numerals are generous in size. It’s a perfect casual watch for the older gentleman.
28. Seiko Men’s 5 Watch Blue Canvas Band
This simple and affordable watch has a clean, crisp aesthetic to it and doesn’t bog down its design with a ton of bells and whistles. It’s time and date, end of.
If you want a watch for casual wear, this Seiko is a shoo-in. The band is forgiving and comfortable against your wrist, and it’s blue color will likely compliment your existing wardrobe. The price is also extremely affordable.
29. Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Stainless Steel Watch With Brown Leather Band
Featuring the Hilfiger logo at the three o’clock position, this wrist watch is a statement piece. It is a bright, shiny stainless steel work of art that you’ll be proud to wear at all but the most stuffy of workplaces. The calfskin leather band uses a buckle closure and the date window is beside the logo at three o’clock.
If you’re a fan of Tommy clothing, cologne or luggage, you can complete your look with this stunning accessory.
