How to Style Open Shelving in Scandinavian Kitchens

Open shelving is a signature feature of Scandinavian kitchens, combining practicality with aesthetics. This simple design choice not only maximizes storage but also allows you to display beautiful, everyday essentials that reflect your personal style.

When I first installed open shelving in my kitchen, I was hesitant about the idea of exposing everything. But I quickly learned that with a curated approach, it added warmth, character, and functionality to the space. Scandinavian kitchens are all about balancing form and function, and open shelving achieves that beautifully.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to style open shelving in Scandinavian kitchens to create a look that’s clean, inviting, and effortlessly chic.

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Why Open Shelving Works in Scandinavian Kitchens

Key Benefits

• Increases Functionality: Makes frequently used items easily accessible.
• Enhances Visual Openness: Creates a light and airy feel, ideal for smaller kitchens.
• Showcases Minimalist Style: Allows you to display only the essentials, reinforcing the clean aesthetic of Scandinavian design.
• Adds Personality: Lets you incorporate natural materials, textures, and personal touches into your kitchen.

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1. Choose Neutral Colors and Natural Materials

Why It Works

Neutral tones and natural materials align with Scandinavian design principles, creating a harmonious and calming look.

How to Style

• Use shelves made of light wood, such as oak or pine, or opt for white-painted shelves for a seamless look.
• Stick to a color palette of whites, grays, and muted earth tones for the items you display.
• Include natural materials like ceramic, glass, and woven baskets to add texture.

Example:

Light oak shelves holding white ceramic plates and clear glass jars create a clean and cohesive Scandinavian aesthetic.

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2. Display Functional Items

Why It Works

Scandinavian design emphasizes functionality, so your open shelving should primarily feature items you use daily.

How to Style

• Arrange plates, bowls, and glasses in neat stacks or rows.
• Use jars to store pantry staples like grains, pasta, or coffee beans.
• Display cutting boards or serving trays made from wood or marble.

Styling Tip:

Group items by type—such as a row of white plates or a cluster of glass jars—to maintain an organized look.

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3. Layer Textures for Visual Interest

Why It Works

Layering different textures prevents open shelving from looking too flat or sterile while maintaining the minimalist aesthetic.

How to Style

• Combine smooth ceramics with woven baskets or linen napkins.
• Use wooden accents, like spice racks or utensil holders, to add warmth.
• Incorporate a small potted plant or fresh herbs for a touch of greenery.

Example:

A set of matte ceramic mugs next to a woven basket and a potted basil plant creates a textured, balanced look.

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4. Keep It Minimal

Why It Works

Clutter can quickly overwhelm open shelving, so less is always more in Scandinavian kitchens.

How to Style

• Display only what you need or love—leave empty space for a clean, airy feel.
• Stick to 2-3 colors to maintain visual cohesion.
• Avoid overcrowding shelves by using only a few carefully chosen items per shelf.

Styling Tip:

A single row of white mugs and a jar of wooden utensils on a spacious shelf keeps things simple and elegant.

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5. Use Matching Containers

Why It Works

Matching containers create a uniform look, making open shelving appear organized and intentional.

How to Style

• Use glass jars with wooden or metal lids for pantry staples.
• Opt for ceramic containers in neutral tones for items like tea or sugar.
• Choose labels with simple, clean typography for a Scandinavian touch.

Example:

A row of matching glass jars filled with grains and labeled in a modern font elevates both form and function.

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6. Add Greenery

Why It Works

Plants and greenery bring life and freshness to Scandinavian kitchens, complementing the natural materials on display.

How to Style

• Place a small potted plant, such as a pothos or succulents, on a shelf.
• Display fresh herbs in simple ceramic pots for easy access while cooking.
• Use neutral-toned pots to keep the focus on the greenery.

Example:

A rosemary plant in a white pot adds a pop of green to wooden shelves filled with white dishes.

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7. Incorporate Art and Personal Touches

Why It Works

Adding a few personal items prevents open shelving from feeling overly rigid or impersonal.

How to Style

• Lean a small framed print or illustration against the wall behind other items.
• Include a handmade ceramic bowl or a vintage pitcher for character.
• Use meaningful objects, like a favorite cookbook or a souvenir, sparingly.

Styling Tip:

A small black-and-white print tucked behind a stack of plates adds depth and personality to your shelves.

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8. Highlight Seasonal Accents

Why It Works

Rotating decor with the seasons keeps your kitchen fresh and inviting without requiring a full overhaul.

How to Style

• Display a ceramic vase with fresh flowers in spring or summer.
• Add a wooden bowl filled with seasonal fruits or pinecones in fall and winter.
• Use holiday-themed linens or napkins in muted tones for a subtle nod to the season.

Example:

A clear glass vase filled with eucalyptus stems adds a wintery, Scandinavian touch to open shelving.

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9. Utilize Lighting

Why It Works

Good lighting enhances the appearance of open shelving, drawing attention to your carefully styled display.

How to Style

• Install under-shelf LED lighting for a soft glow.
• Use pendant lights or wall sconces nearby to highlight the shelving area.
• Stick to warm white bulbs to maintain a cozy ambiance.

Example:

Warm under-shelf lighting creates a subtle, inviting glow that highlights glass and ceramic items on display.

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10. Organize by Height and Layering

Why It Works

Arranging items by height creates balance and helps the shelving look polished and intentional.

How to Style

• Place taller items, like vases or jars, at the back, with shorter items in front.
• Use stacks of plates or bowls to add variation in height.
• Combine vertical elements (like cutting boards) with horizontal ones for dynamic layering.

Styling Tip:

A tall olive oil bottle at the back, a cutting board leaning against the wall, and a stack of bowls in front create a visually pleasing arrangement.

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How to Maintain Open Shelving

1. Declutter Regularly: Rotate or remove items to keep shelves looking clean and intentional.
2. Clean Often: Dust and wipe down shelves and displayed items to maintain their appeal.
3. Stick to the Palette: Avoid adding mismatched colors or materials that disrupt the cohesive look.
4. Replace Damaged Items: Swap out chipped or worn items with new ones to keep shelves looking fresh.
5. Reevaluate Seasonally: Update displays with seasonal items or fresh decor to refresh the space.

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Conclusion

Styling open shelving in a Scandinavian kitchen is a perfect blend of form and function. By focusing on neutral tones, natural materials, and thoughtful arrangements, you can create a space that feels both practical and beautiful.

For me, embracing open shelving transformed my kitchen into a space I love spending time in. Each carefully selected item adds personality and warmth, making the kitchen feel like the heart of the home.

So, use these tips to design your own Scandinavian-inspired open shelving, and enjoy a kitchen that’s as stylish as it is functional.

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FAQ

What materials work best for Scandinavian open shelving?

Light wood, painted MDF in white, and metal brackets are ideal materials that align with Scandinavian design principles.

How do I keep open shelving from looking cluttered?

Stick to a neutral color palette, group similar items together, and leave some space between objects to maintain an airy look.

Can I mix decorative and functional items?

Yes! Combine everyday essentials like plates and glasses with decorative accents like small vases or framed art for balance.

What’s the best way to clean open shelving?

Dust regularly, and wipe down shelves and displayed items with a damp cloth to keep them spotless and appealing.

Where can I find Scandinavian-style shelving and decor?

Look for open shelving options at IKEA, West Elm, or Ferm Living, and shop for minimalist decor at H&M Home or Muuto.