Floating shelves are a popular choice for kitchens, offering both functionality and style. They create an open and airy feel, allowing you to display your favorite kitchen items while also keeping essential cookware within reach. Decorating these shelves effectively can transform the entire kitchen aesthetic, adding personality and charm.

Whether you prefer a minimalist look or an eclectic collection of colors and textures, the possibilities for styling floating shelves are endless. In this guide on how to decorate floating shelves in kitchen, we will explore creative ways to decorate floating shelves that not only enhance your kitchen’s efficiency but also reflect your personal taste.
Benefits of Decorating Floating Shelves in the Kitchen
Before we dive into the decorating tips, let’s first understand why decorating floating shelves in the kitchen is a good idea.
Adds Visual Interest:
Floating shelves are a great way to add visual interest to an otherwise plain kitchen wall. A well-decorated shelf can become the focal point of your kitchen, drawing attention and making a statement. You can mix and match different elements to add depth and create a unique display.
Increases Storage Space:
One of the biggest benefits of floating shelves is that they provide extra storage space in your kitchen. By decorating them with functional items such as cookbooks, jars, or utensils, you not only make use of the space but also keep essential items within easy reach while cooking.
Versatility:
Floating shelves come in various sizes, shapes, and materials, making them versatile for any kitchen style. You can choose from rustic wooden shelves for a farmhouse look or sleek metal ones for a modern touch.
Necessary Items for Decorating Floating Shelves in the Kitchen
Decorative Items:
The key to decorating floating shelves is choosing the right mix of items that add both functionality and style. Some popular decorative items for kitchen shelves include:
- Cookbooks
- Mason Jars or Canisters
- Plates and Bowls
- Plants or Herbs in Pots
- Artwork or Framed Prints
Functional Items:
To keep your kitchen organized, it’s essential to incorporate functional items into your shelf decor. These can include:
- Utensils (Spoons, Spatulas, Etc.)
- Cooking Oils and Spices
- Wine Glasses or Mugs
- Cutting Boards

It’s crucial to strike a balance between decorative and functional items on your shelves for both aesthetic and practical reasons.
Now, let’s dive into some creative ways to decorate floating shelves in the kitchen.
8 Simple Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Decorate Floating Shelves in Kitchen
Step 1: Clear Out Your Shelves
Before you begin decorating, start by completely clearing off your floating shelves. Removing all existing items will give you a blank canvas to work with and allow you to rethink the arrangement of your decor. This step is crucial as it helps you free your imagination and prevents you from feeling confined to the previous layout.
Take this opportunity to clean the surfaces thoroughly, ensuring that they’re dust-free and ready for your new design. Once the shelves are empty, you can better visualize how different elements will come together, paving the way for a cohesive and stylish presentation.
Step 2: Consider Your Kitchen Theme
Your kitchen’s overall theme should guide your shelf decor choices. If you have a specific style in your kitchen, such as a farmhouse or modern, carry that theme onto your shelves to create a cohesive look. This way, the shelves will blend seamlessly with the rest of the kitchen and add to its aesthetic appeal.
The same goes for color schemes; if your kitchen has a consistent color palette, incorporate those colors into your shelf decor for a cohesive look.

Step 3: Create Levels
When decorating floating shelves, creating different levels adds dimension and visual interest. Varying the heights of items draws the eye and prevents the arrangement from looking flat or monotonous. You can achieve this by stacking books horizontally and placing a decorative item, like a small plant or vase, on top.
Similarly, use pedestals or small risers to elevate certain objects, creating a layered effect. Additionally, consider the balance of your display—arranging taller items at the ends or corners can help frame the composition while clustering smaller pieces can create focal points that maintain harmony across the shelves.
Step 4: Mix and Match Materials
To add texture and depth to your shelf decor, mix and match different materials. For example, pair wooden cutting boards with metal canisters or display ceramic bowls next to glass jars. This combination of textures adds visual interest and creates a balanced composition.
You can also play with different finishes, such as shiny metals or matte ceramics, to add contrast and make your display more dynamic.
Step 5: Use Greenery
Incorporating plants or herbs in pots is an effective way to bring life to your floating shelves. Not only do they add color and texture, but they also purify the air in your kitchen. Choose plants that thrive in indoor environments, such as succulents or herbs like basil or rosemary. You can also use hanging planters to add greenery and free up shelf space for other items.
The key is to not overcrowd the shelves with too many plants, but instead, use them strategically to enhance the overall aesthetic.
Step 6: Incorporate Personal Touches
Floating shelves are a great opportunity to showcase your personality and add personal touches to your kitchen. This could include displaying family photos in decorative frames or incorporating sentimental items like antique dishes passed down through generations. These small details can make your shelf decor feel unique and meaningful to you.
The key is to not go overboard and keep a balance between personal touches and functional items.

Step 7: Leave Empty Spaces
While it may be tempting to fill every inch of space on your floating shelves, remember that leaving empty spaces can also have its visual benefits. It gives the eye a resting point and allows for individual pieces to stand out and shine. Leaving some negative space also keeps the display from looking cluttered and overwhelming.
It’s all about finding the right balance between filled and empty spaces to achieve a visually pleasing arrangement.
Step 8: Add Lighting
Lighting can make all the difference in how your floating shelves look. Consider adding small, battery-operated lights or LED strips to add warmth and illumination to your display. These small additions can enhance the ambiance of your kitchen, making it feel cozy and inviting.
You can also use candles or string lights for a softer glow. Just remember to keep safety in mind when incorporating lighting into your shelf decor.
With these simple guidelines on how to decorate floating shelves in kitchen, you can transform your plain floating shelves into a stunning focal point in your kitchen. Remember to have fun with the process and let your creativity flow while keeping functionality in mind. Happy decorating!
Tips for Decorating Floating Shelves in the Kitchen
Now that we know the benefits, let’s move on to some tips that will help you effectively decorate your floating shelves:
- Mix and match colors, textures and materials for a dynamic display.
- Incorporate personal touches for a unique touch.
- Vary the heights of items and create layers for visual interest.
- Don’t overcrowd the shelves; leave empty spaces for balance.
- Use lighting to enhance the ambiance of your kitchen.
- Consider incorporating seasonal decor or changing up your shelf displays every few months for a fresh look.
- Use functional items as decor, such as displaying cookbooks or using stylish canisters to store cooking utensils.
- Group similar items together, such as grouping all white dishes or all greenery, for a cohesive look.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment and rearrange items until you find the perfect composition.
- Lastly, have fun and let your personal style shine through in your floating shelf decor!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How Do I Decide What Items to Display on My Floating Shelves?
A: Consider your kitchen’s theme, color scheme, and personal style when choosing items for your floating shelves. You can also use functional items as decor or incorporate sentimental pieces for a personalized touch.

Q: How Can I Keep My Floating Shelves From Looking Cluttered?
A: Vary the heights of items, leave empty spaces, and use lighting to create balance and prevent overcrowding on your shelves. Also, be intentional with what you choose to display and avoid cluttering the shelves with too many small items.
Q: Can I Use Floating Shelves in Other Rooms Besides the Kitchen?
A: Absolutely! Floating shelves can be used in any room in your home, such as living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms. They are versatile and can be styled to fit the aesthetic of any room. Just remember to keep functionality in mind when decorating shelves in other rooms as well.
Conclusion
Floating shelves are a great way to add storage and style to your kitchen. By following these tips and guidelines on how to decorate floating shelves in kitchen, you can effectively decorate your floating shelves and create a visually appealing display that reflects your personal style.
Remember to play with different textures, heights, and material combinations, and have fun with the process. Happy decorating!
Professional Focus
Angela Ervin, a former interior designer turned blogger, specializes in kitchen design and renovations. Through her website, she blends her passion for cooking with design expertise, sharing practical and creative ideas. Known for balancing functionality and beauty, Angela’s insightful content has made her a trusted voice in home design and lifestyle.
About the Author
Angela Ervin, an experienced interior designer and blogger, combines her passion for kitchen renovations with storytelling. Living in Petersburg with her family, she enjoys cooking and testing her projects firsthand. Known for her humor and relatable style, Angela shares creative, functional design insights through her content, making her a trusted voice in home design.
Education History
University: Virginia Commonwealth University
Degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Interior Design
- Angela’s education at VCU focused on mastering core interior design principles, including spatial planning, color theory, materials selection, and sustainable design practices.
- She gained hands-on experience through studio projects and collaborative design exercises, which honed her ability to create functional and aesthetically pleasing environments.
- Her coursework also emphasized problem-solving and practical applications of design, preparing her for real-world projects like her self-directed kitchen renovations.
- The program’s strong foundation in both technical skills and creative expression shaped Angela’s ability to seamlessly integrate form and function in her work.