Have you met Jami? She is the creative force behind the blog Freckled Laundry. I discovered her early in my blogging journey, and she’s one of those inspiring, experienced bloggers—although “seasoned” certainly doesn’t mean old! She’s a young mom whose ideas encouraged this older mom to follow some creative dreams of her own. (Thank you, Jami. I wish we lived closer so we could meet for coffee.)
Recently she asked for opinions about adding open shelving to her dining area in this post: Are you Amanda? — Opinions please. I was so excited by her plan that my comment became a mini-essay, so I decided to write an expanded reply here.
If you’re considering open shelving in a kitchen or dining room, know that it’s a look I truly love. I gathered dozens of inspiration photos while researching, and open shelves appear in nearly every image. After much thought, I installed open shelving in my own kitchen last year (see my kitchen makeover here), and I haven’t regretted it for a minute.
Below are several dining-room and kitchen shelving ideas that inspired me, and practical suggestions for styling and functionality.
Ashley’s open shelving at The Handmade Home uses reclaimed barn wood with metal “ladder” supports made by a welder friend. The combination of warm wood and industrial supports creates a strong focal point. Ashley also shows how she decorates and restyles the shelves for different seasons and occasions, which is a helpful reminder that open shelving can be updated over time without major expense.
One of Jami’s concerns was what to do with the lower shelving—specifically, how to hide less-attractive items without doors that might swing into the dining table. A simple, effective solution is to use a fabric curtain or a painter’s drop cloth across the lower shelf. It hides clutter while remaining easily accessible: just push the fabric aside to reach what you need. I adapted this idea in my own kitchen by attaching a curtain to an upper drawer; when the drawer opens, the curtain moves forward, giving full access without any doors swinging out.
I also love how Kim from The Restoration House used open shelving in her kitchen makeover. Her styling inspired me to incorporate more white pieces and light, bright elements on my shelves. White dishes, simple glassware, and ceramic pitchers create a cohesive, airy look that keeps the space feeling calm even with many displayed items.
Jen from The Old Painted Cottage offers another great example. I hadn’t noticed before that she used a curtain to hide the lower shelves—exactly the kind of solution I was imagining for Jami. Jen’s extensive gallery of before-and-after photos is a wonderful study in transforming a small, dated space into a pretty, functional cottage-style home.
Practical styling and maintenance tips for open shelving:
- Group similar items together—stack plates, arrange bowls, and place glassware in rows to create visual order.
- Mix function with decor—display everyday dishes alongside a few decorative accents like framed art, small plants, or vintage pieces to add personality.
- Use color strategy—limit the palette (for example, white dishes with a few neutral or vintage accents) to avoid a cluttered appearance.
- Hide the messy stuff—use lower-shelf curtains, baskets, or pretty boxes for items you don’t want on display.
- Keep it practical—place frequently used items at reachable heights and store rarely used or seasonal pieces up high or behind closed storage.
- Plan for dusting—open shelves require occasional dusting and quick wipe-downs; choose durable finishes and easy-to-clean accessories.
If you’re wondering how to live with open shelves day to day, I wrote more about that here: How to Live with Open Kitchen Cupboards. In short: thoughtful styling, a consistent palette, and a plan for hiding clutter make open shelving both beautiful and practical.
So, Jami—this was my long answer to your question! I can’t wait to see your dining room transformation; with open shelving, reclaimed wood, or a simple curtain for lower storage, it’s going to look lovely.
