Have you met Jami? She’s the creative force behind the blog Freckled Laundry. I found her early in my blogging journey and she quickly became one of those inspiring “seasoned bloggers” I admire—“seasoned” meaning experienced and creative, not old! She’s a young mom whose ideas encouraged me, an older mom, to follow some creative dreams of my own. I wish we lived closer; I’d love to sit down for coffee and chat.
Recently Jami posted asking for feedback about using open shelving in her dining area. I was so enthusiastic about her plan that my reply outgrew the comment box—so here it is in full.
Over time I’ve collected a large number of kitchen and dining photos, and a common thread runs through them: open shelving. I love the look—warm, layered, and practical if styled thoughtfully. Last year I took the plunge and installed open shelving in my kitchen; you can see the makeover here. I’ve never regretted it.
Here are a few ideas and inspirations that might help you plan Jami, especially if you’re wondering how to handle the lower shelves where doors might conflict with a nearby table.
Ashley at the Handmade Home created open shelving from reclaimed barn wood, complete with metal “ladders” at the sides. Her rustic, layered styling shows how beautiful raw wood and thoughtfully arranged pieces can look. She also decorates those shelves for different seasons and holidays, which demonstrates how versatile open shelving can be when you commit to rotating and restyling the display.
One practical solution for lower shelf storage—especially when traditional cabinet doors would swing into a table—is to install a curtain or fabric panel across the lower section. A pretty vintage fabric, a neutral canvas drop cloth, or a tailored curtain can hide bulky or less-attractive items while keeping them easily accessible. I used a variation of this idea: my lower cupboard curtain is attached to an upper drawer so when the drawer opens the curtain moves forward with it, keeping everything neat without the risk of doors hitting chairs or the table.
Kim at The Restoration House completed an inspiring kitchen makeover that influenced me to incorporate more white and lighter pieces on my shelves. White ceramics and glass create a calm, cohesive display and help busy shelves read cleaner from a distance. If your shelving will be visible from the dining area, a mostly white palette with a few carefully chosen accents will maintain a consistent look between the two spaces.
Jen from the Old Painted Cottage also uses curtains to conceal lower shelving—exactly the approach I was suggesting. Her before-and-after gallery is a great study in how small changes, like switching hardware, painting, or adding fabric, can transform a space dramatically. Those projects show that you don’t need elaborate carpentry to achieve a polished result; thoughtful styling and a few practical solutions go a long way.
Styling tips to live with open shelves:
- Group items by color, material, or function to create visual order—white dishes, glassware, and a few wooden pieces work beautifully together.
- Vary heights and textures: stack plates, lean a framed print, and add a small plant or two for life and depth.
- Keep everyday items at reachable heights and store less attractive or infrequently used items behind a curtain or in lower baskets.
- Rotate decor seasonally so the shelves always feel fresh without becoming cluttered.
If you’re curious about practical daily living with open kitchen cupboards, I wrote about how we manage mine here. It covers routines and small habits that help keep open shelving attractive and functional.
So, Jami—this is the long-winded “comment” you deserved. I can’t wait to see your dining room transformation. With open shelving and a few simple strategies for the lower storage, it’s going to be beautiful. I know you’ll style it perfectly.
