8 Kitchens with Floating Shelves + Styling Ideas and Tips

Floating shelves are effortlessly stylish, endlessly functional, and always make a statement. Whether you're aiming for a sleek, modern edge or a cozy, lived-in feel, these open shelves give your kitchen personality while keeping everything within easy reach.

Let’s dive into eight stunning kitchens that nail the look, plus some pro styling tips to make yours shine!

Classic Contrast

Cabinets pictured: Galaxy Frost

Crisp white cabinetry keeps things bright and airy, while dark wood floating shelves add warmth and depth. The open shelving above the sink provides the perfect space for neatly arranged coffee essentials, glassware, and a pop of greenery.

Styling Tip: Stick to a cohesive color palette- white ceramics, clear glass, and natural wood tones create a clean, harmonious display.

Moody Elegance

Cabinets pictured: Galaxy Indigo

Deep Indigo cabinets set a dramatic tone, making the wooden floating shelves pop. The natural wood warms up the space while keeping it sophisticated. Plus, the mix of decorative accents and functional items creates a balanced, lived-in look.

Styling Tip: Pair darker cabinets with open shelving to avoid a heavy, closed-in feel. Use metallic accents (like brass or gold hardware) to enhance the richness of the color scheme.

Bold and Beautiful

Cabinets pictured: Imperio Dove

This kitchen proves that floating shelves aren’t just for minimalists! The dark wood shelves add richness and depth against the backsplash with gold geometric accents. Open shelving keeps the design feeling light and airy while showcasing elegant glassware and decor.

 Styling Tip: When working with a bold backsplash, keep your shelf decor refined. Stick to glassware, metallic accents, and neutral ceramics to complement the luxury feel without overwhelming the space.

Light and Airy

Cabinets pictured: Onyx Frost

Photo credit: Magnolia Home Remodeling Group

Floating shelves in a bright, open-concept kitchen keep things feeling light and spacious. Here, the natural wood tones play beautifully with the marble-like backsplash, adding subtle texture and warmth.

 Styling Tip: Use floating shelves to break up a long wall of cabinetry, preventing the space from feeling too boxy or closed off.

The Modern Farmhouse

Cabinets Pictured: Galaxy Frost and Timber
Photo credit: @myhousekitchen

A farmhouse kitchen with modern twists! Classic white cabinets, warm wood tones, and sleek black accents make this space feel cozy yet fresh. Floating shelves frame the range hood beautifully, adding function and charm.

 Styling Tip: Layer in some vintage-inspired accessories (like cutting boards or ceramic canisters) to keep the farmhouse feel alive while maintaining a clean, uncluttered look.

Bar Style Elegance

Cabinets Pictured: Nexus Frost

Photo Credit: @trishmagnerkitchendesigner

For those who love entertaining, floating shelves are a game-changer in a home bar or butler’s pantry. Here, sleek black floating shelves with built-in lighting elevate the space while showcasing glassware and bottles in a sophisticated way.

Styling Tip: Install LED strip lighting underneath the shelves for a high-end, polished look that makes glassware and decor shine.

Beautiful and Stylish

Cabinets Pictured: Galaxy Timber
Photo Credit: @designwithroyal

Floating shelves in a bright, open-concept kitchen keep things feeling light and spacious. Here, the natural wood tones play beautifully with the marble-like backsplash, adding subtle texture and warmth.

Styling Tip: Use floating shelves to break up a long wall of cabinetry, preventing the space from feeling too boxy or closed off.

Minimalist Chic

Cabinets Pictured: Galaxy Timber
Photo Credit: @elementphoto1

In smaller kitchens, floating shelves provide much-needed storage without the bulk of upper cabinets. This space keeps it simple with just a few shelves styled with glassware, neutral ceramics, and a hint of greenery.

Styling Tip: Less is more! Stick to a few essentials and avoid overloading shelves to maintain a clean, uncluttered aesthetic.

Why Floating Shelves are a Must Have

• They create visual openness- perfect for small kitchens!
• They allow you to showcase your style with decor, plants, or fancy dishware.
• They keep essentials within easy reach while making a design statement.
• They work in any design style, from modern to farmhouse to traditional. To truly visualize your design, you can use our top picks for free design software to build out your kitchen.
• Floating shelves are a great DIY project. If you’re handy, follow our step-by-step guide to hang your own floating shelves.

Ready to take your kitchen to the next level? Whether you're going for moody elegance, modern farmhouse, or bright and airy, floating shelves offer endless possibilities. Reach out to your local dealer to start your design featuring floating shelves!