Kitchen Shelving Solutions that Maximize Space and Enhance Style
by Joe Cooper

In the kitchen, where storage space is often at a premium, smart homeowners must think outside the box...or at least outside the cabinet. Wall and wire shelving can provide great alternatives to stuffing cabinets full of food and dishware, and can also add some reinforcement to your kitchen's style.

An Idea Worth Shelving
Installing wall shelves can maximize the extra space in your kitchen, and can be used for baking and cooking supplies, tableware, and even food. Artfully arranged and attractive pieces can look good in the kitchen while being conveniently stored.

Kitchen Shelving Tips
Here are some tips for maximizing storage space in your kitchen:
•Don't touch the floor
In almost all kitchens, floor space is precious. Wall shelving should not extend all the way to the floor. Try to keep all wall shelves at least several feet up from the floor.
•Leave yourself options
Wall shelving in a kitchen should be flexible. One of the great things about wire shelving and other types of interchangeable wall shelves is their flexibility. Your kitchenware and how you use it changes from time to time; make sure your shelving can too.
•Don't forget style
Function may be the most important aspect of kitchen wall shelving, but that doesn't mean shelving can't be stylish. No matter what your kitchen style is, there is wall shelving to match. Consider sleek aluminum wire shelving for a modern look or rustic wood for a country kitchen feel.

Maximize Your Cabinets
Cabinets can be a great place to install small shelving units mounted on the inside of the door. This shelving idea generally works best for lower cabinets that have room for inner shelves. A slim shelving unit on an upper cabinet is great for spices and small jars. Pull-out shelves in cabinets are an ingenious way to maximize your cabinet space.

Other Shelving Tips
Depending on your kitchen style, wire shelving is great for hanging pots and pans. They also make for great storage solutions in under-sink cabinets, and dividers in the pantry.

Making the most out of kitchen shelving ideas will help make your kitchen the gold standard of organization and order.

Sources
HomeSite
Oh My Apartment

About the Author
Joe Cooper is a freelance education, technology, and home design writer. He holds a bachelor's in American Literature from UCLA.