6 Items Designers Would NEVER Place on Open Shelves
Sensible and stylish storage? Right this way.
Just because storage is non-negotiable in every home doesn’t mean you need a bunch of cabinets and drawers. A series of open, floating shelves can often deliver the best of both worlds: A convenient spot for your belongings and the opportunity to create an artful display with your items. Well, it depends on which items we’re talking about. Because, let’s be honest: While an open shelf is a great way to show off your stuff, there are some exceptions.
“Open shelving works best when it displays items that are both beautiful and intentional,” says Erica Yaw of Rumor Designs in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. “Visual clutter can make a space feel unorganized.”
So what doesn’t belong on an open shelf? We asked a few designers about the items they never, ever leave on a floating setup. Some of their faux pas are purely aesthetic, while other items are vetoed for more practical reasons. But one thing’s for sure: If you want to create a design-minded display, leave these picks out.
Function-First Food Storage
Open shelves might offer easy access to grab everyday essentials, but Nicole Forina sidesteps the strictly sensible stuff. “I avoid putting anything on open shelving that's purely functional or creates visual noise,” says the New Jersey designer. “Think plastic food containers, bulky small appliances, mismatched mugs, cleaning supplies, or pantry items in their original packaging.”
Ashley Jacobs of Cook Design House agrees and typically reserves the open space for glassware, ceramics, or serving pieces. “The goal is for open shelving to feel intentional and edited, not like overflow storage,” she says.
Everyday Dinnerware
Floating shelves might be a smart place to store your grandma’s china, but not the plates and glasses you use every day. “It looks beautiful in photos, but open shelves collect dust much faster than people realize, and I don't want to wash my coffee mug or dinner plate before every meal,” says designer Ellie Christopher.
Instead, add a stack of cookbooks, which will bring a curated, cozy touch to your kitchen.
Anything With Wires
When styling open shelves, Julia Newman follows a strict no-wire rule. “Open shelving is an opportunity to showcase personality through thoughtfully curated objects, not everyday clutter,” says the designer, who splits time between Los Angeles and Minnesota. “Electronics with visible cords create visual noise and distract from the overall design.”
Translation: Anything with a cord or cable should be kept in a cabinet. If you want to cut the cord altogether, check out these wireless speakers.
Too Much Stuff
Less is more, says Charleston designer Sarah Hart. “A lot of times people just go to HomeGoods and buy things to fill a space,” she says. “Don't buy items just to buy.”
Negative space will instantly elevate your setup, and Hart encourages you to craft a well-appointed arrangement. “Sometimes, that means collecting over time, just not on one trip to a massive retailer,” she says.
Since you want to keep your shelfie items to a minimum, prioritize aesthetics. “Open shelving should always be considered ‘on display,’ so items should be carefully chosen to look good together, make sense for the room they are in and have meaning to the people living in the home,” says Trish Knight, a Vancouver-based designer.
Photographs
Your favorite Kodak moments might bring some personality to your space, but Becky Ducsik of the Phinery in Seattle says they don’t belong on your shelves. “They're difficult to view and appreciate,” she says.
Instead, look for a small sculpture, a can’t-miss detail that will give your open shelf an artful attitude. As for those photos? Consider crafting them into a trendy grid wall.
Candles
We love candles for their gorgeous glow and fragrant aromas, but that doesn’t mean they deserve a spot on your open shelf. “They rarely provide a safe or practical place to burn them,” Ducsik says.
Instead, put your candle on a sturdy surface that’s well within reach such as a kitchen island, dining room table, or coffee table.
For a multi-sensory setup, install lights above the shelves and add a vase full of flowers.
Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance journalist who has over a decade of experience in print and digital media. She covers interior design and lifestyle content for a breadth of publications, including Good Housekeeping, Country Living, House Beautiful, Veranda, and more. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.
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