Best Kitchen Shelving

Are you interested in remodeling your kitchen shelving or finding a better way to incorporate more organization? Pretty much any kitchen worth its weight has cabinets already. But maybe your cabinets are too tall, too wide, too short or too inconvenient to reach food items quickly. Who wants to store all of their coffee cups in the top row? Where should you put your bananas when your microwave, toaster and kitchen compost appliance are all blocking the counter space? These are some of the primary reasons that you should find the best kitchen shelves that you can, whether it’s open shelving kitchen options to match your open kitchen cabinets or side shelves that are mobile.

The size, the weight and the durability of the kitchen shelf matters as much as its appearance. For some people, the color may be as significant as the material. But knowing exactly what you need the shelf for in your kitchen will help you narrow down which ones are just fun to look at and which ones you “have” to have. Keep all these factors in mind while searching for something your kitchen is missing.

Best Kitchen Shelving

1. Soges Baker’s Rack

Whether it’s your coffee maker or microwave, both can hog up valuable space on your counter. One of the perks of kitchen shelves is they may give you some extra room both above and below the microwave. These mobile storage carts provide extra space and room to organize your go-to kitchen needs.

Key Features

• Black or white oak surface options
• 35.4 inches x 15.7 inches x 32.7 inches
• Wood cutting board

Organize your kitchen pots, pans and appliances on two tiers on the left and three tiers on the right. Keep in mind that there are no wheels included so make sure that these kitchen items are OK standing as is and do not need to be moved back and forth. While the photo display on Amazon’s site has liquid items stacked horizontally that slide out, you may want to avoid that unless you’re absolutely sure the containers are spill free. Stacked items and multi-shelves must be cleaned regularly to avoid a “dirty” grayish look, specifically for shelves that have lots of white in them.

Pros

• Hooks for utensil hanging
• Easy to clean

Cons

• Assembly required
• Warranty information unclear on site

Enjoy using this setup as a kitchen organizer rack, to organize your dishes, as a microwave oven stand, as a dish rack or just use the top row as a go-to for cutting fruits and vegetables.

2. Love-KANKEI Floating

This set of three shelves comes in various sizes to accommodate different household items. Add your decorative seasoning jars on one shelf and catchy quotable mugs on another. These floating shelves make it easier to mount items in a kitchen with various cabinets. However, it could be more difficult to mount them parallel to each other or one southeast of the other (in a diagonal line), depending on your wall space.

Key Features

• Rustic wood wall shelves
• Large shelf: 17 inches × 4.7 inches × 4.2 inches
• Medium: 13 inches × 4.7 inches × 4.2 inches
• Small: 9 inches × 4.7 inches × 4.2 inches
• Available in three colors (weathered brown, weathered gray, carbonized black)

Constructed of solid Paulownia wood boards and powder-coated metal brackets, these wall shelves come in handy for items that would get in the way on your counters. They’re also ideal for items that need a little more attention or more sunlight. If you have a small plant that could use some sunshine from your kitchen window, these are the perfect shelves for it.

Pros

• All mounting hardware included
• Lightweight (note: beware of adding heavier items)

Cons

• Assembly required
• Only 4 inches deep (not ideal for big items)

If these kitchen shelves are not for you, there is a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. Get a full refund or replacement if needed.

3. Gemitto

If your kitchen is on the smaller side, pushing in mobile shelves will just get in the way. If you remove the mobile shelves, then you have to deal with stacking items all in one space on your counters. And adding a microwave to your counter may significantly reduce areas where you can store other kitchen items. Say hello to this over-the-microwave rack.

Key Features

• Frosted texture
• Expanded carbon steel
• 14.17 inches x 16.54 inches

In addition to the two-tier shelf, there are three hooks to hang spoons, spatulas, towels, oven mitts and more. Stack your toaster, seasonings, flour and sugar containers, or other items that can help organize your kitchen space. If you need a little more room, the shelf extends from 15.75 inches to 23.62 inches.

Pros

• High capacity for heavy loads (55-pound maximum)
• Rustproof

Cons

• Assembly required
• Warranty information unclear on site

With the help of the four non-slip suction cups on the bottom of this kitchen shelf, this keeps your shelf from slipping or scratching your counter and/or other kitchen spaces.

4. Mr Ironstone Vintage

One of the reasons that kitchen shelves such as this one come in handy is that they can be used in a variety of rooms. In this case, this high-quality E1 MDF yellow cherry board and black metal frame is perfect for holding your microwave, pots, dishes and even a basket for seasoning.

Key Features

• Four-tier shelf with three-tier shelf
• 10 steel hooks for loose items (ex. oven mitts)
• 35.5 inches x 15.75 inches x 52 inches

Made from environmental wood without industrial glue, this solid shelf can support everything from your microwave to cast iron pots and pans. Although you will definitely have to rearrange some things in your kitchen in order for this wide shelf to properly fit, think about how much more space you’ll be saving later.

Pros

• Easy cleaning (wet cloth)
• Four adjustable feet

Cons

• Assembly required
• Shelves are meant to stay in place (keep in mind for taller items you want to store)

If this kitchen shelf doesn’t work for your needs, there is a one-year, worry-free warranty and 24/7 customer service.

5. Dish Drying Rack

Organize all of your go-to kitchen supplies with this multi-rack: dish/bowl rack, plate rack, square basket, and a fruit/vegetable basket. If you have lots of items that need to be rinsed and air dry, this over-the-sink rack makes sense.

Key Features

• 304 stainless steel inner space
• Environmental piano paint outer space
• 33.5 inches x 14.2 inches x 6.1 inches

This stable, bottom reinforced shelf has a U-shaped structure perfect for organizing your kitchen. It can hold up to 60 pounds.

Pros

• Rustproof
• Snap-on structure for easy removal

Cons

• Assembly required
• Warranty information unclear on site
• Utensil rack is on the outside area and may drip onto counter

With anti-slip suction cups, these kitchen shelves are reinforced so that they do not slip and slide all over the place if/when the counter or sink area is wet. Confirm the measurements of your sink before purchasing to make sure that the anti-slip suction cup bottom areas stick in the proper spots on the counter instead of the edges of your sink.

6. SimpleHouseware

Stack these silver kitchen shelves on top of each other or use them side-by-side to organize your kitchen supplies.

Key Features

• Perforated steel
• Medium shelf: 11.25 inches x 7.9 inches x 5.4 inches
• Large shelf: 12.7 inches x 9 inches x 5.9 inches

For shelves that have stacking and sliding options, carefully consider where heavy items go. It may be a good idea to spread them apart to avoid too much weight on one shelf or the other. Generally speaking, heavier items should go on the “bottom” row.

Pros

• Stackable or slide option adjacent to each other like steps
• Screws are pre-screwed into frame for easier assembly

Cons

• Warranty information unclear on site
• Online reviewer felt like legs would split if items on top were too heavy
• Several users reported wear and tear or paint peeling on legs from first use

You may want to start off with less heavy items when first using this kitchen shelf to confirm the maximum weight it can hold. Although several consumers reported missing screws, shaky legs or paint peeling, there are quite a bit more (79 percent) who gave this same shelf five stars.

7. Langria

These silver kitchen shelves come in as handy in a living room, bedroom or home office as they do a kitchen. In their six-tier state, you can properly put everything in neat rows on these shelves.

Key Features

• Wired shelving design
• Top shelf, plus five baskets
• Silver waterproof outer varnish

If you have marble “rock” floors that are not on an even platform, these rubber-ended feet help to keep your shelf level and balanced. Just make sure the items on this shelf do not need to be constantly moved around. By these shelves being stacked on top of each other, moving them once could topple other items on the whole rack.

Pros

• 198-pound weight capacity
• Adjustable rubber-ended leveling feet

Cons

• Assembly required
• Rust and/or corrosion proof
• Warranty information unclear on site

Confirm that these kitchen shelves are flipped the right way so that they completely fit and don’t lean from side to side. The goal is for kitchen items to sit inside of these shelves.

8. Orimade

This detachable kitchen shelf requires no drilling and is easy to attach to a wall. While you may want to avoid adding heavier items on this kitchen shelf, it works well for lighter items such as hand soap, hot sauce and more.

Key Features

• Traceless adhesive design
• 15.75 inches x 4.33 inches x 2.56 inches
• Stainless steel

Although the adhesive is not reusable should you choose to move the shelf later on, initial setup should be pretty simple. There is no drilling required. Just peel off the cover to use as needed. Because of the adhesive backing, it may be a better idea to avoid adding heavier items until you know how much this can hold.

Pros

• Detachable shelf
• No drilling

Cons

• Adhesive only works on smooth surfaces
• Painted walls or wallpaper may be stripped if shelf is taken down

If this kitchen shelf does not work for you, there is a one-year warranty. The shelf itself is recyclable and can be used for a number of reasons and room.

9. Halcent

This rustic two-tier design kitchen shelf adds a little vintage flair to your kitchen. Mount it to your kitchen walls, and save your counter space for heavier items instead.

Key Features

• 17.7 inches x 7 inches x 3.7 inches
• Metal brackets
• Torched finish wood boards

Use the towel bar included at the bottom to air dry towels or other items that hang over a rack. While a kitchen is probably not the best area to hang other items that can air dry from your laundry, this is also a possibility. The hooks may also come in handy for keeping your apron in an accessible location. This shelf also works for guest rooms, giving them a place to store their things.

Pros

• All mounting hardware included
• Numerous extra “S” hooks

Cons

• Assembly required
• Warranty information unclear on site

Should you ever decide you want to change the rustic color, you have the option of changing the wood boards to whatever color suits your kitchen best. The S-shaped hooks are optional too.

10. Cook N Home Shelf

Get creative with this two-tier design kitchen shelf: Use it in a corner spot with the triangular or rectangular version or place anywhere else on your countertop for easy access.

Key Features

• Brushed stainless steel construction
• Available in rectangular and triangle shapes
• Small shelf: 10 inches x 6.25 inches x 5.25 inches
• Large shelf: 17.5 inches x 6.25 inches x 7.25 inches

Considering the assembly process is just a matter of screwing in the legs, you can either use it with its intended purpose of two tiers or keep it separate as two shelves and use on various sides of the room. The triangular version is a good location for items you do not plan on moving around much.  Think of something like plants or other odds and ends that could benefit from being placed in the kitchen or other well-lit rooms.

Pros

• Easy to assemble (just screw in legs to flat plates)
• Easy to clean

Cons

• Warranty information unclear on site
• Lightweight material; not intended for heavier items

While this kitchen shelf is not intended to hold heavy items, lighter items like pocket scales, nut choppers and condominent bottles work out just fine.

11. Avignon

This kitchen shelf made up of three shelves and six brackets, is both durable and decorative. Without the visible connectors, it has a “cleaner” appearance.

Key Features

• Three-tier mount hanging shelves
• Wooden shelf: 39 inches x 6 inches
• Brackets: 15 inches x 6 inches

With a vertical spacing of 15 inches, kitchen items of varying heights can easily fit. The easy-to-use assembly requires sliding the constructed, paulownia finished solid wood into the powder coated metal brackets. This kitchen shelf is perfect for condiments, seasoning and other lightweight kitchen items.

Pros

• High-quality, lightweight solid wood boards
• Holds approximately 50 pounds

Cons

• Assembly required
• Warranty information unclear on site

Use these kitchen shelves for various cooking items and/or wine. Or, add a little more personalization to your kitchen with a few favorite photographs. One reviewer decided that he wanted more room along the edges (away from the brackets) and rearranged the shelf spacing.

12. Yaheetech Baker’s Cart

This three tier by three tier microwave cart is versatile enough to be a microwave stand, a dish organizer, a shelf or more.

Key Features

• Black brown laminates
• 35.5 inches x 15.4 inches x 32.9 inches
• Six “S” hooks

Made from environmental wood with no industrial glue, this cart holds in place with the help of two diagonal braces. No-slip feet pads help keep it in place and avoid scratching it across the floor.

Pros

• Rust-proof iron pipe
• Adjustable no-slip feet pads

Cons

• Warranty information unclear on site
• No wheels (casters)

Stack everything from your banana hook container to a coffee pot and slow cooker on this versatile workstation. While the display picture has the microwave on the bottom rack (where there is possibly less room), it’s a good idea to opt out of this. It’s not just a matter of awkwardly trying to reach down to heat your food and standing up. It’s also a bit too close to the floor and may become a play toy for your pets.

13. myVintageFinds

This wall-mounted kitchen shelf is perfect for showing off your favorite coffee mugs, tea collection and more. Whether you’re using it at your current home or taking the shelf to a summer cabin, it’ll complement both areas.

Key Features

• Oil rubbed bronze hook cups
• Authentic distressed whitewash
• Coffee mug hanger

The family-owned company specializes in making handcrafted rustic and farmhouse kitchen and wall decor. The mounting supplies, all included, are more subtle for vintage-style homes.

Pros

• Wood plugs hide screws
• All mounting hardware included

Cons

• Assembly required
• Warranty information unclear on site

The beauty of distressed wood is similar to comfortably worn-in jeans. The nail holes, knotholes, dents and scratches add character to each slat of wood. If you’re not looking for “perfect” wood (i.e., think of a cabin), then this option is a perfect talking piece for you and your family and friends.

14. Wall Mounted Rack

Use this kitchen shelf a number of ways: storage rack, bottle rack, silverware caddy, cutlery collection, pot organizer and more.

Key Features

• Polished oxidized finish appearance
• 31.5 inches x 3.7 inches x 5.5 inches
• Duster cloth railing

This multifunctional six-in-one shelf design has a wide platform suitable for stacking a variety of items. The front fence keeps them from toppling over should there be heavy foot traffic or the occasional slam. Hold all your eating utensils inside, everything from forks to knives to chopsticks and metal straws. The T-type rail design has double row flexible hooks to hang mixing spoons, spatula and more.

Pros

• Thicker side fence
• Flexible hooks

Cons

• Assembly required
• Warranty information unclear on site

If you prefer a bigger kitchen rack (31 inches) versus smaller racks (28 inches and 31 inches), you can get three cup options instead of the usual two.

15. AllBombuu

If you’re in need of kitchen shelves that are the same height, build and can be taken apart or stacked together as needed, this is it.

Key Features

• Four-pack stackable shelves
• 100 percent natural bamboo
• 15.9 inches x 15.2 inches x 14.2 inches

Environmentally friendly and sturdy, this five-tier stackable shelf can be used for everything from decorative teacups to plants to dog food. Take them apart and stack a few in your living room or den, and the others in your kitchen. If you stack them on top of each other, just make sure all items have enough room to breathe underneath the next, specifically plants that may require more sunshine than a cool breeze.

Pros

• Smooth, rounded corners
• Countersunk screws to avoid scratching

Cons

• Assembly required
• Warranty information unclear on site

While the natural bamboo is appealing all on its own, should you want to personalize these kitchen shelves, it’s easy to do so. Add your initials or a decal or two to personalize your new shelves even more.

Bottom Line

The 15 options above are a starting point for all of your kitchen organizing needs. Maybe one of the above items complements your kitchen space. Or, maybe you want to peruse some more. Still, keep the pros and cons in mind while searching for the kitchen shelf that fits you best.

And remember that there are no rules specifying that you must use the kitchen shelf for cooking items. So what other way could these shelves be used besides with kitchen cookware and utensils? There are a number of other options: Photo frames, plants, candles, incense and incense holders are a few examples.

If you tend to keep a pretty tight cabinet of items that could otherwise topple over if someone opened a cabinet too fast, it’s time to make some changes. Maybe you only need one shelf instead of five-tier shelves or stackable shelves. Or, maybe you can spread the shelves out in various places around your kitchen and other rooms.

As convenient as those low hooks are, or even “S” hooks, keep small children and adventurous pets in mind when you’re setting up your new kitchen cabinet. Anything within reaching distance can too often become a toy. And if it’s harmless for them to grab, so be it. But know that they can and will think your hanging apron is a toy to yank on. Avoid attaching anything sharp or dangerous. Stick to plastic spatulas instead of sharp-edged ones. The same goes for other cooking utensils.

If you’re not a do-it-yourself (DIY) enthusiast, maybe you could consider paying for installation. But before you do, check out the instructions. You may find that installing it on your own is easier than expected. When you’re all done, try a few light items to make sure they hold steady. If they do, then test out slightly heavier items on a case-by-case basis, specifically for wall-mounted shelves. You want your kitchen shelves to both be friendly to your walls and more convenient for you.