Open and visible storage can be a practical and stylish way to organize a home. With some creativity and careful planning, open shelving and storage solutions can add visual interest to a room while keeping necessities readily accessible. Here are some tips and ideas for incorporating open storage in aesthetically pleasing and functional ways.

Selecting the Right Open Storage Solutions

When choosing open shelving, consider the space you need to organize and the overall style you want to achieve. Some options to consider include:

Floating Shelves

Floating shelves mounted on a wall are a simple way to add open storage. They come in varied lengths and can be mounted at different heights for visual interest. Floating shelves work well for displaying decorative objects, plants, books, and baskets. Just be sure the shelves are securely anchored to avoid accidents.

Wall Ledges

Wall ledges are similar to floating shelves but are longer and deeper. They can span the length of a wall and provide ample space for folded clothes, books, and other necessities. For a coordinated look, install ledges in the same finish and at the same height.

Open Cabinets

Cabinets with no doors allow for open storage while still concealing clutter. Try open cabinets above sinks, behind desks, or even under kitchen counters. Adjustable shelves let you customize the interior space.

Ladder Shelves

Ladder shelves attached to the wall add charming farmhouse style. The leaning ladder design can serve as a bookcase or display area in living rooms, bedrooms, and elsewhere.

Wire Storage Cubes

Cubicles made of wire mesh or other open materials can be stacked and arranged to hold everything from towels and toys to files and pantry goods. They are inexpensive and adjustable.

Racks and Holders

Installing racks, holders, and tension rods is an easy way to utilize the open wall space inside closets and pantries. Use them to organize clothes, tools, canned goods, and other items.

Design and Styling Considerations

Carefully consider the aesthetics when planning open shelving. Follow these tips to ensure it looks pleasing and purposeful:

Foster Visual Harmony

Choose open storage pieces that coordinate with your decor. The finishes, materials, colors, and styling should flow nicely throughout the space. Maintain a cohesive style for the most appealing look.

Vary Heights and Depths

Install open shelving at different heights on the wall to add dimension. Incorporate pieces of different depths, such as combining shallow wall ledges with deeper floating shelves. The varied depth creates visual interest.

Find the Right Balance

Too much open storage can appear cluttered and chaotic. Find the right balance between closed (cabinets and drawers) and open storage areas. Also strike a balance between decorative displayed objects and functional organizers.

Curate Displayed Items

Decide what necessities should be attractively displayed and edit as needed. Group items with similar colors, textures, or styles. Rotate seasonal decor. Keep displayed collections tidy and dust-free.

Add Personal Touches

Incorporate personal mementos, photos, art, books, and travel souvenirs to make open shelving reflection of your personality and interests. This transforms basic storage into an endearing display.

Utilize Baskets

Baskets are versatile and aesthetically pleasing for open shelving. They instantly tidy up toys, bath essentials, linens, and anything else that might otherwise appear disheveled. Natural fiber baskets with simple textures complement most decors.

Illuminate Properly

Make sure open storage areas are well-lit. Install task lighting above wall ledges or shelves where needed. Accent lighting directed at displays draws attention to favorite objects and art.

Maximize Vertical Space

Take advantage of vertical wall space from floor to ceiling. Stagger floating shelves and wall ledges at various heights to gain storage space while adding visual intrigue. Even small wall nooks can become useful open storage with the right organizational accessories.

Creative Open Storage for Every Room

Open storage lends itself well to any room of the home. Make the most of the available wall space with these ideas:

Welcoming Entryway Storage

• Mount matching floating shelves at staggered heights to corral keys, hats, and other entryway essentials.
• Try a wall-mounted coat rack with open storage cubbies below to neatly store shoes.
• An open cabinet with adjustable shelves provides guest storage space.

Practical Kitchen Storage

• Open shelves are perfect above a kitchen sink to keep cleaning essentials handy.
• Display pretty jars of staple ingredients like sugar, flour, and coffee.
• Open cabinets with pull-out baskets make pantry items easily accessible.

Multifunctional Living Room Storage

• Ladder shelves provide ample room for books, magazines, and decorative objects.
• Floating media shelves keep TV/gaming accessories organized without hiding them.
• Cubbies offer dedicated spaces for remotes, candles, and other living room items.

Bedroom Storage and Display

• Lean ladder shelves in a corner to hold extra linens and pillows.
• Wall ledges running the length of a bedroom keep clothes, shoes, and accessories organized.
• Open shelving is great for displaying meaningful photos, awards, souvenirs.

Kid and Baby Room Storage

• Use colorful storage cubes and baskets to contain toys, clothes, diapers.
• Mount shelves at kids’ height for easy access to books and stuffed animals.
• A wall ledge with bins organized by category neatly stores arts supplies.

Bathroom Necessities on Display

• Floating shelves or wall-mounted ladder rungs work well for rolled towels in the bathroom.
• An open vanity cabinet neatly showcases prettily packaged soaps and toiletries.
• Wall-mounted racks keep hair appliances untangled yet ready to use.

Handy Open Storage for the Home Office

• Wall-to-wall ledges hold office supplies, manuals, and decor.
• Floating shelves display favorite coffee table books within reach.
• Small cubbies mounted on the wall provide storage for mail, cords, and gadgets.

Clever Garage and Mudroom Storage

• Wall ledges with sturdy hooks store tools, jackets, and sports equipment up and out of the way.
• Open shelving creates a designated spot for recycling bins and automotive accessories.
• Perforated metal lockers provide a place to store shoes and school/gym bags.

Focused Laundry Room Storage

• Open cubbies give each family member a dedicated space for clothes hampers.
• Wall-mounted rods allow damp clothes to air dry neatly.
• Floating shelves above appliances hold laundry supplies within reach.

Answers to Common Questions About Open Storage

Many homeowners have additional questions when considering open storage options. Here are helpful answers to some frequently asked questions:

Does open storage make a room feel cluttered?

Open storage avoids feeling cluttered when thoughtfully executed. Limit quantities to avoid overwhelming the space. Store only necessities you access regularly. Use coordinating baskets and organizers to contain contents neatly.

Is it dusty to store items openly?

Occasional dusting keeps open storage areas tidy. Choose smooth, easily cleanable materials like wood, metal, and plastic. Minimize fabric and porous materials which attract more dust. Arrange pieces thoughtfully so all areas are accessible for quick dusting.

What about hiding private or valuable items?

Designate some closed cabinets or drawers for personal, fragile, or valuable possessions you prefer to store discretely and securely. Use open storage in public zones for routine items only.

How do you organize open shelving?

Keep open shelving contents organized with baskets, dividers, and labels. Group like items together and arrange by category, frequency of use, or other logical schemes. Avoid cramming shelves too full or letting them become jumbled.

What should be avoided with open storage?

Steer clear of openly storing items which are unsightly, seldom used, or better concealed. Examples include cleaning products, piles of paperwork, extensive media collections, stockpiles of toiletries, and seasonal items not currently in use.

Is wall-anchoring essential for floating shelves and ledges?

Yes, properly securing floating wall units is vital, especially in earthquake zones. Use anchors and hardware designed for the wall type. Ensure shelves are level and sturdy enough for intended contents. Take care not to overload.

Can you adjust open storage over time?

Modular pieces allow for evolvement as needs change. For example, wall-mounted ledges can be moved up or down. Storage cubes are fully adjustable. Floating shelves and ladders can be removed or added as needed.

Does open storage work in small spaces?

Yes, open storage can maximize usable space in any size room. Just take care to install only needed elements and edit contents regularly so the space does not get overwhelmed. Floating shelves and wall-mounted ladders are great small space solutions.

Conclusion

With an array of options, from floating shelves to storage cubes, open storage is easily incorporated throughout the home. Take time to choose pieces that coordinate with your existing decor. Fill displays thoughtfully and keep them organized. When planned properly, open storage adds style and function to any living space without appearing cluttered. Experiment with these ideas and soon you will find creative new ways to effectively showcase your belongings.