Kitchens are often one of the most used rooms in a home yet suffer from limited storage and cluttered countertops. However, by installing floating shelves creatively over the kitchen sink, you can maximize unused space for storage, display, and style. Floating shelves open up a world of possibilities, from extra storage to highlight your favorite kitchen items. When thoughtfully designed and installed, they can completely transform the look and utility of your kitchen.
From materials selection to storage solutions, lighting, and design, we share everything you need to know to create beautiful and functional sink-top shelving.
Materials for Floating Shelves Over Sinks
The first consideration when adding floating shelves over your kitchen sink is choosing suitable materials. The area around a sink sees quite a bit of moisture, splashes, cleaning products, and more. As such, moisture-resistant and durable materials are best suited for prolonged use and visual appeal.
Common Materials and Properties
There are several go-to materials for floating kitchen shelves including:
- Wood – Must be properly sealed but offers a classic, warm look
- Metal – Very durable but prone to scratches over time
- Glass – Provides transparency but requires frequent cleaning
- Laminate – Resists moisture and affordable but less stylish
- Tile – Matches kitchen surfaces beautifully but heavy and requires professional install
When selecting a shelf material, consider factors like weight capacities, longevity, appearance, and installation requirements. For example, glass shelves cleanly show off displayed items but cannot hold heavy pots and pans.
Best Materials for High-Humidity Areas
The location directly next to a frequently used kitchen sink brings added moisture and condensation. Always opt for water-resistant shelf materials in these high humidity placements. Top choices include:
- Enameled steel – Impervious to water and extremely sturdy
- Laminates – Water-repellent and easy to clean
- Tempered glass – Resists heat and scratches
- Plastic Laminates – Affordable and moisture-proof
Wood can work over a sink as well but will require extensive waterproofing and resealing over time. Avoid unprotected porous stones that may stain or degrade with excessive moisture.
Design and Installation Considerations
A creatively designed shelf begins with proper installation. Take important structural and functional factors into account for shelves that not only look great but also safely store necessities.
Mounting and Weight Distribution
Start by considering the total weight shelves will need to hold. This determines brackets, anchors, and mounting points required. As general guidance:
- Mount to wall studs for heavy-duty strength
- Stagger brackets evenly to disperse weight
- Follow all hardware weight capacities
Improperly installed floating shelves are prone to loosening, cracking, and falling. Professional installation ensures correct weight distributions for safety.
Maintenance and Protecting Shelves
The combination of moisture, oils, cleaning products and more subject floating shelves to ongoing wear. Minimize this through:
- Allowing airflow behind shelves to reduce moisture buildup
- Applying protective cleaners and sealants per material type
- Use soft cloths to gently clean shelves
With proper care, you’ll enjoy stunning floating shelves that stand the test of time in demanding kitchen environments.
Creative Design Styles and Tips
Beyond function, specially designed floating shelves introduce captivating style over sinks. Inspiring ideas include:
- Mixing materials like tile, metal and wood for texture
- Painting shelves an accent color that pops against cabinets
- Incorporating lighting underneath for brilliant illumination
- Styling shelves with pretty bowls, botanicals and barware
Blending form and function, personalized floating shelves reflect who you are while storing necessities with panache.
Maximizing Space and Storage
One of the greatest benefits of floating shelves over kitchen sinks is reclaiming underutilized space for storage. Take full advantage through smart organization.
Making the Most of Unused Area Above Sinks
Typically, the wall area directly above sinks gets little use. Transform this void into valuable real estate through shelves perfect for stowing go-to items. Considerations include:
- Angling shelves for ergonomic access
- Configuring adjustable shelves at various heights
- Maximizing vertical storage from floor to ceiling
Strategic floating shelves make once empty space over sinks highly functional.
Items Suited for Floating Shelf Storage
When planning sink-adjacent shelving, consider which items make sense nearby for efficient prep and cleanup. Recommended stash spots include:
- Everyday dish and glassware
- Frequently used cooking utensils
- Dish soaps, scrub brushes and sponges
- Spices, oils and flavor extracts
Avoid anything that may incur water damage without proper drainage angles. Take inventory of high-turnover kitchen gear to determine optimal shelf contents.
Enhancing Form and Function
Beyond storage alone, specially designed floating shelves incorporated stylistically over sinks inject captivating form to necessary function. Think beyond boring with eye-catching enhancements.
Displaying Items and Collections
Open shelving offers prime opportunities to highlight treasured items like:
- Glassware collections
- Sculptural fruit bowls
- Vintage kitchen tools
- Houseplants, vessels and vases
For easy access, consider placing everyday mugs and water glasses nearby. Install hooks, railing, racks or magnetic strips to neatly organize utensils and towels.
Incorporating Extra Lighting
Proper illumination transforms simple shelves into a focal feature. Clever options include:
- Undermount lighting casting a soft glow for drama
- Low-profile LED strips to highlight collections
- Swing arm sconces for task lighting as needed
Take care not to create uncomfortable glare while prepping food or doing dishes. Lighting keeps displayed items clearly visible and your shelves always looking their best.
Installing floating shelves over your kitchen sink unleashes unused space with style and function. From glass racks displaying stemware to a mini spice rack organizer, the possibilities are endless. Materials like water-resistant laminate or enameled steel withstand moisture and activity. When enhanced with lighting and artful displays, even mundane shelves become a stunning focal feature.
Getting creative with shelves over your sink provides easy-access storage while clearing counters and introducing captivating visual appeal. By following fundamental guidelines covered here for designing and installing floating shelves, you’ll love an optimized, organized kitchen that uniquely reflects your tastes.
