Is your space above the kitchen sink wasted? Or overflowing with clutter from dishes, cleaning supplies, and more? If your sink area is lacking in storage or style, it may be time to shelve it!
Floating shelves are a great way to maximize unused space over your sink and add both storage and visual appeal. Clever floating shelf ideas can help organize your kitchen, display decorative items, and give your sink area a beautiful, put-together look.
Problems with Sink Areas
Many kitchen sinks are plagued by a lack of storage space and inefficient organization. It’s a high-traffic area prone to clutter and mess. Common problems include:
- No room to store dishes, cleaning supplies, sponges
- Items strewn about haphazardly
- Looks cluttered and messy
- Wasted space above the sink
Without sufficient storage, your sink area can easily become an eyesore. A disorganized space filled with clutter is both unappealing and inefficient. Fixing these common problems is as simple as taking storage to new heights!
Benefits of Adding Floating Shelves
Installing floating shelves above your kitchen sink offers many benefits compared to leaving the space empty. Floating shelves allow you to:
- Gain extra storage space in a high-traffic area
- Get organized by corralling clutter
- Display and store items decoratively
- Create an eye-catching focal point
- Install yourself with easy DIY kits
- Update your kitchen affordably
With shelves above the sink, everything has a dedicated place. No more searching for dish soap or sponges! Keep your most-used items within reach but out of sight. Floating shelves add beauty and valuable function.
Shelf Placement Tips
Before installing floating shelves, consider placement carefully. Measure the wall space to determine what will fit. Here are some placement tips:
- Don’t place shelves too high to easily access items
- Avoid low placement that requires ducking underneath
- Check for sinks, windows, or light fixtures that may limit placement
- Consider proximity to outlets if wiring lights or other electrical
The ideal height depends on your kitchen layout, ceiling height, and how you plan to use the shelves. Place items you use most frequently within easy reach. Be sure to account for any existing features like windows when mapping out shelf placement.
Shelf Types and Styles
Floating shelves come in a wide array of materials, sizes, shapes and styles. Consider your kitchen’s existing design when selecting shelf options. Choices include:
- Wood planks for a natural look
- Sleek glass or metal for modern spaces
- Rustic wood with visible grains and knots
- Bold black metal brackets or wire supports
- Reclaimed barnwood for farmhouse style
- Concrete or stone for an industrial vibe
Narrow shelves work well for displaying small decor items and plants. Medium shelves can store stacks of dishes and essentials. Wide shelves create ample storage for large baskets or cookware. Mix and match both shelf types and styles for visual interest.
Shelf Uses and Display Ideas
Floating shelves allow for creative storage solutions and attractive displays. Ways to utilize the space include:
- Daily use dishes like mugs and plates
- Spice jars, olive oil, cooking tools
- Cleaning supplies like sponges and brushes
- Decorative touches like vases, baskets, art
- Fresh herbs suspended in planters
- Oils, vinegars, condiments
Group items by usage or coordinating aesthetics. Style shelves based on your needs. Floating shelves are perfect for both form and function above the sink.
Everyday Dishes and Glassware
Make shelves part of your dish storage with everyday plates, bowls, mugs stacked attractively. Place settings right above the sink are always party-ready. Opt for open shelves or with doors for a more hidden look. Install a rail for hanging mugs or utensils.
Spices, Oils and Cooking Tools
Keep cooking essentials close by but out of the way. Shelves are ideal for spices, oils and condiments. Mount them near the stove for easy access when cooking. Hang utensils from hooks or place in pretty crocks and canisters.
Cleaning and Scrubbing Supplies
No more digging under sinks for sponges! Corral scrub brushes, soaps and cleaning products on shelves. Use baskets to neatly store supplies. Place a shelf for drying washed rags and hand towels.
Plants, Baskets, Art and Knickknacks
Show off your style with shelves displaying plants, artwork, baskets and decorations. Floating shelves create a pretty gallery wall effect with framed photos and art prints. Allow greenery like succulents and trailing vines to add life.
Design Inspiration and Examples
Ready to design your dream shelves? Browse these examples for inspiration:
Eclectic Shelving Style
For a playful look, opt for an eclectic mix of shelves at varying heights, colors and materials. Combine wood boards, sleek metal rails, wire baskets, and concrete brackets. The key is controlled chaos!
Color Coordinated Shelves
Make a design statement with bold, colorful shelves in complementary hues. Try pairing crimson shelves with emerald accents. Or vibrant yellow with mellow blue tones. Coordinating color creates visual impact.
Natural Wood Shelves
The beauty of natural wood grain shines with floating shelves in oak, maple or walnut. For added depth, combine boards in light and dark stains. Allow wood’s organic texture to take center stage.
Sleek Modern Shelves
Contemporary kitchens suit sleek, streamlined shelves in materials like glossy lacquered wood or stainless steel. Built-in LED lighting adds modern appeal. Keep lines and edges clean and furniture-like.
Rustic Farmhouse Shelves
Achieve cozy farmhouse style with reclaimed wood shelves in weathered grays and finishes. Opt for floating crates, milk canisters, galvanized tin buckets. Add vintage-inspired ceramic knickknacks and classic signage.
Industrial Shelving
Exposed pipes, solid wood, and iron mesh lend an urban industrial vibe. Try open metal framework with wood shelving for an architectural look. Add earthy accents like concrete planters and wire baskets.
Installation Tips and Considerations
While most floating shelves are easy DIY projects, proper installation is key. Follow best practices for secure, level mounting:
- Use appropriate hardware for your wall’s construction
- Carefully measure and level spacing
- Follow all manufacturer instructions
- Get help installing large or heavy-duty shelves
Take time to mount shelves accurately so they remain stable over time. Leveling ensures shelves sit straight and items don’t slide. Don’t overload shelves; distribute weight evenly. With careful installation, floating shelves become a forever fixture.
Alternative Space Saving Ideas
While versatile floating shelves maximize space beautifully, they aren’t the only option for storing items and reducing clutter around the sink. Other handy ideas include:
- Hanging pot rack for cookware storage
- Wall-mounted rail for utensils and pans
- Vertical storage bins for sponges and scrub brushes
- Under cabinet racks and baskets for oils, soaps, etc.
Look at the wall space around your entire kitchen sink when planning updates. Take advantage of unused areas with handy storage solutions that also enhance your space.
Is your sink area disorganized or lacking in storage? Install space-saving floating shelves to solve clutter woes and unlock hidden potential above your sink. With clever shelf ideas, you can create attractive displays, store essentials within reach, and enjoy a beautifully organized kitchen.
Floating shelves add both form and function to overlooked wall space. Choose from a variety of materials, configurations and designs to suit your needs. Follow installation best practices for secure mounting. Embrace the many possibilities for storage, organization and style with the creative use of floating shelves in your kitchen.
