Kitchen Shelves

What Are Kitchen Shelves?

Open shelving has recently become a popular trend for kitchen layouts in New Zealand. Open shelving allows homeowners to display their antique china and cutlery pieces like they were artwork.

It is a concept that adds both practicality and style to all types of kitchens. Therefore, many homeowners are now choosing open shelving over kitchen cupboard organisers. 

In fact, they have become so popular in New Zealand that designers and homeowners debate whether the open shelves are better for kitchens. 

Among many options to choose from regarding kitchen storage & organisers, open shelving kitchens have become quite a popular option and offer various advantages over their closed shelved counterparts. 

Advantages Of Open Kitchen Shelves

Open kitchen shelving has various benefits in New Zealand; some of them include:

Creating Airy Look 

They visually open up the kitchen space and make it appear brighter and more spacious. Kitchen racks are the ideal choice for those looking to create an airy and open look in their kitchen. 

Convenience

Kitchen drawer organisers and shelves eliminate the need to dig through drawers and cabinets, looking for something specific. 

Meanwhile, open shelving gives quick access to daily-use utensils and dishes. They make every kitchen appliance easily accessible, and all the utensils can be seen at a glance. 

Increases Kitchen Aesthetics And Style

Cabinetry, benchtops, and pantry systems usually cover up any pretty wall fixture in place. However, with the option of open kitchen shelving, a homeowner can show off their tiles, paint, and other wall coverings. 

To increase the aesthetic appeal of open kitchen shelves, homeowners in New Zealand often use LED strip lights or cabinet lights to provide a sleek and modern look. 

Budget-Friendly

Kitchen wall shelves are typically much more economical than conventional cabinets. Therefore, installing storage racks is less expensive, and one can allocate the extra money saved from them to a different area of the kitchen to remodel. 

Inspires Organisation In The Kitchen

Everything displayed on wall-mounted kitchen shelves is visible. Naturally, therefore, homeowners would want to keep things clean and organised.

They Are A Collector’s Dream

If someone has a beautiful collection of exotic serveware, dishware, decorative items, or cutlery, kitchen wall shelves give them a place to showcase it. 

Right Fit For Non-Standard Space

In New Zealand, kitchen corner shelves can be modified to fit into areas where a cabinet will not be able to, like small spaces around doors or odd corners. 

Improves Charm

Open shelves will add a certain charm to the kitchen, which cabinets do not provide. Whether one prefers a simple monochrome collection of their dishes or a colourful and eclectic mix, showcasing everything in the open will make the kitchen appear warm and welcoming. 

Various Types Of Kitchen Shelves

Here are some types of kitchen storage shelves available in New Zealand:

Glass Across Windows

One trend that has emerged in New Zealand over the past few years is the open glass shelving overlapping the kitchen windows. 

There are also instances where the wooden shelves overlap those windows, but the wooden ones do not compare to the effect created by glass panes. 

With open glass shelving, it looks as if the dishes are floating in the air with no support!

Floating Wooden Shelves

These types of wooden shelves are no doubt an excellent addition to any kitchen style. The wood adds tone to the existing look of the kitchen, while the floating part adds a bit of a modern vibe. 

Fixed Bracket Shelves

This type of shelving is among the most popular arrangements in New Zealand because it is also considered the safest one. Here, the brackets are fixed on the walls, and shelves are fitted onto them. 

The main benefit is that due to it being attached to the wall, the chances of it falling or breaking are minimal, making it an ideal option for houses with pets or toddlers. 

Built-In Shelves

Like wine racks & cellars, built-in shelves are pre-installed in a house, making practical use of each corner. 

Several shelves can be installed depending on the space. And this can be done by adding a frame or door to secure whatever is on display. 

Cleaning And Maintenance Of Kitchen Shelves

Every kitchen needs regular cleaning and maintenance because everyone hates greasy frying pan splashbacks. 

So whether it is kitchen sinks and tapware, spice racks, or kitchen shelves, all require periodic cleaning. 

Here is a step-by-step guide to clean and maintain kitchen shelves in New Zealand:

• Remove all the items on top of the rack; clean both the items and the rack
• Put the things in the box and set them aside
• If there are multiple shelves in the kitchen, then start at the top and then work down. By doing this, if any debris or dust falls, it will land on the shelf, which will be cleaned either way
• Once the shelf is free of everything, dust it with a soft cloth or a duster and remove any loose dust. And if the shelf has a lining on it (like closet, kitchen, or bathroom shelf); remove and clean it as well
• Now the shelf is ready to be cleaned. Use a designated cleaner for the material which the shelf is made of
• Wipe the shelf with cleaning product and a soft cloth
• Rinse if required
• If applicable, replace the shelf line
• Return the removed item to the shelf
• Continue towards the next shelf and clean it by repeating the steps