How to make kitchen shelves look more expensive, according to interior designers

A kitchen requires a curated balance of style and function – and shelving is the perfect addition. From free-standing units to floating alternatives, using and decorating them the right way can instantly give them a more luxurious finish.

There are so many kitchen shelving ideas to consider when introducing this storage feature to your design, but making them look elevated isn't always easy. The good news is that interior designers know exactly how to give shelves an expert upgrade – and they've shared their tips and tricks with H&G.

From balancing function and style to the pieces that will make your shelves look more expensive, here's how to make kitchen shelves look more luxurious – and it's easier than you might think.

7 ways to make kitchen shelves look more expensive

From the shelf material to the pieces you display and how you style them, there are plenty of ways to give kitchen shelving a more expensive appearance – and there's something here to work in any style and space.

1. Stain your kitchen shelves

The material you choose for your kitchen shelving will instantly have an impact on how luxurious they feel. And if you've opted for wood, tone is everything.

'I think two elements can elevate your shelves. The first thing is stained shelves – there is something about a natural material that feels luxurious and is such a simple way to add character to a space,' says Cathleen Gruver, of Gruver Cooley Interiors.

The color you choose to stain your shelves will depend on your kitchen scheme but try to keep them in the existing tones used throughout your space to give them a truly expensive look. In this scheme, shelves have been stained the same tone as the kitchen flooring, creating cohesion and tying the design together.

2. Add decorative hardware

A simple yet elevated way to give your kitchen shelves a more luxurious, expensive appeal is to go decorative with the hardware – specifically the shelf brackets. This not only makes them look more intentional, but it offers an opportunity to add another cohesive detail to your scheme.

One avenue to explore is to match your shelf brackets to your kitchen hardware. If you've gone for brass for your handles and faucet, introduce the same finish to your shelves for an elegant and expensive look.

Another option is to introduce brackets that feel elevated in design. In this kitchen, shelves are held up by brackets that have a beautiful curved profile, which makes them look truly luxurious.

3. Design your shelving into cabinetry

Kitchen shelving that looks bespoke instantly looks more expensive. There are plenty of ways to make shelves fit perfectly into your kitchen, and this kitchen is a perfect example... or two!

'Designing shelving into the cabinetry is a great way to include them without it feeling out of place. In our Rock Creek Kitchen, we were able to add shelving in two different places in a smart but stylish way,' says Sarah Snouffer, founder and principal architect at Third Street Architecture.

'Smaller shelving worked into the end of the string of wall cabinets allows for multi-use. The floating shelf capped with decorative trim is a beautiful way to tie this element in,' she adds.

4. Decorate kitchen shelves as you would a bookshelf

The ever-beloved bookshelf wealth trend that has dominated the home design world proves personal and eclectic is the way to go. While you might consider kitchen shelves to be a functional addition, creating that bookshelf aesthetic will instantly give them an expensive look.

'Add a luxurious feel to your kitchen shelves by investing in styling them in a similar way to how you might style bookshelves. Create styled vignettes with cookbooks, decorative crocks of utensils, beautiful dishware and glassware, and any pantry items with really artful labels or containers,' suggests interior designer Kathy Kuo.

'You can still keep things very practical – and you should, because you want your kitchen to be functional – but it's amazing how much more elevated the look can be when you simply look around for the most beautiful items in your kitchen and then spend some time styling them in a design-savvy way.'

5. Introduce shelf lights

Sometimes, it's not the actual shelves or how you style them that makes them look expensive. Even the most beautifully curated shelves can look dull and lackluster if they are in a dark corner, so adding additional kitchen lighting is key.

'How you style your shelves can make a big difference in how they look in your kitchen. But making sure they are lit well can make a world of difference,' says Cathleen.

In this kitchen, wall lights above the shelf are perfectly placed to not only illuminate the countertops but also add much-needed light to the shelves. This simple addition gives the decor the spotlight it deserves. For a more contemporary option, LED lights on each shelf would look just as elevated.

6. Fill kitchen shelves with inherited kitchenware and plants

If adding lots of decorative doesn't appeal, or simply isn't practical in your kitchen, a balance of kitchenware and plants can add a lovely touch to your space. And, if you have inherited pieces such as glassware, adding these vintage additions instantly adds a more expensive finish.

'Kitchen shelves are there first and foremost to be functional, but that doesn't mean you should toss any old thing up there. Take open shelving as an opportunity to invest in some high-quality dishware that reflects your style, or put your grandmother's glassware on display,' says interior designer Bethany Adams.

'Fill out the uppermost shelves with a dainty framed painting and – if your shelves are near a window – add a delicately trailing, but low maintenance plant, like pothos vine. This mix of form and function will bring a touch of luxury to any kitchen shelf.'

7. Play with color, texture, and scale when styling open shelving

You really can't go wrong with open shelving in a kitchen. It fills an empty wall, adds a lass built-in feature, and offers abundant opportunities for adding a more personal element to your scheme that instantly feels luxurious.

'Don’t hesitate to showcase your special occasion dishware – it brings a personal touch to your kitchen while giving those beautiful pieces the spotlight they deserve. Combine them with meaningful objects and elements you’ve gathered over the years, whether they’re family heirlooms or unique artisanal finds,' says interior designer Becky Shea.

'The goal is to create a curated yet functional display. Balance is key, so avoid overcrowding any single area. Mixing different textures, colors, and heights will help you achieve a cohesive, visually engaging arrangement. This approach not only elevates your kitchen’s aesthetic but also adds depth and storytelling to the space,' she adds.

Whether you stain your shelves, add decorative hardware, or opt for a more curated display, these ways to make your kitchen shelves look more expensive are achievable and effective in any space.