July 14, 2025
Living in Omaha, Nebraska: Your Guide to the Gateway to the West
Whether it’s the rising cost of living, a desire for more space, or the flexibility of remote work, Americans are on the move, and Omaha is on t...
Picture this: You step into your new apartment to find that you’ve got an open-shelving kitchen. Maybe it’s exciting because you get to embrace that hygge Scandi look you’ve always wanted. Or maybe it’s overwhelming — where will you put your stuff? Either way, these tips will help you tame your open shelves!
When you have open shelving, dark cabinets piled with random junk are no longer an option. Not only are your shelves exposed, but everything you keep on them is out in the open, too! The line between storage and decor has suddenly become blurry. Here are a few tips on what to do with those shelves.
Open shelving is trendy in modern kitchens. In many instances, open shelving may replace traditional upper cabinets altogether. While you can put almost anything on your shelves (depending on the width and weight limit of the mounting hardware), much like an open floor plan, it’s important to keep them stacked neatly and not cluttered. Some of the best items to store on your open kitchen shelves include:
Open shelves aren’t just for your kitchen! Sometimes, living rooms may have open shelves or built-in shelving that you can use. But what do you put on open living room shelves?
When it comes to open shelving, dust can become your toughest obstacle. Keeping your shelves dust-free can be challenging but not impossible with these ideas:
Use your open shelving to store items you often use, such as coffee cups and plates. By constantly using and washing the items on the shelves, they won’t collect dust as quickly.
No matter how hard you try…dust is going to happen. It’s an accumulation of dirt, human and pet dander, and other small particles in your home. A quick swipe of a duster will help keep dust to a minimum, as will vacuuming the rest of your home. Don’t forget to start with the top shelves and work your way down!
Even if you rotate your cups frequently, they’ll still collect dust. To avoid accumulating dust on the inside, keep concave items like mugs and cups upside down. Stick with storing your wine glasses right-side-up, though, as the delicate rims aren’t designed to support the weight of the glass.
If your open shelves just aren’t working, try covering them. Small curtains purpose-made for attaching to shelves can help mask the clutter inside. Consider using an accent color to help the rest of your decor pop! Peel-and-stick hanging options are ideal for renters.
Curtains not your thing? Try enclosing your items instead: transfer dry foods, like oatmeal and rice, to stylish clear containers for a minimal look that also helps protect the food inside. Alternatively, store items in decorative bins with simple labels for the best of both worlds.
When you’re relocating for work, you don’t always have a choice over where you stay and you have to work with what you’ve got by making the best of the existing design elements. Open shelving is common in modern styles, so your next travel nursing apartment, military housing assignment, off-campus dorm, or corporate housing may have this feature. Love it or hate it, making the most of the existing style can help to personalize your space.
And when it comes to furnishing your space beyond the shelves, you’ve got options there, too. CORT has flexible furniture packages that fit your needs and your space. You can tailor your CORT package from a studio to 4 bedrooms or even an off-campus student apartment to best work with your living situation. Get started at your local CORT showroom or online today.
