Painted kitchen shelves are an easy and affordable way to add color, character and charm to your kitchen. Whether you’re looking to give your existing shelves a makeover or incorporate painted shelves into a kitchen remodel, a splash of color on your shelves can transform the entire look and feel of the space. From picking paint colors and finishes to prepping and painting techniques, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about designing and decorating painted kitchen shelves.
Benefits of Painted Kitchen Shelves
Before diving into the how-to aspects of painting kitchen shelves, let’s first look at why you may want to paint your shelves in the first place. Here are some of the top benefits and advantages of incorporating painted shelves into your kitchen design:
Adds Color and Visual Interest
One of the biggest benefits of painted shelves is the ability to easily add pops of color around your kitchen. Plain wood or metal shelves can look boring and dated. A fresh coat of paint in an energizing hue like turquoise, orange or lime green can instantly liven up your space. Paint allows you to incorporate color in a flexible, non-permanent way. You can switch up the colors seasonally or whenever you desire.
Painted shelves also add beautiful visual interest through colors and finishes. Whether you opt for a crisp, clean white or a distressed, layered patina, painted shelves include lovely decorative details that wooden or metal shelves just can’t provide on their own.
Affordable Update
Replacing kitchen shelves with new cabinetry can quickly get expensive. Painting your existing shelves provides a budget-friendly update that makes a major impact. A couple cans of paint and some supplies can give your shelves a complete transformation for less than $50 in most cases.
If you have builder-grade oak shelves that look dated and worn, paint provides an easy and affordable way to update them to look custom. The simple act of painting worn shelves white, for example, can make them look significantly more high-end.
Ability to Match Existing Décor
Painted shelves allow you to pull together and unify your kitchen’s existing style. Maybe your kitchen has a vintage farmhouse vibe featuring apron front sinks and ceramic knobs. Painting your open shelves in a distressed white can complement your design cohesively. Or if your kitchen features colorful mosaic tile backsplashes and floors, painting your shelves to match can bring everything together beautifully.
Painted shelves provide flexibility to enhance your kitchen’s current aesthetic rather than having to replace everything. You can also switch up the color scheme seasonally to match changing accent pieces and décor.
Protects and Extends Life of Shelves
A fresh coat of paint can help protect and extend the life of your existing shelves too. Paint provides a protective barrier over unfinished wood, preventing stains, scratches and general wear-and-tear. Prepping and painting worn shelves can restore them to looking like new. The end result is getting more life out of the shelves you already have.
Prep Work: Getting Shelves Ready for Paint
To achieve the best, long-lasting results from your painted shelves, it is important to properly prep the surface prior to painting. Here are the key steps involved in prepping kitchen shelves for a painted makeover:
Clean Thoroughly
Make sure shelves are completely clean and free of any dirt, grease, residue, wax or dirt build-up before painting. A thorough cleaning ensures the paint adheres properly. Wash shelves with a mild detergent and rinse well. Tackle any stuck-on splatters or spills with a degreasing cleaner.
Once dry, wipe down with a lint-free cloth to eliminate any dust or debris. Clean any hardware or pulls that you don’t want painted by soaking in a 50/50 vinegar and water solution, scrubbing and drying thoroughly.
Sand the Surface
Sanding gives the paint something to grip and helps remove any glossy sealants. Lightly sand shelves using 150-220 grit sandpaper. Focus on sanding any particularly shiny or glossy areas. Avoid over-sanding as you want the paint to adhere to the wood, not eat through it. Wipe away sanding dust using a dry cloth.
Fill Any Holes and Imperfections
Examine your shelves closely and use wood filler to patch any holes, dents, scratches or imperfections. Let the filler dry completely and then sand smooth. Addressing flaws prior to priming and painting gives a more seamless, professional finish.
Remove and Properly Store Hardware
Make sure to fully remove any knobs, pulls or hardware from the shelves prior to painting. Set hardware aside in a safe place so it is not accidentally painted. Number hardware if painting multiple shelves and replacing in the same position.
Apply Primer
Priming is an essential step for proper paint adhesion and coverage. Primer creates a uniform surface for the paint to stick to. For best results on kitchen shelves, use an oil-based primer like Zinsser Cover Stain, KILZ Original or Zinsser B-I-N Shellac-Base Primer. Oil-based primers fully seal the wood surface and prevent tannin bleed-through or any wood knots from showing through the final paint. Apply primer according to manufacturer’s instructions, using a good quality brush. Allow primer to fully dry before painting.
With proper prep work completed, your shelves will be ready for a beautiful, long-lasting painted makeover. Don’t skip these essential steps or else you may end up with peeling, cracked or discolored paint down the road. Investing time in proper prep leads to better results.
How to Paint Kitchen Shelves
Once your shelves are prepped and primed, it’s time to get to the fun part – selecting your paint colors and techniques! Here’s an overview of the key steps and considerations when painting kitchen shelves:
Select Paint Type
When choosing paint for kitchen shelves, you’ll want to use a durable formulation that can stand up to the heat, grease and moisture common in kitchens. The choices below work well:
- Alkyd/Oil-Based Enamel Paint – This type of paint provides a hard, glossy and protective finish. It adheres very well to prepared wood and metal. Oil-based paints cure slowly so allow several days for it to fully harden before replacing shelf contents.
- Acrylic Latex Enamel – Water-based acrylic latex paints provide good durability and fast drying times. Look for an interior enamel formulated for kitchen and bath use. Make sure it specifies application to cabinetry/trim.
- Chalk Paint – Provides a trendy matte finish and doesn’t require stripping or priming. Must be sealed with a topcoat for protection on shelves.
- Epoxy Paint – Two-part paint that creates an ultra-durable, glass-like finish. Requires meticulous surface preparation but provides maximum protection.
Pick Paint Sheen
The right sheen impacts a paint’s durability and washability. For shelves that will get handled frequently, wiped down and hold food items, choose a satin, semi-gloss or high-gloss sheen. Matte and flat finishes look pretty but tend to stain more easily. High-gloss enamels provide the toughest, most stain-resistant finish.
Select Paint Colors
Now for the fun part – picking your shelf paint colors! Be sure to select colors that complement your overall kitchen color scheme. Some popular shelf paint color ideas include:
- Crisp White – Fresh and clean looking; makes shelves recede visually
- Bold Hues – Turquoise, coral, chartreuse, navy blue for pops of color
- Neutral Tones – Greige, taupe, warm grays for subtle enhancement
- Metallic Finishes – Brushed gold, silver, copper and bronze for glamorous shine
You can paint all shelves the same color or mix and match. Contrast backing shelves with a different color from facing shelves makes items pop. Or paint shelves an accent color that ties into another element like your backsplash tile.
Apply Paint
Once prepped, primed and with your paint selected, you’re ready to transform your shelves! Make sure you have the right painting supplies – quality brushes, painters tape, drop cloths, etc. Follow all paint manufacturer instructions for best application practices. Here are some general tips:
- Work in a well-ventilated area
- Maintain a wet edge to prevent lap marks
- Use thin, even coats allowing proper dry time between coats
- Work top to bottom
- Use painters tape for clean lines and edges
- Seal paint with protective topcoat if using chalk paint
Applying paint with care leads to the most polished, professional results. Take your time and don’t rush the process. The end result will be worth it!
Reinstall Hardware
Once the paint is fully cured (wait several days for oil-based), reinstall any hardware that was removed using a drill or screwdriver. This final step finishes off your newly painted shelves beautifully!
Design Ideas for Painted Kitchen Shelves
Beyond just choosing a color, you can get creative with painted shelves by incorporating different designs, materials and decorative finishes. Here are some unique ways to dress up your painted kitchen shelves:
Create Faux Reclaimed Wood Shelves
Love the rustic look of reclaimed barnwood but don’t have access to the real deal? Use paint to fake it! Paint shelves in shades of weathered gray, brown or white. Once dry, sand lightly to distress and add white/dark wax for an aged look. Finish by sealing with a matte polyurethane.
Incorporate Wallpaper or Fabric
Take easy DIY to the next level by covering shelves in wallpaper or fabric before painting. Use peel-and-stick wallpaper for an easy update – the options are endless fromatterns, faux textures and designs. Adhere fabric using a spray adhesive or staple gun. Then paint shelves your desired color for a custom, built-in look.
Add Interesting Architectural Details
Painted shelves allow you to incorporate architectural details that real wood can’t provide. Use painter’s tape and paint to add faux panels, shiplap lines, ridges or decorative trim work. Or get creative painting the shelves in an alternating color block design for visual pops. The options are endless!
Mix Natural Wood and Color
The combo of natural wood shelves with painted backs, sides or interiors of shelving provides an eye-catching blend. Or consider painting just the recessed interior of open shelving. This leaves outer frame and supports a natural wood look with hidden color inside.
Layer Different Paint Finishes
For loads of dimensional, rustic character, layer a few different paint finishes on shelves. Start by heavily distressing and sanding, then apply a colored base coat. Follow by lightly dry brushing white paint over the base color to showcase wood grain. Finish with dark wax for an antiqued patina.
Add Handpainted Design Details
If you’re feeling artistic, incorporate handpainted designs onto painted shelves. Ideas include delicate florals, scrolling vines, personalized monograms or meaningful quotes. Even basic geometric patterns add artisanal flair. Clear sealer protects the designs.
Get creative and have fun with the many ways you can dress up and design painted kitchen shelves!
Tips for Styling and Decorating Painted Shelves
You’ve prepped, primed, painted and beautified your shelves. Now it’s time for the fun part – decorating and filling them! Here are helpful tips for styling and decorating your gorgeous new painted kitchen shelves:
Categorize Contents by Usage
Group items on shelves according to usage or category to keep things neat and organized. Place cooking tools like spatulas together and specialty ingredients like oils and vinegars together. This makes items easier to locate when cooking.
Use Bookends
Bookend shelving keeps cookbooks, decorative objects and general clutter from toppling over when reaching for items. Anchor grouped items between bookends for secure styling that stays put.
Incorporate Decor
Don’t just relegate shelves to purely functional storage. Weave in decorative objects like vases, artwork, candles or baskets for visual interest when styling. Just keep scale and weight in mind if placing on higher shelves.
Apply Contact Paper to Shelves
Add an easy patterned punch by applying contact paper featuring checkers, stripes, florals or faux marble to shelves before styling. Just clean shelves thoroughly so the paper adheres smoothly and evenly without bubbles or wrinkles.
Use Risers or Shelving Inserts
Lift displayed items up visually and prevent things from disappearing back on deeper shelves by using risers, racks or shelving inserts. DIY wood crates, metal mini-shelves and acrylic risers work well.
Hang Utensils from Pot Racks
Take advantage of vertical space above shelves by installing pot racks with S-hooks to hang utensils, pots and pans. This frees up shelf space for other kitchen items.
Add Under Shelf Lighting
Install battery-operated or plug-in puck lights underneath shelves to beautifully illuminate displayed items. Lights highlight decorative objects and make it easier to see what’s on the shelves.
Style in Layers
Fill back shelves first, then place larger decorative items, followed by smaller accessories in front for a layered look. This creates a pleasing sense of visual depth.
With these design tips, you can style and decorate your painted shelves in a beautiful, organized manner that suits your kitchen’s aesthetic. Have fun playing around with shelf styling ideas until you find a look you love!
Painted Kitchen Shelf Ideas by Color
To spark inspiration for your own painted shelves makeover, here are some gorgeous kitchens showcasing a range of colorful shelves. Consider how painted shelves in varying hues can enhance your kitchen style:
White Painted Shelves
Crisp, clean white shelves look fresh and bright against colorful backsplashes. Distressed and chippy white finishes complement vintage, farmhouse kitchens beautifully.
Black Painted Shelves
Bold black shelves pop against light walls and provide an elegant, sophisticated look. The dark color keeps shelves receded visually.
Navy Blue Painted Shelves
Deep navy blue makes a dramatic style statement and pairs beautifully with brass accents and white kitchen elements.
Green Painted Shelves
Vibrant green shelves add youthful pops of color. Paint a soft sage green for a more subtle earthy vibe.
Gray Painted Shelves
On-trend grays work in both modern and traditional kitchens. Go light or charcoal gray depending on your style.
Yellow Painted Shelves
Sunny yellow evokes happy, upbeat energy. Use mustard or soft lemon yellows accordingly.
No matter your kitchen design, painted shelves in an array of gorgeous colors can make your space shine!
Painted Shelves – Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re considering adding painted shelves to your kitchen, chances are you have some questions about the process. Here we’ll cover some of the most frequently asked questions about painted kitchen shelves:
Are painted shelves easy to clean?
Painted shelves with proper prep and a durable paint finish clean up just as easily as wood shelves. Use a mild soap and water or all-purpose cleaner to wipe down. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrub pads which can dull the finish over time. Reseal painted shelves every year or two with polyurethane for added protection.
How long does it take to paint shelves?
The time involved depends on the extent of your shelving, but in general, expect painting shelves to be about a 1-3 day project. Proper prep and priming takes up the bulk of the time. The actual painting process typically only takes an afternoon once primed and ready for color. But allow several additional days for the paint to fully cure before restyling and using shelves.
Should I paint the underside of shelves?
It is recommended to paint the underside of shelves for a fully finished look. Use a small trim brush for the underside and a mini roller for the topside for the easiest application. Painting just the visible portion can work but may
