Kitchen Counter Shelf

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If you’re running low on countertop space or it’s just not as tidy as you’d wish, a kitchen counter shelf will work some real magic on your cluttered surface! You can find them in all kinds of sizes and styles, from single shelves to tiered models for extra storage. To make it easier for you, we’ve scouted for different high-quality counter shelves so that you can see which type would better suit your needs.

13 Recommendations and 147 Ideas

Updated 12/04/2023
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1
Premium kitchen countertop shelf with several tiers

Premium kitchen countertop shelf with several tiers

Homode

Thanks to its flexible design, you can use this unique three-tiered kitchen counter shelf system as a straight or corner model to really match your countertop’s layout and maximize your storage possibilities.

Designer Advice:

Combining a rustic wood finish and black iron legs, it can easily match farmhouse and cottage decor styles as well as more industrial kitchens.

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2
Corner shelf for kitchen counter

Corner shelf for kitchen counter

This sturdy stainless steel model in a tiered shape consists of a smaller shelf (13.5” W x 10” D x 6.5” H) on top of a longer surface just short of 20 inches.

Designer Advice:

By relying on a corner design, it’s especially great news for the smallest countertops where you thought nothing would fit. You could store spices, shakers, or cruets on the top shelf, a few other small items on the main one, and plates or larger equipment underneath it.

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3
Kitchen counter shelf for microwaves

Kitchen counter shelf for microwaves

Just under 24” wide, this metal kitchen counter shelf is the perfect size for most microwaves. Not only is it available in two heights, but it’s adjustable too, so it’ll never look out of place. It comes with three removable hooks that are ideal for kitchen utensils.

Designer Advice:

This type of shelf is a game-changer if your microwave steals too big of a countertop portion. However, you might not have much room left on top if your cupboards are fairly short.

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4
Free standing kitchen countertop shelves with tiers

Free standing kitchen countertop shelves with tiers

Rebrilliant

If you’re worried that a single kitchen counter shelf won’t be enough, you’re going to love these black coated carbon steel models. They’re available in two sizes, both 5.9” H x 11.8” W but with different depths, meaning that you can either purchase them separately or stack them together.

Designer Advice:

Tiered solutions are especially handy if you’re looking to store different types of items. The fact that they don’t involve a mesh design makes it easier to display smaller ones, too.

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5
Pantry style countertop shelf

Pantry style countertop shelf

HYNAWIN

Available in four different sizes, these multifunctional three-tiered models have one thing in common: their adjustable shelves make it a breeze to match your storage needs should they change in the future. The fact that they’re made of bamboo positions them as a fantastic sustainable option, too.

Designer Advice:

This design is especially going to revolutionize narrow countertops where traditional shelves wouldn’t leave you much room for food preparation.

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6
Kitchen counter shelf in a neutral finish

Kitchen counter shelf in a neutral finish

Prep & Savour

Both height-adjustable and extendable (up to 23.2”), this countertop shelf gives you the highest flexibility. Thanks to its rustproof and scratch-resistant finish, it’s also durable and easy to clean.

As well as its practical features, check out its versatile black look.

Designer Advice:

We think it’s a handy solution if you were hoping for a model that could also complement your palette rather than your kitchen’s metallic accents or surfaces.

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7
Decorative countertop shelf

Decorative countertop shelf

Rebrilliant

This set of two kitchen counter shelves (11.7” L x 7.02'' W x 2.34'' H each) offers lots of possibilities both from a functional and decorative standpoint. You can use them as two separate shelves on different sections of your countertop or stack them together to obtain a three-tier solution.

Designer Advice:

Unlike most stainless steel models that focus on practicality, this wood and metal set will also allow you to complement your kitchen’s wood finishes and make a delightful decorative statement.

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8
Best Budget
Stackable Countertop Shelf Organizer

Stackable Countertop Shelf Organizer

Perfect For: Minimalist homes

What We Like: Sturdy build

What We Don’t: Not enough storage for big kitchens

Available in two sizes, this countertop shelf is a compact addition to your kitchen counter. It has a sturdy wood and steel build that you can stack on top of other shelves to add more space. Its simple white and brown frame is easy to match with modern and classic decors.

Designer Advice:

Give your small kitchen counters an uplift with this space-saving shelf organizer. Put it on top of your microwave or other objects to create a two-tiered shelf. Its sturdy and versatile design works great for kitchen counters, coffee stations, or work desks. It’s spacious enough for small to mid-sized items. The white base with a light brown top gives your cluttered counters a clean and neat appearance.

What Users Say:

Great for organizing and provides extra surface area for my kitchen countertops. The style and quality are great too.

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9
Expandable kitchen counter shelf

Expandable kitchen counter shelf

Rebrilliant

This stainless steel kitchen counter shelf is particularly reliable thanks to its rust-resistant and anti-slip rubber feet, but it’s the expandable feature that makes it stand (and… stretch) out.

Designer Advice:

We especially recommend it if you tend to reorganize your kitchen equipment, cupboards, and countertop fairly often: all you need to do is adjust its racks to meet your everchanging storage needs, from large plates to small sauces and more.

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10
Best Splurge
Freestanding Rectangular Kitchen Countertop Shelves

Freestanding Rectangular Kitchen Countertop Shelves

Yamazaki Home

Perfect For: Narrow kitchen counters

What We Like: Lots of storage options

What We Don’t: Gathers kitchen grease easily

Available in white and black finish options, this three-tiered steel shelf comes with adjustable shelves. Its lowest shelf features gray pads that double up as trivets for hot pots and pans while the side railings support caddies and hooks. The shelf has a compact frame that fits into narrow countertop spaces well.

$108

Designer Advice:

This narrow counter is easy to style behind your stovetop, around the sink, and in other awkward countertop spaces. It has a versatile and simple design which allows you to match it with multiple decor styles. The frame is very stylish and sleek and without a back, giving the shelves a clean look. It is also easy to clean and supports a variety of kitchen tools on its tiny body.

What Users Say:

This is a great shelf with a lot of room. It was very easy to put together and sturdy. I love it!

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11
Set of stackable countertop shelves

Set of stackable countertop shelves

Rebrilliant

Including two large kitchen counter shelves (12.7” L x 9” W x 6” H) and two smaller ones (12.7” L x 8.7” W x 5.7” H), this strong metal set offers you the most flexibility.

Designer Advice:

From spices to plates and pantry items, you can either use them separately on your countertop and inside your cupboards or stack them together to optimize your space even further while creating some interesting decorative lines.

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12
Best Eco-friendly
Open Frame Kitchen Countertop Shelf

Open Frame Kitchen Countertop Shelf

Lavish Home

Perfect For: Countertop corners

What We Like: Bacteria-resistant

What We Don’t: Does not suit all kitchens

This shelving rack is perfect for corner spaces on your kitchen countertops. It features a sturdy, durable, and bacteria-resistant bamboo body with a natural light brown finish. The piece provides you with plenty of storage with its spacious three-tier design.

Designer Advice:

Add purpose to those empty countertop corners in your kitchen with some vertical shelving options like this one. Its bamboo build is a great solution for compact kitchen spaces where making messes is a given. The front side doesn’t have any poking corners which makes it safe to access the shelves and objects on it. We particularly love the natural look it lends to the kitchen.

What Users Say:

Perfect for the purpose, great quality, easy to assemble. I bought two long time ago and (they are) still like new.

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13
Small countertop shelf

Small countertop shelf

Less than 11 inches long and made of steel, this kitchen counter shelf is a versatile solution available as a set of four.

After all, if you don’t actually need to store lots of items, there’s no point in getting a longer one!

Designer Advice:

Fact that it comes as a set, though, is great news for other parts of your kitchen: for example, because it’s large enough for most plates, you could use a couple of them in your cupboards.

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Jump to More Ideas
Kitchen Counter Shelf

Buying Guide

There’s nothing trickier than getting your kitchen storage sorted. For starters, there’s never enough space to store your stuff, even if you have a kitchen the size of a large cavern. And if you have a small galley, then you are probably ripping your hair out trying to get organized and curb the chaos.

On one side, you have pantries and cabinets that are crammed to the brim. But on the other side, you have unused corners and awkward alcoves lying unused. That’s where counter shelves come into the picture.

Kitchen counter shelves are an unconventional but resourceful way of maximizing every inch of your kitchen space. The best part is that you can add one just about anywhere in the kitchen. Sounds confusing? Here’s some help.

Grab a pen and a piece of paper and take a tour of your kitchen. Now jot down all the potential spaces that are lying unused. Above the window, under the cabinets, above the sink, the backsplash, corners, behind the doors, make a note of everything. You can find a counter shelf that will fit into each one of these.

  • Floating shelves can be installed above the windows. It can be used for displaying your kitchenware as well as for lesser used items.
  • Glass shelves installed under the cabinets are a smart storage solution that doesn’t interrupt the aesthetics, yet serves the purpose.
  • The under-cabinet area can also be used for installing simple hanging shelving for cups, cookware and pans. Or a pegboard.
  • Corner shelves offer an ingenious solution for utilizing unused corners in your home. It can be a simple, tiered wire frame shelf or something more eye-pleasing, like an étagère.
  • You can also opt for swinging units like carousels and half-carousels for the corners.
  • Pull-out units or larder units can be installed inside cabinets if you have unused space.

Irrespective of the type of shelving you select, measure the available space accurately. Make a note of the length, the width and the depth of the space. In case of awkward corners, you’d probably have to run some additional math. Corner shelves are usually shaped like a triangle or a semi-circle. You’d have to calculate the area for one shelf and then multiply it by the number of shelves.

The most popular materials for kitchen shelves are:

  • Particleboard, for example, is an excellent pick for floating shelves. It can be finished to match the cabinets or other furniture pieces and will not cost an arm and a leg.
  • Glass can be used for creating a variety of counter shelves.
  • Metal, especially stainless steel with a chrome finish renders an industrial touch to a kitchen and works well with modern décor themes.

You can, by all means, select a counter shelf that matches the material of your cabinets, which most probably will be wood or MDF. It will most likely have to be custom made though and can cost a pretty penny, especially if you are installing multiple units. But if you are looking for a more practical solution, then select any material that’s durable, cost-effective and does the job.

Best Ideas

Kitchen counter corner shelf

Kitchen Counter Corner Shelf

Kitchen counter shelf 1

Kitchen shelves made of wood and metal. Base is finished with sunflower theme. Perfect for stroing spices, cups and others needed items. Functional design for each home.

Cook N Home 2-Tier Counter Storage Shelf, Stainless Steel

Manufactured from Stainless Steel the 2-Tier Counter Storage Shelf includes small and large shelf with sturdy metal poles for legs. Neat styling emphasizes modern design making it suitable for many types of décor.

Lipper International Bamboo Over-The-Sink Shelf

This over-the-sink shelf is constructed of ecologically responsible bamboo for a natural look and feel and is just perfect for storing your handsoap or potted herbs, while it will also prove great for the hobby area or mudroom.

Whitmor 6066-930 Supreme Over The Sink Shelf

MyGift® Rustic Brown Dual Tier Wire Spice Rack Jars Storage Organizer (Kitchen Countertop or Wall Mount)

Organize your spices perfectly from now on and never again worry about running out of space, since this spice rack jars organizer offers a structure big enough to fulfill everyone's needs easily and the durable metal will last for years to come.

Seville Classics SHE14052 Expandable Kitchen Counter Shelf, Silver

Practical and aesthetic Expandable Kitchen Counter & Cabinet Shelf in Gunmetal Finish, suitable for any kitchen. This sturdy iron shelf is going to help you organize your plates, bowls, and cups, while ensuring long years of usage.

Kitchen Counter and Cabinet Shelf, White(16.3/4"length X 8.1/4"width X 6"hight)

Solid, efficient, and designed in a compact size, this Kitchen Counter & Cabinet Shelf in White Finish is going to better organize your kitchen. Manufactured from PE coated steel construction, the shelf provides an impressive durability, and can also be stored in smaller spaces.

Over the Sink Shelf - Bronze

Expandable Adjustable Kitchen Counter and Cabinet Shelf Organizer Space Saver, White(adjustable From16 .3/4 to 30.3/4"length X 8.1/4"width X 6"height) 1189

Expandable Kitchen Counter and Cabinet Shelf, White(adjustable From16 .3/4 to 30.3/4"length X 8.1/4"width X 6"hight)

DecoBros Expandable Stackable Kitchen Cabinet and Counter Shelf Organizer, Silver

Seville Classics SHE14049 2-Tier Corner Shelf Organizer, Silver

Corner organizer for dishes in silver color. It looks good and saves space. Organizer has 3 levels. It lets you store cups, plates, small towels and other kitchen odds and ends. It is used in every kitchen, and more.

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