Are you looking for an innovative and budget-friendly way to refresh your home decor? Discover how leftover wallpaper can be brilliantly repurposed to create stunning decorative backdrops for open kitchen shelves or bookshelves in any room. This clever technique allows you to effortlessly coordinate your shelving with your room’s existing decor or color scheme, adding a layer of depth and personalized style. Even if your kitchen lacks open shelving, don’t worry – this guide will also show you how to easily transform closed cabinets into stylish open displays in mere minutes.

As a passionate home decorator, I’ve found immense joy in restyling the open shelves in my small kitchen. It’s a fantastic canvas for seasonal transformations, allowing me to inject new life and personality into my home throughout the year without a complete overhaul.

In a small kitchen, decorative surfaces—both horizontal and vertical—are often limited without risking a cluttered appearance. To maintain functionality, I strive to keep my counters as clear as possible. My primary focus for decor naturally shifts to the open shelves. By styling them differently each season and year, they remain fresh and exciting, reflecting the evolving aesthetics of my home.

No Open Shelves? How to Easily Create Them in Your Kitchen

Many homes, like mine, don’t originally come with integrated open shelves. But the good news is, you can create them yourself with surprising ease! My own open shelves were born from a simple act: removing two cabinet doors that were inconveniently situated due to a counter peninsula. This quick DIY not only solved an accessibility issue but also opened up a wonderful new decorating opportunity.

The image above shows my kitchen before its top-to-bottom makeover. You can see the cabinets positioned above the white microwave on the counter—these were the very doors I removed to create the open shelving you see today. This simple modification can dramatically change the feel and functionality of your kitchen.

For a detailed guide on how to easily remove cabinet doors, whether you prefer a temporary alteration or a more permanent transformation, consult our comprehensive instructions.

A Cozy Fall Update: Styling My Open Kitchen Shelves

Over time, I’ve discovered that styling my shelves with existing items is often all the “seasonal accent” my kitchen needs. What I truly crave is a sense of color, warmth, and coziness, rather than a need to purchase new decor for every surface. The joy comes from creative arrangement and thoughtful curation.

This year, for my autumn decor, I opted for a darker, more moody aesthetic to bring a welcoming coziness to the otherwise bright white shelves. The result has been incredibly satisfying, creating an inviting atmosphere that perfectly captures the spirit of fall.

In previous decorating projects, to add visual interest to open shelves, I’ve experimented with various backdrops. I’ve used cardboard covered with fabric to fit into the backs of bookshelves. I also enhanced open kitchen shelves in a previous home using foam boards and elegant gift wrap for dramatic effect. However, I had never before ventured into using classic wallpaper to line the back of open shelves—until now.

While exploring my decor stash for items that would complement this year’s blue, orange, and yellow fall color scheme, I rediscovered a fantastic find: several large remnant pieces of grasscloth wallpaper in a deep tan hue. I’d purchased them at a rummage sale for just $6 a few years prior – a true bargain that perfectly aligned with my vision.

I immediately knew this grasscloth would be the ideal lining for the back of the open shelves, bringing a sophisticated texture and grounding color. Thankfully, there was just enough to complete the project!

You might recall seeing this versatile wallpaper previously in my home. I used it to create picture frame mats for the photo gallery wall in my living room, and also to craft a DIY foldable decorative screen to elegantly conceal the fireplace during the summer months. The continuity is delightful; now, with the long view from the living room into the kitchen, both spaces share a harmonizing color accent, creating a cohesive and pleasing aesthetic throughout my home.

Do Blue and Brown Go Together? Understanding Complementary Colors

For those familiar with color theory and the color wheel, you’ll recognize that blue and brown—or more specifically, shades like deep tan and various blues—are often considered complementary colors, or at least harmonious pairings. While not directly opposite on a traditional painter’s color wheel, their inherent qualities allow them to work exceptionally well together. Blue, often associated with coolness and tranquility, finds a perfect counterpoint in brown, which brings warmth, earthiness, and richness.

When dark blue and rich brown tones are paired in decor, they create a vivid yet balanced contrast. This combination is particularly effective for evoking a cozy, inviting atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for a fall color scheme in any room, from the kitchen to the living area. The warmth of the brown backdrop enhances the cool tones of the blue, resulting in a sophisticated and welcoming visual experience.

DIY Guide: Adding Wallpaper to the Backs of Open Shelves or Bookcases

Adding a wallpaper backdrop to your shelving is a straightforward project that can be completed in as little as an hour or two, depending on the number of shelf backs you plan to cover. Precision is key here; using a sharp pair of scissors or a craft knife will ensure clean, professional-looking cuts, preventing ragged edges that can detract from the final look.

Supplies Needed:

• Wallpaper (leftover remnants are perfect!)
• Sharp Scissors or a Craft knife
• T-square or Yardstick for straight lines
• Pencil for marking measurements
• Measuring tape for accurate dimensions
• Removable Double-Sided Tape, Painter’s tape (rolled into loops), or Removable Glue Dots

1. Measure Each Shelf Back Accurately: Begin by drawing a simple sketch of your shelving unit on a piece of paper, numbering each individual shelf section. This step is crucial because even shelves that appear identical might have slight variations in height or width. Using your measuring tape, carefully measure both the width and height of the back of each shelf compartment. Record these precise measurements directly onto your sketch, listing them in order from top to bottom. This ensures that each wallpaper piece will perfectly fit its intended spot.

2. Cut Wallpaper to Size: Using your measurements, carefully cut each piece of wallpaper. A T-square or yardstick will help you achieve perfectly straight lines. As you cut each piece, immediately mark the corresponding shelf number on the back of the wallpaper. This simple labeling system prevents confusion and ensures each piece is placed in its correct location, guaranteeing a snug fit and professional appearance.

3. Apply Removable Adhesive: To ensure the wallpaper adheres well and remains flush against the back of each shelf, apply strips of removable double-sided tape to the back of each cut piece. I used RedLine tape, which I had on hand, but you can create effective tape rolls from painter’s tape or even use clear Scotch tape. For a temporary solution, especially if you plan to change your backdrop seasonally, removable Glue Dots (available at craft stores) are an excellent alternative, offering strong hold without damaging surfaces upon removal.

When selecting your adhesive, always opt for the “removable” kind if you envision changing the wallpaper seasonally or simply want the flexibility to update your decor without commitment. This prevents damage to your shelving unit and makes future changes effortless.

4. Smooth and Secure: Once the wallpaper is positioned, use your hands or a soft cloth to gently smooth out the paper. Work from the center outwards to eliminate any air bubbles or wrinkles, ensuring the paper is firmly adhered and perfectly flat against the back of the shelf. This step is crucial for a polished, professional finish.

5. Embrace the Fun – Styling! Now comes the most enjoyable part: styling your newly adorned shelves! Arrange your favorite dishes, decorative items, and seasonal accents to create a fresh, captivating look that brings joy and personality to your space.

Mastering Open Kitchen Shelf Styling: Tips for a Beautiful Display

When curating items for your open shelves, start by “shopping your house.” You’ll be amazed at what treasures you can rediscover – pieces with seasonal colors, varied textures, and sentimental value can create a truly unique display. Here are some pro tips to guide your styling process:

• Begin by leaning plates or serving platters against the newly wallpapered back of each shelf. This provides an excellent foundation and a touch of elegance.

• Strive for a harmonious blend of practical dinnerware and purely decorative items. This approach prevents the shelves from appearing overly utilitarian and adds visual interest.

Ultimately, styling is a deeply personal expression. Allow your creativity to flourish and create a mix on your open kitchen shelves or bookshelves that genuinely reflects your taste and brings a smile to your face every time you pass by.

Decorating Resources & Where to Find Similar Items:

• Grasscloth Wallpaper – similar styles available
• Blue/White Dot Plates – sourced from a local furniture store (link unavailable)
• Brown Spongeware Plates – a beautiful rustic choice
• Pumpkin Ramekins and Dishtowels – seasonal finds from HomeGoods
• Stone Plates and Dinnerware – for a modern, earthy touch
• All other decorative items on shelves were unique thrift store finds, encouraging resourceful sourcing!
• Double-Stick Tape – for secure, removable application

Explore More Fall Kitchen Decorating Ideas:

• The Coziest Item to Add to Your Kitchen This Season
• Easy Fall Inspired Changes in My Kitchen – Including One Big Transformation!
• DIY Project: Making a 2-Tiered Kitchen Basket Stand
• Kitchen Countertop Organization: Balancing Functional & Decorative Elements