Have you ever stared at that awkward, unused space in your home and wondered what to do with it? Maybe it's that weird little nook that doesn't seem to serve any purpose, or a big, bare wall that's just begging for some love. For me, it was the large wall behind my kitchen door—a space that had been a bit of a puzzle for far too long. But after a bit of inspiration from my cookbook club and a trip to Ikea, I finally found the perfect solution. Here's how I transformed that forgotten wall into a stylish and functional cookbook haven, and how you can do the same.
The Challenge: Making the Most of an Awkward Kitchen Nook
Every home has its design challenges, and my kitchen was no exception. This particular wall space is one of the largest in my house, but its position behind the kitchen door made it tricky to figure out how best to use it. I had considered artwork, but with the door open most of the time, anything I put up there would be hidden away, which felt like a waste. I wanted to do something that would be both functional and visually appealing—a real focal point that would also solve a storage problem.
That’s when it hit me: my growing collection of cookbooks had been crammed into my office for years, hidden away in stacks that I rarely looked at. Why not bring them into the kitchen where they belong? This wall could become the perfect home for them.
Inspiration Strikes: A Cookbook Club Sparks the Idea
The idea to create a cookbook space wasn't just about storage; it was inspired by something more meaningful. For the past year, my friends and I have had a cookbook club—a fun way to explore new recipes, share meals, and connect over our love of cooking. Each month, we pick a different cookbook, try out recipes, and then come together to share our culinary creations.
Having all these cookbooks close at hand in the kitchen, where I can easily browse through them while planning meals, just made sense. Plus, displaying them on shelves would add a personal touch to the room and serve as a reminder of the wonderful times spent with friends. With that inspiration in mind, I set out to turn this idea into reality.
The Plan: Customizing Ikea Shelves to Fit
Once I decided that the wall would become a cookbook display, the next step was figuring out how to make it happen. I needed shelves that would fit perfectly in the space, be sturdy enough to hold a bunch of heavy books, and of course, look good.
Ikea is my go-to for affordable, stylish, and customizable furniture solutions, so naturally, I headed there. After browsing through their selection, I found some simple, sleek shelves that were just right for the job. The only problem? They were too long for the space.
No worries—I knew I could customize them to fit. Here’s how I did it:
- Measuring the Space: The first step was to measure the exact width of the wall space behind the door. This was crucial because I needed to make sure the shelves would fit perfectly without sticking out too far or being too short.
- Cutting the Shelves to Size: Armed with the measurements, I set about cutting the Ikea shelves to the correct length. Now, I should mention that cutting shelves down to size isn’t always straightforward, and safety should always be a priority. I shortened the clip in my video because, honestly, I wasn’t exactly following best practices (I cut them on my kitchen table, which isn’t the safest method). If you’re going to do this yourself, I highly recommend using proper tools and a safe setup—ideally, get a professional to help if you’re not comfortable with power tools.
- Drilling Holes for Roll Plugs: With the shelves cut to size, the next step was preparing the wall. I drilled holes for the roll plugs, which are crucial for ensuring the shelves are securely attached to the wall, especially when they’re going to hold heavy items like books.
- Attaching the Shelves: Finally, I attached the shelves to the wall. This part was pretty straightforward—once the holes were drilled, it was just a matter of screwing the shelves in place. I made sure everything was level and secure before moving on to the fun part: styling the shelves!
Styling the Shelves: Bringing Personality into the Kitchen
With the shelves up, it was time to bring in the cookbooks. After four years of being hidden away in my office, they finally had a place where they could be seen and appreciated every day.
When it comes to styling shelves, especially in a kitchen, there’s a balance to strike between form and function. Here are a few tips to make sure any new shelves not only looked great but also served their purpose:
- Group by Theme or Color: Since these shelves are all about cookbooks, I grouped them by theme—baking, international cuisine, healthy eating, etc. If you’re more visually inclined, you could also arrange them by color for a striking rainbow effect.
- Mix in Decorative Items: To add some visual interest, you can mix in a few decorative items. A small plant here, a cute figurine there—these touches break up the rows of books and make the shelves feel more curated and intentional.
- Leave Some Breathing Room: It’s tempting to pack every inch of shelf space with books, but leaving some gaps can actually make the whole display feel more airy and open. Plus, it gives you room to add new cookbooks as your collection grows!
- Incorporate Functional Elements: Since this is a kitchen, you can also also include a few functional elements like a small jar of wooden spoons and a mortar and pestle. These items not only look good but are also within easy reach when cooking.
The Result: A Space That’s Both Functional and Beautiful
The finished result? A kitchen nook that’s finally being put to good use. The shelves have transformed that awkward wall into a focal point that adds character to the room and makes my cookbooks easily accessible. Every time I walk into the kitchen, I’m greeted by my favorite cookbooks and a reminder of all the great times spent cooking and sharing meals with friends.
But beyond just being a practical storage solution, these shelves have also added a personal touch to my kitchen. They reflect my love of cooking and my passion for collecting cookbooks, and they make the space feel more like me.
Why Ikea Shelves are Perfect for Projects Like This
If you’re considering a similar project in your home, I can’t recommend Ikea shelves enough. Here’s why:
- Affordability: Ikea offers a wide range of shelving options at prices that won’t break the bank. This is especially important if you’re on a budget but still want to create a stylish, functional space. The shelves I chose were £8 each, which brought my total project cost to £32 as I used 4 of them.
- Customizability: As I demonstrated in this project, Ikea shelves are incredibly customizable. Whether you need to cut them to size, paint them a different color, or add some unique brackets, you can make them fit your space perfectly.
- Ease of Installation: Ikea products are designed with the average person in mind, meaning you don’t need to be a DIY expert to install them. The instructions are usually clear, and the process is straightforward, making it easy to complete a project like this on your own.
- Variety of Styles: Whether your home is modern, traditional, or somewhere in between, Ikea has shelves that will fit your aesthetic. From sleek, minimalistic designs to more ornate options, there’s something for every style.
Tips for Maximizing Your Kitchen Space with Shelves
If you’ve got a similar space in your kitchen that’s just begging for some attention, here are a few tips to help you make the most of it:
- Consider Your Needs: Before you start, think about what you really need from the space. Is it storage for cookbooks, like mine? Or maybe you need a place for spices, kitchen gadgets, or even some plants. Knowing what you need will help guide your decisions on what type of shelves to install.
- Measure Twice, Cut Once: Accurate measurements are key to a successful project. Make sure you measure your space carefully and double-check before cutting anything. This will save you a lot of frustration later on.
- Think About Visibility: If your shelves are going to be behind a door or in a corner, consider whether the items you place there will be visible. If they’re likely to be hidden, you might want to focus on function over form.
- Mix Open and Closed Storage: If your space allows, consider mixing open shelves with closed storage options like cabinets. This can give you the best of both worlds—easy access to items you use frequently and hidden storage for things you’d rather keep out of sight.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Shelves: It’s tempting to fill every inch of shelf space, but leaving some room to breathe can make the space feel more open and organized. Plus, it leaves you room to grow!
Final Thoughts: Small Changes, Big Impact
What started as a bit of a head-scratcher—what to do with that awkward wall—ended up being one of my favorite changes in my kitchen. The Ikea shelves turned an underused space into a functional and stylish focal point that not only solves a storage problem but also adds a personal touch to my home.
If you’ve got a similar space in your home, I encourage you to think creatively about how to use it. Whether it’s with Ikea shelves or another solution, turning an awkward nook into something both functional and beautiful can have a big impact on the feel and usability of your space.
Remember, your home should reflect your personality and your passions. For me, that’s cooking and sharing meals with friends, so creating a space for my cookbooks felt like the perfect solution. What will you do with your space?
