How To Cover Shelves Without Doors: 12 Ideas That Work

Open shelves can be an awesome feature in any home and it’s one of the best ways to display accessories or personal items in an attractive and aesthetically pleasing way.

However, when you literally have no time to keep these shelves clean, neat, and organized, this can negatively affect the appearance of your entire space.

Without having to resort to using doors or cabinets, you can still maintain and keep your open shelves with the use of alternative coverings.

These solutions will protect your items, keep them clean from dust and dirt, and look stylish, or simply keep your pets off the shelves!

And I’m super excited to share with you these amazing ideas. Let’s take a look at all the best options you can use in your space.

Excellent Ways To Cover Shelves Without Doors

1. Curtains

The most obvious and easiest way to cover shelves without doors is to use curtains. This versatile option can be used to cover all the shelves or even just one or two.

Now, if you’re not the kind of person who likes floral printed curtains, no worries.

There are plenty of curtains that look modern, trendy, and chic, and finding a curtain that will complement your decor will be an easy process.

Something like this will add a cute detail to the shelves. Available here on Amazon!

Depending on the extent to which you want the shelves to be covered you have 2 options: sheer curtains which is a lightweight covering that will add a soft, airy feel and slightly reduces visibility, or heavy curtains which will completely cover the shelves.

This boho lace curtain from Amazon is great for covering one shelf and it will add a prettydetail to the space.

Both curtains can be drawn or opened with ease if you install a curtain panel above the shelves.

Installing a curtain on the shelf is a pretty simple and quick process.

You could use a tension rod or a curtain rod. Both will fit any space so it’s just a matter of preference.

But this is a great budget-friendly option that doesn’t require much effort and does the job well.

2. Roll-Down Shades

A popular option to cover shelves is with sleek and modern roll-down shades.

This is ideal if you’re not keen on hanging a curtain over the shelves and roll-down shades give you a cleaner, less intrusive covering.

You can simply use the cord to pull up or down whenever you want the shelves to be on display.

There are tons of different colors, designs, and materials available so you’ll definitely be able to find that perfect shade to match your space and fit your shelves.

3. Glass or Plexiglass Fronts

To protect and create a transparent covering, glass or plexiglass fronts are worth considering.

You can easily showcase the items on your shelf while ensuring no dust or dirt gets ahold of it.

This could work wonders for a kitchen or dining room space where you’d need dishes to be kept clean and safe.

There are many options to choose from which include clear, frosted, or tinted.

Frosted glass and clear glass is a great option if you want a classy and rich aesthetic.

They’re also easy to clean and it’s perfect for most rooms.

All these are amazing options and you can select the one that best suits your needs and style.

Clear glass is a good option if you want still want visibility but if you’d prefer complete privacy, go with a frosted or dark-tinted glass.

4. Hanging Planters

Here’s a fun and aesthetically pleasing way to cover and conceal the shelves that will add a rich quality to your space.

Attach plants to the shelves and this will create a really cool cascading greenery feature.

Creeper plants in particular are great for this purpose and they can cover quite a length.

With this idea, there’s really no need or use for doors as the plants serve their purpose, and are functional and visually attractive!

It honestly doesn’t get better than that and it’s also my favorite way to decorate shelves.

Also, you don’t have to use actual real plants if you’re concerned about keeping them alive and general maintenance.

Fake plants will work just as well.

5. Woven Baskets

So, technically this option doesn’t cover the actual shelves but you can conceal the items on the shelves.

Woven baskets are a fun, playful, and creative way to decorate the shelves and create an attractive display.

They come in all sizes and they’re a wonderful hidden storage option that keeps your shelves looking neat, tidy, and visually interesting.

Here’s an awesome set of wicker baskets on Amazon for your shelves:

You can also store more items in these baskets than on the shelves themselves.

This is ideal for anyone who is limited in terms of space.

Also, you don’t have to go with just wicker baskets.

Anything that will suit your aesthetic will be fine even if it’s decorative, gift, or fabric storage boxes.

6. Bead Curtains

Looking for something creative and fun? Well, you’re probably going to want to get a bead curtain.

This adds a whimsical and bohemian vibe to your space and hanging it in front of your shelves will definitely obscure the view and make it hard to see the items on the shelves.

You could also get away with messy and cluttered shelves with the beaded curtains as a distraction.

Beaded curtains are also affordable and are available in different colors and sizes.

Read also: How To Decorate Living Room Shelves

7. Removable Shelf Panels

Consider trying a cheap and easy DIY project to cover the shelves with these removable shelf panels that will conceal the items on your shelf.

This process involves using foam boards, cardboard, wallpaper, or fabric and cutting them to the size of your shelf so that it sits flush.

This idea is flexible, easy, and an overall good option.

If you’re not up to the task of making these panels, consider grabbing a set online that is suitable for your shelf size.

However, making these panels gives you more flexibility in choosing the colors and patterns that will enhance your space.

8. Folding Screens

A folding screen or room divider can be used to block and cover the shelves whenever needed.

If the shelves are super messy and you have guests coming over, all you have to do is just move the screen in front of the shelves and it’s covered, provided the screen matches the height of the shelves.

Folding screens and room dividers are available in many different styles and they will add an interesting feature to your space.

9. Natural Fiber Mats or Rugs

If you’d like to avoid covering the shelves with doors at all costs, then why not go with hanging a natural fiber mat or rug instead that will give this cool, modern, textured, and earthy aesthetic?

You can attach it to the top of the shelves and cut it according to size.

To gain access to the shelf items, you’ll simply have to lift the mat or rug and it will fall back into place.

If you ever want the contents of the shelf on display, attach a strap to the mat and use that to keep the mat folded up.

10. Sliding Barn Doors

Up for a rustic or farmhouse theme? Then you might love this idea.

Here, you’ll have to install a sliding barn door that will add a charming look to the space.

It probably will have to be customized according to the size and dimensions of your shelf but it’s a great option if you’re up for a small DIY project over the weekend.

Ensure that you choose a paint or stain color that pairs well with the rest of your space to ensure a cohesive fit.

Vintage shutters are another great option if you’d prefer a traditional look instead but both will serve the same purpose.

11. Magnetic Chalkboard or Whiteboard

If you have no more use for the shelves, repurpose them by adding a magnetic chalkboard or whiteboard to cover the shelves.

You can use this board to write messages, and notes, or create lists and reminders.

This is definitely a creative way to decorate and cover the shelves without doors.

Read also: What To Put On Open Kitchen Shelves? (15 Ideas)

12. Floating Panels

Floating panels are a good option if you want a more minimalistic or contemporary design.

These panels can be attached to the front of the shelves and they’re pretty lightweight in general.

I recommend this option for those who want a seamless and modern aesthetic.

You could also look into other custom-made panels made from materials such as wood, plastic, or metal that will add an interesting appeal to the shelves.

Conclusion

It’s a great feeling when you discover unique and creative solutions to normal, everyday problems.

If you’ve been searching or trying to come up with ideas to cover shelves without doors, I hope this article has been of immense help to you.

Depending on what kind of style or method you’re interested in, all of these ideas will surely cover the shelves and incorporate a stylish and functional feature to the space.

You can really solve any problem when you get created and these ideas have definitely proven this concept.

So, whether you go with curtains, roll-down shades, glass fronts, or hide your items in woven baskets, you no longer have to be embarrassed by messy or empty shelves.

Read also: Should You Put Shelves Above A Bed? (Ideas & Advice)