So you’re crushing on that vintage apothecary vibe but don’t want your kitchen looking like a museum? Smart move. Open shelving combined with apothecary-style design creates this perfect blend of old-world charm and modern functionality that honestly makes my design-loving heart skip a beat.
I’ve spent way too many hours (and dollars, let’s be real) experimenting with open shelving in my own kitchen, and the apothecary aesthetic? It’s like the secret sauce that makes everything look intentional instead of just… exposed. Let me walk you through ten killer ideas that’ll transform your kitchen into something straight out of a vintage pharmacy—minus the sketchy remedies. 🙂
Understanding the Apothecary Kitchen Aesthetic
Before we jump into the ideas, let’s get one thing straight: apothecary style isn’t just about slapping some glass jars on your shelves and calling it a day. The whole concept draws from 19th-century pharmacies where everything had its place, labels were pristine, and organization was basically an art form.
Think clean lines, glass containers, botanical elements, and that aged wood-meets-metal vibe. The beauty of marrying this with open shelving? You’re not hiding anything—you’re showcasing it. Every jar, every bottle, every carefully arranged item becomes part of the decor.
Idea 1: Glass Apothecary Jars for Dry Goods
To be honest, this is where most people begin. It’s the cornerstone for good reason. Not only are those clear glass apothecary jars with the ground glass stoppers attractive, but they’re also incredibly useful.
I use mine for everything from rice and pasta to flour and sugar. The secret is to choose jars consistently. Unless you’re going for that “chaotic apothecary” look—which, incidentally, rarely works—don’t combine ten different styles.
Quick tips for jar organization:
- Stick to 2-3 jar styles maximum
- Label everything (we’ll get to that)
- Group similar items together
- Keep your most-used items at eye level
Ever noticed how real apothecaries had everything visible? That’s because quick identification mattered. Same logic applies here—when you can see your inventory at a glance, you actually know when you’re running low on something before you’re halfway through a recipe.
Idea 2: Vintage Medicine Bottles as Decor
Okay, this one’s more decorative than functional, but who cares? Those amber and cobalt blue medicine bottles add instant character. I’ve collected mine from flea markets and estate sales over the years, and they cost me next to nothing.
| Bottle Type | Best Use | Where to Find | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amber glass | Oil storage | Antique shops | $3-$10 |
| Cobalt blue | Display only | Estate sales | $5-$15 |
| Clear with labels | Herbs/spices | Flea markets | $2-$8 |
Arrange them on your open shelves between the functional stuff. They break up the monotony and add these gorgeous pops of color. Some people fill them with dried flowers or herbs—I keep mine empty because, IMO, the bottles themselves are the stars.
Idea 3: Wooden Crate Organizers
Raw wood crates scream apothecary vibes. I’m talking about those weathered wooden boxes that look like they’ve survived a century (even if you bought them new from that trendy home store last week).
Stack them horizontally on your shelves to create compartments. They’re perfect for corralling smaller items like spice jars, tea bags, or those random kitchen gadgets that don’t have a proper home. The texture contrast between smooth glass and rough wood? Chef’s kiss.
The trick is finding crates with the right proportions for your shelving depth. Nothing’s more annoying than buying beautiful crates only to discover they stick out like awkward thumbs.
Idea 4: Botanical Print Backings
Are you looking for a game-changer? Use vintage botanical prints to line the back of your open shelves. It may seem superfluous, but believe me when I say that it gives the entire apothecary theme a remarkable depth.
You can frame real prints and place them against the back wall, or you can use wrapping paper or wallpaper. My choice of detachable wallpaper with therapeutic herbs completely changed the room. All of a sudden, my shelves told a story instead of just holding items.
This works especially well if your walls are plain white or neutral. The prints create visual interest without competing with your displayed items.
Idea 5: Metal Label Holders and Vintage Tags
Remember those brass label holders from old card catalogs? They’re your new best friends. Attach them to your jars, bottles, and containers for that authentic apothecary feel.
I’ll be honest—I initially thought this was overkill. Then I tried it, and suddenly my kitchen looked like it belonged in a design magazine instead of looking like I just really liked jars. :/
Labeling options that actually work:
- Brass clip-on label frames
- Chalkboard labels (overdone but classic)
- Vintage-style printed tags
- Hand-calligraphied labels (if you’re fancy)
Pro tip: Keep your labeling style consistent. Mixing chalkboard with brass with printed tags looks confused, not curated.
Idea 6: Tiered Shelf Risers
People, depth perception is important. Your shelves will have levels thanks to tiered risers, so you won’t be looking at a single flat plane of items. Consider how vintage pharmacies showcased their products; nothing was concealed in the back and everything was clearly visible.
I stick to the raw wood aesthetic by using basic wooden risers, but metal ones also function well. Put larger objects in front and smaller jars on the risers. You can actually reach everything with this arrangement without toppling half of your pantry.
Plus, the layered look adds visual interest. Flat shelving can read as boring—risers give you dimension and make your display feel intentional.
Idea 7: Hanging Herbs and Dried Botanicals
Nothing says “apothecary” quite like dried herbs hanging from small hooks under your shelves. I’ve got tiny brass hooks screwed into the underside of my top shelf, and I hang bundles of rosemary, thyme, and lavender from them.
Does it serve a functional purpose? Somewhat—dried herbs for cooking are handy. But mostly? It looks amazing and makes your kitchen smell incredible. Plus, it fills that awkward space between shelf levels that usually just collects dust.
Just rotate your herbs regularly. Nobody wants to look at sad, grey bundles that’ve been hanging there since 2019. Fresh dried herbs (yes, that’s an oxymoron) every few months keeps things looking crisp.
Idea 8: Apothecary-Style Spice Organization
This is where the storage of spices becomes important. Transfer everything to uniform small glass jars with metal or cork lids instead of those depressing little grocery store containers.
Because I’m that person, I put mine in an alphabetical order on a special shelf section. This beautiful visual rhythm is produced by the uniformity, and really? Since I can see what I have, I actually use more spices now.
For your most popular spices, think about placing a tiny lazy Susan on one shelf level. It gives your display movement and is useful. I know it’s shocking, but sometimes functionality can look good.
Idea 9: Vintage Scale as a Focal Point
A scale is necessary for every apothecary, right? On your open shelving, a vintage brass or cast-iron scale instantly sparks conversation. My favorite piece is probably the one I bought for twenty dollars at an estate sale.
It can be used both decoratively and practically (mine keeps onions and garlic in its pans). In any case, it adds a genuine vintage feel that conveys the message, “I didn’t just follow a Pinterest board—I actually curated this space.”
Put it prominently on a middle shelf so that it draws attention without taking over the entire display. It’s all about balance.
Idea 10: Mix Modern Function with Vintage Form
Here’s the real secret: you don’t have to sacrifice modern convenience for vintage aesthetics. LED strip lighting under your shelves? Do it—just hide the hardware. That fancy coffee maker? Keep it, but surround it with apothecary elements that make it feel cohesive.
I’ve got a very modern espresso machine on my lower shelf, flanked by vintage canisters and surrounded by botanical prints. Does it technically clash style-wise? Maybe. Does it work? Absolutely.
The apothecary vibe is about the overall feeling—organized, intentional, slightly vintage—not about being a purist. Unless you want to brew your coffee with a mortar and pestle, in which case, you do you.
Bringing It All Together
It’s not difficult to create an apothecary kitchen with open shelving, but it does require intentionality. Each item you put on those shelves should either be functional or aesthetically pleasing (ideally both).
Start with the fundamentals: wooden components, glass jars, and appropriate labeling. Next, add decorative elements to make your space uniquely yours, such as vintage bottles, botanical prints, and those oddball antique finds. This style’s evolution is what makes it so beautiful. I’m always changing things up, adding new items, and perfecting the appearance.
The thing that no one ever tells you is that open shelving needs upkeep. Dust is collected by those exquisitely displayed items.
So go forth and create your apothecary kitchen. Mix old with new, functional with decorative, and remember—if it makes you happy every time you walk into your kitchen, you’ve done it right. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some jars to reorganize. 🙂