1. Display Cutting Boards on Open Shelving

Open shelving is a great spot to display one or multiple wooden cutting boards. Here, the two wooden boards add height, introduce interesting shapes, bring in a natural material, and warm the white walls. When styling cutting boards on open shelving, consider the colors and proportions of the other items being displayed.

In this rustic kitchen, the visual weight of the two breadboards balances the strong visual presence of the white crock. Additionally, the wood ties in the collection of wooden utensils stored in the crock, the shelf itself, and the wooden beadboard above the countertop. Paying attention to these details makes displaying the cutting boards on the open shelves look like an intentional styling decision instead of a purely utilitarian one.

Nicole Pankopp

2. Use a Plate Rack to Hold Cutting Boards

Instead of only using a plate rack for large serving platters and special plates, layer in a couple of cutting boards. Vary the shapes and sizes of the cutting boards for visual interest, and style some individually and others as a pair. Balance the plate rack display with other items, such as plates and serving trays, but stick to a limited color palette and keep each tier to only a few items to prevent visual clutter.

Emily Followill

3. Hang Oversized Cutting Boards on the Wall

Take the gallery wall approach and use a collection of oversized cutting boards to create an eye-catching wall display. The key is to keep proportion in mind and assemble an interesting collection of wooden boards. Choose one anchor piece—such as this beautiful “fromage” board—and build around it. Hang boards of different shapes and sizes at varying heights and add a marble board for contrast.

A wall of hanging cutting boards makes for an interesting alternative to classic wall art and warms up an all-white kitchen. On a practical note, it’s a clever solution for storing oversized boards that don’t fit on a shelf or inside a cabinet.

Jay Wilde

4. Style a Cutting Board Vignette

A couple of simple styling tricks can turn practical kitchen items into a stylish countertop vignette. Take cues from this elegant kitchen and start with a collection of four or five cutting boards. Pick an assortment of woods, shapes, and sizes for a visually interesting layering effect. Starting with the largest cutting board at the back, layer the boards one in front of the other, making sure they overlap slightly but not completely. Next, place a small tray made of a contrasting material, such as copper or brass, in front of the cutting boards and use it to hold frequently used items such as utensils or oil dispensers. Complete the vignette with a stack of ceramic bowls or a pitcher on the side to add color and material contrast.

James Nathan Schroder

5. Use Wall Hooks to Hang Small Cutting Boards

For a casual way to style small wooden cutting boards, hang them from wall hooks. It makes for a rustic display that adds a relaxed feel to a kitchen. To soften and complete the simple vignette, hang an additional kitchen-themed item on the hooks, such as a pretty kitchen towel or a charming apron. There is an effortless ease to this wall hook vignette, as the hanging items add character while being fully functional and accessible.

John Granen

6. Lean Large Breadboards on the Stove

Lean large breadboards on the stove to break up a solid-colored backsplash and add warmth to a white kitchen. Here, a pair of rustic wood boards highlights a beautiful range, brings a casual feel, and introduces a sculptural element. The boards tie in the floating wood shelves that flank the range and pair beautifully with the surrounding materials, such as the copper pot filler, brass stove knobs, and stone countertops. If you’re going to style two cutting boards on the stove, use contrasting shapes and heights, and make sure they’re proportioned to the stove and range hood.

Adam Albright

7. Dot Cutting Boards Around the Kitchen

Instead of gathering all the cutting boards in one spot, dot them evenly around the kitchen. In this white kitchen, a pair of cutting boards displayed on the open shelves echoes a trio of boards leaning against the backsplash. Strategically place other warm-toned elements (such as a wicker storage basket or a wooden picture frame) around the kitchen for added warmth.