A kitchen counter showcases a mixer alongside wooden cutting boards, artfully arranged for those curious about how to display cutting boards on kitchen counters. A decorative plant and a vibrant bowl of lemons and limes add color against the backdrop of a white tile backsplash and light switch plate.
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How to Display Cutting Boards on Kitchen Counters

ByLisa

When it comes to decorating your counter space in the kitchen, there is a fine line between beautiful and a cluttered mess. But I am here to show you how to display cutting boards on kitchen counters that maximizes function without sacrificing style. With a few simple tips you will have easy access to all your favorite boards and have beautiful kitchen decor no matter what your design style is! 

A collection of cutting boards on a kitchen counter, showcasing wood, marble, and slate materials. Discover inventive ways on "How to Display Cutting Boards on Kitchen Counters" for a stylish, functional setup.

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If you do a lot of cooking you know cutting boards are a necessary tool every home chef needs. But let’s be honest, they can be large, bulky, and take up a lot of valuable storage in small kitchens with limited cabinet space, especially wooden boards. But what if you could use them as decor and keep them handy for all your chopping needs? I am here to tell you that you can! 

A wooden cutting board, a marble mortar and pestle, and a black sculptural planter with a green succulent illustrate how to display cutting boards on kitchen counters. Decorative books are stacked nearby, completing the elegant shelf arrangement.

Different Types of Cutting Boards

Cutting boards come in a variety of shapes and different sizes as well as different materials. I have a wide variety of cutting boards ranging in materials, sizes, and styles in my kitchen. Let’s talk about these different types and what the best option is for different kitchen designs. 

Sizes

I have cutting boards in different shapes and various sizes! I have some that are tiny and used for slicing up limes for cocktails and others that are large and take up half my kitchen island that I use for making pizza. I even have a stone board I use for pie crust to keep it cold while rolling. If you are like me, you probably have a wide array of sizes too which is perfect for displaying!

Various cutting boards, artfully displayed against a wooden wall, show off diverse materials like slate, bamboo, and wood with a herringbone pattern. For inspiration on how to display cutting boards on kitchen counters, observe the granite countertop beautifully tying it all together.

Materials 

For everyday food prep I normally use my plastic cutting boards because I can toss them in the dishwasher when I am done. Especially if I am prepping raw meat or something very juicy. I want those cutting boards to be sanitized! I normally store these plastic boards in my divided lower cabinet next to the stove with my cookie sheets. 

But when I am entertaining I frequently use a more decorative cutting board, usually one of my wooden boards, for serving cheese, fresh fruits and veggies, or charcuterie. I mean can you really drink wine without cheese or charcuterie? I rest my case.

A charcuterie board with brie cheese, salami, olives, grapes, and crackers illustrates how to display cutting boards on kitchen counters. Nearby, sliced ham is placed on another plate. A glass jar with pâté and a bunch of red grapes complete the scene on a light textured surface.

Style

When it comes to different styles, there is something for everyone! Wood boards can be mixed with a lot of different design styles since there are so many different types of wood and they all have their own beautiful natural patina. 

A kitchen scene beautifully illustrates how to display cutting boards on kitchen counters, showcasing a bottle of olive oil, a marble mortar and pestle, several cutting boards in varying wood tones, and an aloe plant on a wooden countertop.

Natural wood boards have a fresh California coastal vibe and can be a great accent in a white, light, or even a dark colored kitchen.

Dark walnut and patterned end grain cutting boards can easily fit in with a mid century modern home or a traditional style. 

End grain cutting boards can also add a fun geometric pattern to a modern kitchen where pattern and texture is lacking.

Old wood cutting boards with deep grooves or leather straps are a great idea in farmhouse kitchens or kitchens with a more rustic style. 

Marble boards or slate can go with just about any style! They can be paired with wood or painted kitchen cabinets as well as a variety of backsplashes. 

Bonus, if done correctly, you can actually mix all of these different styles to create a beautiful display and focal point! 

How To Display Cutting Boards

You have seen all the interior designers come up with beautiful ways to display cutting boards in a kitchen but you still feel lost. Don’t worry, I can help! When it comes to displaying my cutting boards, I keep my plastic boards in my kitchen cabinets and only display my wooden and natural stone boards. 

One of my favorite ways to add a pop of color to my white kitchen backsplash is to lean my patterned wood cutting boards against the tile. This creates the perfect contrast and is one of the best ways to bring wood elements into the kitchen. Wooden cutting boards can add warmth to a white kitchen like mine and I do this frequently! When you have a white kitchen it can easily feel cold. By leaning a few cutting boards against the back splash you can add a ton of warmth. 

A kitchen counter showcases how to display cutting boards with a herringbone wooden backsplash, featuring two large boards in contrasting wood tones. In front are a white mortar and pestle and a white ceramic bowl filled with lemons and limes, adding vibrant color to the countertop ensemble.

If you have a slide in range, my design tip is to use the space behind it to display several cutting boards. Not only does it act as great storage in your immediate cooking space but it is a great decor focal point. 

A modern kitchen showcases light gray cabinets with gold handles, a stainless steel range hood, and a gas stove. A lesson in styling, the marble countertop features cutting boards elegantly displayed alongside a vase and a bowl of green apples against the geometric tile backsplash.

To achieve a curated and layered look, mix in a few different sizes, materials, and colors. I always add a few decorative elements as well. This can be another useful kitchen item like a bowl of fresh fruit or a pestle and mortar or something entirely decorative like a plant. I love mixing in faux or real plants to add a little life.  

You can also use your cutting boards as a tray to highlight your everyday cookware next to the stove. I always keep my larger utensils and olive oil close by for convenience. This makes it look intentional rather than cluttered.

BTW, that is a real baby succulent! How cute is that? Also, I am super proud I have not killed it yet, haha!

A kitchen countertop features a bamboo holder with wooden utensils, a neatly displayed cutting board, a bottle of olive oil, a small potted succulent, and a white marble mortar and pestle. The scene is completed by a white tiled backsplash that adds brightness to the space.

Open shelving is another great place to display cutting boards. I have built in open shelves in my kitchen and this is a great option. I usually pair mine with a few cook books and of course a faux plant. This is a perfect place to store a serving board you don’t use often while still keeping it within easy reach.

A shelf with framed art, decorative plants, and a cutting board perfectly illustrates how to display cutting boards on kitchen counters. Books and stacked bowls sit below, enhancing the cozy vibe. A sign reads, "It's 5 o'clock somewhere," while a patterned cushion peeks out on the left.

Some other creative ways to display cutting boards is on wall-mounted racks or hang them on the kitchen wall creating a gallery wall of cutting boards. This is the easiest way to decorate large empty wall space in a kitchen. You could even display them on a peg rail with your favorite dish towel or unique utensils. 

Where to Buy Cutting Boards to Display 

As I mentioned above, I keep my basic plastic boards hidden in my cabinets and only display my beautiful pieces. I have accumulated mine over time from a multitude of places but often find fun patterned boards at Home Goods and IKEA. But if you want the best wood boards like Boos, you might want to check out Crate and Barrel. I like to have a variety of dark and light woods, end grain, and natural stone in my collection.

A modern kitchen counter showcases how to display cutting boards artfully, featuring a wooden cutting board and a chevron-patterned one. A white bowl of lemons and limes, a potted succulent, and a stand mixer grace the granite surface with a subtle glimpse of the stovetop oven.

You can also find really beautiful cutting boards at art fairs, flea markets, and sometime even thrift stores. A lot of times good old boards made from wood just need a little sanding to get rid of stubborn stains and deep grooves. With a few coats of food grade oil, they can often look as good as new. These I would save for decorative purposes for sanitary reasons.  

It is also high on my to do list to learn how to make my own end grain cutting board. We all know I probably have enough scrap wood!  

If you still aren’t sure where to start, I have found some really great options for you if you are looking to add to your cutting board collection or grow a new collection. 

A collage of nine cutting boards in assorted shapes and designs showcases how to display cutting boards on kitchen counters. From rectangular to round, these pieces feature patterns like stripes, checkerboard, and wood grain, each boasting unique textures and colors that add charm to any kitchen.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

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Top image: Various cutting boards are neatly arranged, including wood and slate options. Bottom image: Discover how to display cutting boards in wood and herringbone patterns on a kitchen counter with a mixer, fruit bowl, and plant. Text artfully overlays the images.

This post, How to Display Cutting Boards on Kitchen Counters, appeared first on Garrison Street Design Studio.

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