How to Make Your Kitchen Pop with Chicken Wire Cabinets
Chicken wire brings charm and vintage flair to any kitchen. With its woven metal mesh pattern, this affordable material can transform cabinet doors, open shelving, and pantries. The visual texture chicken wire provides gives your kitchen a rustic, farmhouse feel on a budget.
Installing chicken wire on cabinets is an easy DIY project. With just basic tools and materials, you can upgrade your storage with custom chicken wire accents. Follow this guide to learn how to add a pop of style with chicken wire cabinets.
Choosing Chicken Wire for Your Kitchen
Galvanized steel chicken wire comes in various mesh sizes and wire gauges. Smaller 1/2" openings provide more visibility and ventilation for pantries. For a more decorative look on cabinets, opt for 1" or 2" openings.

Thicker 16 or 18 gauge wire is more durable for cabinet doors. Go for a thinner 20 or 22 gauge for open shelving or accents. At hardware stores or online, chicken wire is sold in rolls or panels.
Planning Your Chicken Wire Project
First, measure existing cabinet doors, fronts, and shelving. Cut chicken wire at least 2 inches larger than these dimensions. Consider ventilation needs if using wire for produce storage.
Construct a wood frame to fit the wire snugly. Stain or paint the frame to complement the wire's patina. Add wood trim along the edges for a polished look.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Chicken Wire Cabinets
Materials Needed
Gather these supplies:
- Chicken wire
- Wood boards for frame
- Hinges
- Nails or staple gun
- Stain/paint and brushes
- Drill
- Saw
- Hammer
- Heavy duty snippers
- Sandpaper
Cutting the Wire
Measure and mark chicken wire to fit each cabinet door or shelf. Use sturdy snippers to cut the wire. File down any sharp edges for safety.
Wear thick gloves when handling cut wire. The cut ends can be sharp. Fold them under or position wire in frame to prevent exposed sharp edges.
Attaching the Wire
Construct a wood frame the same size as each wire piece. Stretch wire across the back of the frame and staple or nail in place every 2-3 inches.
Attach hinges to wire-framed doors. For open shelves, secure wire panel to solid wood edging with trim nails. Ensure wire is taut across frames without sagging.
Finishing Touches
Sand and stain or paint the wood frames to achieve your desired look. For contrast, paint the frame a different tone than wood cabinets. Distress paint edges to complement the vintage wire.
Affix knobs, cup pulls, hooks, and labels over the chicken wire areas as needed. Avoid placing anything too heavy directly on the wire.
Style Ideas and Decorating Tips
Farmhouse Pantry Storage
Maximize chicken wire's ventilation properties for produce storage. Use baskets to corral ingredients and minimize dust. Open shelves lined with chicken wire keep everything visible.
For a homey feel, store dried goods in glass jars labeled with chalkboard tags. Try this on lower cabinets so items are easily accessible.
Rustic Open Shelving
Incorporate chicken wire shelving into kitchen islands, bars, or dining areas. Display glassware, cookbooks, and decor in an organized way. The openness shows off collections.
Add plate racks, a wine rack, or floating shelves on top of chicken wire panels. Under-cabinet lighting illuminates contents and accentuates the texture.
Vintage Kitchen Cabinets
Accent a glass-front hutch or curio cabinet with chicken wire panels. The mesh contrasts elegantly with the glass while providing ventilation.
Display delicate dishware and glassware collections. Jars of baking ingredients like flour and sugar or utensil crocks also complement the look.
For a cottage feel, hang wire-framed cabinets over the sink area. Add curtains on either side to soften the look.
With a little creativity, chicken wire can transform both form and function in your kitchen. The wire mesh adds a layer of rustic texture while promoting ventilation and visibility.
Maintaining the cabinets are easy too - simply wipe clean as needed. Installing chicken wire cabinets yourself allows you to customize the space on a budget.
Start planning your next DIY project to give your kitchen farmhouse flair. Chicken wire offers endless possibilities for storage and style.