When planning a kitchen remodel, one of the biggest decisions is whether to choose open shelving or cabinets. This choice affects not only the look of your kitchen but also how it functions for your everyday life.
Here’s a practical guide to help you decide what suits your space, style, and lifestyle.
Open Shelving: Light, Personal, and Stylish
Open shelves have become a favorite in modern kitchens because they make spaces feel open and inviting. They allow you to display your favorite dishes, glassware, or decorative items, turning storage into part of your kitchen’s style.
Why open shelving works:
- It makes a kitchen feel brighter and more spacious, especially in smaller spaces.
- It allows for personalization – you can show off favorite mugs, bowls, or plants.
- Installation is usually less expensive than full cabinetry, making it a good choice for budget-conscious remodels.
Things to consider:
Open shelves require a bit more maintenance. Dust and grease can accumulate, especially near the stove, and clutter is more noticeable since everything is on display. They also offer less hidden storage, so planning where to keep appliances, pantry items, or bulky cookware is important.
Practical tip: Use open shelves in areas where you want them to stand out, like above a coffee station, around the sink, or over a small breakfast nook. Keep everyday essentials in cabinets below to balance style and function.
Cabinets: Timeless and Practical
Cabinets have been the backbone of kitchen design and renovations for decades, and their popularity is well-deserved. They keep kitchens organized by hiding cookware, appliances, and pantry items, and they protect dishes from dust and grease.
Why cabinets work:
- They provide hidden storage for a clean and tidy kitchen.
- Modern cabinets can include pull-out drawers, lazy Susans, spice racks, and other organizers to maximize space.
- Cabinets are a long-term investment, offering durability and potential resale value.
Things to consider:
In smaller kitchens, cabinets can feel heavy or close in the space, especially if they are dark-colored or extend to the ceiling.They also tend to cost more upfront than open shelves, although their durability often justifies the investment.
Practical tip: If your kitchen is small, consider lighter-colored cabinets or cabinets with glass doors to create a sense of openness without sacrificing storage.
Mixing Shelves and Cabinets: The Best of Both Worlds
You don’t have to choose only one. Many modern kitchens combine open shelving with cabinets to balance style and practicality.
How to combine them effectively:
- Base cabinets can store everyday items, pots, and pantry essentials.
- Open shelves above the counter can display dishes, cookbooks, or plants.
- Glass-front cabinets offer a lighter, open feel while still keeping items protected from dust.
This hybrid approach gives you flexibility, storage, and style. You can enjoy the airy feel of open shelving while still maintaining the organization and protection of cabinets.
Example: A small farmhouse kitchen might have lower cabinets for storage, a row of open shelves to display favorite dishes, and a glass-front cabinet to show off a few decorative items without cluttering the space.
Which Option Is Right For You?
There is really no wrong answer between open shelving and cabinets. The best option is the one that suits your life and the way you use your kitchen.
Open shelving invites personality, light, and style into a space, while cabinets provide organization, protection, and built-in style. Combining both often allows for the ideal balance of aesthetic and functional.
If you are apprehensive, a kitchen designer can help you visualize both methodologies and help you develop a plan that works perfectly within your kitchen and daily routines. At Kitchen and Bath Reno, our kitchen and bathroom renovation experts work with you to create a space that is both beautiful and functional, tailored to your lifestyle and design preferences.
