Open shelving in kitchens offers more than just a trendy aesthetic, it can be both functional and stylish. If you’re considering incorporating open shelves into your kitchen design, it’s worth weighing the benefits and drawbacks. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide if open shelving is right for your space.

Pros of Open Shelving

1. Creates a Light and Airy Feel
Open shelves can visually lighten a space that might otherwise feel closed off with all wall-to-wall cabinets. By removing some upper cabinets and adding open shelving, your kitchen can feel brighter, more open, and less confined.

2. Easy Access to Everyday Items
No more opening and closing cabinet doors multiple times a day. With open shelves, your go-to mugs, plates, or spices are within easy reach. It’s convenient for you—and your guests won’t have to rummage through cupboards to find a glass or bowl.

3. A Chance to Showcase Style and Personality
Have a few beautiful dishes, handmade ceramics, or souvenirs from travels? Open shelving is the perfect way to put them on display. It allows you to add personal touches and infuse your kitchen with character and charm. Read our blog about styling your floating shelves for more inspiration

4. Seasonal and Flexible Decor Options
If you enjoy updating your decor with the seasons or for holidays, open shelves make this easy. Swap out decorations, dishes, or plants to refresh the look whenever inspiration strikes.

Cons of Open Shelving

1. Limited Hidden Storage
Let’s be real—not every dish, cup, or food item is display-worthy. You’ll still need ample closed storage for mismatched items, less attractive cookware, and bulk pantry goods. Open shelving can’t and shouldn’t replace all your upper cabinets.

2. More Cleaning Required
Dust is inevitable. Items that don’t get used frequently can gather grime and grease, especially in a kitchen environment. If you’re not up for regularly wiping down your shelves and everything on them, open shelving might not be for you.

3. Shelves Can Look Sparse or Unbalanced
If you’re using items from your shelves daily, you might often find them looking empty or unstyled. Unless you’re quick to clean and replace items, your carefully curated display can lose its visual appeal.

Still Undecided? Consider a Hybrid Approach

If you’re drawn to the visual openness of open shelving but hesitant about maintenance, consider incorporating glass-front cabinets instead. They offer the best of both worlds showcasing your favorite pieces while protecting them from dust. Add interior lighting to these cabinets to brighten the space and maintain that light, airy feel.

Open shelving can be a beautiful and functional addition to your kitchen but it’s not for everyone. Consider your lifestyle, cleaning habits, and storage needs before committing. Whether you go fully open, stick with closed cabinets, or land somewhere in between, the key is to design a kitchen that works for you.