Did you know that 1 in 5 people renovate their kitchens to make the space more functional and accommodating? Storage plays a big role in how enjoyable (or frustrating) a kitchen can be. Even the most gorgeous designs can fall flat if you’re constantly battling clutter or struggling to find space for your essentials.
Open shelving in kitchens is making waves these days as a fresh storage solution. While open shelves haven’t replaced traditional kitchen cabinets just yet, the concept is carving out its own space in modern, minimalist homes.
Thinking of a kitchen remodel and wondering about open shelving units? Holland’s Custom Cabinets offers insights into the pros and cons of open shelves versus traditional cabinets.
What is Open Shelving?
Open shelving is exactly what it sounds like-shelves that are open and exposed, with no cabinet doors to conceal the contents. This style is both trendy and practical, offering easy access to items. However, it can be a bit adventurous, as it requires you to keep everything neat and organized at all times.
You can use open kitchen shelves to display your favorite glassware, small plants, or decor pieces, breaking up the visual monotony that a row of closed cabinets can create.
Materials and Styles
Open shelves are entirely customizable. Depending on your existing decor, you can get them in:
Wood: Warm, textured, and can work in just about any aesthetic.
Metal: Lends a sleek, edgy character to industrial or contemporary kitchen designs.
Glass: Reflective, airy, and can make your space appear larger than it is.
What Are Traditional Kitchen Cabinets?
The tried-and-true heroes of kitchen storage, traditional kitchen cabinets consist of closed boxes with doors installed either overhead, on the floor, or in both places. Their main purpose is to store and conceal everything you don’t want on display-mismatched storage containers, stacks of pots and pans, and less-than-aesthetic small appliances.
Beyond their storage benefits, cabinets are a key design element in the home. Since they cover a large portion of your wall space, their material, color, and finish can define the personality of your kitchen.
Materials and Styles
Traditional cabinets come in a wide range of materials.
- Wood: A classic, timeless option. Choices like oak, maple, or cherry can make your kitchen look warmer and more inviting.
- MDF with Laminate or Veneer: Cost-effective alternatives to hardwood, but look just like the real thing. They also resist rot and warping.
- Lacquered or Painted Finish: Painted and lacquered cabinets look high-end and can add more character to your space.
As for cabinet styles, you can choose from the following:
- Shaker: Known for their clean, simple design, Shaker-style cabinets feature a flat center panel and minimal detailing. They can fit in both traditional and modern kitchens.
- Flat-Panel (Slab): These cabinets have no raised edges or embellishments. They’re typically paired with high-gloss finishes for a contemporary feel.
- Raised-Panel: More ornate than other cabinet designs, this style consists of a slightly elevated central panel surrounded by intricate detailing.
How Open Shelving Matches Different Kitchen Styles
You might assume open shelving only works with certain kitchen styles, but that’s not the case. With the right materials and design choices, kitchens with open shelving can complement almost any aesthetic.
Modern Minimalist Kitchens
Floating shelves in light wood or neutral tones can hold just a few curated dishes, glasses, or decor items in minimalist kitchens. Paired with a monochromatic palette or subtle pops of color, they add function and style without cluttering the space.
Farmhouse Kitchens
In farmhouse kitchens, rustic wooden shelves with black iron brackets create the perfect backdrop for displaying vintage dishware, mason jars, and other homey touches.
Industrial Kitchens
Open shelving made of metal or reclaimed wood complements the edgy, unfinished look of industrial kitchens. They fit right in with exposed pipes, concrete countertops, and other accents.
How Kitchen Cabinets Match Different Kitchen Styles
One of the best things about kitchen cabinets is how easily they can be customized to suit your preferences.
- Traditional Kitchens: Cabinets with decorative molding, raised panels, or glass inserts are commonly used in vintage-style kitchens. Choose them if your kitchen features ornate finishes and rich wood textures.
- Transitional Kitchens: In transitional kitchens, cabinets with clean, simple lines offer a subtle backdrop for other features, like lighting or hardware. Opt for neutral shades like white, gray, or beige to keep things balanced and versatile.
- Luxury Kitchens: Luxury kitchens must look sophisticated and exclusive. Custom cabinetry in lacquered wood, textured styles, or rich materials like walnut or mahogany can add that X-factor.
- Coastal Kitchens: Custom cabinets in a coastal kitchen help create a light, breezy feel. They typically feature shades of white, cream, or pale blue, preferably with glass inserts to reflect natural light.
The Pros and Cons of Open Shelving
While open shelving is great, they might not be the right fit for every kitchen. Let’s break down various pros and cons.
Pros of Open Shelving:
1. Airy and Spacious:
One of the biggest perks of open shelving is how their use makes your kitchen appear brighter and more open. Without bulky cabinet doors, the space feels less cramped.
2. Showcases Stylish Dishes and Decor:
Do you have brickwork you’d like to leave exposed? Would you like to use wallpaper or a different paint color on one of the walls? All these ideas add visual interest and are great reasons to invest in standard or floating kitchen shelves.
Shelves also create the perfect spot for decorations. Use them to display a beautiful vase, matching glass spice jars, or your prized wooden cutting boards. You can also rotate pumpkins, flowers, or bells and baubles to keep your space festive year-round.
3. Easy Accessibility:
Storing your most-used items on open shelves keeps everything within easy reach, so there’s no need to dig through cupboards. It streamlines your kitchen routine and saves valuable time.
4. Cost-Effective Option:
Compared to traditional cabinets, open shelving is often more affordable. You can even DIY them with a few planks of wood and brackets.
Cons of Open Shelving:
1. Requires Frequent Cleaning:
With everything out in the open, dust and grease from cooking will build up quickly. Be prepared to clean your shelves and the items on them regularly.
2. Limited Storage Capacity:
Open shelves don’t offer as much storage as cabinets. If you own a lot of kitchen gadgets or dishes, you might run out of space fast.
3. Can Look Cluttered:
Unless you’re careful, open kitchen shelving can make your kitchen look messy. You’ll need to be intentional about how you organize and display your items.
The Pros and Cons of Kitchen Cabinets
Like open shelves, kitchen cabinets come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Pros of Kitchen Cabinets:
1. Ample Storage Space:
Cabinets are great for storage. You can easily stow your everyday essentials behind closed doors and keep your counters clutter-free.
2. Concealed Clutter:
If your household isn’t one for meticulous organization, cabinets can save the day. They help hide mismatched plates, plastic dishes, and everything else you’d rather not have out in the open.
3. Customizable Design:
With cabinets, there’s really no dearth of design options and styles. You can experiment with different finishes, materials, hardware, and layouts to personalize them.
4. Durable and Long-Lasting:
Well-made cabinets are built to last. When built with quality materials, they can withstand daily wear and tear for years.
Cons of Kitchen Cabinets:
1. Can Feel Heavy or Boxy:
Cabinets can make smaller kitchens feel closed in or bulky. A wall full of cabinets might work for storage but can sometimes overwhelm the room visually.
2. Higher Cost:
Custom-made cabinets are typically on the higher end of the price spectrum. If you’re on a tight budget, cabinets might take up a significant chunk of it.
3. Limited Accessibility:
Cabinets can make it harder to grab what you need quickly. You might find yourself digging through deep shelves or hard-to-reach corners to find that one item.
The Choice Is Yours
Whether you are in the open shelving camp or you stand behind traditional cabinets, there is no right or wrong choice. Both styles have their strengths, and the “right” choice depends on your style and how you use your kitchen. If you’re still unsure or have questions, reach out to the team at Holland Custom Cabinets. With years of experience in fine cabinetmaking, we’re here to help you find the perfect solution for your kitchen. Contact us today online or at 619.443.6081.
