Open Shelving vs. Closed Cabinetry: Which is Right for Your Home?
When designing a kitchen or living space, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to opt for open shelving or closed cabinetry. Both options have their advantages and drawbacks, making the choice highly dependent on your lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and organizational habits. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each to help you determine which is right for your home.
Open Shelving
Open shelving has become a popular trend in modern and farmhouse-style kitchens. It offers a light, airy feel and makes accessing everyday items more convenient. Some even opt for no upper storage at all, leaving ample room for decorative wall treatments.
Pros:
Easy Access: Frequently used items are within reach, making it a practical choice for busy kitchens. No more fumbling with cabinet doors—or worse, banging your head on one you forgot was open.
Visually Open: Eliminates bulky cabinets, creating an open, spacious feel. Many homeowners in small apartments find that switching to open shelving makes their kitchen feel twice as big. Of course, that also means getting rid of those mismatched, 15-year-old plastic cups.
Customization & Display: A great way to showcase decorative dishes, cookbooks, and curated collections. Some enjoy styling their shelves seasonally—spring pastels, summer coastal vibes, and warm autumn tones. Others (read: their spouses) just want to know where the coffee mugs went this time.
Cost-Effective: Often more affordable than full cabinetry since it requires fewer materials. For budget-conscious remodels, open shelves can free up funds for high-end countertops—unless, of course, your kitchen is full of mismatched Tupperware lids.
Cons:
Dust & Grease Buildup: Without cabinet doors, dishes and décor are exposed to dust, grease, and kitchen grime. Nothing says “welcome” like a glass of cabernet with a side of lint.
Cluttered Appearance: Can look messy if not carefully arranged. Some find the solution is simply curating which guests are allowed in the kitchen.
Limited Storage: Less concealed space for unsightly items like food packaging or mismatched dishes. Many homeowners pair open shelves with lower closed cabinets to hide bulkier, less attractive items—like that one pan everyone owns but refuses to throw away.
Closed Cabinetry
Traditional closed cabinetry remains the most common storage solution, offering functionality and a polished, uniform look.
Pros:
Concealed Storage: Hides clutter, making the kitchen look cleaner and more organized. A great trick when unexpected guests show up—just toss everything inside and close the doors. Just don’t open them too quickly later.
Better Protection: Keeps dishes, cookware, and food safe from dust and grease. Also deters curious pets from "rearranging" your kitchen.
Variety of Styles: Available in a range of materials, finishes, and designs to match any home aesthetic. Perfect for those who love a sleek, minimalist kitchen—so long as no one opens the infamous junk drawer.
Maximizes Storage: Often includes built-in organization features like pull-out drawers and dividers. Great for those who love cooking but also can’t resist buying every kitchen gadget ever made.
Cons:
Can Feel Heavy: Wall-to-wall cabinets may make a small kitchen feel closed in. White cabinets or glass panels can help lighten the space—but that also means keeping the inside of the cabinets presentable.
More Expensive: Typically costs more than open shelving due to materials and installation. Many homeowners find it a worthy investment for storage and style, though their bank accounts may disagree.
Less Accessible: Requires opening doors to retrieve items, which may not be as convenient for daily use. And let’s be honest—no one enjoys playing Tetris with their pots and pans every time they cook.
Which Should You Choose?
The decision between open shelving and closed cabinetry depends on your needs and personal style. If you love an open, airy aesthetic and enjoy styling your kitchen decor, open shelving might be the way to go. However, if you prefer a neat, clutter-free space with minimal maintenance, closed cabinetry is the better choice.
For a balanced approach, consider mixing both—using open shelves for frequently used items or decorative pieces while relying on cabinets for bulkier storage. This hybrid option allows for both functionality and visual appeal. Some use open shelves for coffee mugs and cookbooks but install closed cabinets for pantry items and small appliances—because no one needs to see an embarrassing collection of expired spices.
At Vine & Branch, we specialize in creating custom cabinetry and shelving solutions tailored to your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for sleek, modern cabinetry or warm, inviting open shelves, we can help bring your vision to life. Contact us today to start designing your perfect space!