Love It or Hate It? How to Master Open Shelving in Your Kitchen
Torn between the allure of open kitchen shelves and the fear of constant mess? You’re not alone. Open storage is one of the most polarizing trends in kitchen design. Some love the airy, minimalist feel it brings; others stress about keeping everything picture-perfect 24/7.
But here’s the truth: open kitchen cabinets can be both functional and beautiful if styled with care. When used correctly, they can enhance your kitchen's personality and make everyday utensils easily accessible. Whether you're considering a kitchen remodel or just looking to improve your open shelving game, follow these tips that blend practicality with aesthetics.
Why Open Shelving Sparks Debate
The Pros
- Visual Appeal: Floating shelves create a spacious, modern look and offer room to showcase your favorite kitchen pieces.
- Easy Access: Everyday essentials like bowls or glasses are easy to grab without digging through cabinets.
- Affordability: Compared to closed cabinetry, open shelving is often more budget-friendly.
The Cons
- Dust and Maintenance: Without cabinet doors, shelves are prone to dust, grease, and grime, especially in the kitchen.
- Visual Clutter: If not styled carefully, open shelves can look messy and overwhelming.
- Practicality Concerns: Not everything in our kitchens is Instagram-worthy. Sometimes, you just need to stash that “ugly” blender somewhere.
How to Make Open Shelves Work in Your Kitchen
1. Keep It Minimal
What to include:
- Everyday dishware like plates and glasses that you’ll frequently use, ensuring they never have time to collect dust.
- A small selection of decorative pieces such as ceramic vases or potted plants.
What to avoid:
- Items you rarely use (looking at you, bread-making machine) or anything prone to grease buildup.
- Too many mismatched colors or patterns that create visual clutter.
2. Choose a Cohesive Color Palette
Visual unity is key to making open shelves feel organized. Select kitchenware, jars, and accents that follow a consistent color scheme. Whether you prefer muted neutrals, earthy tones, or vibrant hues, this approach helps create order and elegance.
Additionally, consider coordinating your backsplash with your chosen palette to further enhance the cohesive look.
Blue Kitchen Decor Ideas
Pouf-Blue Orange Traditional Fiber Cotton | Square By Surya
$124
Pouf-Grey Blue Ivory Stripes Fiber Cotton | Square By Surya
$130
20" Light Blue Glass Glass Bottle With Stopper
$76
Pouf-Denim Blue Beige Braided Jute Fiber Cotton Blend | Round By Surya
$106
Outdoor Navy Blue Fiber Garden Stool | Round By Surya
$145
Pouf-Cabled Blue Cotton Fiber Cobalt | Crochet | Round By Surya
$91
3. Invest in Stylish, Functional Storage Solutions
Even practical items can be decorative when done right. Look for stylish storage options to keep things organized and clutter-free, enhancing your kitchen feel.
- Clear Glass Jars for pantry staples like flour, sugar, or pasta. Bonus points for adding matching labels!
- Baskets or Wire Bins to house miscellaneous items like napkins or snack bags.
- Ceramic Canisters for coffee, tea, or utensils.
Decorative kitchen countertop storage ideas
Natural Metal Gold + Bronze Swinging People Bookends Set Of 2
$58Open Shelving Alternatives for the Hesitant
If the thought of fully committing to open shelving feels overwhelming, there are ways to test the waters before taking the plunge:
- Freestanding shelves: Versatile and movable, these can be placed anywhere to try out open storage without permanent changes.
- Hutch: Combines open shelves for display with closed cabinets for hidden storage, offering a balanced approach.
- Bookshelf: Use for open storage of cookbooks, jars, and decor, allowing you to experiment without commitment.
Kitchen cabinet alternatives
Amery White + Brown Two Tone Wood 69" Sideboard Buffet With Hutch | Doors | Drawers | Storage | Shelves | Wine Rack
$1,690
Black Light Brown Curved 36 Inch Metal Wood Wall Shelf | Round
$159
28X6 White Washed Brown Natural Mdf Wood Hand Carved Floral Floating Wall Shelves | 3 Piece Set | Sets | Set of 3 | Rectangle
$88Who Should Avoid Open Storage Shelves?
While open shelves are a design favorite for many, they may not suit everyone’s lifestyle. If you have a bustling household with kids or heavy cooking habits that create grease buildup, they might not be the best practical choice.
Similarly, if maintaining a minimalist, clean style feels overwhelming, closed cabinetry could offer far more peace of mind. Additionally, in a small kitchen, open shelves can sometimes make the small space feel cluttered rather than open and airy, potentially reducing your available storage space.
That said, if you’re open to experimenting and willing to commit a little time to regular upkeep, open shelving can absolutely work for you!