Choosing Between Open Shelving and Closed Cabinets

If you're currently in the middle of a home renovation project, you may wonder if open shelving or closed cabinets would look best in your kitchen. There are pros and cons to open kitchen shelving and closed storage cabinets. When exploring the differences, you'll want to consider the size of your space and the look you're trying to achieve.

We're here to walk you through the differences between closed storage cabinets and open shelving in the kitchen so you can make the best choice for your home. Here's everything you need to know:

Benefits of Open Shelving

If you love an open and airy kitchen, you can't go wrong with kitchen cabinets and open shelving. This is one of the most popular options for big and small kitchens. Here are some of the benefits you can look forward to:

• Can make a space appear bigger and more open
• Provides you with more space to showcase decor and dishware
• Tends to be more affordable than closed storage cabinets
• Fully customizable, you can pick and choose what to display on the shelves
• Install open kitchen shelving between closed cabinets to break up monotony

Benefits of Closed Cabinets

Closed cabinets in the kitchen are a functional must-have. This practical option offers protection and storage for your kitchen necessities. Some benefits of sticking with these cabinets only include:

• Protects your kitchen appliances and dishware from dirt, grime, and grease
• Concealed storage that won't disrupt the aesthetic of your kitchen
• Maintain a clutter-free appearance with more storage options
• Provides a consistent and more uniform appearance

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Can You Combine Open Shelving and Cabinets?

Yes, you can combine both options if you love the practicality of closed storage cabinets but want the aesthetic benefits of open cabinet shelving. This is a great way to add more depth and dimension to your space. It can also help improve the functionality of your kitchen, ensuring both your practical needs and aesthetic desires are being met.

Open kitchen shelving can showcase your favorite decor or dishware, while closed cabinets can hide heavy appliances or heavily used items from view. You can also use closed storage cabinets to hide items that disrupt your home design to achieve a clutter-free appearance.

When combining both, you want to use both styles to create a balanced, cohesive space. Consider how you can pair the shelving with your cabinets to maximize the aesthetic and functional benefits of both options. A popular way to do this is to install both open cabinet shelving between closed cabinets. This provides added variation and can make your home look and feel more visually appealing.

Enhancing Open Shelving with Custom Cabinet Doors

If you're renovating your kitchen or bathroom, you'll want to consider investing in custom cabinet doors. Custom cabinet doors allow you to elevate your space without replacing the entire cabinet. This is a budget-friendly alternative to a full-fledged home renovation that can provide next-level results that last anywhere from 10 to 30 years.

All you need to do is measure your current cabinets for a perfect fit. We've created a full guide to measuring cabinet doors so you can easily do it at home without professional support.

Glass Cabinet Doors As an Open Cabinet Shelving Alternative

If you're looking for a low-maintenance alternative that provides the same aesthetic finish as open kitchen shelving, consider glass cabinet doors . Glass cabinet doors will help you achieve an open and airy look while also protecting your belongings from dust and dirt. 

These cabinet doors are also:

• Incredibly versatile and can be designed to complement a variety of aesthetics
• Easy to clean
• Resistant to warping and scratches
• Allow for more natural light to come into your space
• Allows you to display your favorite dishware and decor
• Work well in both the kitchen and bathroom

Let us know if you want to pair glass-ready cabinet doors with closed cabinet storage. We have a variety of glass-ready cabinet door styles designed to complement our custom-made cabinet doors. Explore our glass-ready cabinets today to get started.

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Finding the Right Balance of  Open Shelving and Closed Cabinets 

When remodeling your kitchen, you'll want to maximize space functionality while complementing your design preferences. Consider what types of cabinets you'd benefit from the most, and get creative with your approach to the design. When blending style and function, you can create a welcoming space that complements your lifestyle.

At CabinetDoors.com, we specialize in developing custom-made cabinet doors. All our cabinet doors are custom-made and made to expertly fit your current cabinets. Simply send us the measurements needed, and our team will take care of the rest. Explore our custom-made solutions today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of cabinet doors work well with open shelving?

Open cabinet shelving works well when paired with modern cabinet doors. Slab and shaker-style cabinets are great modern options that aren't too distracting to the eye, so the focal point will be the open shelves and what you have displayed.

Is open shelving harder to maintain than closed cabinets?

Dust can accumulate quickly on open shelves. So, you'll need to clean open shelves regularly to avoid a build-up of grease, dirt, and grime. You'll also need to wipe down and clean the items displayed on the shelves.

Can I convert some of my cabinets to open shelving?

Yes, you can convert your current cabinets into open shelving. To convert cabinets into an open shelving option, remove the cabinet door and trim from the frame. You may need to sand down the cabinets and repaint or stain them for a professional finish.

Can I add doors to open shelving?

Yes, you can add doors to open kitchen shelving. Invest in replacement cabinet doors with the exact opening measurements for a seamless match.

How do I decide how much open shelving vs. closed cabinetry to include?

You'll want to consider the look you're trying to achieve in your space. If you want to create an open and airy kitchen, you'll want to pair closed kitchen cabinets with open shelving. If you have a smaller space and need more storage, closer cabinetry might be a better option.