Open Shelving vs. Closed Cabinets: What Works Best for Your Kitchen?

When it comes to kitchen storage, one of the biggest design decisions you’ll face is whether to go with open shelving, closed cabinets, or a combination of both. Each option offers unique advantages and comes with a few considerations. So, how do you choose what works best for your kitchen, your style, and your lifestyle? Let’s break it down.

The Case for Open Shelving

Open shelves have become a popular trend in modern and farmhouse kitchens alike—and for good reason. They offer a light, airy feel and make a space look larger by removing visual barriers. They’re ideal for showcasing beautiful dishware, glassware, cookbooks, or decorative pieces that reflect your personality.

Open shelving can also make your kitchen more functional. Everything is within easy reach and visible, which is great when you’re cooking or entertaining. It encourages minimalism and keeps clutter to a minimum—if you’re committed to staying organized.

However, open shelves aren’t for everyone. They require regular dusting, and your items are always on display, which means you’ll need to keep them tidy. If you’re not a fan of constant upkeep or don’t love the idea of styling your shelves like a magazine spread, they may not be your ideal solution.

The Strength of Closed Cabinets

Closed cabinets are the traditional choice and still the go-to for many homeowners. They offer unmatched storage versatility, keep everyday clutter hidden, and protect your dishes from grease, dust, and moisture. With a wide range of styles, finishes, and hardware options, cabinets can be tailored to fit any kitchen aesthetic—from sleek and modern to classic and cozy.

If functionality and tidiness are top priorities, closed cabinets are hard to beat. You can store less attractive essentials like plastic containers, cleaning supplies, or bulk food items without worrying about aesthetics.

That said, a wall of upper cabinets can sometimes make a kitchen feel more enclosed or heavy, especially in smaller spaces. That’s where a mixed approach might come in handy.

Why Not Both?

Many kitchens today successfully combine open shelving and closed cabinetry. For example, you might install closed cabinets for storing everyday items and use a few open shelves for decorative accents or frequently used dishes. This hybrid solution offers the best of both worlds—form and function—while giving your kitchen a more custom, layered look.

It also allows for flexibility over time. If your needs change, you can easily restyle your open shelves or convert them back to cabinetry down the road.

Designing Your Perfect Balance

The decision between open shelving and closed cabinets ultimately depends on your lifestyle, your space, and your design preferences. At Beyond the Box Renovations, we help clients evaluate how they use their kitchen and create smart storage solutions tailored to their needs.

Whether you lean toward the clean look of closed cabinets or love the charm of open shelves, we’ll help you plan a layout that maximizes both beauty and usability. Our goal is to design a kitchen that fits the way you live—not just the way it looks in photos.

Ready to reimagine your kitchen storage? Let’s build a solution that works beautifully for you.