Open Shelving vs. Upper Cabinets: Which Works Best for Your Kitchen?

When planning a kitchen remodel, one of the biggest design questions is whether to use open shelving or traditional upper cabinets. Both options have their benefits, and the right choice depends on your style preferences, storage needs, and how you use your kitchen every day. To help you decide, let’s break down the pros and cons of each.

1. The Case for Open Shelving

Open shelving has become a major trend in modern kitchens. It offers a light, airy look and creates an opportunity to showcase beautiful dishware, glassware, or even plants. Open shelves make everyday items more accessible—no doors to open, no digging through clutter.

However, open shelving also requires upkeep. Dishes and accessories are exposed to dust and grease, especially in active kitchens. To pull off this look, you’ll need to keep shelves organized and intentional, treating them as part of the kitchen’s overall décor.

Best for: Homeowners who want a modern, open look and enjoy styling their kitchens with carefully chosen pieces.

2. The Case for Upper Cabinets

Upper cabinets are the traditional choice, and for good reason. They provide maximum hidden storage, helping keep clutter out of sight. Cabinets also protect items from dust and grease, making them a more practical choice for households with busy lifestyles.

Upper cabinets can sometimes make a kitchen feel more closed-in, especially in smaller spaces. However, design innovations like glass-front doors or lighter cabinet colors can help maintain openness while keeping storage abundant.

Best for: Homeowners who prioritize storage space, convenience, and a clean, streamlined look with less daily maintenance.

3. Finding a Balance: Combining Both

Many homeowners are choosing a hybrid approach. Using upper cabinets in some areas while incorporating open shelving in others offers the best of both worlds. For example, you might install cabinets around the main prep zones but use open shelving above the sink or in a corner to display stylish pieces.

This approach creates visual interest, prevents the kitchen from feeling too heavy with cabinetry, and still provides plenty of functional storage.

4. Factors to Consider Before Deciding

• Kitchen Size: Smaller kitchens may benefit from open shelving to create a sense of space, while larger kitchens can support a full wall of cabinets without feeling cramped.

• Lifestyle: Do you cook often and need everything tucked away? Cabinets may be best. Do you enjoy styling and don’t mind maintaining displays? Shelving might suit you.

• Style Goals: Open shelving lends itself to modern, farmhouse, or eclectic kitchens, while upper cabinets align more with traditional or transitional looks.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to open shelving versus upper cabinets. Both options can work beautifully—it’s about finding what fits your lifestyle and design goals.

At Beyond The Box, we help homeowners design kitchens that balance function and style. Whether you want sleek open shelves, classic upper cabinets, or a thoughtful combination of both, our team can create a layout that makes your kitchen both practical and stunning.