San Leandro, CA - The Pros & Cons of Open Shelving in Modern Kitchen Remodels

Open shelving in a kitchen isn’t for everyone. In fact, it might not be considered suitable for most. With so many people gravitating towards traditional cabinetry, it can seem risky to choose a storage option with more exposure in your kitchen than what you’re used to.

If you’re on the fence about getting open shelving but are still eager about the idea, read on to weigh the pros and cons.

Pro: Aesthetic Appearance

One of the biggest benefits of open shelving in a kitchen is its aesthetic appearance. Open shelving is minimalistic, rustic, inviting, authentic, intentional, light, and airy.

It can look stunning in a variety of interior designs, including Scandinavian, industrial, mid-century modern, bohemian, contemporary, cottagecore, transitional, and modern farmhouse. It’s a highly versatile element for virtually any kitchen.

Con: Doesn’t Look as Polished

In the eyes of some, open shelving may not have the polished look they’re hoping for. This style of kitchen storage might appear unfinished, as if something is missing.

While it’s true cabinet doors are, in fact, missing from open shelved kitchens, cabinet doors are not essential. Homeowners often find themselves eventually getting used to not seeing cabinet doors in their kitchen, but it can be an adjustment.

Pro: Easy Access

Homeowners often love the ease of accessibility of having open shelving in their kitchen. Finding and grabbing dishes, cups, or spices off their shelves can be done without having to open and close multiple doors to get what they need. It makes putting away clean dishes and cooking easier than ever.

Con: Dust Buildup

The buildup of dust on open shelving and the dishes and other items displayed on these shelves is a common concern. With no walls or doors surrounding your shelves, the objects you store are exposed to debris infiltrating the air, including fur, human hair, and dirt.

The key to managing dust and debris on open shelving is to wipe them down regularly, only display items on open shelving you use frequently, and opting for easy-to-clean shelving materials.

Pro: Budget Friendly

When you’re looking for a way to trim down your kitchen renovation budget, going with open shelving versus regular cabinets can be a great choice. This way, you can save money or put extra budget towards aspects of your kitchen you deem more important and splurge-worthy, like quality countertops or appliances.

Even if you later decide open shelving isn’t right for you, you can easily make the swap to regular cabinets when you have the budget to do so.

Con: Can Look Cluttered if Not Organized

The great news is, having open shelving in the kitchen can motivate you to keep your dishes organized. However, if your dishes aren’t meticulously organized, it can give the impression of a cluttered kitchen.

On a brighter note, with the intention placement of well-coordinated dishes, open shelving in your kitchen can look stunning rather than busy or invasive.

Interested in potentially opting for open shelving, another style of cabinetry, or a combination of the two? Contact Build BLVD today.