Open Shelving Vs. Closed Cabinetry In Kitchens
Key takeaways
- Open shelves in a kitchen can make the room feel bigger. They allow you to see more of your walls and backsplash, adding depth to the space. Without upper cabinets blocking the view, open shelving creates an airy feel.
- Putting in open shelving costs less than fitting your kitchen with closed cabinets. You save money because you need fewer materials and less labor. For example, building a full set of upper kitchen cabinets might cost thousands of dollars.
- Open shelving in kitchens gives homeowners a unique chance to show off their style. It turns an ordinary kitchen into a space full of color and life. People can display everything from fine china to colorful bowls on these shelves.
- Open shelving requires frequent cleaning to keep it tidy. It has limited storage capacity and visible clutter might be a concern for some homeowners.
Benefits of Open Shelving
Enhances visual space
Open shelves in a kitchen can make the room feel bigger. They allow you to see more of your walls and backsplash, adding depth to the space. Without upper cabinets blocking the view, open shelving creates an airy feel.
This is great for small kitchens where every inch counts.
Open shelving transforms a kitchen from closed off to open and inviting.
Choosing open shelves means your beautiful dishes, jars, and wooden cutting boards become part of the decor. They add color and texture to your kitchen’s design style. You get both storage and display area on the same shelf.
This makes your kitchen unique and full of character.
Open shelves in a kitchen can make the room feel bigger. They allow you to see more of your walls and backsplash, adding depth to the space. Without upper cabinets blocking the view, open shelving creates an airy feel.
This is great for small kitchens where every inch counts.
Open shelving transforms a kitchen from closed off to open and inviting.
Choosing open shelves means your beautiful dishes, jars, and wooden cutting boards become part of the decor. They add color and texture to your kitchen’s design style.
You get both storage and display area on the same shelf.
This makes your kitchen unique and full of character.
Cost-effective installation
Putting in open shelving costs less than fitting your kitchen with closed cabinets. You save money because you need fewer materials and less labor. For example, building a full set of upper kitchen cabinets might cost thousands of dollars.
But setting up floating shelves for your everyday dishes can cut this expense by half or more.
Many homeowners find they can install open kitchen shelves themselves over one weekend. This DIY project lowers the cost even further. You don’t have to hire professionals or wait weeks for custom cabinet doors.
Plus, you use less wood and hardware, making the whole setup more budget-friendly.
Allows for display of decorative items
Open shelving in kitchens gives homeowners a unique chance to show off their style. It turns an ordinary kitchen into a space full of color and life. People can display everything from fine china to colorful bowls on these shelves.
Each item adds to the kitchen’s overall look, making it more welcoming.
This shelving also lets homeowners change their decorations easily. They can showcase seasonal items or new finds without having to redo the entire space.
Open shelves are great for those who love adding personal touches to their home, turning the kitchen into a gallery of sorts for beautiful dishes and unique finds.
Drawbacks of Open Shelving
Frequent cleaning needed
Open shelving may require frequent cleaning to keep off dust and grime. This is essential to maintain the visual appeal of the kitchen. Regular wiping down and organizing of items are necessary to uphold the neatness of open shelves, preventing any visible clutter.
The glass front doors on closed cabinetry can help reduce dust accumulation, requiring less cleaning efforts compared to open shelving.
Limited storage capacity
Transitioning from the need for frequent cleaning, homeowners should know that open shelving also comes with limited storage capacity. Without closed cabinetry, it can be challenging to store all kitchen items efficiently.
Items such as large pots and less visually appealing cookware may not have suitable places in open shelves, limiting storage options and causing a cluttered appearance in the kitchen.
Closed cabinetry provides ample storage space for various kitchen items, including those that are not aesthetically pleasing or commonly used. This creates a more organized and neat-looking kitchen without compromising on style or visual interest.
With lower cabinets and pull-out shelves, closed cabinetry offers easy access to stored items while keeping them concealed when not needed.
Visible clutter
Open shelving in kitchens can lead to visible clutter. Things like plates, glasses, and jars are on display, so they need to be arranged neatly or the area can look untidy. Dust settles easily on items left out in the open, which means regular cleaning is crucial for maintaining a tidy appearance.
With closed cabinetry, this clutter is hidden from view. Cabinets provide a space to tuck away items that might not always look neat when left out in the open. This helps keep your kitchen looking clean and organized with minimal effort.
Advantages of Closed Cabinetry
More storage space
Closed cabinetry offers more storage space, allowing homeowners to keep their kitchen items neatly tucked away. It provides ample room for storing large items and keeps the kitchen looking organized.
This is particularly advantageous for homeowners who have limited wall space or prefer a clutter-free look within their kitchens. Closed cabinetry also ensures that items are kept dust-free, maintaining a clean and hygienic environment in the kitchen.
For those seeking more storage options without compromising on aesthetics, closed cabinetry can be an ideal choice. With the flexibility of different shelving configurations and pull-out shelves, it allows for maximizing storage capacity while catering to individual preferences for organization within the kitchen space.
Keeps items dust-free
Closed cabinetry offers a significant advantage by keeping items free from dust, ensuring that your kitchen essentials remain clean and ready to use. With the doors closed, it creates a barrier against dust settling on dishes, cookware, and other stored items.
This is particularly beneficial for homeowners who may not have the time to frequently clean or wipe down open shelves. Moreover, this feature helps maintain the overall hygiene of your kitchen storage – a crucial aspect for any homeowner looking to maintain an orderly and visually appealing space.
Furthermore, closed cabinetry with solid doors prevents dust accumulation on less frequently used items such as fine china or special occasion glassware. This ensures that when the need arises for these specific pieces they are found in perfect condition without requiring additional cleaning before use, adding an element of convenience to everyday living in your home.
Conceals clutter
Disadvantages of Closed Cabinetry
Can be more costly
Closed cabinetry can be more expensive due to the materials and labor required for installation. From custom pull-out shelves, glass doors, and tailored designs, the costs add up. Moreover, closed cabinetry may require more maintenance over time which can increase the overall cost of upkeep in comparison to open shelving options.
In addition, closed cabinetry with intricate designs or personalized features can significantly raise the expenditure. Homeowners should carefully weigh these expenses against the benefits of closed cabinetry when planning their kitchen design to ensure it aligns with their budget and preferences.
May require more maintenance
Closed cabinetry may demand more upkeep than open shelving. It often involves regular cleaning and occasional repairs. The enclosed spaces can accumulate dust and grime, requiring frequent wiping down of surfaces and shelves to maintain cleanliness.
Furthermore, the hinges, knobs, and other moving parts on closed cabinetry may need periodic maintenance to ensure smooth functioning for a longer time.
It is important for homeowners to consider these maintenance needs when deciding between open shelving and closed cabinetry in their kitchens. While closed cabinetry offers ample storage space and keeps items concealed, it requires consistent attention to maintain its functionality and aesthetic appeal over time.
Top Manufacturers of Kitchen Cabinetry
KraftMaid: Offers semi-custom cabinets with a wide range of styles, allowing for personalized kitchen designs.
IKEA: Known for affordable, modern designs and easy-to-assemble cabinets, perfect for budget-conscious homeowners.
Thomasville Cabinetry: Provides high-quality, customizable cabinetry solutions with a variety of finishes and details.
Merillat: Delivers cabinets that combine functionality and style, ideal for both traditional and contemporary kitchens.
Diamond Cabinets: Features durable and elegant cabinetry options with customizable features and storage solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kitchen Cabinetry
Why Choose Our Team?
Our team has years of experience in delivering top-tier service, ensuring exceptional results. Working with seasoned professionals not only guarantees quality but also saves money over time. Ready to tackle your kitchen remodeling project with industry experts? Contact us if you live in Missouri at (816) 200-7741 to get started.