Open Shelving vs. Upper Cabinets: Weighing the Pros and Cons

Thinking about ripping out those upper cabinets for trendy open shelving? Or maybe you're designing a new kitchen and can't decide which route to take? You're not alone. Open shelving has been making waves in kitchen design, but it's not the right choice for everyone. Before you make a decision you might regret, let's walk through the honest pros and cons of both options so you can choose what works best for your space and lifestyle.

The case for open shelving

There's a reason open shelving has become so popular. When done right, it can completely transform your kitchen and make it feel more spacious and inviting.

The look and feel

Open shelving creates an airy, open feel that makes your kitchen appear larger. If you've got a small kitchen, removing bulky upper cabinets can genuinely make the space breathe. There's also something wonderfully personal about displaying your favourite dishes, glassware, or even a collection of vintage kitchen items. It's your chance to show off your style and make your kitchen feel uniquely yours.

open shelving in a kitchen Accessibility

Everything is right there in front of you. No more rummaging through deep cabinets or forgetting what's tucked away in the back corner. With open shelving, you can grab what you need at a glance, making your daily kitchen routine that bit easier.

Cost savings

Here's a practical bonus: open shelving is typically less expensive than fitted upper cabinets. If you're working with a tight budget, quality shelving can give you a high-end look without the high-end price tag.

The downsides of open shelving

Before you get too excited, there are some real challenges to consider with open shelving.

Dust and maintenance

Let's be honest, open shelves collect dust. Your beautiful displays will need regular cleaning to keep them looking their best. If you're not naturally tidy or don't have time for frequent dusting, this could become a chore you resent.

Visual clutter

Open shelving only looks good when it's thoughtfully styled. Mismatched mugs, plastic containers, and everyday clutter can make your kitchen look messy rather than chic. You'll need to be more conscious about what you put on display and keep it organised.

Limited storage

This is the big one. Open shelving holds significantly less than traditional cabinets. If you've got a lot of kitchen kit, bakeware, or items you'd rather keep hidden, you might find yourself running out of storage space quickly.

The case for upper cabinets

Traditional upper cabinets have stood the test of time for good reason, and they're still the practical choice for many homes.

Maximum storage

Cabinets simply hold more. You can tuck away all those items you use occasionally but don't want on display. From seasonal serving dishes to that bread maker you use twice a year, cabinets give you the storage capacity most kitchens genuinely need.

A clean, streamlined look

Cabinets hide the everyday mess and keep your kitchen looking tidy, even when life gets busy. You don't need to worry about arranging items perfectly or keeping everything styled. Close the door and it all disappears.

Protection from dust and grease

Closed cabinets keep your dishes and glassware clean and protected. In a busy kitchen where cooking happens daily, this protection is genuinely valuable. You won't need to wash things before using them.

Added value

From a practical standpoint, most homebuyers expect to see fitted cabinets in a kitchen. If you're thinking about resale value, traditional cabinetry is typically the safer bet.

The downsides of upper cabinets

Of course, cabinets aren't perfect either.

Visual weight

Upper cabinets can make a space feel smaller and more closed in, particularly in compact kitchens or those with low ceilings. They create a boxed-in feeling that some people find claustrophobic.

kitchen with upper cabinets

Higher cost

Quality cabinetry is an investment. Upper cabinets, especially custom or semi-custom options, will cost more than open shelving.

Accessibility challenges

Items stored in upper cabinets, particularly on high shelves, can be difficult to reach. If you're not tall or have mobility concerns, this can be a daily frustration.

Finding the right balance for your kitchen

So which option is right for you? The honest answer is, it depends on your lifestyle, cooking habits, and how you use your kitchen.

Choose open shelving if:

You have a small kitchen that needs to feel more spacious
You're naturally organised and don't mind regular maintenance
You have beautiful items you genuinely want to display
You don't have tons of kitchen equipment to store
You're working with a limited budget

Choose upper cabinets if:

You need maximum storage capacity
You prefer a clean, clutter-free look without constant styling
You do a lot of cooking and have grease concerns
You want to maintain traditional resale value
You'd rather not dust your dishes regularly

The best of both worlds

Here's a secret: you don't have to choose just one! Many of our clients opt for a combination approach. You might have cabinets in most areas with a section of open shelving to display favourite pieces or create a focal point. This gives you the storage you need while adding visual interest and personality to your space.

You could also consider glass-fronted cabinets, which offer the display aspect of open shelving while keeping items dust-free. Or floating shelves in just one area, like beside the range cooker or above a breakfast bar, to break up the cabinetry without losing storage.

Making your decision

At the end of the day, your kitchen needs to work for how you actually live, not just how it looks in photos. Think honestly about your habits. Are you someone who keeps everything organised and on display, or do you prefer to hide the everyday chaos?

Consider your cooking style too. If you're whipping up family meals every night, the practicality of closed cabinets might outweigh the aesthetic appeal of open shelving. But if your kitchen is more for coffee and light meals, open shelving could be perfect.

There's no wrong choice here, just the right choice for you and your home.

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Need help designing your dream kitchen?

emma As a kitchen designer, I love creating a stunning space where life is easy and memories are made! If your kitchen needs upgrading, modernising or a complete renovation, let’s have a conversation and see what you could do with your space.

A new kitchen with a specialist design is more cost-effective than you may think – just get in touch with us today for a free in-store kitchen design consultation and we’ll show you how.

Emma Reed – Kitchen designer – 01792 712000