Why Open Wall Shelving Works for Kitchens

This polarizing design choice has more positives than you think.

By Lauren Piro, Good Housekeeping

If you're like us, you can't escape the pretty pictures of kitchens with open shelving that pop up on your Pinterest page. The trendy look is serene, modern and seems like a lovely way to display a matching dishware collection. But, is it really all that practical? We asked some of bloggers with open shelves why they went for a cabinet-free look.



1

Open shelves increase your storage options.

"We couldn't stand the upper cabinets in our kitchen. People tend to see them as a cornucopia of storage, but they were actually quite awkward. One cabinet was a nightmare because I couldn't quite reach around to get things in and out — I had to clamber up on the counter. The corner cabinets were too narrow for glasses to sit side-by-side. And the one above the stove was fake. Open shelving increased our storage, and created a space that felt a bit more modern and relaxed," says Tanya Watson of Dans le Lakehouse.

2

It's warm and welcoming to guests.

"Open shelves invite visitors to feel at home and help themselves to whatever they need. They don't have to ask where things are, or go rummaging through cabinets because it's all in plain view. My hope is that when friends drop by, they will feel invited to grab a mug from our open coffee bar, pour a cup, sit down and make themselves at home," says Jaime Scott of Caught in Grace.



3

It makes spaces look brighter and more open.

"Our kitchen was small, dark and felt closed in with old ugly upper cabinets. We were originally planning on just tearing out one wall of cabinetry, but once we did, we realized that ripping out all of them would truly make our kitchen more open. We haven't looked back since! It lets so much more light in from our windows, which helps make the space feel so much bigger," says Christina Hibbs of Christina's Adventures.

4

Dust and grime aren't that big of a deal.

"Dust appears on the shelf, but I just wipe it off once a month or so while the dishes are being cleaned. Really, no dish sits there long enough to accumulate dust," says Brittany Bailey of Pretty Handy Girl.

"I don't find we have the dust issues people worry about. Because we use all of the plates, bowls and glasses on the shelves regularly, they don't have time to get dusty. Around the plates a little dust settles, but less than on my office bookcases! I run a Swiffer duster around every now and then," says Watson.

5

Shelves become easier to organize.

"I love the convenience, especially when guests (or the hubby, for that matter) are searching for something or helping tidy up. Everything finds its way back to its designated spot with open shelving and, counter-intuitively, it's actually easier to keep organized," says Watson.

6

It's inexpensive.

Truth time: New cabinets aren't cheap. So if you're craving a new look for your dated kitchen, shelves can be the perfect, economical solution. Tight budget in mind, this clever blogger completely transformed her dark, dank kitchen into a bright and airy one. "Open shelving is a very budget-friendly option! It's a project that can be done in a day, yet it makes a huge statement when done well," says Amber Tysl of Restless Arrow.

7

You can show off your stylish dishware.

"My dishes are by Emma Bridgewater, and in my opinion, they are too pretty to shut behind doors!" says Tricia Goins of Little Cottage on the Pond.

"I like seeing my pretty glasswares and Pyrex on display. They've been hidden behind cupboard doors for so many years, so now it's their moment in the sun," says Tanya of Dans le Lakehouse.

8

You can try it out before taking the leap.

Many of the bloggers we talked to suggested a test run before making the big commitment. Remove your cabinet doors for a few weeks to emulate what open shelving will look and feel like. Then, you can easily put them back if you don't love it. (The same isn't true about demo-ing your kitchen impulsively!)