The Pros and Cons of Open Shelving in the Kitchen

Open shelving in the kitchen is a growing trend in modern kitchen design. Rather than hiding dishes and kitchenware behind closed cabinet doors, open shelving allows for an open and accessible look. However, like any design decision, open shelving comes with its own set of pros and cons that should be considered before making a decision. In this blog post, we’ll explore both the pros and cons of open shelving in the kitchen.



Creates an Open and Airy Feeling

One of the biggest advantages of open shelving is that it can make a kitchen feel more open and airy. Cabinets can make a kitchen feel closed off and cramped, but open shelving eliminates that feeling. When you remove cabinet doors, you allow the kitchen to feel more spacious, which is ideal if you have a smaller kitchen. Additionally, open shelving allows you to display your favorite kitchen items, which can add a decorative touch to your kitchen.

Provides Easy Access to Kitchen Items

Another advantage of open shelving is that it provides easy access to kitchen items. When you’re cooking, you want to be able to easily grab the tools and ingredients you need. With open shelving, everything is within easy reach. You don’t have to open and close cabinet doors to get what you need. Additionally, you can easily see what you have and what you need to replace, which can help you stay organized.

Adds a Decorative Touch to Your Kitchen

Open shelving allows you to display your favorite kitchen items, such as colorful plates, unique glassware, and decorative serving bowls. This can add a decorative touch to your kitchen and make it feel more personalized. Rather than hiding everything behind closed cabinet doors, you can showcase your personality and style with open shelving.

Can Save Money on Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets can be expensive, especially if you’re remodeling your kitchen. By opting for open shelving instead of cabinets, you can save money on your kitchen renovation. Open shelving is typically less expensive than cabinets, which can help you stay within your budget.

Allows for Easy Cleaning

Cleaning cabinets can be a chore, especially if you have to remove everything from the shelves before wiping them down. With open shelving, cleaning is much easier. You can quickly wipe down the shelves without having to remove anything. This can save you time and effort when it comes to keeping your kitchen clean.



Can Collect Dust and Grease

One of the biggest downsides of open shelving is that it can collect dust and grease. Because your kitchen items are on display, they can accumulate dust and grease, which can be difficult to clean. Additionally, if you cook frequently, your items can become covered in grease, which can be difficult to remove. This means you’ll need to clean your open shelving more frequently than you would need to clean your cabinets.

Requires Constant Organization

Open shelving requires constant organization. Because everything is on display, it’s important to keep your items organized and tidy. This can be challenging, especially if you have a lot of kitchen items. Additionally, if you have children or pets, you may need to constantly rearrange your items to keep them out of reach.

Can Look Cluttered

Open shelving can look cluttered if not properly organized. Because everything is on display, it’s important to keep your items tidy and well-organized. If your open shelving is cluttered, it can make your kitchen feel messy and disorganized. Additionally, if you have a lot of kitchen items, it can be difficult to keep them all neatly arranged.

Requires Regular Cleaning

Open shelving requires regular cleaning. Because everything is on display, it’s important to keep your open shelves clean and well-maintained. This means wiping down the shelves frequently to prevent dust and grease buildup, and rearranging items as needed to keep them organized. This can be time-consuming, especially if you have a lot of kitchen items.

Can Be Less Secure

Open shelving is less secure than closed cabinets. With cabinets, you can lock them to prevent children or pets from accessing dangerous items. With open shelving, you don’t have that same level of security. You’ll need to be mindful of what items you keep on your open shelves, and keep them out of reach of children and pets.

Limited Storage Space

Open shelving can also be limiting in terms of storage space. With closed cabinets, you can store items behind the doors, maximizing your storage space. With open shelving, you’re limited to the amount of space on the shelves. This means you may need to be more selective with the items you display on your shelves, or find alternative storage solutions for items that won’t fit on your open shelves.

Conclusion

Open shelving in the kitchen can be a great design choice, but it’s important to consider both the pros and cons before making a decision. If you’re looking for an open and airy kitchen, easy access to kitchen items, and a decorative touch, then open shelving may be the right choice for you. However, if you’re concerned about dust and grease buildup, require a lot of storage space, or want to keep your items more secure, then closed cabinets may be a better option.

Ultimately, the decision between open shelving and closed cabinets comes down to personal preference and lifestyle. Consider your needs and the overall design of your kitchen, and choose the option that best fits your style and functionality.

And Quaker Cabinets is here to help you with all your design needs! Call us at 267-227-3363 to schedule your free design consultation today!