Kitchen design trends tend to circle back around, and open shelving is a good example. Once a defining feature of early, unfitted kitchens, open shelves fell out of favor when wall‑to‑wall cabinetry became standard in the early 20th century. In recent years, they’ve returned in a big way—appearing in kitchens that range from sleek and modern to traditional, cottage‑style, and everything in between.
But popularity alone doesn’t make a design choice right for every home. Open shelving can be beautiful and functional, but it also changes how you use and maintain your kitchen day to day. The goal of this article is to look at both sides of the equation, so you can decide whether open shelving supports the way you live.
A Brief History of Open Shelving
Before fitted cabinetry became the norm, kitchens were made up of freestanding furniture and open storage. Shelves, cupboards, and worktables worked together to support cooking and household tasks. As kitchens evolved to be more compact, efficient, and hygienic, built‑in upper cabinets replaced open shelves almost entirely.
As kitchens have once again become social spaces—places for gathering, entertaining, and spending time—open shelving has re‑emerged as a way to visually open up the room and soften the look of built‑in cabinetry.
The Practical Appeal: Convenience and Everyday Use
One of the most straightforward advantages of open shelving is convenience. Items you use every day—plates, bowls, glasses, or canisters—are right where you need them. There’s no opening and closing cabinet doors, and everything is easy to see and reach.
For many homeowners, this visibility encourages thoughtful organization and reinforces daily routines. When shelves are well planned, they can make cooking and cleanup feel more intuitive.
Making a Kitchen Feel Open and Airy
Aesthetic reasons are often what draw people to open shelving in the first place. Removing 12" deep upper cabinets can dramatically change how a kitchen feels. Instead of a wall of doors closing in the space, the full height of the wall becomes part of the design.
Open shelves help kitchens feel lighter, less formal, and more connected to adjacent rooms—especially in older homes where natural light and original details are worth highlighting.
Creating a Beautiful Backdrop
Open shelving allows the wall behind it to shine. Extending tile backsplashes all the way up, introducing paneling or beadboard, or even using wallpaper can add depth and personality that might otherwise be hidden.
Rather than acting as a purely functional surface, the wall becomes a backdrop that contributes to the overall character of the kitchen.
Displaying What You Love
With open shelving, storage becomes part of the visual story. Instead of hiding dishes and glassware, you have the opportunity to curate collections you genuinely enjoy using and seeing every day.
Shelves don’t have to be limited to utilitarian items. A vase of flowers, a favorite platter, artwork, plants, or even a small lamp or candlestick can help the kitchen feel more like a living space and less like a purely functional workspace.
Shelves as Architectural Elements
The shelves themselves can add architectural interest. Wood, glass, stone, and even exposed‑edge plywood each bring a distinct look and feel. Shelf thickness, edge profiles, and proportions all contribute to the design.
Brackets offer another layer of expression. Ornate brass brackets can lean traditional or Victorian, while rugged iron supports feel rustic and grounded. For a more contemporary look, floating shelves with concealed supports create clean, uninterrupted lines.
Creative Variations on Open Shelving
There are many ways to interpret open shelving beyond simple wood planks on a wall. French bistro‑style shelving, often made of brass tubing and glass, adds a classic European touch. Glass shelves placed in front of windows allow light to pass through while showcasing translucent objects.
Integrated undershelf lighting is another thoughtful detail. It provides soft task lighting, highlights displayed items, and adds warmth and depth to the kitchen, especially in the evening.
The Realities of Living with Open Shelving
While open shelving has many advantages, it’s important to consider what daily life with it actually looks like.
Dust is the most common concern. Open shelves require regular upkeep to keep dishes and objects clean and ready for use. Items stored behind cabinet doors are naturally protected.
Open shelving also asks for a certain level of discipline. Everything on display contributes to the overall look of the kitchen. Too many items, mismatched dishes, or clutter can quickly undermine the sense of openness that shelves are meant to create.
Storage capacity is another consideration. Open shelves don’t offer the same volume as standard 12‑inch‑deep upper cabinets, which means being selective about what lives there.
Because of this, open shelving tends to work best when it’s paired with additional concealed storage, such as a built‑in pantry, a butler’s pantry, or generous lower cabinetry.
Is Open Shelving Right for Your Kitchen?
Deciding whether to include open shelving starts with understanding your priorities. Do you value maximum storage, or does an open, airy feel matter more? Are the items you’d want on display things you use often and enjoy seeing every day?
Thoughtful planning is key. When designed with intention and balanced with concealed storage, open shelving can be both practical and beautiful.
Working with a kitchen designer who understands older homes—and who is comfortable designing both fitted and unfitted elements—can help you evaluate how open shelving fits your space and your lifestyle. Ultimately, the right kitchen is one that feels good to work in and brings daily enjoyment to the people who use it.
Thinking About Adding Open Shelving to Your Kitchen?
When we design a kitchen with you, we evaluate whether open shelving aligns with your aesthetic preferences, storage needs, and the way you want your space to function. If you’re considering a kitchen remodel and want thoughtful guidance tailored to your home, we’d love to get the conversation started.
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