Kitchen storage options include traditional closed cabinets and open shelving, each offering distinct advantages and disadvantages. These choices significantly impact both the appearance and functionality of your kitchen design, shaping how you organize everyday items and how the visual space feels overall.
Upper cabinets and open shelves provide different ways to store dishes, kitchen essentials and decorative items. Choosing between cabinets vs open shelving depends on your personal style, kitchen layout and storage requirements.
This guide will help you evaluate storage space, visual interest and maintenance needs, so you can choose what works best for your home, making your kitchen both beautiful and practical for everyday use.
Traditional Closed Cabinets
Traditional closed cabinets offer ample storage for kitchen essentials, helping to reduce clutter, keep countertops clear and create a more organized, streamlined look.
Closed cabinets also protect items from dust, grease and moisture, lowering the need for frequent cleaning and ongoing maintenance, making them a practical choice for busy households.
Traditional cabinets provide a classic, timeless appearance that complements a wide range of kitchen styles, from traditional to modern. Custom cabinets can be designed to perfectly match the kitchen’s aesthetic, ensuring both style and functionality.
Additionally, they can be tailored to specific storage needs, including narrow cabinets, pull-out shelves and other specialized solutions for hard-to-store items.
In contrast, open shelving reduces storage options and might make the space appear cluttered. If storage is a top priority, traditional closed cabinets are the ideal choice for storing everything from bulky items, cookware and fine china to everyday dishes, while offering both practicality and aesthetic appeal.
Traditional Upper Cabinets
Upper cabinets are a staple in many kitchens, offering valuable storage space and a traditional look that many homeowners appreciate.
They can be designed to fit specific kitchen layouts, including small spaces, providing a practical storage solution for infrequently used items.
Additionally, upper cabinets create a clean, organized appearance, making them an ideal choice for those seeking a cohesive look.
Open Shelving
Open shelving provides a modern alternative to both closed and upper kitchen cabinets.
While open kitchen shelving makes everyday items easier to access and allows decorative pieces to be displayed, dishes and other items on open shelves are more exposed to dust, grease and moisture. This means they need to be cleaned more often to stay presentable, which can add a bit of extra maintenance compared to closed cabinetry.
Open shelves can also make a space feel cluttered if not carefully organized, since every item is visible rather than tucked away behind cabinet doors. Thoughtful styling and consistent organization are essential to keep the look intentional rather than disordered, helping to avoid visual clutter.
Additionally, while open shelving is a great way to showcase heirlooms, collectibles or other special pieces, it might not be ideal for fragile or valuable items to be placed on open shelves, as they can be easily knocked over or damaged without the protection of a closed cabinet.
Floating Shelves
Floating shelves are a type of open shelving that can improve storage and enhance the look of a kitchen. They are called floating shelves because they lack brackets or legs, giving them a “floating” appearance.
Like open shelves, they are ideal for showcasing decorative items, such as fine china and cookware, but they don’t offer the same protection as closed cabinets. They also do not prevent dust, grease, moisture and other contaminants from accumulating, which will require more frequent cleaning and maintenance.
For those seeking both style and storage flexibility, along with long-term functionality, traditional closed cabinets provide a more practical, low-maintenance option.
The Best Storage Solution for Your Space
If you value a combination of design, durability and long-term usability, high-quality cabinetry offers the best overall choice.
At PRO Closet & Cabinetry, we design and build custom kitchen cabinetry that can last for decades.
Whether you’re considering classic custom cabinets, something more sleek and modern, or anything in between, our team of experts can give you a quote for custom cabinet costs and ensure a smooth installation, making the process as simple as possible.
