Kitchen Storage Dilemma: Should You Choose Open Shelving or Closed Cabinets?
Kitchen storage is no longer just about function — it’s now a design statement. With the rise of open-concept living and minimalist aesthetics, more homeowners are debating whether to go with open shelving or stick to traditional closed cabinets. The answer depends on your lifestyle, design preferences, and tolerance for visible clutter. At Ram Remodeling in Bloomington, MN, we help homeowners design kitchens that strike the perfect balance between beauty and functionality.
1. Open Shelving: Airy Aesthetics or Constant Maintenance?
Open shelving — often seen in white, beachy, or farmhouse-style kitchens — brings an open, breezy, and accessible feel to the kitchen. It’s ideal for displaying:
Matching dishware
Cookbooks
Plants
Artisan pottery
Glassware
However, it comes with trade-offs:
Increased dust and grease exposure
Visual clutter if not staged well
Limited storage for items you’d rather keep hidden
Fact:
A 2022 Houzz survey found that 37% of kitchen remodelers included open shelving in some part of their design, though it was rarely used exclusively — most combined it with closed cabinetry for practical balance.
2. Closed Cabinets: Order, Privacy, and Cleaner Lines
Closed cabinets are a mainstay of kitchen functionality. They:
Hide clutter
Allow for uncoordinated items (plastic containers, spice jars, canned goods)
Offer greater storage flexibility
Are easier to keep clean
While they don’t provide the same visual openness, they’re essential for most family kitchens where storage needs exceed decorative goals.
3. Combining Both: The Hybrid Solution
Most successful modern kitchens blend open and closed storage. Some strategies include:
One or two floating shelves above a sink or coffee bar
Glass-front cabinet doors for partial visibility
Open shelving in corners or niches that aren’t used for heavy-duty storage
Closed cabinetry for pantry items, small appliances, and mismatched dishware
This approach keeps the kitchen feeling light while preserving function and flexibility.
To explore more tips on choosing the right storage balance, click here.
4. Making Open Shelves Work: Designer Tips
If you love the look of open shelving, here’s how to make it functional:
Group like items together (white dishes, clear glasses)
Avoid overcrowding — think in odd-numbered groupings (3s or 5s)
Stage intentionally — symmetry and repeated shapes create visual calm
Use your display regularly to avoid dust buildup
Limit to upper spaces, keeping lower storage closed for utility
5. Matching Storage Style to Kitchen Design
Modern/Industrial Kitchens often use open metal shelving
Farmhouse Kitchens favor rustic wooden shelves and brackets
Luxury Transitional Kitchens use glass cabinetry to mimic openness with added polish
Minimalist Kitchens go for flat-panel closed cabinets for seamless lines
Your storage should reflect the personality of the entire kitchen — not fight against it.
Remodeling with Precision Since the 1970s
At Ram Remodeling, we’ve been designing kitchens for real families for over 50 years. As a family-owned business in Bloomington, MN, we know that the right storage isn’t just a trend — it’s a lifestyle solution. Whether you’re craving visual openness or need everything tucked away, our expert designers can help you build a kitchen that works beautifully for your needs.
FAQs
Is open shelving harder to maintain?
Yes. It’s more prone to dust, grease, and clutter unless items are used regularly or cleaned frequently.
Can I mix open and closed storage in a small kitchen?
Yes. A few open shelves can make a small kitchen feel larger — just keep them neat and purposeful.
What items work best on open shelving?
Matching dishware, coffee mugs, cookbooks, and décor items like plants or candles.
How do I prevent open shelves from looking messy?
Limit to like-colored items, use attractive containers, and group in odd numbers for symmetry.
Is it cheaper to install open shelving than cabinets?
Generally, yes. But installation quality, shelf material, and wall mounting needs can affect cost.
Conclusion
Open shelves offer charm and accessibility, while closed cabinets provide order and storage muscle. The right solution often lies in a thoughtful blend of both. Let Ram Remodeling help you build a kitchen that’s perfectly suited to your habits, design aesthetic, and long-term needs — with storage that complements every detail.