How to Make Open-Style Shelving Work for You
Open shelving continues to spark conversation as one of the hottest kitchen design elements in recent years.
Some homeowners love the airy, curated look; others fear it means putting their entire dish collection (and their habits) on display. The truth lies somewhere in the middle: open shelves can be beautiful and practical, if they’re used thoughtfully.
At KitchenVisions, we prefer to treat open shelving as an accent, not a mandate. When done well, it brings character and architectural interest to the kitchen. Done poorly, it becomes visual clutter. So how do you know what’s right for your home?
Builder: JensenHus Design Build | Photographer: Sabrina Cole Quinn
Where Open Shelves Shine
Open shelving works best when it’s introduced with intention. We often use it in places where closed cabinetry would feel heavy or intrusive. For example, corner areas are wonderful opportunities. When a shelf gently wraps a corner, it softens the room and makes use of real estate that might otherwise feel boxed in.
Open shelves are also great for creating symmetry or completing a composition. If one side of the range has cabinetry but the other has a post, beam, or pipe interrupting the space, a shallower open shelf can beautifully bridge the architectural quirkiness. These shelves can even hide obstructions, blending them into the design instead of spotlighting them.
Open shelves are a crafty way to add pops of personality. A small bookshelf built into an island, for example, can add warmth and character without asking much of the homeowner in terms of styling. And when open shelves flank a breakfast table or dining nook, they act as visual anchors that ground the space.
Builder: Creative Home Improvements | Photographer: Nystedt Photography
Builder: Asher Nichols & Craftsmen | Photographer: Sabrina Cole Quinn
Where Open Shelves Don’t Belong
Not every kitchen or bathroom is a good candidate for open shelving. High-use cooking zones are often too busy to keep items clean and grease-free. And for families who collect an eclectic assortment of mugs, water bottles, or yes, the classic “Flintstones jelly jars,” open shelves can quickly become evidence of real life rather than stylish intention.
If you’re prone to clutter or prefer a minimalist look, too much open shelving can feel like a constant chore. To put it simply, open shelves can be lovely, but they can also be assaulting to the eyes if there are too many of them or if they’re placed in the wrong part of the room.
The Art of Curation
The success of open shelving often hinges on what goes on the shelves. These aren’t the place for mismatched plastic cups or pantry overflow. Instead, think of them like an ever-evolving still life. A few stacks of attractive dishes. A favorite cookbook. Plants in interesting vessels.
Less is more, and every piece should earn its place.
Builder: JensenHus Design Build | Photographer: Michael P. Lefebvre
Builder: Creative Home Improvements | Photographer: Michael P. Lefebvre
The Balance Between Open and Closed Storage
Very few kitchens should rely entirely on open shelving. The sweet spot usually involves a mix: closed cabinets to hide everyday necessities and open shelves to display the pieces you love. This combination brings both function and beauty, giving the kitchen a layered, personal feel without compromising storage.
Open shelving can also be paired with glass-front cabinets when homeowners want something between fully concealed and fully exposed; this can create visual rhythm, especially when coordinating with surrounding windows or architectural lines.
Open Shelving Kitchen Ideas
If you enjoy a curated look, appreciate the warmth of everyday objects displayed artfully, and are willing to be selective, open shelving could be an elegant addition to your kitchen. But if you crave order behind closed doors or prefer a clutter-free visual field, it may not be the best match.
Ultimately, it comes down to lifestyle, taste, and how you move through your space. In the right context, open shelves elevate a kitchen. In the wrong context, they thwart cohesion.
If you’re unsure, as premier Boston kitchen designers, we can guide you through the choices and help you determine whether open shelving will enhance your kitchen or bath without overwhelming it.
Contact the kitchen and bath design team today.
Builder: Creative Home Improvements | Photographer: Nystedt Photography