Open shelving in kitchen, yay or nay?

8 years ago

I am considering open shelving instead of upper cabinets in my new kitchen. I will have lots of lower cabinets and a good sized pantry. Will the items stored on open shelves get grimy, especially glassware? Will I regret losing the privacy of closed cabinets?!

Any advice or experience shared is much appreciated!

Featured Answer

Judy Mishkin

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

it depends on your house, and your layout. (and your Naturally Tidiness Quotient). my previous house was very dusty, even inside my glass front china cabinet i was always having to dust infrequently used items. this house, same forced hot air heat, very little dust.

so, is your house naturally dusty? then you probably dont want open shelves.

second, your layout. if the shelves will be anywhere near the cooktop, you'll do more frequent cleaning. my open shelves are adjacent, not over, the cooktop. i use the plates and glasses so frequently i never have to clean them between uses. the upper bowls may need a dust after 6 months.

you do need to be organized/tidy for it to work. no cramming mismatches every which way.

my baking annex is around the corner, those can be less tidy and no one sees them but me.

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Comments (6)

PRO
De Koning architecten BV
8 years ago
yes
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tatts
8 years ago
Nay, unless you have a maid or cleaning service. Greasy dust accumulates on any open surface in every kitchen. Too much maintenance.
PRO
FLAIR INTERIOR DESIGN
8 years ago
I agree with everything nnigrt said plus, you have to be very organized to keep everything in its place to look good at all times. Other than that, the look of open shelves can be fantastic.
PRO
MG New York Architects
8 years ago
Agree with the first comment. It definitely depends on the layout, if they are above the stove, next to a window, etc., the cleaning (and organization!) will be frequent. You could definitely mix open shelving with closed cabinets, but you may regret having them all open.
rghulati
6 years ago
Yes to open shelving but for decorative things and recipe books only. I wouldn't keep anything I use all the time there, too much dust etc.

Open shelving in kitchen, yay or nay?

Judy Mishkin

Comments (6)

De Koning architecten BV

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