Upper Kitchen Cabinets Versus Open Shelves

Within the kitchen remodeling world, open shelves have recently become a very hot trend. Homeowners are taking their upper kitchen cabinets out and replacing them with sleek shelves that display their dishes. If you are considering doing this in your new kitchen, it is critical to weigh the various options that are available to you. Should you select upper cabinets or open shelving? Or perhaps something in between.

More Storage Is Provided By Upper Cabinets

If maximizing storage inside your kitchen is a priority, then your best option is upper cabinets. You can securely store pantry items, small appliances, dishes, and much more inside a cabinet. Open shelving does not provide you with as much room. Also, upper cabinets go all the way up to the ceiling, so all of your kitchen’s vertical space is utilized. A majority of open shelf systems only use two or three shelves.

With all that in mind, it is important to consider all of the storage that is available to you. If your kitchen has a large island or walk-in pantry, then you might be able to sacrifice some wall storage. Open shelves could be limited to one area, like on the kitchen’s feature wall or around a window. That makes it possible to use most of your kitchen and still achieve your desired look.

Open Shelving Makes It Easy To Access Dishes

If you are someone who likes having your dishes within easy reach, then open shelving is an excellent option for you to consider. Depending on what types of things you place on your shelves, you will be able to quickly grab the food items or dishes you use every day. With cabinets, everything is hidden behind the doors. It isn’t hard to open up a cabinet door, however, it is an extra step that you have to take as part of your daily tasks.

Upper Kitchen Cabinets Can Hide Your Clutter

If you prefer to not display your food or dishes, you can hide all of your clutter inside cabinets. You can have big piles of paper plates, bright cereal boxes, and mismatched cups without worrying about people seeing them. It creates a seamless and clean look that always appears to be neat.

More Room Is Created By Open Shelves For Displaying Items

Space is provided by open shelving for displaying items. For instance, you can have a fake plant and a pile of decorative dishes near each other. On the side side of your plant, you can have glasses and cookbooks. There will be plenty of room for figurines, photos, artwork, and much more. This can be a great option for you if you would like more space for decorating your kitchen.

It Is Easier To Clean Upper Cabinets

When considering maintenance, it is a lot easier to clean upper kitchen cabinets. Dust is kept away from the items inside by the cabinet doors. You just need to wipe down the front parts of the cabinets occasionally. Dust can accumulate on display items and dishes when you use open shelves. It also can accumulate on your shelves and no the support brackets as well. We recommend that you choose upper cabinets for low maintenance.

Your Tiles Or Walls Are Showcased By Open Shelving

One of the great benefits provided by open shelving is they give you the opportunity to stylize the walls behind the shelves. Would you like to have an entire wall of decorative tile? No problem. Would you like some easy to clean, ornate wallpaper? You can have that also. More of your walls will be displayed with open shelving compared to upper cabinets.

Upper Kitchen Cabinets Are Classic And Timeless, While Open Shelves Are Hot And Trendy

Simply put, open shelves are a hot current trend. However, like most trends, most likely within a couple of years, they will be out of style. Upper cabinets, on the other hand, are a classic staple of kitchens. They are well-suited for all kitchen aesthetics and are versatile and timeless. If you are planning to sell your home at some point, then a safe investment is upper kitchen cabinets. If you want a look that you really love, then chose the option that appeals to you the most.

No matter which option you choose, our Belmont Restoration kitchen remodelers are here to help you.