# Open shelves vs closed cabinets in kitchens **URL:** \ **Category:** Interior Design\ **Created:** [May 16, 2026, 11:33am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/open-shelves-vs-closed-cabinets-in-kitchens/47867 "2026-05-16T11:33:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Abdul\_Rahman](https://home.renovation.reviews/user_avatar/home.renovation.reviews/abdul_rahman/32/832_2.png) [@Abdul\_Rahman](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Abdul_Rahman)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2026, 11:33am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/open-shelves-vs-closed-cabinets-in-kitchens/47867/1 "2026-05-16T11:33:19Z")
Kitchen storage choices change how a kitchen looks and also how it feels to use every day. Open shelves are simple and very visible. They make it easy to reach plates, cups, and items you use often. They also make the kitchen feel more open and lighter because there are no doors blocking the view. Many modern kitchens use open shelves for decoration and quick access. ![59915](https://renovation-reviews.storage.googleapis.com/original/2X/2/2467b77549ee14418dc745cb21fe64a9937362ab.jpeg) But open shelves also come with a downside. Everything is exposed. If things are not neatly arranged, the kitchen can start to look messy very quickly. Items also collect dust and need more frequent cleaning. Closed cabinets hide everything behind doors. This makes the kitchen look clean and organized even when things inside are not perfectly arranged. It is easier to keep a neat appearance with closed storage. The downside is that you need to open doors every time you want something, and sometimes it can feel less open compared to shelves. I think open shelves are better for style and easy access, while closed cabinets are better for keeping things tidy and hidden. Most kitchens actually work best with a mix of both. ---
**Author:** ![Blossom1](https://home.renovation.reviews/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/b/71e660/32.png) [@Blossom1](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Blossom1)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2026, 11:37am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/open-shelves-vs-closed-cabinets-in-kitchens/47867/2 "2026-05-16T11:37:42Z")
Good insight. A balanced mix of open shelves and closed cabinets really gives both style and practicality in a kitchen setup. ---
**Author:** ![Trent](https://home.renovation.reviews/user_avatar/home.renovation.reviews/trent/32/15133_2.png) [@Trent](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Trent)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2026, 12:07pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/open-shelves-vs-closed-cabinets-in-kitchens/47867/3 "2026-05-16T12:07:32Z")
For me I do prefer closed modern more than the open modern because it helps to protect something’s from pets and children ---
**Author:** ![Defizyn](https://home.renovation.reviews/user_avatar/home.renovation.reviews/defizyn/32/12468_2.png) [@Defizyn](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Defizyn)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2026, 12:09pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/open-shelves-vs-closed-cabinets-in-kitchens/47867/4 "2026-05-16T12:09:18Z")
Open shelves look good, but in real life I feel like they only work if you’re really disciplined. Closed cabinets are just easier to keep things looking tidy. ---
**Author:** ![Joker](https://home.renovation.reviews/user_avatar/home.renovation.reviews/joker/32/14888_2.png) [@Joker](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Joker)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2026, 4:15pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/open-shelves-vs-closed-cabinets-in-kitchens/47867/5 "2026-05-16T16:15:12Z")
That’s a really balanced breakdown because kitchen storage is one of those things that affects both daily convenience and overall appearance ---
**Author:** ![Talent\_lawrence\_Godw](https://home.renovation.reviews/user_avatar/home.renovation.reviews/talent_lawrence_godw/32/14485_2.png) [@Talent\_lawrence\_Godw](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Talent_lawrence_Godw)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2026, 5:00pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/open-shelves-vs-closed-cabinets-in-kitchens/47867/6 "2026-05-16T17:00:16Z")
For me I prefer close shelves in the kitchen to keep things safe and properly arrange ---
**Author:** ![Richard](https://home.renovation.reviews/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/r/f0a364/32.png) [@Richard](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Richard)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2026, 6:43pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/open-shelves-vs-closed-cabinets-in-kitchens/47867/7 "2026-05-16T18:43:17Z")
Exactly a 100% open shelf kitchen is basically a full time job of dusting and organizing. Mixing them is definitely the sweet spot display the pretty stuff, hide the ugly blender.