Decorating & Design 3 Min Read

Open Shelves Or Closed Upper Cabinets? The Debate Is On!

By Talia Hart On February 1st, 2022

Anyone who’s designed a new kitchen has considered the question of whether to go with open shelves, closed upper cabinets, or both.

Closed cabinets have the obvious benefit of storing everything out of sight, while open shelving gives easy access to everyday dishes — and the opportunity to show off your favorite pieces. If you’re currently struggling with this debate, look no further. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite kitchens with both of these styles to help you make the decision. Scroll down to see which side of the debate you’re on!

This bright and airy kitchen designed with Calacatta Mont Blanc marble and solid oak gets its storage from the kitchen island and pantry. A floating oak shelf on either side of the vent hood is the perfect spot to display art, plants, or candles.

October Communications

This spacious two-tone kitchen was designed with storage and entertaining in mind. Two marble islands, and double decker upper cabinets offer plenty of space for the homeowners to store kitchenware.

In lieu of uppers, this modern all-white kitchen displays framed prints by visual activist Zanele Muholi. Art gives the space a hit of character that it wouldn’t otherwise get with upper cabinets.

House & Home May 2020

A polished Carrara marble backsplash that soars to the ceiling makes these kitchen uppers feel open and airy. Slab-front doors and minimal hardware keep it streamlined and orderly.

House & Home Kitchens + Baths 2021

This kitchen lets the honed Statuarietto marble backsplash and unlacquered brass-clad vent hood do the talking. A light oak floating shelf grounds the space by bringing warmth and dimension to the striking wall.

House & Home March 2020

If you’re opting for upper cabinets, consider a two-tone approach to give your kitchen some dimension. Pale wood lower cabinets with white uppers nod to this home’s mid-century modern design.

House & Home September 2021

To avoid a sterile look in this all-white kitchen, designer Ami Mckay layered in greenery and wood accents. Forgoing uppers and a floating wood shelf play up the angle of the ceiling.

House & Home March 2020

This kitchen maximizes every inch of space with stacked upper cabinets in a soft hue. The black steel-clad vent hood makes a high-contrast statement.

House & Home December 2020

In compact or awkward kitchen layouts, open shelving is a great way to maximize both storage and display, especially if you don’t want to lose a window.

This kitchen proves upper cabinets and open shelving can work in tandem without feeling stuffy. The upper cabinets feature glass doors for showing off favorite glassware, and small shelves keep kitchen staples like salt and pepper off the counter.

House & Home September 2017

In this clean and modern kitchen, a marble countertop and backsplash flows effortlessly into the open shelf that features a variety of sculptural objets.

House & Home October 2020

This striking kitchen does it all by featuring an open shelf for everyday dishes and cookbooks, while ceiling-high uppers provide ample storage for everything else.

Classic shaker cabinets never go out of style, and this elegant kitchen feels timeless with soft grey cabinets and brass accents. Double decker uppers add to the luxurious feel of the space.

House & Home February 2016

This bright and airy kitchen is a Scandinavian dream. The on-display kitchenware feels organized and curated on three rows of light wood shelves.

More is more when it comes to kitchen storage in this striking kitchen. Pale blue cabinets with alternating hardware keep things dimensional, and patterned floor tile creates a cutting-edge look.