Open shelving kitchen - pros and cons

December 3, 2025

Open shelving solutions are at the forefront of the latest kitchen trends, and for good reason: they are functional, aesthetic, and can be customized to suit any home.

But are they right for you? We've put together a brief summary of the pros and cons, factors to consider when making your decision, a few clever layout ideas, and tips for implementation – with a special focus on floating shelves, as these are the most refined and contemporary form of open shelving.

Kitchen with open shelving

Kitchen with open shelving in a Scandinavian style

Advantages – why do we love open shelving?

Aesthetic, light appearance: Open shelves allow you to showcase your most beautiful cups, plates, designer spice racks, or even decorations, instantly making your kitchen more personal and lively.
Easy access: The most frequently used items are within easy reach, so you don't have to constantly open and close cabinet doors – faster and more convenient to use while cooking.
Space-enhancing effect: Shelving solutions visually lighten the overall block look of the kitchen, creating a brighter, airier atmosphere, especially in small rooms.
Cost-effective: In some cases open shelves may require less material and are easier to install than closed wall cabinets, making them a more wallet-friendly alternative.
Versatility: They can be ordered in custom sizes, colors, and styles, especially if you choose floating shelves.

Disadvantages – things to consider

More frequent cleaning: Dust and grease settle, especially near the stove. It is worth placing the shelves further away from the cooking area and using a good extractor fan.
Visuality = discipline: open shelves are like a "shop window." If you put everything on them, they can easily look untidy. It is worth choosing items carefully and working with uniform colors/materials.
Storage compromise: The load capacity and depth of open shelving may be limited; it is less suitable for storing larger pots and small appliances. In smaller kitchens, it is important to have a well-thought-out system and combination: where to have closed cabinets and where to have open shelves.

How much should be open – in search of the right balance

The extent of open shelving depends on three things:

Design concept: it creates a more natural effect in minimalist, Scandinavian, or Mediterranean kitchens; it also works in classic spaces if the materials/fittings are appropriate.
Usage habits: if you cook a lot, there will be more steam and more pots and pans going in and out – in this case, keep the open surfaces smaller and use them for everyday items.
Kitchen size: in small kitchens, it helps to expand the space, while in large kitchens, it adds character and structure. The key is not to overdo it; functional closed storage should remain dominant.

Traditional vs. floating shelves?

Classic shelves are cantilevered, visibly mounted and give a strong character, while floating shelves always have a cleaner, more modern effect and provide a lighter visual appearance. All our shelves – whether classic or floating – are made to measure, so they are sure to fit into your kitchen, whether they are built-in or placed between two cabinets.

If you want to be sure about your choice of wood or load capacity, read our three additional guides at the bottom of this page.

Layout ideas for open shelving kitchens

In most kitchens, a mixed solution is ideal: functional closed elements form the backbone, with open shelving strips appearing between them. This gives you air and visual appeal without sacrificing everyday practicality.

Cabinets + countertop at the bottom, open shelving at the top: this makes a small kitchen feel more spacious, but pay attention to ventilation and cleaning routines.

Cabinets at the bottom and top, with a narrow shelf strip under the top cabinets: coffee corner, spice rack or glasses – a good balance of visual appeal and functionality.

Breaking up the upper row of cabinets with open shelving blocks: adds rhythm to the wall, and the shelves can be used for statement pieces (wooden bowls, ceramics, plants).

Recessed and corner shelves: Custom-sized, unique corners, floating shelves designed to fit between two pieces of furniture or next to a window.

Full wall open shelving: Spectacular, can create an exciting overall effect in large spaces or kitchen "workshops."

Styling & maintenance tips

Zoning: spices in one strip, breakfast station separate (mugs, cereal bowls, coffee capsules), baking essentials in one place.
Repeating materials/colors: wood + white ceramics + matte black boxes = a tidy, harmonious look. For the walls, finger tiles (kitkat tiles) are a popular pairing with floating wood shelves - their vertical texture complements the clean lines of the shelf without competing with it."
Dust and grease protection: place washable mats on shelves used for dishes and commit to quick weekly dusting (5 minutes) and more thorough monthly cleaning. Place rarely used decorations on higher shelves.
Away from the stove: due to dirt and heat exposure, it is advisable to plan shelf sections outside the cooking zone.

Why order floating shelves from mybettershelf?

Because we make them to measure to fit perfectly: between two cabinets, in a chimney recess, or even recessed into the wall. Stable, aesthetic fittings, premium hardwood options, and everything you need for that floating effect is included in the package. This way, you get all the benefits of open shelving while keeping the disadvantages under control.

Inspiration from Pinterest – starting searches

If you're planning visually, take a look at these searches (type in something similar and save to your board):

"open shelving kitchen," "floating shelves kitchen," "Scandi kitchen shelves"
"coffee station open shelves," "minimal kitchen styling," "warm wood shelves kitchen"
"mixed upper cabinets and shelves," "range hood with shelves

Quick summary

An open shelving kitchen is creative and trendy, but it will only be truly harmonious and practical if it is tailored to your individual needs – it is best to choose what suits you (and your kitchen style) best.

An open shelving kitchen really works if:

you use open space consciously,
the most frequently used items are placed in the foreground,
you position it well (away from the stove),
you commit to regular but quick cleaning.

With a mixed layout and custom-made floating shelves, you get an airy, magazine-like effect without compromise.

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Photo: Pinterest, Edward Martin, Plum Living, Berah Getah, Small Kitchen Ideas, S. Fischbacher Living, Skandinavu Virtuves

Frequently asked questions

Are open shelves a good idea in a kitchen?

Yes — but only with conscious planning. Open shelving works beautifully in minimalist, Scandinavian, and Mediterranean kitchens, makes small spaces feel more open, and gives easy access to everyday items. The trade-offs are more frequent cleaning (especially near the stove) and a need for visual discipline — open shelves are like a shop window. The best results come from a mixed layout: closed cabinets as the backbone, with open shelving strips for visual and functional accents.

What is the difference between traditional and floating kitchen shelves?

Traditional shelves use visible cantilever brackets that sit below the shelf and become part of the design. Floating shelves use concealed mounting hardware, so the shelf appears to hover against the wall — a cleaner, more modern look. Floating shelves also offer more flexibility in size and placement, since they can be installed between cabinets, in alcoves, or recessed into the wall.

Where should open shelves be placed in a kitchen?

Away from the cooking zone — the further the better. Steam, grease, and heat near the stove will dirty open shelves quickly, so the ideal placement is on side walls, above a coffee station, between upper cabinets, or in alcoves. If you must place them above the cooking area, invest in a strong extractor fan and clean them more frequently.

How much weight can a floating kitchen shelf hold?

Properly installed mybettershelf floating shelves can hold considerable weight — well beyond what you'd typically place on a kitchen shelf (plates, mugs, spice jars). The key variable is always the wall type and the quality of the installation. For a detailed comparison of materials and load capacity, see our guide: Best hardwood for floating shelves.

Are open shelves cheaper than upper cabinets?

Often yes — open shelving typically requires less material (no doors, no cabinet box, no hinges) and is simpler to install than upper cabinets, which can make it more budget-friendly. The savings depend on the quality of materials chosen: a premium solid wood floating shelf will cost more than a basic laminate cabinet, but less than a custom-made cabinet of the same quality.