Kitchen Open Shelving Pros and Cons

My kitchen update is in full swing over here with the demolition of cabinets and countertops! I shared my overall organic modern vision for this outdated kitchen and am excited with the progress. While this space has served me well for the few months since I purchased this house, it desperately needs some freshening up. In addition to painted cabinets and new countertops, one of the ways I’m looking to update is with some floating wood shelves. It’s one of my tried and true elements for a kitchen remodel. I also know that kitchen open shelving can be intimidating so I’m sharing my pros and cons here if you’re debating about whether to make the switch!

Alright, here’s a quick peek at this small kitchen before and during the remodel. It’s got some lovely natural light but some pretty outdated orange oak cabinets. In addition, the builder grade 12 x 12 counter tiles are hard to clean and not the modern look I’m hoping for. Also, there is an awkward upper corner cabinet that isn’t very functional. It’s at an angle and isn’t the best use of the corner.

So, I decided to remove that upper cabinet section and add some pretty wood shelves. I added oak shelves in my last home – I miss them so much and since I have some of the wood remaining, wanted to replicate them here! Even though I think wood shelving is a great remodel decision, I know that while there are benefits there are also concerns. I’ll cover the most common ones here:

Open Shelving Pros

There are so many benefits to open shelving, especially wood ones in a kitchen. They’ve kind of become a fixture in many modern kitchens. It’s still worth pointing out what makes them so great.

• Functional for Awkward Spaces – Open shelving isn’t just beautiful, it can be a practical solution too. In my case, they helped make better use of a tricky corner where a standard cabinet just didn’t make sense.
• Adds Warmth & Texture – Kitchens can easily become a sea of hard surfaces—tile, stone, and matching cabinets. Wood shelves break that up by introducing warmth, natural texture, and visual interest through varied shapes and finishes like matte metal brackets.
• Visually Lightens the Space – Especially in smaller or older kitchens, open shelves prevent that boxed-in feeling from too many upper cabinets. They create breathing room and make the space feel more open and airy.
• Encourages Thoughtful Styling – With open shelving, you naturally become more intentional about what you display. It’s a great way to keep everyday items handy while showing off your personality with dishes, cookbooks, or plants.

Open Shelving Cons

As much as I love open shelving, it’s only fair to share a few of the potential downsides. These aren’t dealbreakers by any means, but they are good to consider before making the switch—especially if you’re planning a kitchen update or remodel.

• Requires Some Planning
  Depending on the scope of your project, open shelving may involve extra prep. You’ll need to locate wall studs, choose the right hardware, and consider details like backsplash height, shelf depth, and spacing. I’ve got a full Guide to Making Shelves if you need help!
• Can Be Tricky to Source Materials
  If you have a specific look in mind, like a certain wood tone or custom length, finding the right materials can take some digging. That said, many hardware store offer a larger variety of wood options and will cut the boards for free. I’ve also included some of my favorite sourcing tips and suggestions below!
• No Hiding Clutter
  Let’s be honest—there’s no last-minute cabinet door to slam shut when guests pop over. Everything’s on display. Personally, I find this motivating (hello, white dishware and minimal clutter!), but it’s something to keep in mind.
• Needs Occasional Dusting
  Unlike enclosed cabinets, open shelves are more exposed to dust. A quick wipe-down every so often keeps things fresh, but it’s one more thing to stay on top of.

Common Shelf Questions

Over the years, I’ve received tons of shelving questions – especially after my kitchen shelves were spotted in HGTV magazine. So I’ve rounded up some of the most common and answering them here:

Can I mix open shelves with upper cabinets?

Absolutely! Mixing both can give you the best of both worlds—style and storage. In my last galley style kitchen, one side had upper cabinets while the other, with a large window, had two sets of shelves.

Do open shelves decrease home value?

Not in my experience. Due to life circumstances, I’ve sold two homes both with kitchens I remodeled and included open shelving. In both cases, I earned way over asking price and my shelving often received positive feedback from potential buyers.

Do open shelves really hold up over time?

Yes—if installed correctly (with proper wall anchors or studs), open shelves can be just as sturdy as upper cabinets. My shelves both used Heavy Duty Brackets and held heavy bowls and constant usage – including two teen boys.

Final Thoughts

As this kitchen remodel continues to take shape, I’m reminded just how much impact small, intentional changes can make—especially in a compact space like this one. Swapping outdated cabinets and tile countertops for modern finishes has already transformed the energy of the room, and adding floating wood shelves brings both function and personality.

While open shelving isn’t for everyone, I’ve found it to be one of those design decisions that consistently adds warmth, charm, and practicality. Whether you’re working with an awkward layout, craving a more open feel, or just want to showcase your favorite pieces, open shelving can be a beautiful solution. And with a little planning and the right materials, it’s absolutely doable. I hope the pros, cons, and common questions shared here are helpful for your kitchen. If you want to jump ahead and see this completed project, check out my Small Kitchen Remodel Before & After.