We offer a wide range of services for that fresh look, or just maintenance or updates to keep your home functioning and safe. Regardless of the size of the job, we have a craftsman that can tackle it. We offer a wide range of services for that fresh look, or just maintenance or updates to keep your home functioning and safe. Regardless of the size of the job, we have a craftsman that can tackle it.
Shelving / October 15, 2025
You’re standing in your kitchen, looking around and thinking it needs a change. Maybe the cabinets feel heavy and outdated, or perhaps you dream of showing off your beautiful dishes.
The big question is: should you go with open shelving or stick with closed cabinets? This choice affects how your kitchen looks, works, and feels every single day.
The answer isn’t the same for everyone. Your lifestyle, cooking habits, and personal style all play a part in deciding between open shelving vs cabinets. Some families love the open, airy feel of shelves, while others need the hidden storage that cabinets provide.
Both kitchen storage solutions have their place in modern homes, and the right choice depends on what matters most to you.
When you’re thinking about professional kitchen design, you want to make sure you get it right the first time. That’s where our experts come in handy.
Our team at Handyman Connection in Etobicoke knows exactly how to help you choose and install the perfect storage solution for your space. We’ve seen every type of kitchen and know what works best for different families and cooking styles.
Now, let’s break down open shelving and closed cabinets to help you decide which is best.
Open shelving creates a totally different feel in your kitchen. When you walk into a kitchen with open shelves, you notice the space feels bigger and brighter right away. There’s something welcoming about seeing dishes, glasses, and cooking items displayed openly.
Open shelves give you easy access to everything you use daily. You can grab a plate or mug without opening any doors. This makes cooking and cleaning faster and more efficient. Many people find they use their nice dishes more often when they’re displayed on open shelves instead of hidden behind cabinet doors.
Here are the main advantages:
The visual impact of open shelving can transform your entire kitchen. It creates what designers call “negative space” – areas where your eyes can rest. This makes the whole room feel less cramped and more relaxing.
Open shelving can be a fantastic choice in certain kitchens. If your kitchen is small, open shelves can make the space feel much larger and more open. They’re also ideal for showcasing collections like colourful bowls, vintage glassware, or neatly stacked dishes.
Here’s when open shelving works best:
If you’re someone who enjoys keeping things in their place and loves a clean, modern look, open shelving might be the perfect fit for your kitchen.
While open shelving has its perks, it’s not for everyone. One of the biggest challenges is keeping everything looking neat and organized. Since everything is on display, you’ll need to pay extra attention to how your shelves look, especially when guests are over.
Other challenges include:
Open shelving works best for those who love a clean, curated look and don’t mind a little extra maintenance. If you prefer to keep things out of sight or don’t want to worry about constant cleaning, closed cabinets might be a better option.
Closed cabinets have been the standard in kitchen design for good reason. They offer practical solutions that work for most families and cooking styles. When you open a cabinet door, you have complete control over what’s inside and how it’s organized.
Cabinets give you way more storage space than open shelving. You can stack items higher, store things in front of other things, and keep everything protected from dust and grease. This makes them ideal for families who cook frequently or have lots of kitchen items.
Key benefits include:
The hidden storage that cabinets provide means you can keep your countertops clear and your kitchen looking tidy, even when you’re in the middle of cooking a big meal. You can store appliances, food items, and cleaning supplies all out of sight.
Cabinets work best for families who do lots of cooking and need to store many different items. If you have kids who might not put things back exactly where they belong, cabinets are more forgiving. They’re also great if you prefer a clean, minimalist look without visual distractions.
When you have items of many different sizes and shapes, cabinets give you the flexibility to organize them however it works best. You can use drawer organizers, lazy susans, and other storage solutions inside cabinets to maximize every inch of space.
Cabinets are also the better choice if you live in an area with lots of cooking odours or if your kitchen gets greasy from frequent frying or cooking. Everything stays cleaner and fresher when it’s stored behind closed doors.
The main downside of cabinets is that they can make your kitchen feel smaller and more closed-in, especially in compact spaces. Upper cabinets can create a cave-like feeling that some people find uncomfortable.
Cabinets also cost more to install than open shelving. You’re paying for doors, hardware, hinges, and more complex installation work. The quality of cabinet construction varies widely, so you need to choose carefully to get cabinets that will last.
Sometimes items get “lost” in the back of deep cabinets, making it hard to use all your storage space efficiently. This is especially true for corner cabinets or very deep base cabinets.
The best kitchen storage solution depends on your specific needs and lifestyle. Think about how you actually use your kitchen every day. Do you cook elaborate meals that require lots of ingredients and tools? Or do you prefer simple meals with minimal cleanup?
Consider your family situation too. Households with young children often benefit more from closed cabinets, while couples or empty nesters might enjoy the openness of shelving. Your personal style matters as well – some people love the display aspect of open shelving, while others prefer everything tucked away neatly.
You don’t have to choose just one option. Many successful kitchen designs combine open shelving and closed cabinets. This gives you the best of both worlds – display space for beautiful items and hidden storage for everything else.
A popular approach is to use open shelving for frequently used items like everyday dishes and glasses, while keeping cabinets for food storage, appliances, and cleaning supplies. This creates an interesting visual mix while still being practical.
Our professionals at Handyman Connection often recommend this mixed approach because it gives you flexibility and visual interest. We can help you plan exactly where each type of storage makes the most sense in your specific kitchen layout.
Choosing between open shelving vs cabinets doesn’t have to stress you out. The right kitchen storage solutions can transform how you feel about cooking and spending time in your kitchen. Whether you prefer the openness of shelving or the practicality of cabinets, professional kitchen design ensures you get exactly what works for your lifestyle.
At Handyman Connection in Etobicoke, we’ve helped countless families create kitchens they absolutely love. Our team takes the time to understand how you use your space and what matters most to you. We handle every detail of the installation process, so you can focus on enjoying your new kitchen.
Ready to explore your options? Request an estimate today, and let’s discuss how we can transform your kitchen storage to perfectly match your needs and style.
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