Pros and Cons of Open Shelving

When it comes to remodeling projects, one of the most popular options is to redo the kitchen.

When it comes to remodeling projects, one of the most popular options is to redo the kitchen. There are a lot of reasons for this – the kitchen is the central hub of the home, a place in which everyone gathers, prepares food, and spends time.  Also, prospective homebuyers often base their decisions heavily on a home’s kitchen when preparing to purchase a new home.  Because of this, remodeling a kitchen is not only an exciting and beautiful project, but an important investment in your home as well.  Determining the right type of remodel for your kitchen will depend on a few things such as architectural style and personal design aesthetic.  Some people love dark, rich wood-grains, other prefer crisp white cabinets.  Some people prefer a traditional look and some people love a modern look.  One option that is very popular right now is open shelving.  Many homes that are undergoing remodels are opting to keep their lower cabinets and forego upper cabinets in favor of open shelving. Open shelving can be a rather polarizing topic – some love it and some hate it.  Below we explore the pros and cons of open shelving to help inform your decision about what is best for your kitchen remodel.  If you are opting to install open shelving, consult a qualified handyman or contractor to be certain open shelving is installed properly, ensuring it is level and capable of supporting the weight of what you intend to store.

• Pro: Easy Access
  • With open shelving, items are easy to find and easy to access. In the middle of cooking and ready to start preparing to serve dinner?  No problem, just grab some plates off the shelf and get going.
• Con: Everything is Visible
  • There is nowhere to hide when you have open shelving. Sure, you can load up your lower cabinets with all of your mismatched or unsightly kitchen items but whatever you place on your open shelving will be seen.  If you tend to be a cluttered person or do not have china or other items that you would be proud to display, open shelving may not be right for you because if you do install it, things will most certainly be on display.
• Pro: Create Space
  • Removing upper cabinets and installing open shelving will make a space feel more open. If you have a small kitchen or just want to make your kitchen feel more airy and spacious, open shelving is sure to give you the change you want.
• Con: More Dusting
  • Are you someone who loves to dust or is just very on top of keeping your home clean? If so, open shelving will be no problem.  But, if you simply do not have time to be frequently dusting you may not want open shelving because to keep it looking nice and clean, you will be dusting far more often than if you had upper cabinetry.