0% APR Financing Available for 12-Months. Click Here to Get Prequalified Today.
+
Loading...
CliqStudios Banner
CliqStudios Banner
Remodeling Your Kitchen?

CliqStudios offers Open cabinets for every style and budget. Our expert kitchen designers have completed more than 50,000 unique designs for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and more. Simply upload measurements of your space and you'll receive a personalized design and quote within 24 hours.

Virtual Design Services
Connect with a Kitchen Designer
Start a Free Design
White shaker base cabinets with open kitchen cupboards

Open Kitchen Cupboards

Cabinets with open shelves are perfect for an inviting kitchen. Get the charming, custom cabinet design you want in any color and on any budget. Explore more about open kitchen cabinets now!

Pros and Cons of Open Cabinets 

White slab kitchen cabinets with medium wood open cabinet storageWhite slab kitchen cabinets with medium wood open cabinet storage
White slab kitchen cabinets with medium wood open cabinet storage

Open cabinets offer a unique look that other cabinets can’t. Having all your kitchen’s contents exposed is not for the faint of heart, but it can also be both freeing and beautiful. Kitchen cabinets without doors have many pros and cons, but one thing is sure, when it’s done right, the design will be timeless. Let’s explore some of the pros and cons of open cabinets below.

Pros of Open Cabinets in the Kitchen

Open cabinets have a lot of benefits to boast about. The most appealing characteristic is easy access to all your kitchen’s contents. No more searching for your glassware, vases or plates and bowls. Purchasing open kitchen cupboards also costs less than standard cabinets with doors.

If that weren’t enough, helpful guests won’t need to ask where the bowls go after holiday meals with open storage cabinets. Lastly, they can be easily customized by painting, wall papering or paneling the interior.

Cons of Open Cabinets in the Kitchen

Although they are beautiful, open kitchen cupboards are susceptible to getting dusty quicker than others. With the open layout, plates and bowls might need to be dusted off before use. When it comes to resale, new homeowners also might not be thrilled about the design choice if they prefer a neat, contemporary look. This look will stand out next to standard cabinets, so make sure it’s something you will be happy with for years to come.

Open Kitchen Cupboard Ideas

Large open kitchen and living room layout with black shaker island with butcher block countertops and a built-in white shaker entertainment center in the background with open cabinet storage aboveLarge open kitchen and living room layout with black shaker island with butcher block countertops and a built-in white shaker entertainment center in the background with open cabinet storage above
Large open kitchen and living room layout with black shaker island with butcher block countertops and a built-in white shaker entertainment center in the background with open cabinet storage above

Experience flexible design and storage for any kitchen style by using our open kitchen cupboard ideas. Open storage gives every kitchen a more comfortable, informal and casual look. Doorless cabinets give you the freedom to embrace a relaxed look while allowing you to keep all your things. Regardless of whether you’re a minimalist or maximalist, it’s easy to achieve your dream design. Let’s explore open kitchen cupboard ideas below.

  1. Mix Cabinet Colors
    Just like any other kitchen design, two-tone color schemes are the perfect way to add a pop of color. There are multiple ways to create a dynamic two-tone design. Use one color for wall cabinets and another for base cabinets or consider an accent color just for open wall cabinets to create focal points.
  2. Combine Open Cabinets & Closed Cabinets
    Sometimes having a completely open kitchen isn’t realistic for everyone. Try a mixture of open cabinets, closed cabinets and even floating shelves. Some homeowners like to use tall open cabinets on the end of each cabinet run for a furniture look. Having multiple types of storage will give you the flexibility to truly customize your kitchen storage and decorate the way you prefer.
  3. Create an Accent
    When you want to go bold or create a unique look, there are multiple options. One of the easiest ways to personalize your kitchen design is by creating an accent. Weigh the benefits of painting the back panel of your cabinets a different color. By doing this, you can introduce a new color or tie the design together with existing kitchen colors.
    Other ways to add an accent is by using patterned wallpaper on the back of your open cabinets. For a more subtle pop, use vertical or horizontal paneling on the back of your open cabinets. This will tie together well with modern farmhouse, European cottage and transitional designs.
  4. Design Custom Storage
    Hutches and tall open storage cabinet walls are perfect examples of how to be creative with open storage. Custom hutches are typically designed with closed cabinet storage below and open cabinets above for displaying china, fine glassware and other valuables. If you have more pieces to store, think about a full wall of open cabinets. You can thoughtfully display flower vases, plates, cups, bowls and any other frequently used items for entertaining.
    Shop open kitchen cabinets to get started!

What to Put in Open Kitchen Cabinets

White open kitchen cabinet with organized plates, bowls and cups insideWhite open kitchen cabinet with organized plates, bowls and cups inside
White open kitchen cabinet with organized plates, bowls and cups inside

It can be easy to overthink which items to put in your open cabinets. If you’re having trouble, start with what you already have in your cabinets and build from there. With an open layout, you might want to get organized since everything will be seen, but that’s part of the beauty. Open layouts are casual, easy to access and convenient. Here are some ideas of what to put in your cabinets.

  • Hanging pots and pans rack
  • Glassware
  • Bowls
  • Coffee mugs
  • Plates
  • Decor
  • Cookbooks
  • Spices
  • Vases
  • Candle holders
  • Plants

The best way to decide where to put your things is by taking everything out first. Starting fresh can help anyone and provide perspective. Consider moving cups and plates near the dishwasher and spices and cookbooks towards the range. When your kitchen’s contents are within reach, it creates a more functional design that makes everyone happy.

How to Decorate Open Cabinets in the Kitchen

Modern white slab kitchen cabinets with open kitchen cabinet storage above filled with food storage, cups and bowlsModern white slab kitchen cabinets with open kitchen cabinet storage above filled with food storage, cups and bowls
Modern white slab kitchen cabinets with open kitchen cabinet storage above filled with food storage, cups and bowls

Open cabinets are easy to decorate because most of the space is used by plates and bowls. However, it’s always a good idea to add decor for a balanced look. Start by grouping cookbooks together and adding decorative book ends to hold them in place. Just because it’s beautiful, doesn’t mean it can’t be functional too.

If you love greenery, add plants like a bonsai tree or assorted succulents. While choosing your foliage, make sure the planters match your color scheme and have varying patterns or textures to add interest. A well-placed plant every few feet can improve any space making it feel more welcoming. Other items to consider are candle holders, cutting boards, flower vases and the occasional small piece of art. All these items are both functional and decorative so there’s no wasted space.

Apart from decor, space out each group of items. There is nothing worse than a new over-crowded kitchen design. Plan for 4 – 6 inches of space between each item for an organized look. Are you ready to get started on your remodel?

Shop open kitchen cabinets!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are open cabinets? 

Open cabinets are kitchen cabinets without doors. This could mean wall cabinets, base cabinets or tall cabinets without doors. By removing doors, the kitchen becomes more casual and inviting. It’s also easy to create a personalized design. Some homeowners paint, wallpaper or panel the cabinet interiors for an elevated aesthetic.

Shop open cabinets now!

What should I store in open kitchen cabinets? 

Open kitchen cabinets are great because they can store any of your kitchen’s contents. Whether you want a minimalist or maximalist look, these cabinets are perfect for any style. For a streamlined design, narrow down your cups, plates and bowls. Vice versa, organize your existing items and leave them in the open cabinet for a casual aesthetic.

Ready to shop this look? Explore open kitchen cupboards now!

Where should I put open kitchen cabinets? 

Open kitchen cabinets can go anywhere in the kitchen. Some homeowners even prefer them for all the wall cabinets. However, if you prefer smaller focal points, try adding an open base cabinet shelf to your island for cookbooks, storage baskets and decor. Other great areas to experiment with are next to the kitchen sink, a long wall with too many plain cabinets or you can stack wall cabinets on the countertop for a furniture-style look.

Shop open kitchen cabinets now!

Are open kitchen cabinets in style? 

Yes, open kitchen cabinets are in style. Some of the most popular ways to use them in the kitchen are near the kitchen sink for a focal point. Other areas to add them can be over a buffet or custom hutch, or by stacking wall cabinets on the countertop for a furniture-style look. Kitchen cabinets with shelves look great in almost any style like modern, cottage, transitional, eclectic, rustic and contemporary styles.

Shop open kitchen cupboards now!