When we’re thinking about whether to have closed kitchen cupboards or open shelves in our kitchen, it’s not a question of one being better than the other. In fact, the two are by no means mutually exclusive. It is true that the items and utensils on open shelves need to be cleaned much more frequently than their counterparts hidden behind cupboard doors, but there are still situations where we tend to recommend fitting open shelves.
Space is limited
It’s true that in a small kitchen, every square centimetre needs to be used to maximise storage space, but fitting wall-to-wall kitchen cupboards isn’t necessarily the best solution. We usually recommend in such cases that, where the ceiling height allows, it’s worth doubling the top row of cupboards, as this can provide a great deal of storage space. However, too many closed cupboards can make the room feel like a storeroom and make the space feel cramped, making it appear even smaller. By incorporating open shelves, you’ll create a more airy interior, which will have a much more pleasant effect.
Ensuring easy access
Before designing a kitchen, the very first step is to think carefully about exactly what we need: what activities we carry out in the kitchen, what equipment we have, and so on. There may be items that we want to access as easily as possible, and opening and closing kitchen cupboard doors would get in the way of this. Many people prefer to keep mugs, spices and the items they use most often on open shelves rather than in closed cupboards.
Maintenance-free design
Although high-quality fittings can last for decades, the fact is that nothing can wear out when it comes to open shelving. What’s more, there aren’t any large surfaces that need cleaning – we’re thinking here of kitchen unit fronts – but bear in mind that the items placed on the shelves will certainly need cleaning much more often! But the shelves themselves are durable, and we can certainly save a bit of money by replacing one or two wall units with shelving units. But let’s think carefully about whether it’s worth it, as the items on the shelves will always be in plain sight!
Decorative function
Items displayed on open shelves can even serve a decorative purpose, so we can kill two birds with one stone. However, in this case, it is very important to select the items displayed here with great care, and it is essential to keep them tidy on a daily basis, because an untidy shelving area can spoil the entire interior; as clutter and disharmony immediately draw the eye.
Shelving units can therefore not only help to reduce our budget, but can also offer other added benefits. However, we should think carefully about where to install them and what items we will store on them, because this can either enhance or significantly diminish the value of our kitchen.
