How to Use Open Shelving with Cabinets for a Chic Look

Open shelving has become a beloved design choice in the world of modern kitchens, blending functionality with style in a refreshingly unique way. Open shelves create an airy, spacious feel, allowing your kitchen essentials to serve as both practical tools and decorative elements. But the true magic happens when open shelving is paired with traditional cabinetry. This combination allows for the best of both worlds: the chic minimalism of open storage and the organized structure of cabinets.

If you’ve ever wondered how to balance open shelves with closed cabinets, here’s everything you need to create a cohesive, visually pleasing setup that stands out.

The Allure of Open Shelving

Open shelving offers an undeniable allure—it’s modern, minimalist, and instantly makes a space feel larger. With open shelves, you’re putting your best dishes, glassware, and decor on display. For those who thrive in a creative kitchen environment, this setup invites you to style your kitchen with personality and flair. Open shelving lets you showcase beautiful dishware, glass jars, and cookbooks as part of your decor, adding warmth and character that closed cabinets simply can’t provide.

Why Open Shelving Works

The popularity of open shelving isn’t accidental. In a shaker style modern kitchen, for instance, open shelving can break up the solidity of cabinets, giving the space a lighter, airier look. It works well with custom shaker cabinets, which offer a classic, refined appeal that balances beautifully with the casual look of open shelves.

Finding Balance: Where to Use Cabinets

While open shelves create a light and trendy aesthetic, cabinets are essential for keeping a kitchen organized and clutter-free. Cabinets offer closed storage, ideal for hiding less-attractive items such as cookware, cleaning supplies, and pantry goods. They also provide a polished look, giving your kitchen a balanced structure.

Strategically Combining Shelves and Cabinets

Combining cabinets with open shelving doesn’t mean sacrificing style for practicality. In fact, a balanced layout—where shelves and cabinets coexist—can be incredibly chic. Large kitchen shaker cabinets can act as anchors in the room, providing a sturdy, timeless look. Use these cabinets for major storage needs, and place open shelves above or beside them for an eye-catching contrast. This way, you can achieve a clean, cohesive layout that doesn’t feel overwhelming or too busy.

Deciding What to Display

When it comes to open shelving, what you display is just as important as how you display it. To maintain a chic look, it’s best to keep items minimal and purposeful. Choose pieces that reflect your style and elevate your kitchen’s design. Consider displaying decorative glassware, ceramic bowls, cookbooks, or even small potted plants to infuse some personality into the space.

The Art of Curating with Open Shelves

Open shelving invites you to curate your kitchen as if it were an art gallery. But remember, less is often more. Arrange items in small clusters rather than lining them up, which can feel cluttered. Displaying items in a staggered pattern creates visual interest and makes each piece stand out. By using only items you love or use regularly, you’ll keep your shelves both functional and beautiful.

How to Style Open Shelving for a Modern Look

Styling open shelves is about achieving the right balance between aesthetics and practicality. While the look should be intentional, it should also feel effortless. Mixing textures, colors, and materials can make your shelves pop and add depth to your kitchen design.

Choosing Colors and Textures

When choosing items for open shelving, think about how colors and textures play together. Neutral tones with pops of color can create a fresh, inviting feel. For instance, white plates, natural wood cutting boards, and a splash of greenery can create an earthy, sophisticated vibe. In a shaker style modern kitchen, this approach works wonders, blending with the understated elegance of shaker cabinets while adding a touch of warmth and personality.

Tips for Keeping Open Shelves Tidy

One of the main concerns with open shelving is maintaining a clean, clutter-free look. Open shelves can quickly look chaotic if not well-organized, so keeping everything in its place is essential. Regularly wipe down shelves and rearrange items to keep things fresh and orderly.

Organizing by Function and Frequency

A helpful strategy is to organize items by how frequently you use them. Place everyday items on the lower shelves for easy access, and reserve the higher shelves for decorative pieces or items used less often. Keeping items in groups or clusters can also add a sense of structure. Baskets or small storage bins are great for corralling smaller items, making your shelves appear intentional and cohesive.

Combining Open Shelving with Large Cabinets

If you’re worried about open shelving causing clutter, large cabinets are the perfect antidote. Large kitchen shaker cabinets provide ample hidden storage, ensuring that your kitchen essentials have a designated place out of sight. This way, you can use open shelves for decorative items and everyday dishes while keeping cookware and bulkier items tucked away.

Creating Zones for Practicality

Combining open shelves with large cabinets can be both beautiful and practical if you create zones within your kitchen. Dedicate specific areas for different functions: place open shelves above the coffee machine for easy access to mugs and coffee supplies, or install open shelves near the prep area for frequently used spices and oils. This kind of zoning keeps your kitchen efficient and organized, making it easy to keep track of everything you need.

The Role of Lighting in Open Shelving

Lighting can make a massive difference in how your open shelving looks and feels. Well-placed lighting not only brightens up your space but also highlights the items on display, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Types of Lighting for Open Shelves

Under-cabinet lighting is a fantastic way to illuminate open shelves, especially if you’re using them to display special pieces. Soft, warm lighting can add a cozy feel, while brighter lighting works well in a contemporary kitchen. Whether you choose LED strips or puck lights, lighting can elevate the look of both your open shelves and your custom shaker cabinets.

Embracing the Flexibility of Open Shelving

One of the best parts of open shelving is its flexibility. Unlike closed cabinets, open shelves give you the freedom to switch things up whenever you like. You can update the look seasonally or whenever you feel like a change.

Easy Updates with Open Shelving

With open shelves, a quick rearrangement or a few new accessories can completely transform the look of your kitchen. Changing out decorative items, adding seasonal touches, or incorporating new textures is a breeze. This versatility allows you to experiment and refresh your kitchen without the need for a major overhaul.