Open Shelving vs. Closed Kitchen Cabinets: What’s Right for Your Los Angeles Home

Key Takeaways:

1. Open shelvingWall-mounted shelving used instead of upper cabinets for accessibility and visual openness. makes kitchens feel bigger and adds style, but it needs regular cleaning and neat displays.
2. Closed kitchen cabinets offer more storage and hide clutter, making them great for busy households.
3. You can mix both styles—use shelves for display and cabinets for everyday storage.
4. Match your choice to your kitchen style—modern kitchens often use open shelves, while traditional ones stick with closed cabinets.
5. Bradco Kitchens & Baths helps Los Angeles homeowners choose the best setup for their kitchen remodel.

When planning a kitchen cabinet remodeling in Los Angeles, you face a lot of choices—layout, materials, and colors. But one decision keeps coming up more and more: Should you choose open shelving or closed kitchen cabinets?

Both have their fans. One offers an airy, modern look. The other hides clutter and gives you lots of storage space. So which one fits your home best?

This guide will help you weigh the pros and cons of each, compare how they fit different kitchen spaces, and explore how they work with modern kitchenA minimalist approach with smooth surfaces, neutral tones, and functional simplicity. cabinet styles. By the end, you’ll know which option (or mix of both) makes sense for your next kitchen renovation.

What Is Open Shelving?

Open shelving means exactly what it sounds like—shelves that are open, with no doors. They’re often made of wood, metal, or glass and mounted on walls in place of upper cabinets.

Open shelves are great for:

• Showing off your dishes or glassware
• Keeping everyday items within reach
• Adding style and personality to the kitchen

They’ve grown popular in modern kitchen design, where simplicity and clean visuals are key.

What Are Closed Kitchen Cabinets?

Closed cabinets are your classic kitchen cabinets with cabinet doors—either solid or with glass-front cabinets. They offer more hidden storage and come in a wide rangeA combined cooking appliance featuring both a cooktop and oven. of styles, from shaker cabinets to sleek slabA large piece of natural or engineered material used to fabricate countertops. doors.

They’re perfect for:

• Storing all your kitchen tools and pantry items
• Keeping clutter out of sight
• Matching a wide range of design styles

If you like a tidy look or need a lot of storage, closed cabinets might be your best friend.

The Case for Open Shelving

Pros:

1. Makes small kitchens feel bigger

Open shelves create the illusion of more space. For kitchens with limited square footage, removing bulky uppers can make the room feel open and breathable.

2. Easy access to everyday items

No doors to open means you can grab dishes or spices fast. This is great for people who cook often and like things close by.

3. Adds personality to the space

Display your favorite mugs, vintage bowls, or cookbooks. Decorative items add charm and turn your shelves into a mini gallery.

4. Works well with natural materials

Wood shelves paired with tile or stainless steel appliances add textureThe tactile or visual surface quality of materials in a space. and balanceThe visual equilibrium achieved through symmetry or asymmetry in layout..

Cons:

1. Everything must look neat

Open shelves don’t hide anything. If your dishes don’t match or your spices are in mismatched jars, it can feel cluttered.

2. More cleaning

Open shelves collect dust and grease faster, especially if they’re near your stove.

3. Less overall storage

Compared to upper cabinets, shelves just don’t hold as much—especially when styled with space between items.

The Case for Closed Kitchen Cabinets

Pros:

1. Maximum storage space

Closed cabinets—especially custom cabinetryCabinets built to specific dimensions, finishes, and styles for personalized spaces.—can fit into corners, above appliances, or under counters. You can stack items, hide cleaning tools, or add built-ins like an appliance garageA built-in storage compartment that conceals small appliances..

2. Hides mess

Let’s be honest—not everything in your kitchen looks Instagram-ready. Cabinets keep it out of sight and out of mind.

3. More secure

Dishes and glasses are safer behind closed doors. No risk of knocking something off a shelf when you reach for a bowl.

4. Flexible design options

From white cabinets with soft-close hinges to bold-colored shaker cabinets, there’s a cabinet style for every home.

Cons:

1. Can make kitchens feel smaller

In tight kitchens, large upper cabinets can feel heavy or block light—especially in low-ceiling homes.

2. Less display space

You won’t be able to show off your pretty serving pieces unless you choose glass-front cabinets or open a door.

When to Choose Open Shelving

You may want open shelving if:

• You have a modern kitchen with a clean, simple layout
• You’re short on space and want to make the room feel larger
• You have a collection of matching dishes or stylish mugs
• You enjoy keeping things neat and dusted

When to Stick with Closed Cabinets

Closed kitchen cabinets might be better if:

• You need serious storage for a busy household
• You don’t want to constantly tidy shelves
• You want to keep cleaning easy
• You prefer a more uniform look throughout the kitchen

What About Mixing Both?

Great news: You don’t have to choose just one.

Many kitchen remodeling projects in Los Angeles now include a mix of open shelving and closed cabinets. This lets you enjoy the benefits of both style and storage.

Here are a few ideas:

• Use closed cabinets below and open shelves above
• Try a section of shelves next to a window for extra light
• Combine open shelves with glass-front cabinets for a more flexible look
• Add cabinet lighting under closed uppers and around open shelves for warmth and depth

This mixed approach works especially well in contemporary kitchens or those with an open floor planA scaled drawing that outlines the placement of fixtures, walls, and utilities..

Design Tips Based on Your Kitchen Style

For Modern Kitchens:

• Go for sleek flat-panel cabinet doors and floating wood or metal shelves
• Use black or brass hardware for contrastThe difference between light and dark, rough and smooth, or color intensities in design.
• Keep everything neat with matching jars and bowls

For Traditional Kitchens:

• Try shaker cabinets with a few rustic wood shelves
• Display cookbooks, pottery, or plants on the open shelving
• Stick to warm natural materials and classic tones

For Minimalist Designs:

• Limit open shelves to one wall or just one section
• Choose white, black, or neutral finishesThe final surface treatments applied to materials for protection and visual appeal.
• Focus on function—every item should earn its space

What to Avoid

• Avoid too many open shelves if you have lots of small appliances or bulk items
• Don’t install shelves near heavy grease zones unless you’re ready to clean them often
• Stay away from low-quality shelving material—go for high-quality materials that can handle weight and time

What LA Homeowners Are Choosing in 2025

In Los Angeles, style and function go hand in hand. We’re seeing more homeowners choose:

• Floating shelvesWall-mounted shelves offering modern, airy aesthetics. above sinks or in breakfast nooks
• Bold colors on lower cabinets with natural wood shelving above
• White or soft gray kitchen cabinets paired with open shelving and tile backsplashes
• Custom cabinetryBuilt-in furniture designed for storage, including kitchen, bath, and custom installations. with hidden storage paired with decorative open shelving

This mix allows for more freedom, more personal expression, and better flow in tight or shared kitchens.

Ready to Find the Right Fit for Your Shelves or Cabinets?

If you’re planning a kitchen cabinet remodeling in Los Angeles, Bradco Kitchens & Baths is ready to help. Whether you’re leaning toward open shelving, closed cabinets, or a mix of both, our design team will help match your space, style, and storage needs. We offer custom cabinetry, expert planning, and full remodeling services.

Visit Bradco Kitchens & Baths to start your project. Let’s design a kitchen that looks great, works better, and fits your lifestyle—shelf by shelf or cabinet by cabinet.