If you're in the process of building your dream kitchen, you might be torn between the curated aesthetic of open shelving and the practicality that wall cabinets offer.
The good news is that you don't necessarily need to pick just one; in fact, a well-designed kitchen idea will often mix and match the two. However, your choice will ultimately boil down to your lifestyle and how you plan to use the space.
To learn the pros and cons of both open shelving and wall cabinets – and which option would work best in your home – keep reading below.
Is open shelving better than wall cabinets?
"There is no universal answer to whether open shelving or wall cabinets are better," says Richard Davonport, Managing Director at Davonport. "The decision should always be led by how the kitchen is used day to day."
If you value order and need plenty of storage, wall cabinets are the most practical choice, offering more space and requiring less maintenance to keep on top of – making them ideal for busy family kitchens that are used frequently.
However, if you're the proud owner of beautiful ceramics and glassware that deserve the spotlight, Richard says open shelving can work particularly well.
He adds, "The most successful kitchens tend to combine both approaches, allowing practicality and character to work together so the space feels coherent, generous and genuinely suited to the way the household lives.”
With a Distinction in Furniture Design and Cabinet Making, and knowledge from his father Aubrey Davonport, an honorary member of the British Woodcarvers Association, Richard went on to set up his own workshops and later, the Davonport brand, which specialises in creating bespoke kitchen furniture.
Pros and cons of open shelving vs wall cabinets
Pros of open shelving
- ✅ Sense of openness: When used with a clear purpose, Richard Davonport explains how open shelving can create a sense of openness in the upper half of a room, helping it feel lighter and connected to surrounding living spaces – particularly in open plan kitchens.
- ✅ Curated, editorial feel: From everyday ceramics and glassware to meaningful decorative pieces, open shelving offers a chance to put your personality on display.
William Durrant, Owner and Director of Herringbone House, says, "Open shelving brings a curated, editorial feel, allowing beautiful objects to become part of the design."
Our open shelving shopping picks
Keep your everyday spices, utensils and oils within easy reach with this handy rack.
If you love hosting, you'll want to add this wall-mounted wine rack to your wishlist.
Put your favourite cookbooks on display with this floating shelf, available in three colours.
Cons of open plan shelving
- ❌High maintenance: Without regular cleaning, open shelving and display items will quickly collect dust and cooking residue – especially if its placed near your hob. Richard says, "Shelves need to be positioned carefully and stocked with items that are in regular circulation, rather than purely decorative objects."
- ❌Reduced capacity: Unless you have a particularly large kitchen, you won’t be able to store all your kitchen essentials on open shelving without it looking busy. William says it requires “order, restraint, and regular editing to avoid visual clutter.”
Pros of wall cabinets
- ✅Sense of order: Organised for function as opposed to fashion, wall cabinets are more practical for concealing bulky appliances that might not look so attractive on display.
Richard says, "This is particularly important in family kitchens or for clients who cook frequently and own a wide range of equipment, where organisation and capacity matter more." - ✅Optimal for small spaces: Small kitchens can easily become crowded and overwhelming when many items are on show, but wall cabinets help to conceal the mess and restore visual and mental calm.
Cons of wall cabinets
- ❌Can feel heavy: William warns that if wall cabinets are poorly proportioned or overused, they can make your kitchen design feel heavy.
William Durrant has worked in the cabinet and furniture manufacturing industry for over a decade. After learning from leading kitchen brands, he had a desire to manage all aspects of home design projects, so he founded Herringbone Kitchens, now known as Herringbone House over 10 years ago. He owns the family run cabinet and furniture design and joinery company, where he manages a talented creative team of designers and skilled craftsmen from their studio in the heart of Canterbury, Kent and the workshop just outside the city walls.
Are open shelves outdated?
No, open shelving is not outdated – but both Richard Davonport and William Durrant agree that it has matured and evolved in recent years.
Instead of serving as a primary kitchen storage solution, they say it is now used intentionally as a decorative element or as a way to break up runs of cabinetry and soften areas that do not carry the main workload of the room.
Richard adds, "This more evolved approach reflects a better understanding of how kitchens are actually used, recognising that while shelves add character, they are not always practical everywhere and require ongoing care to keep them looking intentional."
To conclude, it’s not a case of open shelving or wall cabinets simply being “better” than the other – it all comes down to how you intend to use your kitchen, the size of your space, and the best way to integrate both to achieve a sense of balance.
For more advice and inspiration, take a look at our favourite concealed kitchen storage ideas and kitchen shelving ideas.
