Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Livingetc
Livingetc
Maya Glantz

Open Shelves vs Wall Cabinets — We've Settled the Debate on Which You Should Pick for Your 2026 Renovation

Chic modern kitchen with marble splashback and wooden cabinet and open shelving.

Open shelving or closed cabinetry? It may sound like a menial thing, but the type of kitchen storage you opt for can dictate both the functionality and the look of your space.

Designing your dream kitchen is a process of crucial decision after crucial decision, and as someone who spends almost every day looking at some of the most gorgeous modern kitchen ideas around the world, I understand the sense of overwhelm you're likely feeling. But figuring out whether to opt for open shelves or closed cabinets doesn't have to feel like a life-or-death situation; in fact, with our experts' advice, it can be a relatively simple decision.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.