If you love a kitchen that feels airy, lived-in, and easy to work in, open cabinets can be such a game-changer.
Build In Between Studs for a Flush Look
A recessed open cabinet (like a little built-in niche) feels custom and doesn’t stick out into your space. I’ve framed these between studs for spice jars and mugs, and I love how “architectural” it looks with minimal effort.
Consider these options:
- Glass Storage Jars with Wood Lids: Store dry goods beautifully and create a cohesive, organized look on your new open shelves.
- Natural Oak Wood Veneer Edging: Finish rough plywood edges seamlessly to give your DIY recessed niche a professional, custom-made appearance.
- Airtight White Ceramic Canisters: Add a touch of texture and style while keeping your pantry staples fresh and easily accessible.
Remove Doors and Style the Inside
The fastest open cabinet upgrade I’ve done is simply taking off the doors and patching the hinge holes, then painting the cabinet interior a soft, clean color. In my own kitchen, that one change made my everyday plates look intentional instead of hidden away.
Try these:
- Wood Filler & Putty Knife Kit: Cover unsightly hinge holes quickly after removing cabinet doors to create a smooth, finished surface for painting.
- Ceramic Dinnerware Set: Upgrade your open shelving aesthetic with matching ceramic plates and bowls that double as clean, elegant decor.
- Woven Storage Baskets: Organize linens or smaller items discreetly on lower shelves to maintain a tidy, uncluttered open cabinet look.
Mix Open Uppers With Closed Lowers
When I want the airy look without committing to full exposure, I keep base cabinets closed and switch just the uppers to open cabinets or shelves. I’ve found this balance is the easiest to live with because you can hide the messy stuff down low.
Some ideas to consider:
- Wall-Mounted White Oak Shelving Unit: Replicate the custom cabinet look easily with a pre-made wood shelving unit for your upper walls.
- Textured Ceramic White Dinnerware Set: Style your new open shelves with beautiful, mix-and-match ceramic bowls and plates that are display-ready.
- Woven Seagrass Storage Baskets: Add natural warmth and hide smaller kitchen items effectively within these textured, stylish woven storage baskets.
Keep It to One Feature Wall
If you’re nervous about going all-in, dedicate one run of open cabinets on a single wall and leave the rest traditional. I’ve done this for friends in smaller kitchens, and it gives that “open” feeling without the pressure to style everything.
A few relevant products:
- Minimalist Stoneware Bowl Set: Upgrade your open shelves with neutral, textured stoneware bowls that add a cohesive, artisanal touch to your display.
- Wooden Wall Hook: Install a simple wooden peg near your cabinets to display beautiful textiles and soften your kitchen’s overall look.
- Large Ceramic Pitcher: Add height and elegance to your open shelving arrangement with a classic white ceramic pitcher or vase.
Wrap Open Cabinets Around a Corner
Corner runs are perfect for open cabinets because you avoid weird blind spots and you get a cozy, connected look. I once wrapped reclaimed wood shelves from the sink corner to a little beverage nook, and it made the whole kitchen feel planned.
Some handy options:
- Solid Wood Corner Shelving Unit: Maximize your kitchen space with a freestanding wooden corner shelf that adds rustic charm and practical storage.
- White Ceramic Pitcher Set: Style your open shelves with classic white stoneware pitchers to create a clean, farm-to-table aesthetic instantly.
- Wooden Serving Board: Lean natural wood serving boards against walls or shelves to add texture and warmth to your corners.
Try Open Base Cabinets With Baskets
Open base cabinets are underrated—big woven baskets instantly make them look tidy while keeping everything grab-and-go. I’ve built a couple with chunky face frames, and they’re perfect for linens, snack bins, or bulky mixing bowls.
You might give these a try:
- Large Water Hyacinth Storage Basket: Organize bulky items effortlessly with these textured baskets that add rustic warmth to your open shelving units.
- White Woven Utility Bin: Keep smaller essentials tidy and accessible with a durable, easy-to-clean woven bin perfect for bathroom or kitchen use.
- Plush White Cotton Hand Towels: Refresh your space with soft, absorbent towels that look elegant when neatly folded and stacked on open shelves.
Add a Slim Spice Ledge Open Cabinet
A shallow open cabinet or ledge near the cooktop makes spices practical instead of cluttery, especially when you decant into matching jars. I’ve installed these as quick weekend projects, and I swear it speeds up cooking because everything’s in arm’s reach.
Maybe worth checking out:
- Wall-Mounted Wooden Spice Rack: Keep your favorite spices organized and accessible near the stove with this practical, space-saving wall-mounted storage solution.
- Matching Glass Spice Jars with Bamboo Lids: Decant your spices into uniform glass jars for a clean, cohesive look that eliminates visual clutter instantly.
- Minimalist Spice Labels: Ensure you grab the right ingredient every time by applying these sleek, waterproof labels to your new jars.
Install Open Plate Racks Inside Cabinets
For a classic farmhouse feel, turn an upper into an open cabinet with vertical plate slots so stacks don’t topple. I built one from scrap strips in my shop, and it made my plates look like a collection instead of a pile.
A few helpful options:
- Wooden Plate Organizer Rack: Instantly create orderly vertical storage for your favorite dishes to mimic the custom built-in look easily.
- Cabinet Shelf Peg System: Customize your cabinet spacing perfectly to ensure plates stay upright and secure without tipping over.
- Stainless Steel Guard Rail: Add a modern safety barrier to lower shelves to keep heavy dinner plates securely in place.
Display Glass Jars Like a Pantry Wall
An open cabinet pantry with rows of glass jars is both functional and seriously pretty when you keep it mostly neutrals. I tried this in a tiny kitchen setup, and it was the first time flour and pasta actually looked like decor.
Useful items to consider:
- Glass Storage Jars with Wooden Lids: Organize your dry goods effortlessly and create a uniform, aesthetic look that keeps ingredients fresh and visible.
- Wooden Serving Bowl: Add warmth to your countertop with a natural wood bowl, perfect for holding snacks or additional ingredients.
- Linen Kitchen Towels: Hang neutral linen towels nearby to soften the space and keep everyday essentials within easy reach.
Make Symmetry Around the Range
Pairing matching open cabinets or shelves on both sides of the range makes the cooking zone feel grounded and intentional. I’ve done it with stained wood shelves against light walls, and that contrast always warms the space right up.
Check these products out:
- Floating Wood Shelves: Instantly add warmth and symmetry to your kitchen walls by installing these sturdy, natural wood floating shelves.
- Decorative Ceramic Vases: Style your open shelves with textured, earthy ceramic vases to create visually balanced and inviting vignettes.
- Dried Floral Bundles: Bring organic texture to your display by arranging dried botanicals or branches in varied heights on shelves.
Go Industrial With Wood and Metal Brackets
If you like a tougher look, combine thick wood shelves with simple metal brackets for that utilitarian open cabinet style. I’ve built versions from salvaged lumber, and the hardware detail makes even plain dishware feel bold.
Possibly handy products:
- Heavy Duty L-Style Shelf Brackets: Secure your shelving with these sturdy black iron brackets to instantly add industrial charm to your kitchen walls.
- Reclaimed Wood Floating Shelves: Create a rustic foundation for your dishes with these thick, solid wood shelves that offer authentic warmth.
- Stoneware Dinner Set: Display your meals beautifully on these neutral stoneware plates that perfectly complement the natural wood textures.
Protect Open Cabinets With Rope or Mesh Guards
For a surprising twist, add a low rope net or slim mesh lip to your open cabinets so platters and cookbooks don’t slide forward. I used this trick in a house with kids running through the kitchen, and it kept the open look while adding real-world safety.
You might like:
- Natural Twisted Cotton Rope or Jute Twine: Create your own custom safety nets by knotting this durable, natural-looking rope across your open shelves.
- Screw-in Cup Hooks or Eye Hooks: Secure your rope guards firmly to the underside of wooden cabinets with these simple, effective mounting hooks.
- Pre-made Decorative Cargo Netting: Save DIY time by installing a ready-made decorative net to keep books and dishes secure on shelves.
Turn Salvaged Furniture Into Open Cabinetry
One of my favorite wow-moves is converting an old dresser or hutch into open cabinet kitchen storage by removing doors and adding sturdy shelves. I’ve upcycled pieces like this with reclaimed wood, and they bring instant character that built-ins just can’t match.
These products might be useful:
- Woven Storage Baskets: Organize your new open shelves with natural texture using these versatile baskets for storing linens or dry goods.
- Stoneware Serving Bowls: Display beautiful, functional decor on your open shelves with these rustic bowls perfect for everyday kitchen use.
- Matte Wood Finish/Sealer: Protect your reclaimed wood project while maintaining that raw, natural look with a high-quality matte furniture finish.
