Open shelving: still trendy, but with caveats

Open shelving's popularity isn't fading, but its reign isn't the all-consuming trend it once was. Interior design experts now advise a more balanced approach, blending open and closed storage for a curated look.

How to make open shelving work (and when to skip it)

For years, the open shelving debate raged: a minimalist dream or a recipe for visual chaos? While once a full-blown cabinet-replacement movement, today’s trend favors a more restrained integration of open storage. Experts suggest it’s a matter of intentionality, not an all-or-nothing commitment.

“Open shelving is still in style, but not in the sweeping, ‘remove every cabinet’ way that they once were,” says Samantha Lemieux, founder of Lemieux Interiors.

The key? Strategic placement. Open shelves shine in specific areas, offering a blend of functionality and aesthetics. However, they fall flat when they clash with daily routines or when a Home genuinely needs robust, concealed storage.

Where open shelving thrives

Kitchens are prime candidates. Open shelves flanking a range hood or in a butler’s pantry offer a place to display attractive glassware and ceramics, enhancing the space without sacrificing storage. “Food storage in a large butler pantry, flanking a range hood, or a coffee or bar nook are ideal opportunities that work well without sacrificing everyday storage,” explains Andrea Dussault, founder of Striped Lemon Design.

Bathrooms, particularly guest bathrooms, also benefit. Here, open shelves provide a spot to layer towels and add texture, creating a welcoming atmosphere without overwhelming the space.

Laundry rooms and mudrooms gain functionality with labeled jars and neatly folded linens, transforming utilitarian spaces into visually pleasing areas.

Living rooms, especially those with alcoves or built-ins, are ideal for showcasing books, decorative objects, or collected pieces, adding warmth and personality.

When to ditch the open shelving idea

Open shelving isn’t a universal solution. It fails when competing with a need for practical storage, such as for small appliances or paperwork. Furthermore, open shelves demand a commitment to curation. If clutter easily accumulates, open shelving will amplify the problem.

“They don’t work when they compete with how you actually live, especially in homes that need real, hardworking storage,” Dussault notes. And a lack of editing can quickly turn a stylish display into a visual mess.

Important considerations before you drill

Before committing to open shelving, consider your lifestyle. Do you regularly declutter, or does life tend to accumulate? This answer is more valuable than chasing a trend.

The material and scale of the shelves also matter. Thick wood shelves provide a sense of permanence, while thin shelves can look temporary.

Balance is key. Modern design favors a mix of open and closed storage. Dussault recommends shallow shelves for a refined look, ensuring the displayed items complement the overall design.

Ultimately, successful open shelving hinges on thoughtful planning and a willingness to embrace a curated aesthetic. It’s a statement piece, not a storage solution for everything.