Elite Line Cabinetry Insights
When designing or remodeling your kitchen, cabinetry is one of the most impactful decisions you’ll make—both visually and functionally. One of the most common design questions we hear at Elite Line Cabinetry is: Should I go with open shelving or traditional closed cabinets?
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Both open and closed cabinetry have their own set of benefits and trade-offs. The right choice depends on your lifestyle, kitchen habits, aesthetic preferences, and how much maintenance you’re willing to take on. Below, we break down the pros and cons of each to help guide your decision.
Open Shelving: Airy, Accessible, and On-Trend
Open shelving has been gaining popularity in recent years, especially in modern and transitional kitchens. It creates an open, airy feel and offers a stylish way to display your favorite pieces.
Pros of Open Shelving:
Aesthetic Appeal
Open shelving brings a sense of lightness and openness to the kitchen. It works particularly well in California homes where natural light and a breezy, coastal-inspired feel are part of the aesthetic. It’s perfect for showcasing beautiful dishware, glassware, or curated kitchen accessories.
Easy Access
Everything is within reach and visible, making it incredibly functional for busy cooks. If you use the same mugs, bowls, or spices daily, open shelving provides quick and easy access.
Cost-Effective
Generally, open shelves are more affordable to install than closed cabinetry, making them a budget-friendly option if you’re remodeling.
Design Flexibility
Open shelving can be customized to fit small or awkward spaces, and at Elite Line Cabinetry, we can design custom solutions that integrate seamlessly into your existing layout.
Cons of Open Shelving:
Maintenance
Open shelves require regular dusting and cleaning. Dishes and items left unused for a while can quickly collect grease and grime—especially near the stove.
Visual Clutter
Unlike closed cabinets, open shelving leaves everything exposed. If not styled intentionally, it can make your kitchen feel cluttered or chaotic.
Limited Storage for Some Items
You’ll still need closed storage for less-attractive items like cleaning supplies, canned goods, or mismatched containers. Open shelving works best as a complement to closed cabinets, not a complete replacement.
Closed Cabinets: Timeless, Concealed, and Highly Functional
Traditional closed cabinetry remains the go-to for most homeowners because of its practicality and ability to hide clutter. At Elite Line Cabinetry, our custom closed cabinetry solutions are crafted with high-quality materials and designed to suit a variety of California styles—from modern minimalism to warm traditional.
Pros of Closed Cabinets:
Conceals Everything
Closed cabinets keep your kitchen looking tidy and organized, even when the inside isn’t. This makes them ideal for busy families or those who prefer a minimalist exterior without needing to constantly organize shelves.
Protects Contents
Cabinet doors protect contents from dust, moisture, and kitchen grease—especially important in homes near the California coast where salt air can affect materials over time.
Maximized Storage
Closed cabinets typically allow for more structured and concealed storage. We design our cabinetry at Elite Line with custom inserts, pull-outs, and organizers to help you get the most out of every square inch.
Versatility in Design
With a wide range of door styles, finishes, and hardware, closed cabinets can be tailored to suit any design aesthetic—from sleek and modern to rustic and farmhouse-inspired.
Cons of Closed Cabinets:
More Expensive Than Open Shelving
Custom closed cabinets require more materials, hardware, and labor, which can increase your investment. However, they also add long-term value to your home.
Can Feel Heavier in Small Kitchens
In compact kitchens, too many upper cabinets can make the space feel closed in. That’s why we often recommend blending closed cabinetry with open shelving to balance both form and function.
Elite Line Cabinetry’s Pro Tip: Combine the Best of Both Worlds
Many of our California clients find that a hybrid approach is the ideal solution. Use open shelving for everyday dishes or decorative items, and reserve closed cabinets for bulk storage, pantry items, or less visually appealing essentials. This approach gives you the light, modern feel of open shelving with the practical benefits of traditional cabinetry.
Whether you lean toward the clean, curated look of open shelves or the timeless appeal of closed cabinets, Elite Line Cabinetry is here to help you design a space that fits your lifestyle and reflects your personal taste. Every cabinet we build is tailored with California living in mind—beautiful, functional, and built to last.
Let’s Build Your Dream Kitchen
From coastal retreats to urban lofts, we create custom cabinetry solutions that work with your space, not against it. Ready to explore your options? Connect with Elite Line Cabinetry today and let’s bring your vision to life.
