Walk into almost any renovated kitchen on your social feed lately, and you’ll likely spot open face kitchen cabinets taking center stage. This design choice — cabinetry without doors, or with glass fronts that reveal what’s inside — has become a go-to for homeowners who want their kitchen to feel lighter, more personal, and less closed off.
Unlike traditional cabinetry, open face cabinets kitchen designs turn your dishware into part of the decor. In this guide, we’ll cover what makes this style so popular, how to decide if it’s right for your kitchen, and practical tips to keep everything looking intentional rather than chaotic.
What Are Open Face Kitchen Cabinets?
Open face kitchen cabinets refer to cabinetry where the front panel or door has been removed, replaced with glass, or was never installed at all — leaving the shelves and contents visible. This can apply to a single cabinet, a full wall, or the entire kitchen, depending on how far you want to take the look.
Many homeowners start with an open kitchen cabinet or two near a coffee station or sink, then expand once they’re comfortable with the maintenance involved.
Pros of Open Face Kitchen Cabinets
- Brighter feel — an open cabinet kitchen reflects more light around the room.
- Personality on display — showcase collected dishware, glassware, or cookbooks.
- Faster access — no doors to swing open while cooking.
- Cost-effective — removing existing doors is cheaper than a full remodel.
Cons of Open Face Kitchen Cabinets
- More visible dust — open kitchen cupboards need regular wiping.
- Requires curation — mismatched items can look cluttered.
- Grease exposure — items near the stove need extra care.
- Less private storage — not ideal if you prefer hiding everyday clutter.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about committing to a full open kitchen cabinet wall, try glass-front doors first. You get the visual openness of open face cabinets kitchen designs while still protecting contents from dust.
Styling Open Face Kitchen Cabinets
The way you style your shelves can make or break the look. Below is a quick reference table for popular approaches.
| Style | Description | Ideal Kitchen Type |
| Classic White | White dishware on white or wood shelving | Traditional, farmhouse |
| Mixed Neutral | Beige, cream, and taupe tones layered together | Modern, transitional |
| Bold Color Pop | Colorful dishware against neutral shelving | Eclectic, contemporary |
| Glass-Front Hybrid | Semi-open look with protective glass doors | Formal or family kitchens |
A few styling tips for your open cabinet kitchen:
- Keep frequently used dishware at eye level.
- Store extras or rarely used pieces on higher, less visible shelves.
- Use a mix of stacked plates and upright bowls for visual variety.
- Add a small plant or ceramic piece to soften the display.
- Leave a bit of empty space on each shelf — don’t overcrowd.
Choosing the Right Wood or Finish
The material behind your open kitchen cupboards matters as much as what’s inside them. Light woods like oak or ash tend to suit farmhouse and Scandinavian kitchens, while dark walnut or black-painted shelving pairs well with industrial or moody color schemes.
Pairing With Closed Storage
Very few kitchens go fully open. Most successful open face kitchen cabinets layouts pair open shelving with a few closed cabinets or drawers nearby to hide less attractive essentials like pots, pans, or small appliances.
Important Note: Before removing cabinet doors permanently, check the interior finish. Cabinets that were never meant to be seen may have unfinished or mismatched wood tones once exposed.
Practical Tips for Open Face Kitchen Cabinets
Keeping an open cabinet kitchen looking good day-to-day takes a bit more intention than closed cabinetry. Here’s how to make it manageable:
- Declutter first. Only keep dishware you actually use and like the look of.
- Group by category. Plates together, bowls together, glasses together.
- Use baskets for small items. Tea bags, spice packets, and other loose items stay tidy in bins.
- Clean on a schedule. A quick wipe-down weekly prevents dust buildup.
- Avoid storing near heat sources. Keep open shelving away from direct stove heat when possible.
Warning: Avoid placing delicate glassware or unsealed wood items directly above the stove on open face kitchen cabinets — heat and grease exposure can cause damage or become a safety hazard over time.
Setup Checklist
- Remove or measure for cabinet doors
- Choose a consistent color palette for dishware
- Add lighting if shelves are in a dim corner
- Install matching hardware or brackets if using floating shelves
- Test the layout for a week before finalizing
- Set a weekly cleaning reminder
Conclusion
Open face kitchen cabinets offer an easy, budget-friendly way to refresh your kitchen’s look while keeping everyday items accessible. The key to pulling off this trend well is thoughtful styling and consistent upkeep — group your dishware, edit down clutter, and clean on a regular schedule. Whether you commit to a full open cabinet kitchen or start with just one shelf, this design choice is a simple way to bring more light and personality into your space.
