Not A Fan Of Open Shelving? Give Your Cabinets That Open Vibe And Prevent Dust With This Elegant Upgrade

Open kitchen shelving is a much-loved look for displaying collected dishes, glassware, and tabletop decor. When done right, the style lends itself to an intentional, curated kitchen aesthetic. When done wrong, though, open shelves can be a messy nightmare. But if you love the look and can't stand the hassle, there's a best-of-both-worlds alternative. Glass-front cabinets allow for the perfect mix of a stylish display and enclosed, manageable storage.

For a while, glass-front cabinets were considered to be dated and drab, calling back to grandparents' houses and kitchens that felt too formal, but in recent years, they've evolved. And as we've collectively shifted toward a love for vintage kitchen designs, more people are finding new appreciation for glass-front cabinets to get the look of open-plan shelving without all the maintenance headaches.

It's certainly true that open shelving adds an element of warmth and personality to your space, but it also leaves your dishes exposed to dirt and debris. And while you may want to keep your beautiful collection of hand-painted teacups on display, you'll probably want to stash your novelty mug collection behind closed doors. This can lead to an organizational headache, but with well-designed glass-front cabinets, you can fix both these issues. Plus, upgrading your cabinet doors is much easier than swapping out the whole system. In fact, you can even easily do it yourself — once you've confirmed that glass-front cabinetry is preferred. 

The most obvious issue with open shelving is that everything you use for eating and drinking is left exposed, so pre-meal prep involves the added step of cleaning and wiping down dishware. But people tend to underestimate the headache of needing to have dishes that all match or coordinate, and glassware that stay pristine enough to work as a beautiful display. After all, it's not very appetizing to look at a shelf full of cloudy drinking glasses.

However, with glass-front cabinets, you get the best of both worlds. Depending on the depth and design, you can still hide your functional dishes and glassware in the back, but keep your more beautiful pieces in the front. One could add some curtains to the glass-front cabinets, allowing you to hide the contents of your less-organized shelves. You also have a wide variety of choices for the type of glass you use with your cabinetry. 

Clear glass will offer maximum visibility for true open-shelf vibes, while frosted or textured glass is a great way to add some color and light to the room but still keep things relatively hidden. The same goes for your cabinet style. Framed cabinets with paned windows will naturally make discretion easier. But if you truly want the open-shelf feeling and the goal is minimizing dust and cleaning while still displaying your kitchenware, frameless is best — especially when used with clear glass. Then, everything you love is still on display, but also protected from your kitchen's natural elements.