While floating shelves once ruled the design world, there’s a noticeable shift happening as homeowners reconsider their functionality and aesthetics. As practicality takes precedence over trends, many are turning back to closed cabinetry in their kitchens. Here’s why this shift is occurring, with insights from organizational experts Louisa Roberts and Meg Markland.
The Limitations of Floating Shelves
Floating shelves certainly made a splash in modern kitchen designs, offering open storage with an airy, minimalist appeal. However, many homeowners are now realizing that these shelves are not as practical as they once seemed. Items such as everyday dishes, water bottles, and even quirky coffee mugs can look out of place on display.
Markland points out, “Floating shelves sound great in theory, but in reality, they lack the storage flexibility that closed cabinets offer.” When functional storage is key, shelves can’t always keep up with the need for a tidy, organized space. Fortunately, there are ways to maintain the open-shelving aesthetic by using closed storage in other parts of the kitchen, such as lower cabinets or the pantry.
The Aesthetic Appeal of Floating Shelves
It’s no secret that floating shelves are designed to look good. Their open, clutter-free nature provides a seamless way to display decorative items and easy-to-access essentials. However, this style-driven approach can sometimes limit functionality. For example, placing reusable water bottles near the refrigerator is much easier with closed cabinetry, where the focus can be on practicality rather than appearance.
Roberts adds, “Closed cabinets allow for more strategic placement of items, without worrying about how they impact the room’s aesthetic.” While those who favor a minimalist style or less clutter may still find floating shelves ideal, the trend is not universally practical.
The Best of Both Worlds: Combining Floating Shelves and Cabinets
Many homeowners are now finding a balance between floating shelves and closed cabinetry. Mixing both elements in the kitchen can create an intriguing design while maintaining functionality. According to Roberts, incorporating open shelves alongside closed cabinetry can break up the bulkiness of traditional kitchen designs, allowing for additional materials and colors to enhance the space.
For example, using natural wood floating shelves to complement painted cabinets can add warmth and contrast to the room. Open shelves also allow for a continuous backsplash that can flow from countertop to ceiling, creating a striking design feature.
Organizational Challenges with Floating Shelves
When it comes to organizing kitchen items, closed cabinetry reigns supreme. Markland emphasizes, “With floating shelves, it’s difficult to keep everything neat and organized. You can’t hide mismatched lids or water bottles behind open shelves.”
Closed cabinetry, on the other hand, provides ample space for using bins, baskets, and organizational systems. For those who prefer a color-coded or systemized approach, cabinets offer a clean solution without the need to curate items based on their aesthetic appeal.
Floating Shelves in Smaller Spaces
For smaller kitchens, floating shelves can be a great solution. In areas where upper cabinets would make the space feel more cramped, open shelving allows homeowners to add storage without overwhelming the room. Roberts explains that floating shelves can also add charm to smaller kitchens, creating a cozy and functional space.
By displaying pretty collections or giving the room a more airy feel, floating shelves can make even the tightest spaces seem more spacious. However, for larger kitchens, a return to closed cabinetry often makes sense to maximize both storage and style.
The Need for Maintenance with Floating Shelves
One of the downsides of floating shelves is their maintenance. Unlike closed cabinetry, open shelves collect dust and dirt quickly, making regular cleaning a must. Roberts advises keeping only a few curated items on display to maintain a sense of order. “It’s best to limit the number of dish sets and mix in more permanent items like cookbooks or vases,” she suggests.
Combining Function and Style: Glass-Front Cabinets
For those who want the best of both worlds, incorporating glass-front cabinets can be the ideal solution. These allow homeowners to display favorite items like dishes or glassware, while still offering the ability to hide less appealing items behind closed doors. This combination provides the openness of floating shelves, but with more control over the overall look of the kitchen.
The Enduring Appeal of Closed Cabinetry
While floating shelves are still a viable option for some, closed cabinetry has made a strong return to kitchen design. Offering better functionality, organization, and flexibility, cabinets are proving that classic styles never truly go out of fashion. As Roberts puts it, “Trends may come and go, but the timeless appeal of closed cabinetry remains a solid choice for homeowners looking for both form and function.” Whether you prefer open shelves, closed cabinets, or a mix of both, balancing style and practicality is key to creating a kitchen that works for your needs.
