What's Replacing Open Kitchen Shelving? This ‘Old School’ Cabinet Style is Making a Comeback – And Gives You the Same Look Without the Dust

It feels like every piece of kitchen advice lately has revolved around open shelving, whether it's to create a more open atmosphere in a small scheme or to give a space a more lived-in, collected feel.

But open kitchen storage isn't for everyone, and if you don't stay on top of it, kitchen shelves become a destination for clutter and dust. The truth is, people are getting open shelf fatigue, both visually and with the upkeep.

But what's the alternative? It turns out, designers are gravitating towards glass-front cabinets as a more visually appealing alternative that looks tidier, requires less upkeep, and still allows homeowners to have their favorite tableware collections on display.

What's Replacing Open Kitchen Shelving?

If you've read up on the pros and cons of open kitchen shelving and decided it's not quite right for you, you're probably looking for an alternative. And designers say glass-fronted kitchen cabinets are the lower-maintenance alternative, replacing fully open designs.

'Open shelving can look wonderful, but it requires real discipline. Glass-fronted cabinets offer that same visual softness and decorative quality, but with a little more forgiveness,' explains interior designer Suzie Mc Adam.

'They protect objects from everyday kitchen grease, while still allowing a kitchen to feel layered and personal. People are drawn to spaces that feel expressive but also manageable, and glass-fronted cabinets sit very well in that space.'

The main draw of glass-front cabinets over open shelving is that they don't harbor as much dust, so they don't require cleaning quite as often. 'Open shelving has its moments, but dust is an unavoidable reality, especially in city kitchens,' says Ben Kempton, Director of 202 Design.

'Glazed cabinets with integrated lighting give you all the visual warmth of open display with none of the maintenance. It creates a combination of practicality and beauty,' he adds. Glass-fronted cabinets really are the middle ground between open shelving and closed storage.

What's the Appeal of Glass-Front Kitchen Cabinets?

The appeal of glass-front cabinets over open kitchen shelving lies in their balance of function and style, closed yet still visible. They offer the open, more lived-in look of open storage while still feeling enclosed and put away.

'Kitchens are filled with so many flat rectangles and hard surfaces, we love any opportunity to add depth and interest. Glass can be a lovely way to break up a long bank of cabinetry, highlight special dishes, and bounce light around the room,' says interior designer Heather Peterson.

'Glass-fronted cabinets bring a sense of lightness and rhythm to a kitchen. They allow cabinetry to feel less heavy or monolithic, while still offering more structure than open shelving,' agrees Suzie.

'I think they create a lovely balance between practicality and display, allowing you to showcase beautiful glassware, ceramics, or collected objects in a way that feels considered but slightly less dusty!'

But it goes beyond balancing visual weight and proportions. Glass-front cabinets are being chosen particularly in place of open kitchen shelving because they bring in new textures and materials, creating a more mixed, contrasting finish.

'While solid wood kitchen cabinets can provide a classic, uniform look, incorporating glass-fronted cabinets adds another layer of dimension to your kitchen,' says interior designer Kathy Kuo. 'It’s a design-forward way to mix materials and textures, and it keeps your favorite dishes both organized and on display.'

It's also a great option to bring a characterful detail to your kitchen. 'There’s something about the quality of glazed cabinets that feels reminiscent of antique windows and doors, a natural draw for anyone who wants to bring a layer of character and nostalgia to their kitchen design,' Kathy adds.

That more vintage kitchen look is one of the greatest appeals of glass-front cabinets, and is a great way to mix old and new within your cooking space. 'Old museum cabinets and vintage glazed pieces, although hard to find, are a great way to display and store in style,' says Helen Parker, Creative Director of deVOL Kitchens.

What Glass Styles Work Best?

There are a few different glass options you can choose from, depending on the style of your kitchen and how visible you want the contents of your cabinets to be.

'It really depends on the character of the kitchen. For more classic or historic interiors, I love reeded, seeded, or lightly imperfect glass, as it brings texture and softness and feels more atmospheric,' explains Suzie.

'I would recommend keeping the glass appropriate to the architecture of the house. In a newer or quite modern home, clear or reeded glass looks great. We like to pair the glass with an interesting door profile, like the diamond-shaped mullions in the hutch we designed to evoke something original to the house,' adds Heather, of the project pictured above.

The style of glass you introduce will also depend on whether you're designing a display cabinet or require something less transparent, which is where textured options like reeded glass are more favorable.

'Reeded glass has been having a well-deserved moment for a while, and for good reason – its subtle texture obscures what's stored inside the cabinet, while still letting light through. Stacked crockery and glassware always look good behind glass, but the reality of everyday kitchen life is baked beans and biscuit packets,' adds Ben.

Or, if you want to add glass-front cabinets that act like open shelving – A.K.A to create a beautiful display of your kitchenware – simple, clear glass will allow you to create that classic curiosity cabinet look.

For something completely different, Heather recommends adding fabric. 'There is always the option of adding fabric behind the glass, which gives softness and variety but allows you to hide clutter, if you aren't one for display. In this case, be sure to hold your shelves back by 1/2" to accommodate the depth of the fabric,' she advises.

Shop Easy to Add Glass-fronted Cabinetry

There will always be a place for open kitchen shelving, but this year's kitchen trends favor glass-front cabinets as a more practical alternative to display-focused storage. And they are so versatile, whether you go for a classic display cabinet with clear glass or add texture with a reeded finish, designers are considering it one of the most timeless swaps you can make to your cooking space this year.

Love beautiful design ideas, expert advice, and inspiring decor trends? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.