Are Floating Shelves Out? Why Some Homeowners Are Returning to Cabinetry

By   Published on February 26, 2024

Remember when everyone was ripping out their closed cabinetry and opting for floating shelves? Whether you were on board or quietly sat by knowing that this trend too would pass, the moment of reckoning for us all has arrived. Those who opted to rid our kitchens of closed cabinetry in favor of uninhibited sight lines and the ease of unloading the dishwasher in record time are now realizing we might prefer a little more privacy for our kitchen wares. To share their take on the pros and cons of the once-trendy cabinetry choice, Louisa Roberts owner of Neat Method NYC and Meg Markland of Neat by Meg sound off on this polarizing topic.

They’re Designed with Aesthetics First

There’s one thing that can’t be denied when it comes to floating shelves: appearances matter. Pair that with their grab-and-go appeal and you have a polarizing toss-up for the ages. A stack of dishes right next to the stove makes serving dinner a snap. And unloading the dishwasher? Well, it has never been easier. But what about storage containers, water bottles, and the like that we would also like front and center, easy to grab at a moment’s notice? That’s where things get tricky.

“With closed cabinetry, we can truly place kitchen items based on a functional standpoint and not think about the aesthetic impact,” says Roberts. “For example, if the homeowner wants reusable water bottles near the refrigerator, we have the option to do that with closed cabinetry—not so much with open shelving.”

Markland points out that an aesthetically driven storage system in the kitchen is hard to overcome as it does narrow down your options for where you can place items, though those who live more minimal lifestyles or are more inclined to favor form over function can certainly find their match with floating shelves.

They Require Restraint

If you’re someone who has a hard time with organizing, loathes dusting, and has a hard time keeping things tidy, open shelves might not be for you. Floating shelves naturally collect more dust, so you’ll have to add these ledges and their contents to your weekly cleaning schedule.

And, while there is certainly appeal in more organic-looking displays (for instance, collected dishes in various colors, mismatched serving pieces, etc.), there is a certain level of restraint that one must have with open shelves to give a sense of order. “My advice is to place items from only one to two sets of dishware or glassware so the display has consistent materials and colors,” says Roberts. “Also, mix in pieces that won’t change as frequently as everyday items such as mixing bowls, cookbooks, a frame or canvas, plants, vases, or canisters.”

The following part is from Walnutnbrass.

Recommend a floating shelf product made of black walnut and brass brackets. 
It is designed with Aesthetics and is suitable for homes of all styles
.
https://walnutnbrass.com/collections/trays/products/floating-shelves-brass-bracket-walnut-cherry-wood-40-60-cm