The trend of open kitchen shelves is increasing rapidly in today’s modern kitchens. Open shelves have become a great option to make the kitchen beautiful and organized. In modern homes, they not only serve as storage but also give a new look to the kitchen. We can keep our utensils, jars and beautiful decorative items on these shelves.
With the help of open kitchen shelves, we can give a new and attractive look to our kitchen. Everything kept in these open shelves is immediately visible and easily comes to hand. While working in the kitchen, we do not have trouble finding anything and all the items are visible at a glance. This arrangement helps to make even a small kitchen look bigger and open.
However, everything has advantages and disadvantages, open kitchen shelves also have them. Some people like their open design and some do not. This information will help you make the right decision for your kitchen.
Everything is easily available while working in the kitchen. The necessary items are immediately available while cooking and time is saved. It is very easy to take out and keep things from open shelves as compared to closed shelves. Everything kept in open shelves is visible at a glance. This also lets us know which thing is kept where and what thing needs to be purchased. It also helps in keeping the kitchen items organized.
There is no hassle of opening and closing the cupboard repeatedly while cooking. This makes work easier and saves time. While working in the kitchen, our focus is only on cooking. The height of open shelves can also be decided according to our convenience. Small children and the elderly can also use them easily. They are also very convenient for disabled people.
Open shelves give the kitchen an attractive and modern look. The beauty of the kitchen can be enhanced by placing decorative items on them. The kitchen can be made even more beautiful by placing colorful utensils and boxes. The kitchen can be given a different look by placing spices and pulses in beautiful jars. Keeping green vegetables and fruits gives a feeling of freshness in the kitchen. The atmosphere can be made even more pleasant by placing fresh flowers in a vase.
Open shelves save space in the kitchen. They occupy less space than closed shelves. They can be easily installed even in small kitchens. The wall is fully utilized. A lot of things can be stored in the open shelves from top to bottom. Every corner is used and no space is wasted. Space is also saved on the kitchen floor.
Open shelves cost less to make than normal shelves. You just need to install some strong wooden or steel strips and some holders in the wall. The kitchen can be given a new look without spoiling the budget of the house.
They also work to cover the old tiles on the wall. There is also savings in kitchen repairs. These can be installed by a normal mason and can also be changed from time to time. There is freedom to try new designs and colors. Shelves can be painted or polished as per your choice. Old wood can also be used.
Open shelves make better use of light in the kitchen. They do not block the light as compared to closed shelves. The kitchen looks more open and bigger in daylight. The sunlight coming from the window spreads throughout the kitchen. This saves electricity and gives the benefit of natural light. It is easy to work in the morning and evening.
Open shelves are easy to repair. If a shelf breaks or gets damaged, it can be easily replaced. There is no need to replace the entire cupboard. Painting and polishing work is also done easily. Just changing the color is enough to give a new look. Changes in design and style can also be made easily.
Dust accumulates quickly in open shelves. Utensils and items must be cleaned frequently. Smoke from gas and oil splatters also accumulate on utensils. Steam produced in the kitchen causes water droplets to accumulate on utensils. This makes utensils sticky and dust easily sticks to them. Cleaning must be done frequently.
Everything is visible in open shelves, so it is important to keep them always organized. Scattered things look very untidy. It is difficult to keep everything organized all the time. Things are kept here and there while working in a hurry. Later they must be arranged again. This leads to a waste of both time and energy.
Noise is produced by clashing of utensils. Shelves move due to passing of heavy vehicles or closing of doors. This can lead to danger of utensils falling. This sound can be disturbing at night. Sometimes shelves become loose and start moving. This causes rattling sound in utensils. They must be tightened and repaired frequently.
Heat and humidity affect utensils. Plastic utensils can get damaged due to sunlight. Moisture can cause insects in wooden shelves. Water can leak from the wall during rainy season. This can damage shelves and utensils. Moisture can cause mold in spices and food can get spoiled.
Things kept in open shelves can fall easily. Heavy utensils can cause injury. This can be dangerous for children and the elderly. Small children can try to climb the shelves. This can cause them to fall and get hurt. Children must be constantly explained and monitored.
Open kitchen shelves have both advantages and disadvantages. Along with the advantages like convenience, beauty and space saving, there are also challenges like dust and maintaining order. Take a decision based on your needs and convenience. They can be a good option for small kitchens. They can be used better by regular cleaning and maintaining order. Open kitchen shelves are a modern solution to make your kitchen beautiful and organized.
Wood, stainless steel, and tempered glass are all good choices. Wood is inexpensive and easily available, stainless steel is strong and durable, while tempered glass gives a modern look and is easy to clean. Choose according to your budget and kitchen design.
Use airtight glass jars that protect against moisture and insects. Label the jars and note the expiry date. Keep spices away from direct sunlight and check them regularly. Keeping them in airtight containers keeps spices fresh for a long time.
Yes, open shelves are a great option for small kitchens. They take up less space and make the kitchen look bigger. The wall is fully utilized and the work space below is saved. Corner space can also be used well.
Keep dangerous things on the upper shelves where children cannot reach. Keep plastic utensils on the lower shelves. Install good quality railings in front of the shelves for safety. Instruct children not to climb on the shelves and keep regular supervision.
