This is one of the most common questions I get from kitchen customers: should I replace my upper cabinets with open shelving?
The short answer is that it depends on how you use your kitchen. Open shelving works best when you want easier access to everyday items, more natural light flowing through the space, and a kitchen that feels bigger and more inviting. Closed cabinets work better when you have a lot of items you'd rather keep hidden or you don't want to think about how things look on the shelf.
Most of my customers land somewhere in the middle. They keep cabinets for the cluttered stuff (Tupperware, that drawer full of takeout menus) and add floating shelves for the things they actually want to see and reach: dishes, glasses, cookbooks, and a few decorative pieces. That combination gives you the open, airy feel of open shelving without giving up all your hidden storage.
A few practical things to consider:
Dust and grease are real. Shelves near the stove will collect a thin film from cooking oils over time. Keep cooking-area shelves a little higher or offset from the burners, and stick to items that wipe down easily (ceramics, glass). I go into this honestly in the disadvantages of floating shelves.
Weight matters more with open shelving. When you're loading a shelf with a full set of dinner plates or heavy stoneware, you need a bracket system that won't sag. Standard 2-prong brackets top out at 50 pounds per stud. The Hovr Bracket System holds 150 pounds per stud, which means you can store your heaviest kitchen items without a second thought.
Every shelf ships sealed with a polyurethane topcoat that protects against moisture, grease, and daily wear. For kitchens specifically, I recommend 10" or 12" deep shelves in white oak or maple for the most versatile look, but all seven wood species hold up equally well in a kitchen environment.
For most kitchen setups, I recommend 10" or 12" deep shelves. A 10" shelf handles mugs, spice jars, glasses, and small bowls comfortably. If you're storing dinner plates, mixing bowls, or heavier cookware, go with 12". I put together a full breakdown in the floating shelf depth guide if you want to get specific about what each depth can hold.
For open shelving next to a range hood or above a countertop, 8" works well for lighter, decorative items like small plants or picture frames. But for anything functional in the kitchen, 10" is the minimum I'd suggest.
Need pantry storage ideas? Here's how to set up open pantry shelving that actually works.
All seven of my wood species work in the kitchen. Every shelf ships with a polyurethane topcoat that protects against moisture, grease, and everyday kitchen wear. That said, some woods are more popular in kitchens than others:
White oak is my most requested kitchen wood. The grain is tight and consistent, and the warm, natural tone pairs well with white cabinets, subway tile, and stone countertops. It's also one of the most durable hardwoods available.
See all white oak sizes in the white oak floating shelves collection.
Maple has a lighter, creamier look that works well in modern and Scandinavian-style kitchens. The grain is subtle, so it reads as clean and minimal on the wall.
Walnut brings warmth and contrast, especially against lighter backsplashes and cabinetry. It's a darker wood with rich grain patterns that make a statement.
Cherry deepens in color over time, which gives it a character that evolves with your kitchen. It starts as a warm pinkish-brown and matures into a richer reddish tone.
If you're going for a more uniform look, painted white or painted black shelves blend seamlessly with cabinetry. And for something with natural, organic character, live edge walnut adds a raw edge (literally) that stands out in a finished kitchen.
A lot of floating shelves sold online are made from MDF, particle board, or hollow-core construction with a veneer finish. They look fine in photos, but kitchens are tough environments. Steam, grease, temperature changes, and heavy daily use break down cheap materials fast. MDF swells when it absorbs moisture. Veneer peels. Hollow-core shelves can't support real weight.
Solid hardwood doesn't have those problems. It handles moisture, holds up under load, and lasts for decades with basic care. That's also why I back every shelf with a lifetime guarantee against warping and cracking, plus a sag-free guarantee for as long as you own them.
Every kitchen is different. Stud spacing varies, countertop-to-cabinet distances vary, and alcoves don't come in standard sizes. I make every shelf to order, so if you need something between 12" and 72" long and 6" to 12" deep, I can build it. Just order the closest size and add your exact dimensions in the order notes on the cart page.
Need something longer than 72"? Reach out directly and I'll see what I can do.
Looking for more kitchen floating shelf inspiration? Check out 12 reasons why kitchen floating shelves are a must have. And if you're wondering about the tradeoffs, I wrote an honest take on the disadvantages of floating shelves too.
Setting up a coffee station? Here's how to size and space shelves for a home coffee bar.
Shelf Expression is proud to partner with Hovr Brackets. This system gives you 13x the strength which provides no sag or slanting over time. It allows for secure floating shelves that can hold 150 pounds for each stud they're installed on. Perfect for your heavy duty kitchen appliances.
The current standard for floating shelves and other floating solutions is designed with a 2-prong system. This design causes major weaknesses within the floating solution. The average load capacity is 50 pounds per stud.
The Hovr Bracket System uses a male and female bracket that interlock and screw together to form unparalleled strength. Thanks to the Hovr Bracket, our kitchen floating shelves hold 150 pounds per stud!
Imagine home decor that’s handmade—crafted for your kitchen
Imagine the quality of bespoke kitchen floating shelves created just for you. No assembly lines, no particle board, no wordless directions. No outsourced customer service. Just clear communication between you and the craftsman.
Experience Shelf Expression and Display Your Joy.
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