The Sophistication of Open Face Kitchen Cabinets

Open face kitchen cabinets offer a gorgeous way to showcase dishes, glassware, and decor while creating a sense of openness in your cooking space. Unlike traditional closed cabinets, open face options utilize glass or mesh doors to put interiors on display. This not only allows light to permeate throughout the kitchen, but gives you easy access to frequently used dinnerware and cookware.

While the benefits are plentiful, from showcasing beautiful dishes to making items easy to access, open face cabinets also come with considerations. More frequent cleaning may be needed to keep interiors looking their best. However, a few tips like utilizing baskets and proper lighting make maintaining the space a breeze.

Benefits of Open Face Kitchen Cabinets

From small apartment kitchens to sprawling culinary spaces, open face cabinets provide plenty of aesthetic and functional benefits:

• Create a more open, airy, and spacious ambiance. The see-through doors give the illusion of more room.
• Allow natural light to permeate the space, creating a bright and inviting look.
• Provide easy access to dishes, cookbooks, and frequently used cookware.
• Give you a chance to showcase decorative dishes, glassware or collectibles.
• Offer flexible storage options since interiors are visible.
• Often a more budget-friendly option compared to traditional cabinetry.
• Available in a wide array of styles to match your kitchen's look.

Considerations When Using Open Cabinets

While open face kitchen cabinets offer eye-catching style and handy access, they also come with a few special considerations:

• Open interiors require more frequent cleaning to keep items looking neat.
• Contents are visible at all times, so clutter or mess shows.
• Offer less secluded storage space than traditional cabinets.
• The glass fronts can show signs of wear faster.
• Not ideal for storing valuables or fragile items that need more protection.
• May allow cooking smells or oils to affect contents.

Ideal Placement for Open Face Cabinets

Given their unique benefits, open face cabinets thrive in certain kitchen areas:

• Above the kitchen sink provides a place for go-to dishware.
• Open shelving flanking the stove keeps cooking essentials on hand.
• Display cabinets in dining areas are ideal for glassware.
• Lower open cabinets allow easy access to pots and pans.
• Upper versions work well for infrequently used items or decor.
• Incorporating them in kitchen island provides aesthetics and functionality.

Various Design and Style Options

Far beyond basic glass fronts, open face kitchen cabinets range greatly in design:

• Glass cabinet doors come in clear, seeded, ribbed and smoked varieties.
• Perforated metal, wire mesh, andother opaque materials provide subtle screening.
• Shallow open shelves keep items visible and quick to access.
• Glass-front drawers seamlessly combine storage and display.
• Interior lighting illuminates contents and provides ambiance.
• Mirrored cabinet backs expand views and space.
• Different sizes like wall, base, and display cabinets increase versatility.

Whether your kitchen style is modern, traditional, cottage or farmhouse, open face cabinets can complement the aesthetic beautifully.

Choosing the Right Open Face Cabinets

From built-in cabinetry to freestanding storage, numerous options exist:

• Base cabinets provide storage near countertops.
• Wall cabinets maximize vertical space higher up.
• Tower cabinets offer narrow, focused storage.
• Freestanding cabinets provide flexible positioning.
• Materials like wood, metal, and glass impact the look.
• Custom sizing provides perfect fit.
• Stock cabinetry costs less but offers less customization.

Consider the cabinet's intended use, placement, size restrictions and your style preferences. Planning helps ensure your open cabinets address aesthetics and storage needs.

Keeping Open Cabinets Clutter-Free

While open cabinets showcase contents, a cluttered look is never chic. A few tips help keep the space organized and clean:

• Use baskets, bins and containers to corral loose items out of sight.
• Frequently rotate displayed items to give shelves a fresh look.
• Group items neatly together by function, color or theme.
• Limit interior decorations to avoid visual chaos.
• Clean glass shelves, doors and hardware regularly.
• Keep frequently used items within easy reach.
• Use dividers and trays to neatly contain cookware.
• Try not to overload shelves to prevent a cluttered look.

Enhancing Form and Function

Small touches lend beauty and improve how open cabinets function:

• Incorporate trim, cornices and moldings to add depth.
• Use interior lighting to create ambiance and highlight displays.
• Add hardware like knobs and pulls for easy access.
• Include drawers for concealed storage as needed.
• Display greenery, cookbooks and decor on shelves.
• Incorporate glass cabinet tops to continue the open look.
• Try open shelving on walls for a built-in look.
• Match cabinet finish to existing kitchen cabinets and hardware.

Installation Tips for Open Face Cabinets

Proper installation ensures open cabinets function correctly and look seamless:

• Use precise measurements and leveling for cabinet placement.
• Follow manufacturer instructions for assembly and mounting.
• Secure cabinets to wall studs or use specialized hardware.
• Apply trim, molding and panels for a built-in look.
• Adjust doors and shelves as needed after installation.
• Consider surrounding lighting during placement.

With smart placement, organization and style considerations, it's easy to highlight both aesthetics and utility with open face kitchen cabinets. Let your dishes, collectibles and style shine through with these visually striking options that also provide easy access to everyday kitchen items.

While durable, open cabinets do require minor upkeep for optimal results:

• Use microfiber cloths to gently clean glass doors and shelves.
• Check for cracks, chips or damage in glass panels.
• Dust cabinet tops and exteriors regularly.
• Watch for door hinge loosening over time.
• Clean metal mesh or perforated inserts as needed.
• Use cabinet liners to protect interiors.
• Consider touch up finishes or paint over time.

Open face cabinets are maintenance free and retain their beauty.