Cabinet Over Sink Vs. Open Shelf (Which One To Use?)
If you’re remodeling your kitchen, a popular question is whether to have a traditional cabinet over your sink or use open shelving. Both can have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice can impact your kitchen’s functionality, storage, and style. I’ll break down the pros and cons of each option to help you choose the one that works for your kitchen’s needs.
Cabinet Vs Open Shelf Above The Sink
| Feature | Cabinet Over The Sink | Open Shelf Above Sink |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity & Protection | Better for hiding dishes, glasses, and cleaning supplies, it offers more storage and protects items from collecting dust. | Allows less storage overall and exposes items to water splashes, steam, grime, and dust. Open shelves are best for frequently used, or decor items. |
| Aesthetic & Openness | Matches the look of the rest of the kitchen cabinets. It can look bulky in small kitchens and potentially interfere with sink access. | Gives a lighter, more open feel and allows one to shows off the backsplash or wall paint. |
| Maintenance & Cleaning | Doors protect the contents and are easier to clean than items left in the open that collect dust and grime. | Requires more frequent wiping of shelves and items due to the constant exposure to grease, dust, and moisture. |
| Function & Convenience | Keeps any clutter out of sight, which is useful for storing odd shaped or unattractive items. | Allows easy access and can double as a display for décor items. |
| Cost / Build Complexity | More expensive due to added to materials, hardware, and installation. | Cheaper to install, and can be a home DIY project. |
| Impact on Lighting / Visual Height | It can block natural light or make the space above the sink feel more closed off. | Helps keep the area brighter and more open feeling. |
Key Questions To Deciding What To Use
How many dishes do you need to store? If you have a lot of plates, glasses, or seldom-used items, the more cabinets you have, the better. Having a couple of shelves instead of a cabinet works well if most items placed there are used daily, so they won’t accumulate dust or debris.
What’s your kitchen’s size and layout? If you have a smaller kitchen, then using open shelves may help the area not look too cramped. Cabinets might visually weigh down a tight space and even block access to the sink.
What’s your style preference? Do you prefer keeping all of your dishware concealed, or are you ok with having some on display at all times? In addition, what style of kitchen do you have? Here’s a quick breakdown of the kitchen designs that work best with a cabinet vs shelves above the sink.
| Open Shelves Above the Sink | Cabinets Above the Sink |
|---|---|
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Are you willing to maintain & organize? Open shelves will require you to keep things tidy and clean and require more of your attention. If you feel like that’s a chore, cabinets may be easier.
Height & ergonomics: It’s important that there’s enough room above the sink to work. Before choosing, consider how high shelves or cabinets would be. You need to make sure you can get items like large pots inside, avoid bumping your head, and ensure items can be reached.
Moisture / Splash Considerations: The area around and above the sink is wet, so make sure whatever cabinet finishes or wood you choose can handle moisture.
Resale / Market Preferences: In some areas, having closed cabinetry is expected and actually preferred by buyers. This will depend a lot on the style of the kitchen as well.
Alternatives to Consider
Use glass-front cabinets: This gives you some of the openness and display without fully exposing contents and limiting your storage capacity.
Mix and match: Have cabinets everywhere except right above the sink, or use a single open shelf there. One floating shelf instead of full cabinetry may be advisable if you want to style with decor or have attractive, frequently used items.
Go smaller. Use more shallow cabinets above the sink so they feel less bulky.
Rule of Thumb
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, however, here’s the basic rule of thumb.
Go with cabinets: If you want the maximum storage, with a cleaner look, less daily cleaning, and a better potential resale value.
Go with open shelves: If you love the openness, design aesthetics, and easy access they bring. With a caveat that you don’t mind the extra upkeep. If so, open shelves can give your kitchen light, personality, and charm.
What do you prefer? Share your thoughts about what is better above the sink, cabinets or shelving in the comments below.
