Have you ever admired the charm of kitchen cabinets without doors, lending an airy, open feel to a culinary space? Perhaps you’ve envisioned removing your kitchen cabinet doors to create elegant open shelving, perfect for showcasing your cherished dinnerware, colorful bowls, or simply for more convenient access to everyday essentials.
If the idea of transforming your kitchen with this simple yet impactful update excites you, then you’re in the right place. I’m here to guide you step-by-step through the surprisingly easy process of creating stylish open shelves in your kitchen. This DIY project can often be completed in a single afternoon with minimal cost, making it an incredibly budget-friendly way to refresh your home. Beyond the practical how-to, you’ll discover creative ideas on how to elegantly arrange and style the contents of your newly open cabinets, turning them into attractive focal points. These inspiring styling tips are detailed towards the end of this comprehensive guide.
Transforming your kitchen with open shelving by simply removing cabinet doors requires no advanced DIY skills or complicated power tools. This straightforward project offers a fantastic budget-friendly kitchen shelving update. All you’ll truly need is a basic screwdriver, making this one of the most accessible home improvement tasks you can undertake.
Why You Should Consider Open Kitchen Shelving
When I embarked on a budget kitchen makeover for my small, 1970s-era kitchen, integrating open shelving was high on my priority list, at least for a section of the upper cabinets. The rationale behind this decision stemmed from both practical needs and a desire for a fresh aesthetic.
After settling into the house, we quickly realized that the counter microwave, a leftover from the previous owner, was inconvenient to use and consumed an excessive amount of precious counter space. This prompted a search for an alternative storage solution.
My eyes landed on an empty upper cabinet, sparking the thought: “Would the microwave fit there?” A quick measurement confirmed my suspicion – it was a perfect fit! Even better, an electrical outlet was conveniently located nearby, allowing us to run the cord discreetly out the side of the cabinet and into power. This simple discovery was a game-changer for reclaiming counter space.
Beyond the functional advantage of relocating the microwave, I found another compelling reason to embrace open shelving. Removing one or more kitchen cabinet doors immediately breaks up the visual monotony of a solid wall of wood. This creates a much-needed sense of lightness and openness in the kitchen, preventing it from feeling cramped or dated.
The transformation doesn’t just improve aesthetics; it also cultivates more functional and easily accessible open storage. In my own kitchen, as depicted in the photo above, I ultimately removed three cabinet doors.
One single cabinet was designated for the microwave, effectively freeing up valuable counter real estate.
The other doors I chose to remove were from a double cabinet positioned awkwardly above the refrigerator, which was particularly challenging to reach.
Within mere minutes, I had the doors detached. For the double cabinet, I utilized the claw end of a hammer to carefully remove the central vertical bar, known as the stile, which had previously separated the two doors. This created one expansive, continuous open space.
Once the doors were off, I instantly had open shelving where I proudly displayed my collection of white pitchers. This simple act immediately infused interest and personality into this section of the wall cabinets, proving that a small change can yield a big visual impact.
How to Remove a Kitchen Cabinet Door
The process of removing a kitchen cabinet door is incredibly swift, often taking no more than three minutes per door. Your sole tool requirement is a screwdriver, making this a truly accessible DIY task for anyone.
Once the hinges are detached, you’ll likely notice the screw holes left behind on the cabinet frame. Depending on the finish of your cabinets – whether stained wood or painted – you may need to perform some minor touch-ups to achieve a seamless, finished look.
For stained cabinets, a DAP Blend Stick is an excellent solution. These clever sticks are designed to fill in the screw holes while simultaneously blending the color to match the surrounding wood tone where the hinges were previously located. The application is as simple as rubbing the stick over the holes until they are adequately filled and the color is harmonized.
What Other Products to Use to Fill Hinge Holes
DAP Blend Sticks are incredibly versatile, available in a wide spectrum of shades, from very light to very dark. They are often sold in convenient packs of four coordinating colors, significantly increasing your chances of finding the perfect match for your specific wood tone. This variety ensures a professional-looking repair.
While blend sticks are a personal favorite due to their dual action of filling and coloring, many other products can also be used for touch-ups. These include wood filler pens, markers designed for furniture repair, and even specialized wood stain cloths. Each offers a different application method, but the goal remains the same: to conceal the hinge holes effectively.
I particularly favor the DAP Blend Sticks because of their efficiency; they simultaneously fill the hole and apply the matching color, saving time and effort. An added benefit of using these methods is that if you ever decide to reattach the cabinet doors in the future, the filled holes will still be easily identifiable, simplifying the re-hanging process.
If your cabinets are painted, the touch-up process is even more straightforward. After removing the hinges, you will simply need to apply a dab of matching paint over the exposed screw holes and any minor imperfections left on the cabinet frame. This will seamlessly integrate the area into the existing painted surface.
Removing Even More Cabinet Doors
After diligently painting all the kitchen cabinets, I identified another area ripe for open shelving. This time, I removed two existing cabinet doors from an awkward corner unit. The L-shaped counter configuration made it surprisingly difficult to fully open the left door and swing it out far enough to comfortably access the everyday dishes stored inside. I often found myself stepping back to avoid collision with the door.
Removing these doors was a revelation. This simple change instantly transformed the functionality of the cabinet, making it incredibly easy to access its contents. With no door impediment, retrieving plates and glasses became a smooth, effortless action, significantly improving the daily flow of the kitchen.
More Reasons To Consider Removing Cabinet Doors
As mentioned earlier, removing the door from a specific cabinet allowed me to create a dedicated, neatly organized space for the microwave and a selection of cookbooks. These items had previously occupied a considerable amount of my limited kitchen counter space, contributing to a cluttered feel. Experimenting with this doorless configuration allowed me to visualize the immense benefits, and the aesthetic appeal only improved once the entire kitchen was painted.
If you’re looking to elevate the visual interest of your open shelves even further, consider adding a vibrant or textured backdrop to the inside of the cabinets. This is a remarkably simple and cost-effective way to infuse personality and color into your kitchen decor. The beauty of this technique is its versatility: the backdrop can be a permanent fixture, or it can be easily removed and swapped out whenever you desire a fresh look or a change in color scheme.
You don’t even need paint to introduce color! Inexpensive backdrops can be created using readily available materials like cardboard or foam boards from a dollar store. These can then be covered with decorative fabric, elegant wallpaper, or even festive gift wrap. This method offers a fantastic opportunity for seasonal updates or simply refreshing your kitchen’s ambiance without significant investment.
For a detailed guide on how to implement these creative backdrops, you can refer to this informative post: How to Make Backdrops for Open Kitchen Wall Cabinets.
For renters, open shelving presents an especially appealing option. Removing cabinet doors offers a trendy, updated aesthetic to your kitchen without any permanent alterations. When it’s time to move, you can simply reattach the doors to the cabinets, leaving no damage or trace of your personalized update. This flexibility makes it an ideal solution for temporary living situations where extensive renovations aren’t feasible.
Should You Remove the Center Stile or Keep It?
When converting a double cabinet (where two doors meet) into open shelving, a key decision arises: whether to remove the center stile or leave it in place. The stile is the vertical wooden bar that separates the two cabinet openings and typically serves as a stop for the doors.
Single cabinet doors, like the one I used for my microwave, typically do not have a stile, making them naturally ideal for creating seamless open shelves. However, for double cabinets, the stile’s presence is more common.
The accompanying photo illustrates a scenario where the stile has been removed, creating a wider, unobstructed opening. Before you decide to remove it, it’s crucial to assess its function. Determine if the stile is a vital structural component, perhaps providing essential support for the center of the shelves, or if it primarily serves as a framing element for the doors. If it’s merely there to frame the doors, its removal is usually straightforward. However, if it’s structural, leaving it intact is the safer and often more practical choice.
Cabinet Doors Removed With Stile in Place
In certain situations, the stile within a cabinet is indeed structural, making its removal impractical or even detrimental to the cabinet’s integrity. For this particular open wall cabinet with shelves, the stile provided essential structural support, so I opted to leave it in place. Interestingly, I’ve found that its presence doesn’t detract from the open aesthetic or functionality at all. Sometimes, the original design elements can complement the new open concept.
You’ll find detailed inspiration later in this post on how I creatively style these open kitchen shelves, demonstrating how even with a stile, they can become beautiful and functional display areas.
What Kitchen Cabinet Is Best to Create Open Shelving?
When contemplating which cabinet or set of cabinets to transform into open shelving, strategic selection is key for both aesthetic impact and practical functionality. The best candidates are typically cabinets that serve as a natural focal point within your kitchen or those where you frequently need easy access to everyday items like plates, bowls, and glasses. Placing open shelves in these areas ensures that your most-used items are always within arm’s reach.
You’ll quickly discover that open shelving significantly streamlines common kitchen tasks. Unloading the dishwasher becomes a quicker, more intuitive process, setting the table is effortless, and preparing meals is more efficient when all your essential items are visible and readily available. Consider the layout and your daily habits to choose the location that will bring the most benefit and joy.
Do Open Shelves in Kitchens Need a Lot of Upkeep?
The concern about increased upkeep is a common one when considering open kitchen shelves. To minimize maintenance, the placement of your open shelving is paramount. It is highly advisable to avoid choosing cabinets located directly above or adjacent to the stove. This area is prone to grease and cooking residue buildup, which can quickly make your open display look grimy and require frequent, thorough cleaning.
Instead, strategically select cabinets that are positioned away from the primary cooking zone. In these locations, a simple, quick wipe-down with a dust rag is generally all that’s needed to keep your shelves and their contents sparkling clean. Regular, light dusting will prevent significant accumulation and keep your open shelving looking fresh and inviting with minimal effort.
How to Remove Kitchen Cabinet Doors For Open Shelving
Ready to get started? This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of removing your cabinet doors. As an optional but highly recommended enhancement, we’ll also cover how to install decorative trim and paint the interior of your newly opened shelving for a truly finished and personalized look.
Armed with just a screwdriver, a small tub of wood putty (or spackle), and some paint or stain, you can effortlessly convert your traditional kitchen cabinets into chic open shelving in approximately 45 minutes of active work time. This project offers a significant visual upgrade with a surprisingly small time commitment.
Supplies Needed:
Once the cabinet doors are removed, you can leave the open cabinet just as is or add a backdrop or paint the inside to match the cabinetry or create a pop of color interest.
- Screwdriver
- Tack cloth
- Wood filler or Spackle
- Putty knife
- 220 grit sandpaper
- Caulk & caulk dispenser
- Optional: Trim, miter saw, finishing nails, nail punch
- Paint & Gripping Primer
- Paint brush
- Water-based polyurethane
Time needed: 3 hours
How to: Removing Kitchen Cabinet Doors for Open Shelving + Painting The Inside of Kitchen Cabinets
- Remove Cabinet Door, Hardware and Hinges
Begin by carefully removing the cabinet doors and all associated hardware, including hinges, from the cabinet(s) you’ve chosen to transform. A standard screwdriver is usually sufficient for this task. To ensure you can easily reinstall the doors in the future, if desired, place all hardware in a labeled baggie, noting which cabinet it came from. This organized approach will save you time and frustration later on.
For cabinets with Salice, European, or soft-close hinges: These modern hinges often feature a clip or latch mechanism designed for quick release. Locate this clip on each hinge and gently detach the cabinet door. Once the door is free, use your screwdriver to remove the remaining hinge hardware from the wall cabinet frame. This method makes removal very efficient.
- Fill Holes
Upon removing the doors, you’ll notice the hinge screw holes in the wood of the cabinet frame. These unfinished holes can detract from the clean look of your new open shelving. To remedy this, you have a couple of options depending on your cabinet finish: use wood putty and stain for stained cabinets, or wood putty (or spackle) and paint for painted cabinets. Apply the chosen filler into each hole, pressing it firmly to ensure it’s completely filled. Use a putty knife to carefully smooth out any excess filler, creating an even surface. Allow the filler to dry completely according to the product’s instructions. Once dry, gently sand the filled areas smooth with fine-grit sandpaper (around 220-grit) for a flawless finish.
- Optional: Remove Cabinet Stile and Add Trim
For a wider, more expansive open look on double cabinets, you might consider removing the center stile. If you’ve determined it’s not structural, carefully cut it away with a saw, then sand the rough edges smooth to match the existing cabinet frame. Remember, leaving the stile in place provides the option to easily reinstall cabinet doors later, should you decide to revert to a closed storage system. Once you’re satisfied with the opening, you can enhance the aesthetic by attaching decorative trim to the newly exposed edges of the cabinet opening and the front edges of any removed shelves. Use finishing nails to secure the trim, then countersink the nail heads with a nail punch for a flush, professional appearance. This step adds a refined, built-in look to your open shelving.
- Sand Surface
Before painting, it’s essential to prepare the cabinet’s interior surfaces, especially if they are laminate or have a glossy finish. Using 100-grit sandpaper on a hand sanding block, lightly scuff the entire surface of the cabinet interior and shelves. The goal isn’t to remove the finish, but merely to create a slight “tooth” or roughness. This texture provides a better grip for the primer and paint, ensuring strong adhesion and preventing chipping or peeling. A quick 5-minute pass over all surfaces is typically all that’s required to achieve this crucial preparation step. Finish by wiping away any sanding dust with a tack cloth.
- Caulk and Paint Inside of the Cabinets
Inspect the interior of your cabinet for any seams, small holes, or crevices that could benefit from a smoother finish. Apply paintable caulk to these areas. Use a wet finger or a damp sponge/cloth to smooth the caulk and remove any excess, ensuring clean lines. Allow the caulk to dry completely as per the manufacturer’s recommendations before proceeding.
Now it’s time to paint the interior of your cabinet in your desired color. Start by applying a light, even coat of a high-quality gripping primer. Use a 2-inch angled brush to meticulously cover the inner corners and edges of the cabinet. For the larger, flat surfaces, a foam roller will provide the smoothest finish. Allow the first coat of primer to dry thoroughly. Then, apply a second light coat of primer. For optimal adhesion and durability, let the primer cure for at least 8 hours, or even longer if humidity is high, before applying your topcoat.
- Seal With Water-Based Polyurethane
If you’ve painted the interior shelves of your cabinet, a crucial final step is to apply a protective sealant. Apply two light, even coats of water-based polyurethane to the top surface of each shelf. This clear protective layer will seal the paint, preventing that common “icky-sticky” problem that occurs when items are placed on latex-painted surfaces and then lifted, sometimes taking bits of paint with them. The polyurethane creates a durable, non-stick finish. You generally don’t need to apply it to the vertical sides of the cabinet, only the horizontal surfaces where items will rest. One or two thin coats are usually sufficient for effective sealing.
After applying the polyurethane, allow it to dry for at least 24 hours before placing any items back on the shelves. In humid conditions, it’s wise to extend this waiting period even longer to ensure both the paint and polyurethane are fully cured. This patience will guarantee a long-lasting and beautiful finish for your new open shelving.
Styling Ideas For Open Kitchen Shelving
Once your cabinet doors are removed and your open shelves are ready, the real fun begins: styling! Open shelving offers a wonderful canvas for expressing your personal style and enhancing your kitchen’s aesthetic. Below, I’ve shared some inspiring open kitchen cabinet ideas that I’ve curated over the years. I particularly enjoy transforming these spaces to be festive for holidays and seasons.
You can effortlessly style your open cabinet shelves to reflect the current season. This approach allows for dynamic decor that changes throughout the year, keeping your kitchen feeling fresh and vibrant. Think about incorporating elements like fresh flowers and light colors for spring, natural textures for summer, warm hues and gourds for autumn, and festive evergreens for winter.
Beyond seasonal changes, open shelves are perfect for embracing a holiday color scheme. During Christmas, for instance, you can integrate reds, greens, and metallics with themed dishware or decorative accents, instantly transforming your kitchen into a festive wonderland. The possibilities for creative expression are truly endless.
Add More Decorative Trim to the Shelf Edges
To infuse even more color, texture, and visual interest into your open cabinet shelves, consider adding decorative paper trim to the edges. This simple addition can instantly elevate the style, lending a charming farmhouse aesthetic or a whimsical touch, depending on your chosen design. For example, a delicate paper chain of pine tree shapes can beautifully frame your shelves during the holiday season.
Discover how to craft this delightful trim in the detailed post: How to Make Christmas Tree Paper Chains.
For a festive burst of Christmas colors, pairing delicate paper doilies with patterned gift wrap can create enchanting accents for your shelves. This combination adds layers of texture and visual delight, making your kitchen truly sparkle during the holiday season. It’s an easy, budget-friendly way to introduce holiday cheer.
Create Country Kitchen Shelves
While the open wall cabinet shown here isn’t a traditional kitchen cabinet, it serves as a fantastic illustration of how you can artfully style your most beloved dishware on an open shelf. Integrating decorative accessories into the mix adds depth, personality, and visual interest, turning a functional storage space into a captivating display. Think about combining different heights, textures, and colors to create a balanced and inviting arrangement that truly enhances your kitchen’s ambiance. This approach can help achieve a cozy, curated country kitchen feel.
Is open shelving a fleeting trend or a timeless classic? Even if the idea of an open shelf cabinet in your kitchen feels a bit too trendy to commit to, remember the inherent flexibility of this transformation. This open storage space can easily be reverted to its original state simply by screwing the cabinet doors back into place. This reversibility means you can experiment with confidence, without the fear of permanent changes.
For further exploration of this design debate, you might enjoy this discussion: Open Shelves or Closed Upper Cabinets. Ultimately, the choice is yours. However, I sincerely hope that seeing these ideas and understanding the simplicity of the process inspires you to bravely try open shelving in your kitchen. You might just discover a design solution you absolutely adore!
Frequently Asked Questions About Open Kitchen Shelving
Why should I remove the cabinet doors?
While there’s no inherent obligation to remove cabinet doors, this straightforward modification offers a powerful way to revitalize your kitchen’s layout, both aesthetically and functionally. It effectively creates a whole new visual dynamic. Beyond simply removing doors, you could also consider replacing solid doors with glass-front alternatives or updating the cabinet knobs for a fresh look without fully exposing contents. More dramatically, open shelving encourages you to rethink your entire kitchen workflow. It prompts you to shift infrequently used items to less prominent upper cabinets, while spotlighting favorite dishes, long-neglected pieces, or other special items. Seeing these cherished pieces openly displayed often serves as a beautiful reminder to incorporate them into your daily life. Have a collection of unique coffee mugs you’d love to show off? Or perhaps some beautifully designed cookware that deserves more than to be hidden away? Open shelves provide the perfect stage.
Can I add outlets?
Adding electrical outlets inside or near your newly opened cabinets is a highly beneficial upgrade. While it is a DIY project for those with electrical experience, it’s crucial to contact a qualified electrician if you have any doubts about your ability to safely perform the task. Once you have power, you can install integrated lighting to illuminate your displays, creating ambiance and highlighting your curated items. Additionally, it allows you to keep frequently used small appliances, such as coffee makers or blenders, conveniently plugged in within the cabinet space, reducing cord clutter on your countertops. It’s worth noting that a trendy alternative for closed cabinets is an “appliance garage,” which discreetly hides small appliances behind a cabinet door. While this might not suit every small space, it offers another clever way to boost kitchen functionality.
Won’t open cabinets look cluttered?
The perception of clutter with open cabinets largely depends on strategic organization and styling. Far from necessarily looking cluttered, open shelving can actually help you create extra storage space while simultaneously reducing excessive clutter. The key lies in mindfully curating what you display and where you place it. Frequently used items or decorative pieces should take center stage, arranged neatly and thoughtfully. Infrequently used items can be relegated to the highest, less visible shelves, or better yet, relocated to closed upper cabinetry elsewhere. For items like pots and pans, it’s often best to stage them down low or behind closed doors. Furthermore, don’t overlook other storage solutions in your kitchen, such as a kitchen island. Can it be utilized to address any lack of storage, and would it function better with open or closed elements?
How else can I make my open cabinets look good?
Beyond the styling ideas shared earlier, there are numerous ways to enhance the visual appeal of your open cabinets. Consider the backdrop: a pristine white backsplash or classic white tile can create a striking contrast that beautifully highlights colored cookware or vibrant dishware. This creates a clean, gallery-like effect. Think about incorporating plants or small decorative sculptures to add organic texture and life. Varying the heights of items, stacking plates, and grouping similar objects together can also create a sense of order and visual appeal. Don’t be afraid to mix practical items with purely decorative ones to achieve a balanced and inviting display that reflects your unique taste.
More Budget-Friendly Kitchen Decorating Ideas:
- How to Paint a Metal Kitchen Table Base
- How to Make Stock Cabinets Look Custom
- Kitchen Cabinet Memo Board