Say Goodbye To Open Shelving And Try Out These Trendy Alternatives

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Although their original rise to popularity happened during the mid-century modern design movement of the 50s, 60s, and 70s, open shelving saw a major revival in the early 2010s, and it's remained a consistent trend ever since — especially in homes that lean more toward minimalist or farmhouse aesthetics. It's become so popular, in fact, that open shelving can be found in pretty much every area of the home — from kitchens and living rooms to bedrooms and bathrooms. There are many benefits to open shelving, which is surely why it's stayed in the spotlight for so long. First, it's an easy way to add extra storage into spaces that may be lacking it. And second, it can be a stylish way to display things like kitchenware and home decor, allowing you to put your favourite pieces on display while hiding less-adored items behind closed cupboard doors. There are, however some notable downsides of having open shelving in your house.

One of the biggest drawbacks of open shelving is the high level of maintenance it requires to keep it looking good. Since items stored on open shelves are always on display, they need to be kept clean and organized to avoid making a space look messy or cluttered. They can also be a hazard in high-traffic areas, as there is nothing in place to prevent items from being accidentally knocked over or pushed off. Plus, if shelves aren't installed correctly, heavy items like plates and glassware can pose a safety risk and make everything come crashing down. If you're ready to bid adieu to open shelving in your home, you're in luck. There are plenty of equally stylish — and arguably even more functional — alternatives worth considering, including glass-fronted cabinets and cabinets with textured doors.

When looking into alternative options for open shelving, you'll first want to consider why you're looking for something different in the first place. If you like the idea of having your favorite household items on display but worry about them being damaged on an open or floating shelving unit, a great alternative would be glass fronted-cabinets. You can have fun with the style of glass you choose, too. If you want to lean into an Art Deco-inspired look, which is expected to be very much on trend in 2026, opt for a cabinet with fluted glass doors. Or, for something a little more architectural, you could look for a glass-fronted cabinet with arched doors, like this Costway Wall Mounted Cabinet Unit.

If the reason you're looking for a change from open shelving, however, is because the upkeep and organization needs of it just add an extra chore to your to-do list, think about switching back to cabinetry with solid, non-transparent doors. In 2026, cabinetry trends are set to focus heavily on texture, so choosing cabinets with textured doors — such as a woven or reeded wood door, like this one Best Choice Products 4-Door Reeded Storage Cabinet — will hide the contents inside while still adding plenty of visual interest and style to your space. On the other hand, if you want to stick with classic painted cabinetry but still want it to feel current and on trend, consider a matte paint in muted earth tones like sage green or brown for a modern yet warm look.