Open Shelving in Kitchens

[N0tfinished]

I've been mooning over kitchen inspo pictures on Instagram and Pinterest. The open shelving looks so attractive, but does it hold up in real life I wonder? Does it just get cluttered up with random crap and kids junk? Does anyone have them? Would love a real life user report!!

I’ve had open shelving before and wouldn’t have it again. Everything gets dusty and I’m not the kind of person who regularly dusts her kitchen shelves.

It looks lovely, doesn't it!

However, I currently have it in my kitchen (that is completely knackered and needs to be replaced) and no, it's crap.

Yes, random shit gets shoved on it, but also, the shelf and everything on it gets covered in a film of grease from cooking and then dust settles on it.

I had some 'display' stuff on it, best crockery type stuff, that is rarely used, and I was constantly washing it. So now it's cups on it, but although we use the cups often enough that they don't get grubby, the shelf still does and everything needs to be taken off so the shelf can be washed.

So, in summary - looks lovely in a photo, but Ilis a complete arse ache to live with.

I like them but rely on them as there aren't many cupboards in my kitchen. You do need to be ruthless about what you have on them if you don't like clutter though.

They predominantly store the tea bags, in containers that are made to be seen and glasses with the odd pot plant/the better mugs.

The rest of the 'stuff' goes in a larder type cupboard in the dining area, which is fine as it's the lesser used things. It just means extra walking!

Grease.... you will have to wash everything before using it.

Thank You all so much! Those were my very suspicions. So - good for display but requires regular attention. I think I can file that under 'Not for Me'