Upper Kitchen Cabinets vs Floating Shelves in Kennewick Design

In modern kitchen design, one of the biggest stylistic choices is what to do with the upper wall space. The debate between traditional upper kitchen cabinets vs floating shelves boils down to a trade-off between practical storage and open, contemporary aesthetics.

 

As a Locally Owned Family Business serving the Tri-Cities since 2005, Murley's Floor Covering often advises clients on how this wall treatment impacts the overall feel and function of their newly floored kitchen.

Upper Kitchen Cabinets: The Practicality Champion

 

Traditional upper kitchen cabinets offer floor-to-ceiling storage and a definitive, classic look.

• Pros:
• Maximum Storage: Provides the most enclosed, hidden storage space for dishes, glassware, and dry goods—essential for maintaining a tidy Tri-Cities kitchen.
• Clutter Control: Keeps visual clutter hidden behind closed doors, contributing to a cleaner, calmer aesthetic.
• Resale Value: Traditional cabinetry is still the safest, most widely accepted choice for maximum resale value.
• Cons:
• Visually Heavy: Cabinets can make a kitchen feel darker and smaller, especially if they are floor-to-ceiling or dark in color.

 

Floating Shelves: The Modern Aesthetic Statement

 

Floating shelves are open ledges mounted directly to the wall without visible hardware, often used in place of some or all upper cabinets.

• Pros:
• Openness: Creates an immediate feeling of spaciousness and airiness, making the kitchen feel much larger.
• Aesthetic Display: Perfect for showcasing curated items, artwork, unique dishware, or plants.
• Budget Friendly: Generally less expensive than custom cabinetry.
• Cons:
• Minimal Storage: Highly limited storage capacity; only suitable for items that can be displayed neatly.
• Dust and Maintenance: Everything on the shelves is exposed to dust, grease, and grime and requires constant cleaning and organizing to prevent a cluttered appearance.

 

Whatever Your Style, Murley’s Floor Covering is there for You!

 

The most popular solution in Kennewick is often a blend:

• Functional Wall (Cabinets): Keep traditional cabinets on one wall (e.g., above the refrigerator or pantry) for essential hidden storage.
• Aesthetic Wall (Shelves): Use floating shelves on a secondary wall (e.g., above the sink or a coffee bar) to introduce the desired open feel and display items.

When choosing between upper kitchen cabinets vs floating shelves, consider your lifestyle: If you have a large family or rarely put things away immediately, cabinets are the practical choice. If you prize minimalism and have excellent organizational habits, floating shelves are a stunning statement.

No matter the design, Murley's Floor Covering ensures your foundation (the floor) is perfectly installed and ready for your finished kitchen vision, backed by our Lifetime Installation Warranty.