What are the pros and cons of open shelving in NB kitchens?

Open shelving can look stunning in a kitchen, but in New Brunswick's Maritime climate it comes with practical challenges that closed cabinetry does not. Before committing to open shelves, NB homeowners need to weigh the visual appeal against the reality of dust, humidity, and daily maintenance.

The advantages of open shelving are real. It makes a small kitchen feel larger and more open by eliminating the visual weight of upper cabinet boxes. It costs significantly less than upper cabinets, with floating wood shelves running $50-$150 per shelf installed versus $200-$500 per linear foot for upper cabinets. Open shelving also forces you to curate and organize, which can create a beautiful display of your favourite dishes, glassware, and cookbooks. In older NB homes with character and charm, open shelving with reclaimed wood brackets fits the aesthetic perfectly.

However, the drawbacks in New Brunswick are significant. Maritime humidity during summer means everything on open shelves collects a fine layer of moisture and dust faster than you might expect. Items you do not use daily will need regular washing just to stay presentable. Grease from cooking also settles on open shelves, especially near the range, creating a sticky film on dishes and decorative items that requires frequent cleaning. If your kitchen does not have a properly vented range hood exhausting to the outside (not a recirculating fan), this problem is much worse.

The dry winter air in NB presents another issue. Solid wood open shelves can shrink and develop small gaps where they meet the wall during heating season when indoor humidity drops to 15-25%. Floating shelf brackets can also loosen slightly as the wood contracts. This is not a structural concern, but you may notice seasonal movement.

A Practical Compromise

Many NB kitchen designers recommend a hybrid approach: open shelving on one wall section for display pieces you use and wash regularly, with closed upper cabinets for everything else. This gives you the visual lightness of open shelving without sacrificing practical storage. A common layout is open shelves flanking a window above the sink, with traditional uppers on the remaining walls.

If you do choose open shelving, keep these tips in mind. Place them away from the range to minimize grease exposure. Use them for items you reach for daily so nothing sits long enough to collect dust. Choose a durable finish like sealed hardwood or painted MDF that can be wiped down easily. And install a quality range hood vented to the exterior, which you should have regardless but which becomes absolutely essential with open shelving.

Open shelving is a relatively easy DIY project for NB homeowners comfortable with a drill and stud finder. Floating shelf brackets rated for 50+ pounds, screwed into studs, will hold dishes safely. Budget $150-$500 for a set of three to four shelves with hardware. For anything more complex, like integrated lighting or custom millwork shelving, a local kitchen renovator can ensure everything is level, secure, and finished beautifully.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The New Brunswick Construction Network connects homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Gionetterenovations
• Thirty Four Renovations