Kitchen cabinet alternatives are a great way to give your kitchen a fresh look. Whether you’re looking to make a bold design statement or just want to break away from traditional cabinets, there are a variety of options available to suit your needs. Some of the best kitchen cabinet alternatives include open shelving, antique hutches, repurposed furniture, and more.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the most creative and practical kitchen storage solutions, showing how these alternatives can transform your space into a more personalized and functional kitchen.
You’re going to love these kitchen cabinet alternatives!
Why Consider Kitchen Cabinet Alternatives?
Traditional cabinets are a reliable, classic option, but they aren’t your only choice for kitchen storage. Alternatives can:
- Create a more open and spacious feel.
- Provide a unique style that sets your kitchen apart.
- Allow for easier access to items and more creative organization.
Plus, alternative options can often be more cost-effective, helping you stick to a budget without compromising on style.
8 Kitchen Cabinet Alternatives for You to Try
From open shelving and glass-front cabinets to repurposed furniture and minimalist storage solutions, there are plenty of options to fit various styles and budgets. Here are 8 great alternatives to regular kitchen cabinets!
1. Open Shelving: A Minimalist Approach
One of the most popular alternatives to traditional cabinets is using open shelving. This style creates a sense of space and allows you to showcase beautiful kitchenware. It’s ideal for those who love an airy look, especially in smaller kitchens where visual openness can make a big impact.
These trends are expected to continue growing in popularity, if you want to add this design to your home check out 30 beautiful kitchens with floating shelves!
Floating shelves as a cabinet alternative are a great way to add a pop of wood to your kitchen design, very on trend! Or to add a different color to the space, similar to two-tone cabinets.
Open shelving is a popular choice for those who want a spacious kitchen. The pros and cons?
- Benefits: Easier access to everyday items. Adds a modern, spacious look.
- Drawbacks: Requires organization and maintenance to avoid looking cluttered.
If you choose open shelving, make sure you have a good organizational system in place, such as grouping items by color or size to create a cohesive look.
Check out some shelf styling resources to make sure your shelves look stylish and intentional!
2. Antique Hutch: Old-World Charm
For a vintage look, consider using an antique hutch as a storage centerpiece. This piece of freestanding furniture can provide ample space for your kitchen essentials.
- Advantages: Adds character and a sense of history. Combines storage and display areas.
- Drawbacks: Takes up more floor space than traditional cabinetry.
An antique hutch is ideal for a farmhouse or traditional kitchen, giving you plenty of storage while also allowing you to showcase decorative items.
The blog “the Grit and Polish” (photo credit) recently added a vintage hutch to their farmhouse kitchen and they say “it just makes the space”!
3. Floating Shelves with Baskets: Stylish and Practical
Floating shelves are a sleek and modern alternative that works well in contemporary spaces. You can enhance their functionality by adding woven or metal baskets to hold items that might otherwise create visual clutter.
- Benefits: Great for small spaces. Versatile for different kitchen themes.
- Considerations: May require frequent cleaning, especially if used near a stove.
Tip: Choose baskets that match your kitchen’s style, wicker for traditional spaces and metal for farmhouse or industrial kitchens.
4. Repurposed Crates: Rustic and Eco-Friendly
Repurposed wooden crates can be stacked or mounted to create rustic storage units. This option is perfect for adding a touch of farmhouse style while being sustainable. If you love the look of shabby chic style, crates may be the perfect addition to your home. We love how crates can be stacked on shelves, under an open island, or used freestanding.
- Advantages: Budget-friendly. Adds warmth and texture to the space.
- Drawbacks: May not be as sturdy as other options and they really only work for rustic inspired spaces.
Idea: Use crates for storing produce or pantry items.
5. Sliding Door Pantry: Maximize Storage Without Sacrificing Style
A sliding door pantry can add a unique design element while keeping your kitchen organized. By using a barn-style or frosted glass door, you can create a storage area that’s both stylish and space-efficient.
- Benefits: Adds visual interest and saves space compared to traditional doors.
- Considerations: Requires more installation work than simple shelving.
Sliding door pantries are especially useful in small kitchens, where swinging out a larger pantry door would be awkward or impossible.
6. Reclaimed Wood Shelves: Eco-Friendly and Unique
Reclaimed wood is an environmentally conscious option that brings character to any kitchen. By using old barn wood or repurposed timber, you can create custom shelving units that have a unique, weathered appearance.
- Benefits: Sustainable choice. Each piece has its own story.
- Drawbacks: Can be pricier and harder to find quality pieces. You may have to DIY!
If you love the look of warm wood in your kitchen, this is an option that is also a responsible choice.
We love these reclaimed wood floating shelves from West Elm!
7. Vintage Lockers: Industrial Style with a Twist
For an industrial look, try using repurposed or vintage lockers as kitchen storage. Lockers are tall and narrow, making them perfect for small kitchens that need vertical storage.
- Advantages: Sturdy and durable. Adds a unique, edgy feel.
- Drawbacks: Limited interior space compared to traditional cabinets.
Consider painting the lockers in a matte finish to give them a softer look that blends into your kitchen design!
We love how “the navage patch” added lockers to their kitchen!
8. Repurposed Furniture: Think Outside the Box
Instead of traditional cabinets, consider using repurposed furniture pieces like buffets or tables. These can be transformed into kitchen storage with a bit of creativity.
- Advantages: Unique style and character. Often more affordable.
- Drawbacks: Limited availability and may require refinishing.
Another way to think outside the box is by using vintage armoires, dressers, or sideboards in place of standard kitchen cabinets. Think about how furniture from other rooms in the home can be transformed into kitchen pieces! These artifacts are full of unique character and can be a cost-effective solution if you’re working with a tight budget.
Look for furniture with:
- Deep drawers
- Shelving that can accommodate kitchen items
- Sturdy construction
Many designers love the vintage-inspired look, which mixes nostalgia with the conveniences of modern storage.
Here’s how to enhance your kitchen designs with furniture pieces!
Which Alternative is Right for Your Kitchen?
When choosing an alternative to traditional cabinets, consider your storage needs, style preferences, and budget. While open shelving works well in modern kitchens, a vintage hutch might be perfect for a farmhouse design. Likewise, repurposed furniture can add a quirky, eclectic feel, while glass-front shelves offer a polished look.
Think about how each option will fit into your kitchen’s overall layout and consider combining different alternatives for a look that’s uniquely yours.
If you’re looking to refresh your kitchen design, exploring these kitchen cabinet alternatives can help you achieve the look and functionality you want without sticking to conventional solutions. By mixing and matching styles and thinking creatively, you can create a kitchen space that truly reflects your personality and meets your needs.
