In 2025, many homeowners across Canada are rethinking traditional cabinetry and embracing open shelving Canada — not just as storage, but as a way to make spaces feel lighter, more personal, and easier to use. Whether in kitchens, living rooms, bathrooms or small apartments, open shelves are helping Canadians balance style, practicality and space. In this guide I’ll walk you through what’s trending now, how to choose and style open shelving, real‑life Canadian‑home examples, pros and cons, vendor hints, and plenty of practical tips so it works for you.
Why open shelving is back (and trending) in Canada
Open shelving has re‑emerged as a favorite among interior designers and homeowners for several reasons:
- Space‑saving & airy feel: Removing bulky upper cabinets instantly opens up sight lines and makes small kitchens or apartments feel bigger and brighter. (renoWOW)
- Style + personalization: Open shelves turn functional storage into a decor opportunity — you can display nice dishes, cookbooks, plants, ceramics or decor items to reflect your personality. (Home inspire diversity)
- Convenience & accessibility: Everyday items (plates, mugs, glasses, spices) are right at hand — no need to open and close cabinet doors repeatedly. (renoWOW)
- Cost-friendly and flexible: Open shelving can be more affordable than full cabinetry, easier to customize or retrofit, and flexible — good for rentals, small homes or those who like to rearrange often. (Granite Transformations)
- Decor + functional hybrid: Good open shelving blends storage with display, combining utility and decoration — ideal for modern Canadian homes where space matters. (The Compact Kitchen)
Because of these benefits, open shelving remains a go-to for many Canadian households—especially those living in condos, small houses, or rental apartments who want both practicality and style.
What’s trending now in open shelving Canada (2025)
In 2025 the open shelving look has evolved — it’s not just “shelves with dishes.” Here are the most popular directions:
• Floating & minimal shelves
Clean, wall-mounted floating shelves (often with hidden supports) give a minimal, airy, modern look. They suit small kitchens or contemporary spaces. (Hitchcock Construction Co.)
• Mixed-material shelves — wood, metal, glass
Shelves combining warm wood with metal brackets or supports (or even glass) are trending. This mix adds texture and works with modern, industrial, farmhouse or Scandinavian style homes. (Hitchcock Construction Co.)
• Hybrid shelving + closed storage
Rather than fully open shelving, many homes combine open shelves with closed cabinets — keeping everyday or decorative items on open display while hiding less appealing storage. (Hitchcock Construction Co.)
• Shelving for more than kitchens — living, entryways, bathrooms, display walls
Open shelving is expanding beyond kitchens. People use it in living rooms for books or décor, in bathrooms for towels/essentials, and in entryways or as display shelves. The versatility is part of the appeal. (Inspire Spire)
• Styling as décor — plants, ceramics, art, curated objects
Float shelves are treated as miniature art installation zones: plants, ceramics, framed art, glassware, stylish containers. Adds warmth and personality. (The Compact Kitchen)
• Adaptable and budget‑conscious shelving for small or rental living
Because open shelves are flexible, easy to install, and often less expensive than full cabinets, they’re popular among renters, new homeowners, or those in condos. (renoWOW)
Where open shelving works best — room‑by‑room ideas for Canadian homes
Here’s how to use open shelving in different parts of your home:
Kitchen
- Use floating wood or mixed metal‑wood shelves instead of upper cabinets to make the kitchen feel more open and airy.
- Display mugs, glassware, colorful dishes or vintage jars — make them part of the décor.
- Combine with closed lower cabinets for bulky pots, pans, and hidden storage (to avoid clutter and dust‑sensitive items).
- Style with a few decorative items — potted herbs, ceramic bowls, cookbooks — and avoid overcrowding for a clean look.
Living Room / Dining / Open‑Plan Areas
- Use open shelves for books, framed photos, small plants, decorative bowls or art — works like a built‑in display unit without occupying floor space.
- Floating shelves along one wall — balanced, symmetrical shelving often pairs well with a sofa or sideboard beneath.
- Mix textures (wood shelves, metal brackets, soft décor) to keep the look cozy but modern.
Bathroom / Laundry / Utility Spaces
- Open shelves can hold towels, toiletries, baskets with supplies or decor — easy access and visually lighter than full cabinetry.
- Use baskets or boxes to hide smaller messy items; keep frequently used items neatly arranged.
Bedroom / Entry / Nooks
- A few shelves near a bed or in a hallway can hold books, plants, small décor — adding personality without bulky furniture.
- Great for small apartments or condos where floor space is limited.
Benefits & Challenges of open shelving — what you should know
✅ Benefits
- Makes small spaces feel larger and more open. (Granite Transformations)
- Affordable and flexible compared to full cabinetry — good for renters, frequent movers, or tight budgets. (Koopman Lumber)
- Easy access to everyday items — convenient for daily use. (renoWOW)
- Turns storage into decor — shelves become a display for personality, not just utility. (Home inspire diversity)
- Adaptable — you can mix open shelves with closed storage as needed, or change shelf décor with seasons or tastes. (Hitchcock Construction Co.)
⚠️ Challenges
- Requires regular cleaning — items on open shelves collect dust and, in kitchens, may get exposed to grease or cooking splashes. (Homes and Gardens)
- Risk of clutter — if items are not curated, shelves can look messy or chaotic rather than organized. (Homes and Gardens)
- Limited storage for bulk or less‑photogenic items (pots, appliances, pantry items). Open shelving works best for items you don’t mind on display. (Homes and Gardens)
- Practicality concerns — for busy households, visible storage demands discipline and frequent upkeep. (Homes and Gardens)
Because of these trade‑offs, many Canadian homeowners use a hybrid approach: a mix of open shelves and closed cabinets to get both style and practicality. (Hitchcock Construction Co.)
Real‑Life Examples from Canadian Homes
- In a small condo kitchen, replacing bulky upper cabinets with floating wood shelves + metal brackets opened up the room visually. A few neatly arranged mugs, jars of spices, and a couple of potted herbs made the space feel light and homey. The owners paired this with closed lower cabinets for dishes and pots, so storage remained functional.
- A Vancouver apartment living area used a wall‑mounted open shelving unit above the sofa to display books, small plants, framed photos and art pieces — adding personality without taking floor space. The flexible shelving allowed them to shuffle items seasonally or as their tastes changed.
- A townhouse dining/kitchen space blended open shelving above the countertop (for dishes, bowls, cups) with closed cabinets below — balancing convenience (easy access) with the need to hide bulky appliances or less‑pretty items.
- In a compact bathroom of a rental apartment, open wood/plastic shelves held towels, toiletries in woven baskets, and small décor — giving storage without bulky storage cabinets and keeping the space airy and light.
These examples show how open shelving Canada works across space types — from small condos to larger homes — when done thoughtfully.
How to choose & style open shelving — practical guidelines & tips
If you’re thinking about adding open shelving, here’s a step-by-step to help:
1. Start with a plan & measure carefully
- Identify the wall or space — measure width, height, obstacles (windows, electrical boxes, stove, hood vent).
- Decide what you want to store/display — dishes, decorative items, books, plants, toiletries — this guides shelf depth and spacing.
2. Pick materials that match your home style
- For a warm, cozy vibe — use wood (oak, walnut, maple) or wood-look shelves with simple metal brackets.
- For modern or minimalist styles — floating shelves with hidden supports or shelves with clean metal frames.
- For mixed styles (farmhouse, industrial, modern) — mix wood + metal + maybe glass.
3. Combine open shelving with closed storage where needed
Use open shelves for items you use often or want to display. Use cabinets or drawers for bulky items, appliances, or things you don’t care to show.
4. Style with intention — less is more
- Display a few statement or favourite items (colorful dishes, plants, art, ceramics), not every single thing.
- Keep visual balance — leave some negative space so shelves don’t look overcrowded.
- Group items — similar colors or shapes, or mix décor with practical pieces (mugs + small plant, books + vase) to make shelves look curated.
5. Think function + maintenance
- Avoid placing open shelves too close to stove or areas prone to grease or steam — this makes cleaning harder. (Homes and Gardens)
- Keep frequently used items on lower shelves for convenience and less risk of dropping, heavy items on bottom if possible.
- Clean often — open shelves need more upkeep than closed cabinets to keep dishes and decor dust‑free.
6. Use open shelving beyond kitchen
Don’t limit open shelving to kitchens — living rooms, bathrooms, entryways, offices all benefit from well‑styled open shelves for storage and décor.
Where to shop or source open shelving (Canada‑friendly ideas)
While I can’t give specific store SKUs, here are good paths to get open‑shelf supplies for Canadian homes:
- Local lumber & hardware stores — buy wood boards (oak, maple, pine) + metal brackets, build custom floating shelves to match your space and style.
- IKEA or big‑box Canadian home‑goods stores — many offer simple wall shelves, floating shelf kits, economical shelving materials that fit small homes or rental spaces.
- Online marketplaces & DIY suppliers — for metal brackets, floating shelf hardware, glass shelves — good for customizing shelf size and layout.
- Second‑hand / reclaimed‑wood dealers or thrift stores — buying old wood boards, salvage wood, vintage wood pieces gives character and suits rustic / farmhouse / eco‑conscious style.
- Canadian furniture or decor boutiques — some specialize in modern, minimalist or Scandinavian‑inspired shelving units that work well in condos, apartments or small homes.
Who should (and who shouldn’t) choose open shelving
Great if you:
- Live in a small apartment, condo or home where space is limited and you want lighter, airier interiors.
- Appreciate design and are willing to style and maintain shelves (organizing, cleaning).
- Want to display nice dishware, plants, art, books — things you use or love to see.
- Prefer flexible, movable, budget‑friendly options over built‑in heavy cabinetry.
- Like a minimalist or modern aesthetic, or mixed styles (farmhouse, Scandinavian, industrial) that benefit from open textures and visible storage.
Maybe avoid or be cautious if you:
- Don’t cook often or use many small kitchen items — open shelves can gather dust quickly, especially in kitchens. (Homes and Gardens)
- Have young children or pets — fragile dishes/glassware could be at risk if shelves are open and accessible.
- Prefer minimal maintenance — open shelving demands more regular cleaning and organization.
- Need a lot of hidden storage (pots, small appliances, bulk items) — open shelves are less practical for bulky or less‑aesthetic items.
A balanced or hybrid approach (open + closed storage) often works best for many households.
Final thoughts — open shelving Canada done right is flexible, personal and stylish
open shelving Canada in 2025 isn’t just a fad — it reflects how people live now: smaller spaces, flexible lifestyles, appreciation for design and personality, and a desire for homes that are functional and beautiful. When done thoughtfully, open shelving gives you airiness, ease, and a canvas for self‑expression.