Should I Ditch My Kitchen Wall Units?
Thinking of designing your kitchen without wall cabinets? These gorgeous rooms might help you make up your mind
Amanda Pollard
11 November 2022
Senior Editor at Houzz UK and Ireland. Journalist and editor specialising in interiors and architecture.
Senior Editor at Houzz UK and Ireland. Journalist and editor specialising in interiors... More
It’s long been a standard choice when designing a kitchen to include wall cupboards as well as base units. However, many designers and homeowners have been thinking differently in recent years, creating layouts with no upper units at all. Take a look at these beautiful kitchens to see how well such schemes can work, and to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your space.
Spill into adjoining rooms
This U-shaped kitchen has a simple, uncluttered style, with metro tiles lining the walls right up to the ceiling. The lack of wall units helps to keep that streamlined look, and prevents the space feeling too enclosed.
The designers, Born & Bred Studio, have gone for kitchen shelves instead of cabinets as an alternative storage solution. A steel shelf, which matches the oven and extractor, provides an extra area for decorative items, and the base units and tall cabinet offer plenty more spots to stash kitchenalia.
This U-shaped kitchen has a simple, uncluttered style, with metro tiles lining the walls right up to the ceiling. The lack of wall units helps to keep that streamlined look, and prevents the space feeling too enclosed.
The designers, Born & Bred Studio, have gone for kitchen shelves instead of cabinets as an alternative storage solution. A steel shelf, which matches the oven and extractor, provides an extra area for decorative items, and the base units and tall cabinet offer plenty more spots to stash kitchenalia.
The key to storage success here, however, is that the space is linked to the dining room (this is the same room looking the other way), where two built-in dressers add an extra place for tableware, cookery books and other essentials.
If you’d struggle to manage without wall units in your own home, but like the look, think about other places you could store items. Prioritise those tools you use frequently and make space for them in the kitchen, while putting items used less often elsewhere.
Tempted to revamp your space? Find reviewed kitchen designers near you on Houzz.
If you’d struggle to manage without wall units in your own home, but like the look, think about other places you could store items. Prioritise those tools you use frequently and make space for them in the kitchen, while putting items used less often elsewhere.
Tempted to revamp your space? Find reviewed kitchen designers near you on Houzz.
Fit a high shelf
To make the most of the feeling of space that having no wall units gives you, think about where to position any shelving you might add. In this kitchen, the designers at Imperfect Interiors have chosen kitchen shelves instead of cabinets again, but the shelf has been installed close to the ceiling and in line with the hidden extractor fan above the hob. By leaving the space clear above the worktops, the kitchen feels more airy and uncluttered.
There’s plenty of storage in this kitchen, with cupboards along the wall and in the island, as well as tall cabinets with integrated appliances at the side. The designers have chosen to use the width of the room in order to leave the wall clear of units.
To make the most of the feeling of space that having no wall units gives you, think about where to position any shelving you might add. In this kitchen, the designers at Imperfect Interiors have chosen kitchen shelves instead of cabinets again, but the shelf has been installed close to the ceiling and in line with the hidden extractor fan above the hob. By leaving the space clear above the worktops, the kitchen feels more airy and uncluttered.
There’s plenty of storage in this kitchen, with cupboards along the wall and in the island, as well as tall cabinets with integrated appliances at the side. The designers have chosen to use the width of the room in order to leave the wall clear of units.
Go dark and dramatic up high…
If you’re using a strong colour on your walls, it pays to show it off without the distraction of cabinets. In this scheme by The Vawdrey House, the inky black walls look stunning against the white base units, and the black shelves are ideal for displaying more bright white items to contrast with the dark walls.
If you’re using a strong colour on your walls, it pays to show it off without the distraction of cabinets. In this scheme by The Vawdrey House, the inky black walls look stunning against the white base units, and the black shelves are ideal for displaying more bright white items to contrast with the dark walls.
…or down low
Similarly, dark units contrast beautifully with white walls. In fact, there isn’t much space for wall units in this kitchen by Lukonic anyway, but even if there was, a row of dark cabinets above the worktops would have distracted from the striking look of the room. The clear expanse of metro tiles gives this kitchen a cool, dramatic feel.
Similarly, dark units contrast beautifully with white walls. In fact, there isn’t much space for wall units in this kitchen by Lukonic anyway, but even if there was, a row of dark cabinets above the worktops would have distracted from the striking look of the room. The clear expanse of metro tiles gives this kitchen a cool, dramatic feel.
Get creative with your storage
By avoiding wall units, you can give yourself the opportunity to introduce different storage ideas. The designer of this kitchen by Plus Rooms has added personality to the space with some kitchen cabinet alternatives made from distressed wood and copper piping. The upcycled items add much more interest and character to the room than standard cupboards.
By avoiding wall units, you can give yourself the opportunity to introduce different storage ideas. The designer of this kitchen by Plus Rooms has added personality to the space with some kitchen cabinet alternatives made from distressed wood and copper piping. The upcycled items add much more interest and character to the room than standard cupboards.
Highlight architectural features
If the walls in your kitchen benefit from beautiful architectural details, don’t feel you need to cover them up. In order to have fitted wall cabinets in this country cookspace, the owners would have had to plaster the walls, hiding the beautiful stonework. Instead, the designers at Sustainable Kitchens have configured the kitchen in order to do without wall units, leaving the stonework to take centre stage.
If the walls in your kitchen benefit from beautiful architectural details, don’t feel you need to cover them up. In order to have fitted wall cabinets in this country cookspace, the owners would have had to plaster the walls, hiding the beautiful stonework. Instead, the designers at Sustainable Kitchens have configured the kitchen in order to do without wall units, leaving the stonework to take centre stage.
Showcase other elements
The walnut veneer on these kitchen cabinets is a striking feature in the room. In order to appreciate its beautiful grain, the rest of the space needed to be kept simple.
A wall of soft marble with two simple rows of shelving is perfect for complementing the base units without fighting with them. By taking the shelves along the whole length of worktops, the designers at Jack Trench Bespoke Kitchens & Furniture have provided plenty of extra storage space for the owners to put cookware, glassware and ornaments.
More: 9 Bare Wood Kitchens to Covet
The walnut veneer on these kitchen cabinets is a striking feature in the room. In order to appreciate its beautiful grain, the rest of the space needed to be kept simple.
A wall of soft marble with two simple rows of shelving is perfect for complementing the base units without fighting with them. By taking the shelves along the whole length of worktops, the designers at Jack Trench Bespoke Kitchens & Furniture have provided plenty of extra storage space for the owners to put cookware, glassware and ornaments.
More: 9 Bare Wood Kitchens to Covet
Keep it fresh and airy
The fresh colour scheme of this deVOL kitchen gives the room a light feel, the white walls and worktop toning with the cream units to create a wonderfully bright space. Wall units would have looked fine here, but by leaving the area clear, the designer has lifted the space even more. It feels elegant, uncluttered and airy.
More: Browse a variety of cream kitchen photos
Tell us…
What are your thoughts on wall units? Are they a must-have for you, or would you consider doing without them? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
The fresh colour scheme of this deVOL kitchen gives the room a light feel, the white walls and worktop toning with the cream units to create a wonderfully bright space. Wall units would have looked fine here, but by leaving the area clear, the designer has lifted the space even more. It feels elegant, uncluttered and airy.
More: Browse a variety of cream kitchen photos
Tell us…
What are your thoughts on wall units? Are they a must-have for you, or would you consider doing without them? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
Related Stories
Kitchen Inspiration
10 Smart Storage Tips for Your Kitchen Bins
Keep kitchen rubbish stylishly tucked away with these clever solutions
Full Story
Kitchen Design
Which Kitchen Worktop Colour Should You Choose?
By tidgboutique
Consider these popular colours and styles to get the look you want, no matter which material you use
Full Story
Kitchen Inspiration
5 Inspiring Before and After Kitchen Transformations
Whether you want to boost storage, incorporate original features or maximise your space, take ideas from these designs
Full Story
Kitchen Inspiration
5 Ideas for Kitchen Extension Layouts in Victorian Homes
By Kate Burt
Embarking on a rear extension project? Need layout ideas? Look no further...
Full Story
Kitchen Inspiration
16 Kitchens With Vertically Stacked Tiles
Looking for kitchen tiling inspiration? Browse this gallery of beautiful designs
Full Story
Renovating
Should I Live On-site During My Kitchen Renovation?
By Kate Burt
If you’re weighing up whether to stay put or ship out during your project, this expert guide is a must-read
Full Story
Bedrooms
What to Expect at the Biggest Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Show
Plan ahead with our rundown of what’s in store at the kbb Birmingham event this March
Full Story
Kitchen Design
Which of These Kitchen Renovation Trends Would You Choose?
By Kate Burt
The 2024 Houzz Kitchen Trends Report is out. Dive into the highlights to see what’s topping your choices
Full Story
Kitchen Inspiration
24 Beautiful Bare Wood Kitchens
By Kate Burt
From pale and pared back to warm and textured, unpainted cabinets are suddenly everywhere. Which look do you like best?
Full Story
Kitchen Planning
How to Design a Multigenerational Kitchen
A space that successfully meets the needs of all those who use it is not only inclusive, it’s futureproof
Full Story
Nice article, thanks.
i love 2nd pic, that kitchen looks perfect
Would love to have no wall units in our new kitchen but my other half insists we need cupboards above the sink /worktop for mugs and glasses - the mugs I think would be fine in a drawer underneath the work surface but must admit I’m struggling with a counter argument for the glasses ( for soft and alcoholic drinks having stems ) anybody solved this conundrum?