An open cupboard is an eye-catcher and a practical storage solution. But precisely because everything is in view, it can be difficult to make an open cupboard styling look calm, attractive and “finished”. Whether you have a shelving unit in the living room, a shelving unit in your home office or an open cupboard in the dining room: with the right balance between emptiness, material and color you can effortlessly create an industrial and Scandinavian look.
In this blog you will find 10 concrete ideas for styling an open cupboard, including smart tips for open cupboard design, inspiration for styling a compartment cupboard and handles for industrial cupboard styling and Scandinavian cupboard styling. You will also discover how you can bring extra peace into your interior with the principle of conscious emptiness and natural materials.
The basis of open cupboard design: peace, rhythm and emptiness
A beautiful open cupboard design does not start with accessories, but with structure. Think of rhythm in shapes and repetition in materials. The goal is a closet that looks stylish without being cluttered. A useful thought is: not every box needs to be filled. Empty space breathes and makes your most beautiful items stand out better.
- Work with “anchor points”: Place larger items in a few compartments (e.g. a vase, stack of coffee table books or a storage basket) and fill around them.
- Repeat materials: for example wood, ceramic and black metal for an industrial and Scandinavian mix.
- Keep 20 to 40 percent empty: This way your open cupboard styling remains light and calm.
- Group accessories: Place accessories in sets of 2 or 3, with variation in height.
- Limit your color palette: choose 3 basic colors and 1 accent color for a cohesive whole.
Do you want the right cupboard as a basis? Then view our collection open cupboards.
Styling a cupboard based on 10 ideas
Styling a shelving unit is mainly about balance. You can mix and match the ideas below, depending on the space and your taste. Feel free to choose 5 or 6 and repeat this throughout the entire cupboard, so that everything remains calm.
Idea 1: Books as a basis
Books are ideal for creating height and subtly bringing back color. Place one part upright and one part flat.
- Lay 2 to 4 books flat and place a small object on top, such as a candlestick or bowl.
- Combine neutral covers with one accent color.
Idea 2: Add texture with ceramics and glass
For Scandinavian cabinet styling, matte ceramic works perfectly. For an industrial touch, add smoked glass, clear glass or metal.
- Choose 1 ceramic style (matte, handmade, lightly speckled) and repeat it in several sections.
- Combine round vases with sleeker glass shapes for contrast.
Idea 3: Work with storage baskets for a tidy look
Open cupboard furnishings immediately become calmer with baskets. They hide loose items and add warmth.
- Choose reed or seagrass for a Scandinavian look.
- Choose canvas or dark woven baskets for a tougher, industrial look.
Idea 4: Black steel as an accent
When styling an industrial cabinet, black metal is a classic. Keep it light by only using it as a detail.
- Think of a metal photo frame, a small sculpture or a black candlestick.
- Repeat black in 3 to 5 small items spread throughout the closet.
Idea 5: Green, but consciously dosed
Plants make your closet lively. Choose a few strong plants rather than many small pots.
- Go for one hanging plant in a higher section and one plant in a lower section.
- Choose calm pots in beige, sand or matte black.
Idea 6: Mix high and low for dynamics
A cupboard with the same height everywhere quickly feels flat. Play with heights for a natural flow.
- Combine a tall vase with a low bowl.
- Work with a stack of books as a “raiser” for small accessories.
Idea 7: Use a tray or bowl as a “mini setting”
A bowl or tray bundles small items, making the whole look calmer.
- For example, place a candle, a small vase and a fragrance stick on one tray.
- Choose wood for Scandinavian or metal/stone for industrial.
Idea 8: Add personal items, but selectively
Photos, souvenirs and heirlooms make your closet unique, but dose them.
- Choose 2 to 4 personal items and give them their own box or cluster.
- Keep photo frames in the same color tone (black, wood or white) for peace and quiet.
Idea 9: Create depth with back wall and color blocks
Do you want more excitement in your open closet styling? Work with color in some subjects.
- Paint the back wall of 2 or 3 compartments in stone gray, greige or deep black.
- Let that color come back in an accessory, so that it becomes one whole.
Idea 10: Make room for “empty boxes”
This is the fastest way to make your closet look more luxurious. Emptiness is part of the design.
- Leave at least one box per row (partly) empty.
- Combine empty boxes with boxes containing one statement item.
Styling an industrial cupboard: cool, warm and not messy
Styling an industrial cupboard is all about character: black steel, robust wood, leather and a touch of vintage. The pitfall is that it can quickly become busy or dark. The solution is to add heat and organize the accessories tightly.
- Choose one main material: for example, black steel and wood as a base and then add up to two additional materials such as leather, concrete or glass.
- Work with closed storage: baskets, boxes or bins in dark canvas or leather look keep the cupboard calm.
- Add warm tones: think of cognac or warm beige in cushions, vases or book covers.
- Go for one statement object: for example a large vase, an industrial clock or a sculpture and give it space.
- Combine with appropriate light: a warm light source (2700K) immediately makes the whole place more cozy.
Complete the look with cool lighting and furniture: industrial lighting and industrial furniture.
Scandinavian cupboard styling: light, minimalist and cozy
Scandinavian cupboard styling feels fresh and calm, but certainly not cold. The secret is in light colors, natural materials and soft textures. Think of oak, linen, wool and matte ceramics. Keep the compositions simple so that the cupboard remains airy.
- Work with a light palette: white, sand, beige, gray and light wood as a base.
- Add textiles: a linen cloth, a small woolen plaid in a basket or a fabric storage box gives softness.
- Choose round shapes: round vases and bowls make the whole more friendly.
- Limit shine: matt ceramic and wood look calmer than many glossy items.
- Repeat one accent color: In addition to your basic color(s), choose 1 accent color and reflect this in 2 to 4 accessories.
Looking for furniture that matches well with this style? Check it out Scandinavian furniture and combine with calm lighting via hanging lamps.
Open cupboard styling per room: living room, dining room and home office
An open cupboard looks different in every room because its function differs. By tailoring your open cupboard design to its use, the styling remains not only beautiful but also practical.
Living room: combine atmosphere and personality
- Mix decoration with functional: books, candles, vases but also a basket for remote controls or games.
- Work in layers: Move a frame or art object slightly back and place a smaller item in front of it.
- Keep it quiet around the TV: choose fewer small items if the cabinet is near your TV.
Dining room: focus on tableware and table moments
- Show beautiful tableware: stack plates, place glasses in groups and combine with a carafe.
- Add a natural touch: wooden cutting boards, linen napkins or a bowl of seasonal fruit.
- Keep “busy” items out of sight: use baskets or boxes for loose candles, tablecloths or accessories.
Home office: sleek, organized and inspiring
- Use uniform storage: the same folders or boxes immediately give a professional look.
- Add one inspiring element: a plant, an art print or a small object that you like.
- Leave space: a few empty boxes provide focus and peace while working.
Do you want to combine your cupboard with a suitable desk or chair? View desks and dining room chairs for a coherent whole.
