See-Through Chic: How to Style Glass Front Kitchen Cabinets

Unveil the secrets for how to style glass kitchen cabinets with five simple tips. Ditch the clutter and showcase your unique kitchen personality, creating a space that’s both beautiful and functional!

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Through the Kitchen Cabinet Looking Glass

Alice’s Wonderland turned upside down when she went through the looking glass.

Honestly, sometimes our kitchen cabinets can look upside down and topsy turvy on the inside.

Kitchen spaces like our pantry or food container cupboard (Eek!) can be hidden away if untidy with a quick closing of the door.

However, if you have glass cabinets…UH OH! Any disorganization or clutter is on display for the world to see!

When You Dream of Kitchen Cabinets…

Eighteen years ago, we bought the house of our dreams.

And the kitchen cabinets of my dreams!

I was beyond ecstatic with the kitchen and the glass cabinet doors. I could not wait to dig in and display all my dishes, pitchers, glasses, etc.

Glass front cabinets have always felt so classic and lovely to me.

So European.

So “Oo La La!”

Careful what you wish for!

The Dream Darkens

Prior to our kitchen renovation, the cabinets were dark wood and the glass upper cabinets resembled dark caves.

And I was new to the whole idea of how to style cabinets with glass fronts.

I learned quickly that, while it was lovely to see attractive dishes through the glass…we had to keep it looking lovely at all times!

Not so easy with two kids and a husband who doesn’t appreciate a well-displayed cabinet as much as I do. (Sorry, dear!)

Now we have a beautiful white kitchen and these glass kitchen cabinet doors are now front and center when you walk into the room. So they need to look good!

So how do you style glass front kitchen cabinets so they are functional and still look good?

I learned a few simple tricks that I’m happy to share!

How to Style Glass Kitchen Cabinets

There are endless ways that I have styled my clear glass cabinets

Some ways have worked.

And some have not.

These are tips for styling your cabinets to keep things looking stylish and tidy to the whole world.

And will leave you smiling!

In some ways, it is similar to how we style a bookcase.

Or, decorate a kitchen baker’s rack.

Here are 5 easy tips on how to style glass front kitchen cabinets:

Decide Exactly What Will “Live” Behind the Glass Front Cabinet Doors.

These cabinets take up valuable real estate in your kitchen so the items you store should be FUNCTIONAL.

While your Aunt Zelda’s heirloom china might look lovely behind the glass, if it is not something you use frequently, it should probably be displayed somewhere else.

Furthermore, items that are not used become museum relics that gather dust, take up space, and would be better showcased elsewhere.

Tip: USE what is in the cabinet and you won’t need to dust as often!

On the flip side, this is probably not the best place for your Tupperware, freebie glasses covered with the latest ads, or small appliances with irritating, long cords.

What does work?

Everyday dishes, serving pieces, glasses, barware, vases, etc. are excellent choices.

This doesn’t mean you can’t display decorative items for visual interest. Just choose items that also serve a purpose in your daily routines.

I also encourage you that if you display your best china…then USE THE CHINA!

Embrace the Edit: While glass cabinets offer visibility, avoid overcrowding them. Strive for a curated look by keeping only the most aesthetically pleasing and frequently used items on display.

Create a Cohesive Feel

You may have matching dishes or you may have various pieces that have been picked up here and there.

Creating a cohesive look in yours is easier than you think! 

The key is to be a bit selective with what you put on display. Think of it like a curated collection – choose items that share similar colors, patterns, or materials. 

You can even group things by function, like stacking white plates together or lining up coffee mugs in tidy rows for easy access.

Mix and match smaller objects with larger items.

Don’t forget to play with height too! A tall cake stand can balance out a row of bowls, adding visual interest to your display.

Also, don’t be afraid to add pops of personality! A hand-painted serving platter nestled amongst white dinnerware adds a touch of whimsy. Remember, layering is your friend and a great way to add visual interest.

Do you have items that are not used as much as others? Place those pieces on higher shelves.

Have a favorite soup tureen that you use every week in the winter? Place it prominently on a lower shelf with soup bowls as a functional cold-weather focal point in the winter.

Let Lighting Shine: Many cabinets lack built-in lighting. Consider adding LED light strips to the back or underside of shelves to illuminate your display and create a more inviting atmosphere.

Let Color and Pattern Be Your Guide

I love blue and white dishes and have accumulated various pieces or sets through the years.

The color combination does create a cohesive look.

However, I do have my grey swirl dishes stacked under the blue dishes. In this case, the grey acts as a neutral, giving my color palette more depth.

Whether a cool or warm color story, different colors will draw the eye to the space behind the glass and bring interest to the overall look of your kitchen.

Find the color commonalities in your pieces (they are there!) and let them be your guide.

The beauty of a pattern is that it will POP through the glass.

Like any graphic on a tee-shirt, the eye goes to color and to the pattern.

Pattern gives your dishes a voice that, like the Whos in Whoville shout… “We’re Here! We’re Here! We’re Here!”

I have only two of these polka dot soup bowls but they demand attention on the shelf!

Perhaps my favorite “stack” in the cabinet, these bowls came as a set but each has its own crazy pattern.

The Absence of Color

Don’t forget that the absence of color can also tell a cohesive story.

Glass or white items can look stunning in glass-front cabinets.

This stack of white bowls lacks color but still have a graphic, almost sculptural look when stacked neatly.

Make sure that any clear glassware is sparkling clean so it gleams through the glass doors.

Place items toward the front edge of the shelf so they are easily seen and grab the spotlight.

Play with Texture: Don’t underestimate the power of texture! Mix and match smooth ceramics with woven baskets or wooden serving boards to add visual interest and depth to your display.

​Let’s Be Practical

While a beautifully styled glass cabinet is a joy to behold, it shouldn’t come at the expense of functionality. 

Here’s the key: Prioritize!

Reserve the lower shelves, within easy reach, for everyday items like dishes and glassware. 

This ensures you don’t have to perform kitchen acrobatics just to grab a mug for your morning coffee. 

Utilize higher shelves and deeper areas for less frequently used items like serving platters, specialty goblets, or seasonal decorations. 

Have a favorite soup tureen that you use every week in the winter? Place it prominently on a lower shelf with soup bowls as a functional cold-weather focal point in the winter.

Employ storage containers in clear or light colors to showcase their contents while maintaining a clean aesthetic.

Remember, a well-styled cabinet isn’t just about what you display, it’s also about what you cleverly store behind the scenes.

Give Your Family a Map

I’m not kidding.

Your family needs a map of the items placed on the shelves! You know…a written-out game plan!

It is easy to toss dishes here and there.

Before you know it, your favorite coffee mugs end up in the back of the cabinets with the latest plastic gas station cup now front and center!

In their growing-up years, how many times did I ask one of my kids to empty the dishwasher…

…and discovered dishes in the STRANGEST places!

Has this ever happened to you?

Once the shelves are styled, it is important to embed in the family brain that each item placement is a “home.” S

So draw them a map! No need to display it. Just keep it handy as a quick reminder for whoever is emptying the dishwasher!

It is a fantastic way to get everyone on the same page and your cabinets looking fabulous!

Sketch a small “map” of where the contents in the cabinet are to be located and share it with your family. After a week or so, the family is “trained” as to where things belong!

More Tips for How to Decorate Inside Glass Kitchen Cabinets!

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: Strategically placing a small mirror on the back of a shelf can create a sense of depth and make your display feel even more expansive. It can also reflect light and highlight the beautiful items within.

Mind the Backdrop: The back panel inside your cabinets can significantly impact the overall look. Consider painting it a contrasting color to make your displayed items “pop” or line it with removable wallpaper for a touch of pattern and personality.

Fake it ’til You Make It: Don’t have a full set of perfectly matched dishes? No problem! Use mismatched items in a similar color palette or style for a collected, vintage vibe.

Seasonal Touches: Inject personality by incorporating seasonal elements. Display colorful fruit bowls in summer, swap in cozy mugs and a decorative canister of cocoa powder during winter, or add a sprig of fresh rosemary for a touch of nature year-round.

Think Outside the Box: Glass cabinets aren’t just for dishes! Showcase beautiful cookbooks, heirloom tea tins, or even a framed piece of art to add a personal touch and conversation starter to your kitchen.

There you have it! 5 easy tips on how to style glass front kitchen cabinets. So much FUN to style!

Every once in a while, I take everything OUT and RE-display the shelves. It is like playing Tetris with glasses and plates! Different every time but SO satisfying!

With these simple tips, your glass cabinets can transform from a cluttered afterthought into a beautiful and functional focal point of your kitchen.

Remember, the good thing about display cabinets is that they allow you to showcase your personality through your favorite kitchen items.

So declutter, curate, and create a display that reflects your unique style and makes you smile every time you walk into the kitchen.

Cheers!

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