An open cabinet is both eye-catching and practical for storage. But precisely because everything is on display, it can be difficult to style an open cabinet in a calm, attractive and “finished” way. Whether you have a compartment cabinet in your living room, a shelving unit in your home office or an open cabinet in your dining room, with the right balance between emptiness, materials and colour, you can effortlessly create an industrial and Scandinavian look.
In this blog, you will find 10 concrete ideas for styling an open cabinet, including smart tips for open cabinet design, inspiration for styling compartment cabinets and guidelines for industrial cabinet styling and Scandinavian cabinet styling. You will also discover how to bring extra tranquillity to your interior with the principle of conscious emptiness and natural materials.
The basis of open cabinet design: calm, rhythm and emptiness
A beautiful open cabinet design does not start with accessories, but with structure. Think of rhythm in shapes and repetition in materials. The goal is a cabinet that looks stylish without becoming cluttered. A useful tip is: not every compartment needs to be filled. Empty space gives breathing room and allows your most beautiful items to stand out better.
- Work with “anchor points”: place larger items (such as a vase, stack of coffee table books or a storage basket) in a few compartments and fill around them.
- Repeat materials: for example, wood, ceramics and black metal for an industrial and Scandinavian mix.
- Keep 20 to 40 per cent empty: this will keep your open cabinet styling light and calm.
- Group accessories: place accessories in sets of 2 or 3, varying the height.
- Limit your colour palette: choose 3 basic colours and 1 accent colour for a cohesive whole.
Want the right cabinet as a basis right away? Then take a look at our collection of open cabinets.
Styling a compartment cabinet using 10 ideas
Styling a compartment cabinet 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 them throughout the cabinet to keep the overall look calm.
Idea 1: Books as a base
Books are ideal for creating height and subtly adding colour. Place some upright and some flat.
- Lay 2 to 4 books flat and place a small object on top, such as a candlestick or small bowl.
- Combine neutral covers with one accent colour.
Idea 2: Add texture with ceramics and glass
Matt ceramics work perfectly for Scandinavian cabinet styling. For an industrial touch, add smoked glass, clear glass or metal.
- Choose one ceramic style (matt, handmade, lightly speckled) and repeat it in several compartments.
- Combine round vases with sleeker glass shapes for contrast.
Idea 3: Use storage baskets for a tidy look
Open cabinet interiors immediately look calmer with baskets. They hide loose items and add warmth.
- Choose wicker or seagrass for a Scandinavian look.
- Choose canvas or dark woven baskets for a more rugged, industrial look.
Idea 4: Black steel as an accent
When styling an industrial cabinet, black metal is a classic. Keep it light by using it only 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 across the cabinet.
Idea 5: Green, but deliberately dosed
Plants bring your cabinet to life. Choose a few strong plants rather than lots of small pots.
- Go for one hanging plant in a higher compartment and one plant in a lower compartment.
- Choose calm pots in beige, sand or matt black.
Idea 6: Mix high and low for dynamism
A cabinet with everything at the same height can quickly feel flat. Play with heights to create a natural flow.
- Combine a tall vase with a low bowl.
- Use a stack of books as a “riser” for small accessories.
Idea 7: Use a tray or bowl as a “mini setting”
A bowl or tray brings small items together, creating a more peaceful look.
- For example, place a candle, a small vase and a scented stick on a single tray.
- Choose wood for a Scandinavian look or metal/stone for an industrial look.
Idea 8: Add personal items, but be selective
Photos, souvenirs and heirlooms make your cabinet unique, but use them sparingly.
- Choose 2 to 4 personal items and give them their own compartment or cluster.
- Keep photo frames in the same colour tone (black, wood or white) for a sense of calm.
Idea 9: Create depth with a back wall and colour blocks
Want to add more excitement to your open cabinet styling? Work with colour in a few compartments.
- Paint the back wall of 2 or 3 compartments in stone grey, greige or deep black.
- Repeat that colour in an accessory to create a sense of unity.
Idea 10: Make room for “empty compartments”
This is the quickest way to make your cabinet look more luxurious. Emptiness is part of the design.
- Leave at least one compartment (partially) empty per row.
- Combine empty compartments with compartments containing a single statement item.
Styling industrial cabinets: rugged, warm and uncluttered
When styling an industrial cabinet, it's 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 warmth and organise the accessories neatly.
- Choose one main material: for example, black steel and wood as a base, and then add a maximum of two additional materials such as leather, concrete or glass.
- Work with closed storage solutions: baskets, boxes or bins in dark canvas or leather look keep the cabinet calm.
- Add warm tones: think 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 lighting: a warm light source (2700K) immediately makes the whole room cosier.
Complete the look with sturdy lighting and furniture: industrial lighting and industrial furniture.
Scandinavian cabinet styling: light, minimalist and cosy
Scandinavian cabinet styling feels fresh and calm, but certainly not cold. The secret lies in light colours, natural materials and soft textures. Think oak, linen, wool and matte ceramics. Keep the compositions simple so that the cabinet remains airy.
- Work with a light palette: white, sand, beige, grey and light wood as a base.
- Add textiles: a linen cloth, a small woollen throw in a basket or a fabric storage box adds softness.
- Opt for round shapes: round vases and bowls make the whole look friendlier.
- Limit shine: matt ceramics and wood look calmer than lots of shiny items.
- Repeat one accent colour: in addition to your base colour(s), choose one accent colour and repeat it in two to four accessories.
Looking for furniture that matches this style? Take a look at Scandinavian furniture and combine it with calm lighting via pendant lamps.
Styling open cabinets by room: living room, dining room and home office
An open cabinet looks different in every room because its function differs. By tailoring the design of your open cabinet to its use, the styling remains not only beautiful but also practical.
Living room: combine atmosphere and personality
- Mix decoration with functionality: books, candles, vases, but also a basket for remote controls or games.
- Work in layers: place a frame or art object slightly further back and place a smaller item in front of it.
- Keep it calm around the television: choose fewer small items if the cabinet is near your television.
Dining room: focus on tableware and dining moments
- Show off beautiful tableware: stack plates, arrange 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, organised and inspiring
- Use uniform storage solutions: 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 some space: a few empty compartments provide focus and tranquillity while working.
Would you like to combine your cabinet with a matching desk or chair? View desks and dining chairs for a cohesive look.
