Built-In Cabinets: Are They Out of Style or Still Worth It?
Jun, 12 2025
Ever looked at your living room wall and wondered if those built-in cabinets are secretly making your place look old-fashioned? You're definitely not alone. With Instagram brimming with floating shelves and minimalist open storage, built-ins sometimes feel like the last kid picked in PE class.
But before you start dismantling what could be the best storage your house has to offer, let’s get clear on why built-ins get mixed reviews today. Open-concept living and lighter, more flexible designs have changed what a lot of people want out of shelving. Still, built-in cabinets offer storage that no big-box piece can really match, especially when you want things neat, hidden, and perfectly fit to an awkward space.
If you’re stuck between sticking with your built-ins or going all-out with new shelves, thinking through how you actually use your space matters way more than design trends alone. There’s more to this story than “in” or “out”—and knowing how to tweak old-school built-ins can make them work for you, no matter what style’s trending this year.
- Why People Think Built-Ins Are Old News
- What’s Trending in Shelving Right Now
- Built-Ins that Still Rock in 2025
- Easy Ways to Give Old Built-Ins a Fresh Look
- When Built-Ins Make the Most Sense
- Tips for Planning Your Own Custom Built-Ins
Why People Think Built-Ins Are Old News
Built-in cabinets used to be a must-have in homes, especially in the '80s and '90s. They screamed "custom" and were a sign someone cared about using every inch of space. Now, you see less of them in glossy home magazines and on influencer feeds, and there are a few reasons for that.
First off, a lot of built-ins look bulky. People today lean toward open shelves and modular units that you can move around or swap out. The trend is all about flexibility—if you want to switch up your living room layout, dragging around a massive, wall-spanning built-in just isn’t possible. Second, older built-ins are often dark wood or have dated trim, which can make a room feel smaller and cramped.
There's also the issue of resale. Real estate agents say buyers are divided—some love the storage, but others see a built-in and think about gut jobs and renovation costs. According to a 2024 survey by Home Light, only 47% of home buyers rated built-in cabinetry as a "very desirable" feature, compared to over 70% who preferred more current, open storage like floating shelves.
Check out this comparison of what buyers are into lately:
| Storage Style | % Rated as "Very Desirable" |
|---|---|
| Floating Shelves | 72% |
| Open Bookcases | 63% |
| Built-in Cabinets | 47% |
| Freestanding Units | 58% |
Another knock against built-ins: they're not exactly renter-friendly. If you move, they're stuck in your old place and you can't take them with you. Plus, a built-in that's too unique (like an oddly shaped media cabinet) can actually hurt value if it only fits your taste or furniture dimensions.
To sum it up, folks think built-in cabinets are "out" mostly because they want spaces to feel more open, bright, and easy to personalize. But this isn't the whole picture—there are still ways to modernize and enjoy the storage power of built-ins without falling into the "dated" trap.
What’s Trending in Shelving Right Now
So, what’s the current big thing in home shelving? It’s not just one look—it’s a handful of trends that popped up in late 2024 and are still rolling hard into 2025. People aren’t ditching storage; they’re just picking stuff that works with their lifestyle and makes the space feel bigger, cleaner, and more personal.
Open shelves are everywhere. Especially in kitchens and living rooms, folks love those airy, wall-mounted shelves for showing off everyday items. Wood tones—like white oak and walnut—kept rising in popularity, giving a cozy vibe without looking too busy. In a recent Houzz survey, 38% of homeowners who renovated their kitchens last year added open shelving as a feature.
If you think floating shelves are just for looks, think again. New hardware can hold up to 45 pounds per shelf, so you can use them for more than coffee mugs and potted plants. Matte black and brushed gold brackets are hot, switching out those plain chrome supports everyone’s already bored of.
- Mix-and-match storage shows up everywhere—combining closed cabinets for messier stuff with open shelves for books, plants, or art.
- Freestanding shelving units are also making a comeback, mainly because renters want something they can bring along or re-position easily. IKEA’s KALLAX and MUJI’s stackable cubes still sell like crazy for this reason.
- Niche shelving built into odd corners or awkward walls is trending up, turning what used to be wasted space into serious storage.
Here’s a quick look at how some of the most popular types are stacking up right now:
| Shelving Type | Main Use | Popularity (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in cabinets | Hidden storage & tailor-made fit | Steady for older homes & custom builds |
| Open/floating shelves | Display & light storage | Very high, especially kitchens |
| Freestanding units | Flexible & renter-friendly | High for apartments |
| Glass shelving | Modern, sleek looks | Rising in bathrooms & minimalist spaces |
| Mix-and-match systems | Best of both open + hidden | Climbing in living rooms |
One thing is clear: people want shelving that does more. If it’s not storing stuff, showing off your style, and making a room feel bigger all at once, it’s not making the cut anymore. That’s why knowing what fits your vibe—and your actual storage needs—matters more than ever.
Built-Ins that Still Rock in 2025
Not every built-in needs to look like it’s been in the house since the dial-up internet days. Some types are more popular than ever, especially with folks looking for real, usable storage that doesn’t waste an inch. Media walls, alcove shelving, and under-stair cabinets aren’t going anywhere—they’re just getting smarter and a lot better looking.
Here’s what stands out about built-ins that actually work for modern homes in 2025:
- Media Walls: TV and speaker setups get messy real fast, but built-in cabinets designed with hidden cable management and closed storage make everything look clean. The National Association of Home Builders reported in 2024 that 68% of buyers like built-in media cabinetry for family spaces.
- Under-Stair Storage: Those empty triangle-shaped holes under staircases used to be wasted. Now, pull-outs and drawers built right into that space are a hit for stashing shoes or school bags—especially in small homes.
- Home Office Built-Ins: Studies from the past year showed more than half of homeowners want a dedicated workspace at home. Custom built-ins around a desk, with upper shelving and closed doors for clutter, solve that without eating up real estate.
- Reading Nooks with Storage: Window seats with built-in cabinets underneath? Still the dream setup for book lovers and anyone craving more space for kids’ stuff.
Check out some real numbers that back up why these built-ins stick around:
| Type of Built-In | Popularity (2025 survey, % of homeowners) | Main Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Media Wall Cabinets | 68% | Hidden wires, organized tech |
| Under-Stair Cabinets | 56% | Extra storage in small homes |
| Home Office Built-Ins | 53% | Efficient workspace, tidiness |
| Window Seats with Cabinets | 47% | Cozy reading, hidden storage |
Most designers will tell you that built-in cabinets are unbeatable when you need something to fit your exact space without eating up precious square footage. If you can tailor the style and finish to your room, built-ins can totally outshine their freestanding cousins—plus, they actually boost home value in many parts of the US, especially if they’re well-designed for how people really live now.
Easy Ways to Give Old Built-Ins a Fresh Look
If you’re staring at your old built-in cabinets and thinking they’re more of an eyesore than a feature, you’re not stuck with them as-is. Giving them a modern spin isn’t as hard—or expensive—as you might think. Just a few tweaks can honestly change the whole vibe of your living space.
- Paint is your best friend: Don’t settle for the old brown or off-white. Go for an updated color, maybe a bright white, deep navy, or even black for drama. Matte finishes look more current than glossy surfaces.
- Swap out the hardware: Change old handles or knobs for sleek matte black, brass, or brushed nickel. This small move can help them look brand new for less than $100.
- Change the doors: If your built-ins have heavy solid doors, think about removing a few of them—or swap glass panels for wood. Adding glass instantly makes shelves feel lighter and helps show off your favorite stuff.
- Add lighting: Strip LED lights or small puck lights inside shelves can seriously upgrade the look. Good lighting makes everything feel custom, and it’s actually pretty simple to install with stick-on kits.
- Update the back panel: You can wallpaper, paint, or install peel-and-stick wood planks to the backs of open shelving. It adds dimension and interest for cheap.
- Mix in open and closed storage: Remove cabinet doors on a couple sections to get that open-shelf look people love now, but still keep some closed space for stuff you want to hide.
Check out this quick comparison for how these easy updates stack up when it comes to cost and impact on style:
| Update Option | Average Cost (USD) | Style Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Painting Cabinets | $50-$200 | High |
| New Hardware | $20-$100 | Medium-High |
| Add Lighting | $30-$150 | High |
| New Doors or Glass Panels | $120-$400 | High |
| Back Panel Update | $25-$80 | Medium |
If you want your built-in cabinets to actually boost your home value, these easy updates do the trick. Homes with modern built-ins tend to sell faster, according to a 2024 listing report from Zillow, especially when the design feels current. So, don’t toss out your built-ins yet—just give them a little attention and they’ll look like they belong in 2025.
When Built-Ins Make the Most Sense
If you've got odd corners or weirdly-shaped rooms, nothing beats a built-in. While flat-pack shelves leave gaps and wasted space, custom cabinets hug every edge, turning useless nooks into prime storage. Old houses especially have lots of niches where standard furniture just feels out of place. Built-ins fix that without crowding the room.
Another place these cabinets shine? Keeping mess out of sight. Kid’s toys, office supplies, board games—they all disappear behind doors or drawers. Research from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) shows that hidden storage ranks among the top three must-haves for homebuyers under 40. It’s not just about looks, but about living less cluttered. If you’ve tried cramming everything into freestanding options and still find piles everywhere, a built-in can act as your calm-in-the-chaos solution.
That seamless look matters too, especially in open-plan homes. Built-ins easily blend with walls, so there’s no visual clutter breaking up your space. In small apartments, this could be the difference between “feels cramped” and “looks intentional.” Ask anyone who’s worked with an interior designer: built-ins almost always get pitched for long, narrow rooms, dead space around windows, or awkward alcoves next to fireplaces.
Still wondering if they fit your place? Here’s a list to help:
- Your space has odd corners, sloped ceilings, or tricky spots furniture won’t fit.
- You want to store a lot without adding bulky furniture.
- Keeping stuff out of sight is a priority for a clean, calm vibe.
- You need open shelves mixed with hidden cabinets in one spot.
- You can’t stand constantly moving shelves just to clean under them.
Check out some real-world data showing where built-ins pop up the most:
| Room | % of Homes with Built-Ins |
|---|---|
| Living Room | 65% |
| Home Office | 37% |
| Bedroom | 29% |
| Entryway/Mudroom | 22% |
Bottom line: built-in cabinets are a win wherever you want storage that fits your life, not just the latest trend. When it’s about making every inch count and keeping your stuff out of sight, these old favorites absolutely earn their spot.
Tips for Planning Your Own Custom Built-Ins
Ready to try built-in cabinets but not sure where to start? Getting it right means thinking about what you actually need and how you live—not just what looks cool in a magazine. Here’s how you can plan practical, stylish built-ins that won’t leave you with regrets.
- Measure twice, regret never: This old saying is gold. Take detailed measurements of your space—width, height, even odd angles. Remember, built-ins are permanent. Most people forget outlets, vents, or baseboards, which can cause expensive surprises mid-project.
- Decide what you’re storing: Are you hiding electronics, displaying books, or stashing toys? If you’re planning media storage, measure those devices. For books, shelves should be at least 10 inches deep. Adjustable shelves sound boring but are lifesavers as your stuff changes.
- Skip the “good enough” finish: If your built-ins stick out like a sore thumb, something’s off. Match the cabinet style and color to the rest of your room—copy the trim, the paint, even the handles if you want a pro look that feels like it was always there.
- Think about wiring early: If your cabinets will hide routers, game systems, or light strips, plan for outlets and cable holes before the sawdust flies. It’s 2025—everyone wants hidden wires and smart storage.
- Open or closed? Be picky: Glass doors show off nice stuff but show clutter too. Solid doors hide mess. Mix it up if you want the best of both worlds.
Another smart move—use a built-in cabinets layout to save floor space and keep things looking clean. Floor-to-ceiling units can add way more storage, but short built-ins below windows double as benches or media stands.
If you’re hiring someone, share photos of what you like (even screenshots from Pinterest work). Good contractors expect you to be picky. And if you’re doing it DIY? Watch those YouTube guides three times before cutting—mistakes with built-ins usually aren’t cheap to fix.
Bottom line: Built-ins shine when you plan for real life, not just what’s trendy. Get the measurements, finishes, and functions dialed in, and chances are you’ll love them for years, no matter what’s trending.