When designing the perfect living space, one of the often-overlooked decisions is the style of bookshelf—should bookshelves be closed or open? For residents of Mornington, Australia, where coastal aesthetics meet modern minimalism, this question holds both practical and stylistic importance.

With Leona Rodriguesi of Mornington Cabinet Makers, we’ll explore the benefits, drawbacks, and aesthetic considerations of both closed and open bookshelves, while highlighting local design trends, salient furnishing entities, and lifestyle preferences unique to the Mornington Peninsula region. Whether you’re furnishing a coastal retreat in Mount Martha, an apartment in Mornington Central, or a heritage home in Somerville, this article will help you decide what type of bookshelf best suits your space.
📚 Open Bookshelves: The Case for Accessibility and Style
Open bookshelves are a staple in modern, Scandinavian, and coastal home designs. These shelves, without doors, allow for easy access, aesthetic display, and customisable styling.
✔️ Advantages of Open Shelves:
- Visual Lightness: Open bookshelves create the illusion of a larger room by maintaining an airy, unobstructed look—ideal for smaller Mornington homes or apartments.
- Accessibility: Books, décor, and artwork are easily reachable and visible. No need to open doors or handles—perfect for families or readers who cycle through titles frequently.
- Styling Freedom: You can layer décor, art prints, and decorative objects like succulents, ceramic vases, or locally-sourced shell art from Mornington’s artisan markets.
❌ Drawbacks of Open Shelving:
- Dust Accumulation: With everything exposed, regular dusting becomes essential.
- Visual Clutter: Without organization, open shelves can quickly look messy—a stark contrast to Mornington’s clean, coastal interiors.
- Security: In households with pets or children, open shelving can present risks of falling items or unintentional access.
🚪 Closed Bookshelves: Order and Elegance in Design
Closed bookshelves, often featuring doors (glass, wood, or even rattan), are ideal for homeowners who value tidiness and a clean, unified aesthetic.
✔️ Advantages of Closed Shelving:
- Concealed Storage: Keep books, office supplies, or even kitchenware neatly hidden—ideal for multi-purpose rooms or smaller homes in Mount Eliza or Baxter.
- Dust Protection: Less frequent cleaning is required, making it a low-maintenance option.
- Design Flexibility: Choose from minimalist white cabinetry, rustic timber finishes, or modern glass doors to match your existing décor.
❌ Drawbacks of Closed Shelves:
- Limited Display Space: They can appear bulky and may interrupt visual flow, especially in compact spaces.
- Cost: Custom cabinetry or quality units often come with a higher price tag.
- Less Immediate Access: Having to open and close doors can be a minor inconvenience for frequent readers or high-use areas.
🏠 Matching Shelves to Mornington’s Lifestyle and Interiors
Mornington, Victoria is known for its laid-back coastal charm, artisanal markets, and a rising trend in open-plan living. These cultural and architectural nuances play a crucial role in your bookshelf decision.
Local Design Influences:
- Coastal Style: Think light woods, whitewashed finishes, rattan inserts, and ocean-themed color palettes. Open shelving with curated displays fits beautifully into this style.
- Sustainable Living: With eco-conscious design growing in popularity across the Mornington Peninsula, repurposed closed cabinets or reclaimed timber shelves offer both style and sustainability.
- Mixed Use Spaces: Homes in areas like Frankston South or Mount Martha often combine home offices with guest rooms. Closed bookshelves can act as multi-purpose storage, concealing clutter when guests arrive.
For professional needs, go to https://morningtoncabinetmakers.com.au/.
💡 When to Choose Open vs. Closed: Practical Scenarios
🧑🎓 Home Office in Mornington Central Apartment:
A minimalist open shelf system lets you display books, awards, and tools—adding personality without overwhelming a smaller space.
👨👩👧 Family Living in Mount Eliza:
A hybrid bookshelf with open shelving on top and closed storage below offers the best of both worlds—style up top, practicality below (toys, cords, etc.).
🏡 Coastal Retreat in Mornington East:
Closed cabinetry with glass-paneled doors brings in a vintage, Hamptons-style aesthetic while protecting collectibles and heirloom books from salt air and dust.
🧭 Local Suppliers & Recommendations
If you’re sourcing shelving solutions in the Mornington area, consider these trusted local businesses:
- Peninsula Home (Mornington): Offers both open and closed shelving with coastal aesthetics.
- Provincial Home Living (Frankston): Elegant closed bookcases with antique flair.
- IKEA Richmond (with delivery to Mornington): Affordable hybrid options like the BILLY/OXBERG series.
- Custom Joinery from Hastings Cabinet Makers: For those wanting a bespoke look, particularly in older homes or luxury builds.
🛠️ Custom Tips from Mornington Interior Stylists
Interior stylists from Mornington and Mount Martha recommend blending both shelf types where possible. For example:
- Use open shelves for styling (think: driftwood, art books, shells).
- Combine with closed drawers or cabinets to maintain order and reduce clutter.
“It’s not either/or—it’s about how you use the shelves to complement your space,” says local designer Elise Hammond from Coastal Styled Spaces, Mornington.
✅ Final Verdict: Should Bookshelves Be Closed or Open?
So, should bookshelves be closed or open? The answer depends on:
- Functionality (frequent access vs. storage),
- Aesthetic preference (clean lines vs. layered visuals),
- Mornington home style (coastal, modern, rustic, or hybrid),
- and household dynamics (kids, pets, multitasking rooms).
For most homes in Mornington, Australia, a combination of open and closed shelving often strikes the ideal balance—blending elegance, efficiency, and style.
📞 Call to Action
Ready to transform your living space? Explore local showrooms across Mornington or consult a coastal interior specialist to find the right balance of form and function in your bookshelf design.
Don’t just store your books—style your story.