Your Pinterest board might be overflowing with ideas for a bright, modern kitchen, but pulling it off requires some serious decisions. Choosing the right doors for your new kitchen cabinets is one- and it’s probably the most rewarding. Here’s why.
Cabinet doors can directly impact the overall look of your kitchen. Plus, it’s the most visible element in the room- something you’ll be staring at for years to come. Why not make it worth the watch?
Unfortunately, picking kitchen cabinet doors can quickly become overwhelming when you don’t know your Shaker from your slab. That’s where we come in.
Your Handy Mini-Guide to Kitchen Cabinet Door Styles
Stressed about finding the perfect doors for kitchen cabinets? We’ve zeroed in on what you must know about different kitchen cabinet door styles to find the right fit for your home.
1. Louvered Cabinet Doors
Generally, louvered cabinet doors have vertical/horizontal wood slats that add a distinct architectural flavor to kitchen cabinetry. Most have spaces between each slat, making them great for cabinets that require ventilation.
Louvered doors are also perfect for smaller kitchens because they give the illusion of additional space in the room. Plus, they transition easily between changing trends. If that wasn’t enough, these cabinets are pocket-friendly to boot!
2. Shaker Cabinet Doors
Shaker-style cabinet doors are highly sought-after, thanks to their clean, classic lines. They work beautifully, regardless of your aesthetic.
But why the name? Well, Shaker cabinetry is part of the distinctive furniture style developed by the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing (commonly known as Shakers), a religious sect that followed the principles of simplicity, utility, and honesty. Their beliefs were reflected in their well-made furniture designs.
Essentially, these kitchen cabinet doors have a flat panel with a frame comprising rails (horizontal pieces) and stiles (vertical pieces). Since this simple style lends itself to just about any décor, Shaker-style cabinets are incredibly popular with homeowners across the globe.
3. Beadboard Cabinet Doors
Few things say cottage-chic like beadboard. If you want your kitchen to resemble a modern farmhouse, these cabinet doors with a decorated central panel are the way to go.
A quick bit of trivia on this kitchen cabinet door style, beadboard (which was used as a plaster before plaster, drywall, and paint gained traction) originated in England four hundred years ago. According to legend, early English settlers brought the design to the U.S. to remind them of the history and character of the homes they’d left behind.
While traditional white beadboard-style cabinet doors can brighten up your kitchen, they can be tricky to keep clean. That’s why recommend you choose beadboard cabinets in darker colors and add a brass cup-pull for some more pizzazz.
4. Slab Cabinet Doors
You can’t picture a modern minimalist kitchen without thinking about slab cabinet doors. Alternatively known as flat-panel cabinets, this kitchen cabinet style consists of a single, smooth panel in various finishes and veneers- from glossy, white, or gray to colored lacquer or natural wood tones.
The unadorned cabinets are ideal for contemporary/modern interiors and create a great backdrop for statement kitchen hardware.
Despite their high-end appearance, flat panel kitchen cabinet doors don’t have to break the bank. You can always pick budget-friendly laminates that come in a variety of colors and sheens.
5. Distressed Cabinet Doors
Always dreamt of an antique-style kitchen? You’ll love the distressed cabinet door style. These kitchen cabinets add character and charm, lending the heart of your home a lived-in look and aura of warmth.
What’s unique about distressing is that it’s an easy project, even for a DIY dabbler not used to cabinet making. You can rub an antique glaze on existing Shaker-style cabinets, or wear down the corners likely to get the most traffic. Paint it black, white, or blue for a worn country look, and you’re good to go!
6. Inset Cabinet Doors
Inset cabinet doors usually tend to be on the more expensive end of the spectrum, but they embody a classic look that’ll last for years to come. The inset door gets its name from its placement inside the cabinet frame. The door is designed with extreme accuracy so that it nestles inside the frame and opens/closes properly- even when the wood expands/contracts in different seasons.
With inset cabinet doors, you’ll usually see exposed cabinet hinges- rather than the typical concealed hinges found in other cabinet door styles. If you’re getting yours made from scratch, make sure you budget for these, as two hinges per door can add up quickly.
7. Glass-Front Cabinet Doors
An Instagram favorite, glass-front cabinets are a staple in most picture-perfect kitchens. They work best to break up a solid-door cabinet run and display pretty china, cutlery, or crystal.
You can also place glass-front cabinets adjacent to windows to reflect sunlight. This can make your entire space seem larger and brighter.
That said, these cabinet door styles are not for everyone. If you don’t prioritize keeping your dishes and bowls stacked in perfect piles, you may want to pass on glass doors. Try including mirrored cabinets in your kitchen design to get the eye-catching, expansive effect of glass without all the pressure.
8. Traditional Cabinet Doors
Known for their warmth and classic appeal, traditional cabinet door styles can create an elegant yet homely feel. They’re perfect for homeowners who prefer a formal aesthetic and want to incorporate vintage details into their existing décor.
Most traditional cabinets feature raised center panels and come in a warmer color palette. They’re also more detailed than Shaker-style cabinets, and feature arches, curves, or other embellishments.
The Bottom Line
If remodeling a kitchen is like planning a wedding, picking the right cabinet door style is like buying the dress! With the options available in the market, it’s easy to get confused. However, we hope this article has given you a clear idea about different cabinet door styles, so you can pick the best one for your kitchen.
Ready to give your kitchen cabinets a makeover? Looking for new kitchen cabinets? Give OMG Kitchen & Bath a call! Our renovation contractors specialize in revamping kitchens and bathrooms. We promise high-quality work and quick turnaround times every time. For more information, feel free to reach out to us today!