Minimalist, modern cabinet doors offer sophistication and versatility, blending well with almost any design choice. In this guide from iCabinetry’s design experts, we’ll explore the many types of cabinet doors you can choose from, all of which can fit perfectly in everyday kitchens from any design period. Give your dream kitchen a smart, modern appearance by selecting one of these gorgeous cabinet door types.
The Traditional Shaker-Style Cabinet Door
Shaker cabinet doors have been popular for decades because of their straight lines, which are classy without being overly ornate. These look great in traditional kitchens, but they can also fit well in more contemporary designs when accented with the right hardware. Choose Shaker-style doors if you prefer a transitional aesthetic or would like a more old-world touch in a contemporary kitchen.
The Slab-Style Cabinet Door
Slab-style doors have a single flat panel with no additional frames. This makes them very easy to clean, especially if you choose inset cabinet doors where the door sits flush with the cabinet frame. There are no small crevices for dust to get trapped, so you only need to wipe down one flat surface.
The smooth profile of slab doors blends perfectly with minimalist and contemporary interiors, such as a highly modern dining space.
The Glass-Panel Cabinet Door
Glass-panel cabinet doors have plain glass inserts that are carefully installed into the face frame. The open layout can brighten up the entire space by reflecting light, immediately cheering up a darker area like a small kitchen. You can also display your most treasured belongings to offer a deeper look into your personality and style.
Raised Panel Cabinet Doors
Raised panel cabinet doors have a center panel that is higher than the surrounding frame. It’s a popular choice for five-piece construction because it adds visual appeal without excessive detail. When kept in a neutral tone and ornamented with simpler hardware, it can have a clean aesthetic.
Recessed Panel Cabinet Doors
Recessed panel doors differ slightly from Shaker doors because they have slanted inside edges and more details. With somewhat more depth, they strike a good balance between overly detailed doors and highly minimalist ones. They are more common with full overlay doors rather than inset ones.
When accented correctly, they can work great for a simple kitchen design. Consider choosing a matte finish and simple hardware, like brushed nickel.
Beadboard Cabinet Doors
Beadboard cabinet doors have vertical grooves in the front panel. These clean lines evoke a sense of cleanliness and a homey feel, as they visually resemble a picket fence. They are easier to clean than louvered cabinet doors because there are fewer grooves to worry about, but they are more intricate than other options, like shaker-style. Consider using these in a farmhouse or coastal kitchen and select light painted finishes.
Louvered Cabinet Doors
Unlike beadboard, which has vertical lines, louvered cabinet doors have horizontal slats. They have a distinctive look, much like old-school slatted blinds, yet can feel quite modern when properly integrated into a contemporary room. Many choose louvered cabinet doors for laundry rooms or utility rooms because they feel a bit retro without being too over-the-top. Because of the slats, you should expect slightly more dusting.
Thermofoil Cabinet Doors
Thermafoil cabinet doors are an excellent choice for those who want a low-maintenance and affordable option. These are made of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) that is wrapped in a vinyl laminate, then heat-sealed for a seamless surface. This sleek, cost-effective option works very well for those who want highly durable cabinet doors without retouching or oiling them.
High-Gloss Acrylic Doors
High-gloss acrylic cabinet doors have a slightly reflective appearance that feels very modern and fresh. When paired with contrasting materials, like matte black cabinet handles, you get a very luxurious look. Consider choosing a dark color for your finish, which will be more forgiving of wear and tear than lighter shades. High gloss does require a bit more maintenance, but the shiny look is worth the effort.
Matte Finish Slab Doors
Matte finish flat-panel doors are the opposite of high-gloss doors. Rather than reflecting light, they seem to absorb it, creating a soft and muted appearance. This is an excellent option for those who want a gentle, clean aesthetic, especially if done in neutrals or light natural shades. For example, you could pair matte finish slab doors in a grassy green with bamboo flooring to create a Zen kitchen, perfect for the meditative act of cooking.
Frameless Cabinet Doors (Euro Style)
Frameless cabinet doors, also known as full overlay doors, have a seamless appearance. There is no face frame; instead, the door attaches directly to the cabinet. This European style was popularized in the 1990s by the minimalist movement, but it remains a strong guiding force in today’s designs.
Frameless doors are popular for a few reasons. Because there is no face frame, they are easy to clean, and they have a very simple profile. For transitional kitchens, consider using lighter and more delicate hardware, while contemporary kitchens may look good with chunky hardware.
Handleless Cabinet Doors
Handleless cabinet doors are the premier choice for ultra-minimal aesthetics. There are no knobs or pulls to detract from the cabinet door; instead, users open it using push-to-open or integrated handle designs.
Customers like these for a few reasons. Firstly, with no handles to worry about, cleaning is even simpler than with other choices, making them a great option for high-traffic areas like a busy family kitchen. Secondly, push-to-open options can be good for people who may not have the grip strength to wrap their hands around a pull, so they also have an important accessibility element.
However, it is crucial that you work with a well-known cabinet manufacturer. Small imperfections with the mechanics may make the doors stick or wedge into the frame. iCabinetry is well-regarded by our customers for our enduring craftsmanship and attention to detail, including unique choices like handleless doors.
Two-Tone Cabinet Doors
Two-tone cabinet doors add visual appeal without feeling cluttered. The subtle contrast makes them interesting, not additional flourishes, so they look great in a modern home. You can choose to mix finishes, like a glossy center panel surrounded by a matte edge, or have two shades of the same neutral.
You can choose two-toned finishes or colors with almost any door that has separate pieces or segments, but they are particularly popular with raised and recessed panel cabinet doors because these styles naturally suggest different sections of the door face.
Frosted or Textured Glass Cabinet Doors
For those who like the reflectivity of glass-paneled drawer fronts but don’t necessarily want every kitchen utensil on display, frosted and textured glass offers a great compromise. Frosted glass can appear to glow under the light, which adds warmth to your space. To create even more visual contrast, consider installing lights inside the cabinet so that they shine from within.
Textured glass adds privacy by disrupting the reflective surface. There are dozens of different options here, from stippling to ripples, depending on what you’d like. The additional texture also picks up overhead lights and provides more brightness, which is a good choice for a smaller, minimalist kitchen.
Minimalist Designs
Our cabinetry specialists can help you find cabinet doors based on your unique tastes. Choose full overlay cabinet doors for vintage-inspired spaces, or select inset cabinet doors for a highly streamlined appearance.
When you work with our team, we’ll walk you through your options, such as a shaker door with vertical lines, and then decide how the doors will fit on the frame.
Different materials will also determine how your cabinets look. Solid wood is sturdy and durable, but it also needs maintenance. In contrast, Thermafoil is stress-free and more affordable. We’ll discuss which choice is right for your ideal aesthetic and budget.
Don’t forget about finishes, either. Stained wood complements those who desire a bit of richness and depth in their cabinets, while painted designs offer numerous colors that match your aesthetic.
Conclusion
The right cabinet door style can elevate your kitchen from a simple interior space to an artistic masterpiece. These versatile options are excellent for kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms, and dining rooms, adding a coherent theme throughout the home. Any of these kitchen cabinet door options may work well in a clean, modern kitchen, and all are available from our Starmark kitchen cabinets line. Contact us today to learn more about our precise craftsmanship, numerous design options, and comprehensive customer support.
FAQs About Types of Cabinet Doors
Shaker doors are one of the most popular types because they are very versatile. They work well in traditional, contemporary, and transitional kitchens. You can choose different overlay styles, such as partial overlay doors, full overlay doors, and inset cabinet doors, depending on what you prefer.
Flat panels are another popular choice, especially for those who want a highly contemporary look. These have no additional details, so there are no creases to clean. With these, the finish and hardware selections will determine the overall aesthetic rather than any carvings or embellishments.
However, there are many other options than just these, and our design team will walk you through all your choices to find the right fit for you.
No, shaker doors are usually more expensive. The flat center panel of a slab door means that there’s no additional carving needed. They are made from one piece of material and fitted right onto the frame.
However, the material and customization options will change the price. Quality cabinets made of MDF are going to be cheaper than custom cabinetry made out of solid wood, regardless of the design.
Yes, mixing cabinet door options in your kitchen can be a great way to add visual appeal. You might choose raised panel doors for the base cabinets and then flat panel doors for the upper cabinets.
The style you select for each section of the kitchen depends on where you want the focal point to be. If you have a low-ceilinged kitchen, then choose the more detailed design for the uppers. A tall kitchen may be overwhelming, so you can ground the space by picking shaker-style doors for the base and then slab for the uppers.
If you decide to mix styles, it’s important not to have too much contrast or the room will feel cluttered. Consider choosing the same finish and color for all the cabinets, or only contrasting the shades. Ensure that you select the same hardware finish for all the doors to maintain aesthetic harmony.
In terms of the door face, slab doors are the easiest to clean, particularly if you choose full overlay doors. There is only one exterior surface to wipe down and no crevices to worry about. If you want maximum durability and minimal maintenance, consider choosing Thermafoil materials, which do not need to be retouched like paint or oiled like wood.
Different construction types will also determine how easy they are to clean. A frameless construction doesn’t have framing that needs to be cleaned; you only need to worry about the door and the cabinet itself.
Solid wood is a great option for any cabinet, whether minimalist or with decorative panels, as it is highly durable. We provide fine craftsmanship and multiple wood species options to help your kitchen stay beautiful for years to come.
Those who want something a bit more affordable may choose Thermafoil, which can look great and doesn’t need to be touched up like paint. Thermafoil comes in numerous colors, ranging from faux-wood to simpler options like neutral tones. We can help you decide which material will work best for your budget and overall design needs.
