While kitchen trends change, some of the most classic cabinet door styles for kitchens have remained favorites for decades. In this article, we’ve gathered some of our most popular options, known for their timeless beauty, and provided deeper insights to help you choose the perfect cabinet doors based on your tastes.
1. Shaker-Style Cabinets
Thanks to their simplicity and fine craftsmanship, Shaker-style cabinet doors can seamlessly blend with almost any kitchen design. For contemporary aesthetics, pair Shaker-style doors with clean-lined hardware, or choose a sumptuous solid wood option to make these traditional framed cabinets right at home in a Georgian or Tudor kitchen. The clean lines of these doors also look great in a transitional home, making them an excellent choice when upgrading your kitchen.
2. Glass-Front Cabinets
Glass-front cabinets will fit right at home in both decorative and functional spaces. They create a spacious, open feel, which is perfect for a small kitchen that needs more light. Choose tempered glass for strong, hard-working cabinet doors that highlight decorative plates, or select frosted glass for a bit more privacy.
3. Beadboard Cabinets
Beardboard cabinets have a cottage-style appeal thanks to the tongue-and-groove construction that echoes wainscotting. The vertical lines offer visual interest and textural depth without being too overwhelming. Choose inset cabinet doors and a glossy finish to create a modern feel with a subtle nod to the past. If you want a more rustic look, select full overlay cabinet doors in a warm-hued wood species like cherry.
4. Slab Cabinets
Slab doors are ideal for an ultra-modern look. Unlike Shaker cabinets, which have light detailing on the doors and drawer fronts, slab doors do not have any embellishments or carving; they are flat panel cabinet doors. This minimalist approach makes them highly sleek and versatile. Try partial overlay doors, where the door lies slightly over the cabinet frame, to give a unique silhouette. Slab is also a popular choice for Scandinavian kitchens, which prioritize smooth surfaces and clean angles.
5. All-White Cabinets
All-white cabinets are wonderful for a sense of brightness, contributing to a clean aesthetic that is popular in a broad range of styles. For example, white drawer fronts are a staple of farmhouse kitchens, often paired with butcher block countertops. They also contribute to the overall look of a coastal kitchen, whether painted in bright white or off-white. The materials and finish you choose can make this timeless, versatile style lean in almost any direction you choose.
6. Raised Panel Cabinets
Raised panel cabinets have five-piece doors with an intricate profile. The carved center panel echoes traditional kitchen design, making it a great choice for an older home or formal kitchen. Choose maple solid wood to offer a sense of luxury to your kitchen remodel. Another enticing option is to combine raised panels with inset doors, which creates a neat yet classic appearance.
7. Louvered Cabinets
Louvered cabinet doors have horizontal slats, bringing ventilation and texture to the room. They’re a classic choice for coastal and tropical aesthetics, whether you choose painted or solid wood cabinets. For example, you might select bright white to suggest a friendly Florida beachhouse. A dark wood finish might evoke a tiki bar.
These doors are also very popular in laundry rooms because the ventilated storage space is great for folded laundry. By selecting this for multiple rooms in your home, the final look feels cohesive and lived-in.
8. Mullion Cabinets
The mullion cabinet is an upscale and elegant door profile that will elevate any living space. The decorative frames over the glass panels suggest a fully custom kitchen, even for stock options. Additionally, the glass makes the room feel lighter and more open while putting your most treasured belongings on full display.
This is a great option for upper cabinets. You can combine it with Shaker cabinetry for base cabinets and the island to maximize the impact and draw the eye up.
9. Recessed Panel Cabinets
For those who find Shaker doors too rustic, recessed panel cabinets are a softer alternative. The clean lines have slightly more detail but feel fresh and modern, making them ideal for transitional kitchens. Consider a wood finish if you want a more Midcentury aesthetic, or select a matte finish for something more cutting-edge.
Because of the intricacy of this design, the hardware you select will play an even more significant role in how it feels. Brushed nickel is a great option for transitional kitchens, while brass with a dark finish will add a touch of old-world elegance.
Conclusion
With so many kitchen cabinet doors to choose from, the possibilities are endless. Even the same style of cabinet door can look completely different depending on the material, finish, and hardware. iCabinetry makes it easier than ever to order semi-custom cabinets online, with a stunning collection of high-quality products and personalized support.
FAQs about Cabinet Door Styles for Kitchens
Shaker cabinets remain the most popular cabinet style because they are a timeless blend of subtle detailing and a more modern look. They come in a range of options, from inset to full overlay, and can look very different depending on the finish and material you select.
Because slab doors are a flat surface, they are the easiest to clean. This makes them a great option for busy families who want a modern aesthetic. For maximum ease of use, consider Thermafoil cabinets, which only need to be wiped down with a soft detergent and don’t require oiling.
Yes, absolutely. This is a very popular choice for homeowners who want to distinguish different zones of the kitchen.
If you like a traditional look, you might choose raised panel cabinets for the base cabinets and recessed for the uppers, which creates a subtle yet powerful contrast. Another choice is to choose a more elaborate style for the kitchen island while keeping the perimeter cabinets more plain.
In general, you should select only two different door styles. Having too many styles in one kitchen can be overwhelming and make it hard to select a focal point. Harmonize the different styles by using the same hardware type or finish on all of them.
Our design team can help you reach your design goals through a personalized consultation. You can also review our customer kitchens to see how other homeowners have customized their kitchens by mixing door styles
Yes, cabinet door styles can affect home resale value. Even if the buyer doesn’t realize that your cabinets are high-quality, they may subconsciously associate different door styles with a certain mood or lifestyle.
For example, some buyers may see beadboard doors as old-fashioned and assume that they are decades old, even if you installed them shortly before putting the house on the market. Some buyers may see this as a strength, especially if they like old homes, while others may view it as dated because they prefer a more contemporary look.
When considering how your cabinet doors may affect home resale value, you should consider what type of buyer would be most comfortable in your house. A historic home might sell best with a more traditional style, while a sleek, contemporary condominium should have interior design to match.
If you are renovating your home to improve its resale value before putting it on the market, you may want to talk to a realtor who can suggest options. Our team is also well-versed in cabinetry and can help you choose a style that will speak to the right buyer.
To decide on the right door style for your layout, think about the overall aesthetic you want to have. If you want a contemporary look, then think slab, which has entirely flat panels. Those with a transitional kitchen might choose recessed panels.
Shaker is one of the most popular options because it complements almost any look, from traditional to contemporary.
Small kitchens may look crowded if you choose too elaborate a design, while larger, open-plan kitchens provide more leeway and can support options like louvered or mullioned glass.
If you have a tight kitchen with many corners, glass panels for the uppers can help visually expand the space while reflecting light. Large kitchens that feel too spread out may seem more compact if you choose something like a recessed panel and more intricate hardware.
Our design team can help you work through your options in terms of design style, available space, and the overall feel you want to communicate through your cabinet doors.
