Choosing new kitchen cabinet door styles can be overwhelming with all the options available today. Getting familiar with the lingo used to describe the different door styles is key to navigating your choices. This guide will help you learn the terminology so you can select the perfect cabinet doors for your kitchen remodeling or new construction project.

Door Materials

The material used to construct the cabinet doors is one of the biggest factors affecting style, durability, and cost. Here are some of the most popular kitchen cabinet door materials and their defining characteristics:

Wood

• Most traditional option, provides a timeless, classic look
• Many different wood species available, each with distinct grain patterns and colors
• Solid wood is the highest quality but also the most expensive
• Engineered woods like plywood are affordable, durable options
• Can be painted or stained to achieve a wide array of finishes

Thermofoil

• Made by adhering a vinyl film over a composite wood substrate
• Provides consistent, uniform finish not easily achieved with natural wood
• Resistant to chipping, peeling and cracking
• Easy to clean and more affordable than solid wood doors

Laminate

• Made by bonding a plastic laminate to a plywood or MDF substrate
• Most economical option for a wood-like appearance
• Resists scratches, moisture and warping
• Limited number of laminate finishes available

Metal

• Usually made from steel, aluminum or stainless steel
• Provides smooth, uniform, contemporary appearance
• Durable and heat-resistant
• Can be powder coated in any color for custom looks

Door Styles

The style refers to the overall look and the design of the cabinet door front. Here are some of the most popular kitchen cabinet door styles:

Solid Slab

• Simplest style, made from one solid piece of material
• Flat panel provides clean, uniform look
• Recessed panel has central recessed square for classic style
• Shaker style offers recessed center panel with subtle lip around perimeter

Frame and Panel

• Consists of a central recessed panel surrounded by a frame
• Frame is typically wood with molded trim edges
• Panel material can differ from frame for contrast
• Traditional and classic door style
• Crossbars can be added to frame to create cottage look

Glass Insert

• Glass panes, panels or inserts within door front
• Glass can be clear, frosted, or stained for privacy
• Wrought iron, wood or metal mullions give support
• Provides open, light and airy feeling in kitchen

Louvered

• Door front has series of angled horizontal or vertical slats
• Slats can be spaced close together or far apart
• Allows for airflow while maintaining partial visual privacy

Door Finishes

The door finish encompasses the color, sheen and stain that are applied to the door material to achieve a particular style. Here are some of the most popular kitchen cabinet door finishes:

Stain

• Allows natural wood grain to show through
• Available in range of opacities from light to dark
• Oak, maple and hickory take stain well to highlight grain
• Can use wash or glaze over stain for blended, aged effect

Paint

• Provides uniform, consistent color across door fronts
• Latex and alkyd paints are most common
• Any sheen from matte to high-gloss can be achieved
• Distressed painted finish is on-trend and adds cottage character

Thermofoil/Laminate

• Available in hundreds of solid colors and realistic woodgrains
• Maintenance-free and scratch-resistant
• Integrated finish cannot be changed or refinished

Glaze/Distressing

• Specialty finishes add character and dimension
• Glazing involves applying translucent, tinted topcoat
• Distressing replicates worn, antique look through indentations

Hardware

Don’t forget the hardware! Cabinet door handles and pulls come in a variety of styles, materials and finishes to complement your selected door fronts. Satin nickel, bronze, matte black, brass and antique brass are some of the most popular kitchen cabinet hardware finishes.

When choosing hardware, consider size and shape in addition to finish. Hardware should be scaled appropriately for your cabinet style and room aesthetic. Larger-scale hardware makes a bolder statement. If your doors have visible hinges, select hinges in a finish that matches or complements your handles and pulls.

Now that you’re fluent in the lingo of kitchen cabinet door styles, you’re ready to confidently take on your cabinet selection process. Keep this terminology guide handy as you browse catalogs, showrooms and design centers to find the perfect cabinet solutions for your kitchen!

Factors to Consider When Choosing Kitchen Cabinet Door Styles

Selecting the ideal kitchen cabinet door style is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your kitchen remodeling or new home build. Along with determining the look and feel of your kitchen, your cabinet door choice also impacts ease of use, functionality and budget. Keep these factors in mind as you evaluate options and zero in on the perfect style for your space and needs:

Desired Look and Style

• What overall aesthetic are you trying to achieve in the kitchen?
• Do you prefer a traditional, classic look or a sleek, contemporary style?
• Would you describe your decorating style as eclectic, rustic, cottage or farmhouse?
• Do you want your kitchen cabinetry to make a bold statement or blend in seamlessly?

Usage and Traffic Patterns

• Will cabinets receive heavy use with kids and entertain a lot? Sturdy door styles can withstand wear and tear.
• Do you mainly reheat leftovers or whip up gourmet feasts? Frequent use calls for durable surfaces.
• Are cabinets primarily functional storage or also serve as display? Glass-front styles showcase cherished dishware.
• Is privacy needed for contents of certain cabinets? Opaque panel doors or doors withminimum glass allow for discretion.

Ease of Use and Accessibility

• Do any family members have mobility limitations? Full overlay doors with wide, easy-grip pulls are most accessible.
• How tall are the primary users? Standard cabinet height may be too high for children to comfortably reach. Consider lowering cabinets or selecting cabinets with storage drawers for access.
• Are corner cabinets hard to access in your existing layout? Swing-out or lazy susan cabinets improve corner functionality.

Lighting and Sightlines

• Will new cabinets block natural light from any windows? Glass-front uppers allow light to filter through.
• Do you prefer understated cabinets or a focal point? Glass fronts and darker finishes make cabinets stand out.
• Are your ceilings low? Visually lighten up the space by selecting light-colored cabinets and avoiding bulky crown molding.

Budget

• What’s your overall kitchen remodeling budget? Allocate 10-15% for new cabinets.
• How do material and door style costs compare? Wood species, finish details and door style impact price.
• Are you open to a combination of styles to maximize visual impact while minimizing cost? Mix ornate island doors with simple base cabinets.
• Does your cabinet quote align with your budget? Ask about alternate materials, door styles and finishes if over budget.

Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance

• Who will be responsible for wiping down cabinets and removing grease splatter? Low-maintenance finishes like thermofoil are easiest to wipe clean.
• Are you open to oiling or sealing wood cabinets annually to protect from moisture and warping? This will maintain their beauty.
• How will cabinets be used? Bakeware pull-out trays keep messy baking essentials behind closed doors.

Asking yourself these questions will guide you to the ideal kitchen cabinet door style for both aesthetics and function. Partner with a kitchen designer to create customized options within your budget.

Popular Kitchen Cabinet Door Styles

With the widespread options for kitchen cabinet door styles today, it can be tricky to narrow down your choices to find the perfect look for your space and needs. To guide your decision making process, here is an overview of some of the most popular kitchen cabinet door styles along with their key characteristics:

Shaker Style

Key Features:

• Flat recessed center panel with subtly raised lip around perimeter
• Clean lines create simple, versatile look
• Often made of wood but can be any material
• Commonly painted but can also be stained

Ideal If You Want:

• Timeless appeal perfect for resale
• Understated elegance that complements any decor
• Restrained style that doesn’t overpower a small kitchen

Considerations:

• Lack of ornamentation doesn’t make a dramatic style statement
• Needs careful prep and primer for painted cabinets to avoid visible wood grain

Cathedral Style

Key Features:

• Arched tops mimic Gothic cathedral architecture
• Can be full arched panel or subtle rounded curve at top
• Mostly used on upper cabinets but can also be on bases
• Glass fronts common to enhance light and accent arches

Ideal If You Want:

• Old world European flair and charm
• Unique focal point cabinets that draw the eye up
• Warm, welcoming vibe perfect for families and gatherings

Considerations:

• Doesn’t work with modern or contemporary aesthetics
• Reduced storage space and accessibility due to arched tops
• Glass fronts require diligent cleaning to maintain unobstructed views

Slab Style

Key Features:

• Simple design with flat, solid door front
• Minimal seams, no panels or ornamentation
• Integrated pulls or handles instead of knobs
• Can be wood, thermofoil or laminate

Ideal If You Want:

• Clean, contemporary look
• Streamlined, unfussy aesthetic
• Low maintenance and easily wipeable surfaces

Considerations:

• Lack of detail can feel sterile if not balanced with textures
• Integrated pulls limit handle options and may show dirt over time
• Not the warmest, most inviting style for a family-centered kitchen

Beaded Inset Panel

Key Features:

• Door set within cabinet frame creating dimensional depth
• Decorative grooves cut into door front
• Appearance of free-standing furniture pieces
• Traditionally made of solid wood

Ideal If You Want:

• Nostalgic , furniture-like old world style
• To soften lines and add dimension in contemporary kitchens
• Customized cabinets with artisan charm

Considerations:

• Grooves can collect dust and require frequent cleaning
• Traditional style needs complementing kitchen elements
• Custom work drives up cost over prefabricated cabinets

Glass Front

Key Features:

• Partial or fully glass cabinet doors
• Clear glass provides unobstructed views
• Etched, frosted or colored glass diffuses light
• Mirrored glass provides unique reflective views

Ideal If You Want:

• An open, airy aesthetic to small or dark kitchens
• To spotlight attractive dishware or glassware
• A focal point with glass mullion patterns and lighting

Considerations:

• Lack privacy and require careful organizing
• Susceptible to greasy fingerprints and require frequent cleaning
• Can make busy or cluttered kitchens look messy

The style you select can enhance your kitchen’s aesthetics, functionality and workflow. Partner with an expert kitchen designer to explore how different cabinet door styles align with your goals, lifestyle and budget.

How to Choose Kitchen Cabinet Colors

The array of kitchen cabinet colors and finishes available today provides endless options for customizing your ideal look. From subdued neutrals to bold, saturated hues, cabinet color choice conveys style, mood and personality. Follow this guide when selecting colors for your kitchen cabinet design:

Determine Your Style

• What overall style are you trying to achieve? Traditional kitchens suit warm wood tones. Contemporary designs pair well with cool greys and bright whites.
• Do you want your kitchen to make a dramatic statement or prefer an understated, neutral palette? Vibrant colors create bold visual impact.
• Is your style dictated more by architecture and materials or based on a specialty decor theme? Match cabinet color to your overarching style.
• Gather inspiration images of color palettes and kitchens you love. This will give you direction.

Consider the Undertones

• Do you gravitate toward cool blue/green undertones or warm yellow/red undertones? This will inform your color family.
• Pair warm paint undertones with wood finishes featuring red or golden tones. Cool undertones complement grey wood grains.
• If undertones clash instead of coordinate, the result will be discordant. A cool white will look stark against warm wood.

Factor in Natural Lighting

• North-facing rooms with minimal natural light can handle deeper, saturated colors without feeling dark and dreary.
• South- or west-facing rooms awash in sun may benefit from light, airy pastels that maximize brightness.
• Incorporate sun-reflecting metallics if dealing with a low-light kitchen. Glossy finishes also bounce light.

Evaluate Surrounding Elements

• Do floors, countertops, backsplashes and other materials skew warm or cool? Complement with similar cabinet colors.
• Stick with neutral cabinet colors if dealing with strongly colored stone or tile finishes to avoid clashing.
• For open floor plans, consider cabinet colors that coordinate with adjoining rooms’ decor.

Assign Colors Strategically

• Use bolder hues like navy blue on island or accent cabinets only. Keep perimeter cabinets muted.
• Paint upper cabinets lighter to create an airy, lifted effect. Use deeper shades below eye level.
• Tie varied finishes together with common hardware. Matching metal finishes provide cohesion.

See Samples In Situ

• Order samples, paint swatches or wood finish stain cards for accurate color visualization.
• View samples in the kitchen at different times of day when possible. Lighting affects color perception.
• Check samples against other kitchen elements like countertops to evaluate coordination.
• If you’re painting, test samples directly on cabinets to assess real-life appearance.

Selecting the perfect kitchen cabinet color involves careful consideration of personal style, lighting, architecture and function. View actual samples in your space to home in on hues that align with your vision.

Choosing Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

Beyond their functional purpose, kitchen cabinet hardware and pulls provide the finishing touch that completes your cabinet style. Follow these tips when selecting the perfect hardware pieces for your kitchen design:

Match Finish

Match cabinet hardware finish to other metals and fixtures in the kitchen for a cohesive look:

• Complement stainless steel appliances with brushed nickel or chrome pulls
• Pair oil-rubbed bronze hardware with wrought iron light fixtures
• Contrast black hardware against white cabinetry for contemporary style

Consider Style

Choose hardware shape and detailing to align with your kitchen style:

• Angular hardware enhances modern designs
• Ceramic knobs with distressed detailing have cottage charm
• Glass knobs add elegance to transitional kitchens
• Reeded or spiraled rope pulls have nautical flair

Mind Scale

Select hardware size tailored to cabinet style and proportions:

• Avoid ornate oversized hardware on flat slab cabinet fronts
• Opt for larger pulls on Shaker style cabinets to accentuate recessed panels
• Let narrow drawer fronts dictate pull size – go petite!
• Use medium or heavy weight pulls on chunky, rustic cabinets

Factor in Functionality

Assess hardware ease of use:

• L-shaped pulls and angular hardware make for easy grip
• Look for integrated finger ridges in sleek modern bar pulls
• Prioritize comfort with padded hardware for frequently used cabinets
• Ensure pulls provide enough clearance from the cabinet face when opened

Plan Placement

Map out hardware placement:

• Place pulls on the outside edge of drawers and doors
• Use paired handles on wider cabinets and drawers
• Align hardware horizontally – don’t mix and match placement
• Make sure adjacent hardware doesn’t interfere when opening multiple cabinets

The right kitchen cabinet hardware ties everything together, complements your style, and makes cabinets easy to access. Take time to find the perfect fit form and function.

Kitchen Cabinet Ideas for Maximizing Storage

If your kitchen cabinets are constantly overflowing with food, dishware, pots and pans, use these savvy storage ideas to keep the clutter at bay:

Alternate Shelf Styles

Maximize cabinet space with specialized pull-out shelves:

• Full extension slides provide total access to back of cabinet
• Spice storage racks mount inside cabinet doors
• Tiered roll-out systems double space for plates
• Sliding wire bins store canned goods and small items

Optimize Drawers

Use storage-savvy inserts in deep drawers:

• Vertical knife blocks secure blades safely
• Cutlery organizers neatly separate silverware
• Liner trays corral pots and pan lids conveniently
• Dividers customize drawer sections for cookie sheets, etc.

Increase Visibility

Clear see-through storage allows at-a-glance retrieval:

• Acrylic inserts provide transparency without weight
• Clear turntables bring corner cabinets into view
• Multi-bin skyrise organizers provide aerial access
• Glass canisters show off and seal in dry goods

Utilize Hybrid Cabinet Options

Specialized cabinets enhance ergonomics and access:

• Pantries with swing-out shelves and multi-tier racks add capacity
• Appliance garages hide small appliances behind retractable doors
• Slide-out tray cabinets simplify access to mixers and processors
• Lazy susans enhance corner storage with spinning access

Think Vertically

These ladder-inspired designs save floor space:

• Vertical hutch wall racks store cutting boards and prep tools
• Multi-level open pot racks display cookware on wall
• Cabinet-high pull-out pantries keep ingredients handy
• Narrow utility cabinets for trash and recycling beside range

Getting creative with storage accessories and specialty cabinetry transforms wasted space into accessible, optimized space – keeping all your essentials at your fingertips!

Pantry Design Ideas to Maximize Useable Space

For avid home chefs and passionate foodies, the pantry is a kitchen treasure trove.