The Different Cabinet Door Styles to Choose From

By Fred & Daniela

Posted April 21, 2023

As the saying goes, “the devil is in the details,” and this couldn’t be truer when it comes to home design. Whether you’re renovating your kitchen or just looking to update your cabinets, choosing the right cabinet door style can make all the difference in achieving the look and feel you desire. From sleek and modern to classic and traditional, there are endless options to consider when it comes to cabinet door styles. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular cabinet door styles, and help you determine which one is right for you.

Popular Cabinet Door Styles

Cabinet doors are the front and center of your cabinets, and as such, they are one of the most important design elements to consider. Cabinet doors come in a variety of materials, including wood, glass, and metal, and can be made in a variety of styles to suit your design aesthetic.

Raised Panel Cabinet Doors

One of the most popular cabinet door styles is the raised panel door. This style features a raised panel in the center of the door, which adds depth and dimension to the design. Raised panel doors come in a variety of profiles, including square, arch, and cathedral, and can be made from a variety of woods, including oak, maple, and cherry.

Shaker Style Cabinet Doors

If you’re looking for a classic and timeless look, consider shaker style cabinet doors. This style features a simple, clean design with a flat panel in the center and a frame around the edges. Shaker cabinet doors are typically made from wood and can be painted or stained to suit your design preferences.

Flat Panel Cabinet Doors

If you prefer a more modern and minimalist look, flat panel cabinet doors may be the right choice for you. This style features a flat panel in the center of the door, with a simple frame around the edges. Flat panel doors can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, glass, and metal, and can be painted or stained to match your design aesthetic.

Glass Cabinet Doors

This style features a sleek panel of glass in the center of the door, which not only adds an element of elegance to your space, but also allows you to display your beautiful dishes and glassware. You can choose from clear glass for a modern and minimalist look, frosted glass for a touch of privacy and sophistication, or textured glass for a more unique and artistic feel. Additionally, you can opt for a framed or frameless design to suit your personal preference.

Mullion Cabinet Doors

Mullion cabinet doors are a popular design choice for homeowners looking to add a touch of elegance and charm to their kitchen. These doors are characterized by the presence of multiple panels of glass, which are separated by slim strips of wood known as mullions. The mullions serve to enhance the overall aesthetic of the cabinet doors and add a level of detail that elevates the design.

Louvred Cabinet Doors

Louvred cabinet doors feature horizontal slats of wood that allow air to circulate through the cabinets. This style is often seen in coastal or tropical-inspired kitchens and can be a great way to add some texture and visual interest to your cabinets.

Inset Cabinet Doors

Inset cabinet doors are a type of cabinet door that sits flush with the cabinet frame, rather than overlapping it like traditional overlay doors. This style of cabinet door is made with a frame that is fitted into the cabinet opening, allowing the door to sit inside the frame. The result is a sleek and seamless look that highlights the beauty of the cabinet itself.

Beadboard Cabinet Doors

Beadboard cabinet doors are a charming and cottage-like option for kitchen cabinets. They have vertical slats that create a textured and decorative look. Beadboard cabinet doors are often made from wood, and they can be painted or stained to match your kitchen’s style.

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Cabinet Door Style

Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of the various cabinet door styles available, it’s essential to think about which one would be the most appropriate for your space. Below are some crucial factors to consider when selecting a cabinet door style.

Consider Your Kitchen Style

When selecting a cabinet door style, it’s essential to consider the overall style of your kitchen. Your cabinet doors should complement the design of your space rather than compete with it. Here are some popular kitchen styles and the cabinet door styles that work well with them:

Traditional Kitchen – Raised panel doors are the perfect choice for traditional kitchens. They offer a classic and timeless look that pairs well with traditional design elements like ornate mouldings, corbels, and embellishments.
Modern Kitchen – Flat panel doors are ideal for modern kitchens. They offer a clean and simple look that complements sleek and contemporary design elements like stainless steel appliances and minimalistic hardware.
Farmhouse Kitchen – Shaker doors work well in farmhouse-style kitchens. Their clean and simple design pairs well with rustic elements like reclaimed wood, apron sinks, and butcher block countertops.
Coastal Kitchen – Glass doors are an excellent choice for coastal-style kitchens. They add a light and airy feel to the space, and the glass inserts can be customized to reflect the colours and patterns of the ocean.

No matter what kind of style you’re going for in your dream kitchen, there is sure to be a wide range of cabinet door styles to choose from that will fit perfectly into the overall design aesthetic.

Consider Your Budget

Another crucial factor to consider when selecting a cabinet door style is your budget. Cabinet doors can vary greatly in price, depending on the material, finish, and style. Here’s a breakdown of some popular materials and their associated costs:

Solid wood cabinet doors are the most expensive option but offer a high-end look and durability. Prices can range from $150-$500 per door.
Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is a more affordable option that can mimic the look of real wood. Prices can range from $50-$150 per door.
Thermofoil is a vinyl-like material that is applied to MDF or particleboard doors. It’s the most affordable option and can cost as little as $20 per door.

Consider Durability

Durability should be at the top of your priority list when choosing a cabinet door style. After all, cabinets are not just decorative elements, they serve an important functional purpose. They store your dishes, pots, pans, and other kitchen essentials, and they need to be sturdy enough to withstand everyday wear and tear. The last thing you want is to invest time and money in new cabinet doors, only to find them damaged or worn out after just a few months.

Shaker-style doors are a great option for durability, as they’re simple and sturdy. Additionally, solid wood and plywood doors are more durable than MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) doors.

Summary

Choosing the right cabinet door style is an important part of any kitchen renovation. By understanding the different styles and considering factors such as your personal taste, kitchen style, durability, budget, and hardware, you can make an informed decision that will help create the kitchen of your dreams.

Fred & Daniela

Prior to Final Draft Cabinetry’s existence, Fred owned CTI Industries, a cabinet installation company. Prior to that, he had developed a trade school program specific to cabinet installations that was recognized by the North American governing body of kitchen and bath design. Fred then decided he wanted to put his energy into CTI Industries where he led his crew of 21 installers to install over 1200 kitchens throughout the lower mainland, for over a dozen different cabinet manufacturers. Daniela’s artistic and creative abilities started at a young age. She pursued her dream of becoming a ballet dancer and had a professional career in dance that lasted 20 years. Upon retiring from dance, she turned her creative flair towards interior decorating and became a Certified Interior Decorator. Daniela brought her creative background and skill set to Final Draft Cabinetry in 2013 where she discovered her passion for the cabinet industry.