Whether you use your kitchen mostly for cooking and eating or as a social room for family gatherings, your kitchen gets a lot of use. With kitchens being one of the most utilized rooms in many homes, cabinet doors aren't just any small choice. Choosing a style of a cabinet door to complement your kitchen may seem like a daunting task.
With so many types of cabinet doors available, there is sure to be one that adds the perfect touch to your kitchen. Two of the main types of cabinet doors are flat panel cabinet doors and raised panel cabinet doors. Aside from flat panel and raised panel cabinet doors there is also a variety of other looks to choose from. The types of cabinet doors that we will discuss in further detail are:
- Flat-panel cabinet doors
- Slab panel cabinet doors
- Plywood panel cabinet doors
- Shaker cabinet doors
- Raised panel cabinet doors
- Reverse raised panel cabinet doors
- Glass-front cabinet doors
- Mullion cabinet doors
- Louvered cabinet doors
- Chicken wire front cabinet doors
- Inset cabinet doors
- Overlay cabinet doors
- Distressed cabinet doors
- Thermofoil cabinet doors
- Beadboard cabinet doors
1. Flat-panel cabinet doors
Click here to find this product on Amazon.
The centerpiece on a flat-panel cabinet door is flat with no raise. This center panel is usually lower than the surrounding trim.
Flat-panel cabinet doors have a simple design that allows them to coordinate with many different kitchen styles. There are several flat-panel cabinet doors to choose from, including but not limited to slab panels, plywood panels, and shaker cabinet doors.
2. Slab panel cabinet doors
The slab panel style cabinet door is a flat-panel cabinet door that consists of a single flat slab of wood without trim. Slab panel cabinet doors are the simplest of cabinet doors.
These simple cabinet doors coordinate well with most kitchen styles because of their plain design. They are easy to clean and can be accentuated with decorative knobs or handles.
3. Plywood panel cabinet doors
Plywood panel doors are also flat-panel cabinet doors that have ply molding framing the front of the cabinet door but both the face and back of the door are flat. They are typically covered in a veneer for a smooth finish.
BWR or boiling water-resistant plywood is exterior grade and recommended for use in the kitchen. Plywood is lighter and less expensive than traditional wood.
4. Shaker cabinet doors
Click here to find this product on Amazon.
Shaker cabinet doors are another flat-panel cabinet door that has a recessed center panel surrounded by a simple 4-piece border. These cabinet doors have become popular due to their basic versatile style.
Created over 200 years ago, shaker cabinet doors have a timeless simple design and coordinate with contemporary or traditional design. White or grey painted Shaker cabinet doors have recently become widely popular in kitchen design.
5. Raised panel cabinet doors
Click here to find this product on Amazon.
Raised panel cabinet doors are a more formal and traditional style of cabinets doors. These cabinet doors consist of a raised center panel framed by decorative trim and edge profiles.
This style of cabinets is normally made from solid wood. This makes for a very durable cabinet door.
6. Reverse raised panel cabinet doors
The front side of reverse raised panel cabinet doors looks similar to shaker-style cabinet doors. The difference is hidden behind the cabinet door.
This style of cabinet door uses a solid slab of wood, making it a durable choice. The raised panel portion of the wood is located inside the cabinet door.
7. Glass front cabinet doors
For some extra elegance in your kitchen space, glass front cabinet doors make quite a statement. Glass front cabinet doors are the perfect way to showcase all of that fancy dishware that you never know what to do with.
Glass fronts may not be the choice for you if you don't like keeping your dishes organized so opting for only top glass front cabinets can also be considered. Adding in-cabinet lighting is a great way to highlight your glass front cabinet doors and can give your space the illusion of added space.
Types of glass front cabinet doors
Glass fronts can come in various styles that will give your cabinet doors completely different looks. Embossed or textured glass can add an artistic touch to your kitchen that can be uniquely tailored to your tastes.
Transparent glass-front cabinets are great for showcasing your dishes and china but can be difficult to maintain and keep clean. Frosted glass front cabinet doors can add a modern touch without the upkeep of transparent glass.
8. Mullion cabinet doors
Mullion is a molding that can divide or overlay glass front cabinet doors. This style of a cabinet door can add a decorative accent to your kitchen space.
Mullion molding comes in endless options to add the perfect artistic touch to your cabinet doors. This molding can be purchased separately as an overlay for your existing glass cabinets if replacing your cabinet doors completely is not an option.
9. Louvered cabinet doors
Click here to find this product on Amazon.
If glass front cabinet doors are too transparent for your tastes, consider Louvered cabinet doors. Horizontal slats are the hallmark sign of Louvered cabinet doors.
Louvered fronts are a great way to keep your dishes aired out but can be a possible entrance for dust particles to settle inside of your cabinets. This particular style of cabinet door goes well with cottage and country-style kitchens.
10. Chicken wire front cabinet doors
For an inexpensive way to refinish the front of your cabinet doors, chicken wire can give your space the perfect rustic country touch. Adding light to the inside of your cabinets can also give this look an extra warm glow.
Chicken wire front cabinets are an easy do-it-yourself project. They are made simply by cutting out the center panel of your cabinet and nailing the chicken wire to the inside of the opening.
11. Inset cabinet doors
The inset style of cabinet doors fits snugly into an opening of the cabinet. There is no overlap of the door with the cabinet opening.
The surface of your cabinets will have a flush look to them when using inset cabinets. Inset cabinets can be quite costly because of the precise fit that is required of an inset cabinet door.
Types of inset cabinet doors
Inset cabinet doors are an elegant touch to your kitchen cabinets that come in several different options. Raised panel cabinet doors have the appearance of a protruding panel that stands out from the flush cabinet opening.
Mission-style inset cabinets have a trademark arch that gives them a distinct look. Shaker cabinets have a simple flush look with a center panel that appears recessed.
12. Overlay cabinet doors
The overlap of this cabinet door is the hallmark sign of an overlay cabinet door. Unlike inset cabinets, there is not a flush look to the overlay style of the cabinet doors.
Overlay cabinet doors overlap the opening of the cabinet, covering the entire face. Because there is no need for a precise fit of overlay cabinet doors, they are less costly than inlet cabinet doors.
13. Distressed cabinet doors
Distressed style is very popular, especially with those who like the shabby chic or vintage look. Your existing cabinets can even be reused and distressed to get this look in your kitchen.
Distressing your cabinets can be a fun do-it-yourself project that only requires a bit of sanding and distressed painting technique. A professional can also be hired to accomplish this look.
14. Thermofoil cabinet doors
For a cost-efficient option in cabinet doors, consider Thermofoil cabinet doors. Although the name would have you believe otherwise, Thermofoil cabinet doors contain no metal.
Thermofoil cabinet doors are MDF or medium-density fiberboard overlayed with vinyl. These cabinets are inexpensive and often found in apartments or rental properties.
15. Beadboard cabinet doors
Vertical grooves make beadboard panels a stylish addition to your kitchen cabinets. Beadboard cabinet doors add a traditional and cottage-like feel to your space.
To create this look, beadboard paneling can be used to overlay your existing cabinet door surface. This look can also be achieved using wallpaper as shown in the example above.
Final thoughts
Because your kitchen is such an important part of your home, cabinets can add a unique decorative accent to your space. Cabinets should compliment your style and add some character to your kitchen. While cabinets should also be functional, the cabinet door is the most visible portion of your cabinet and can change the entire look of your room. We hope that the selection of types of kitchen cabinet doors that we have provided helps you to make a decision that fits your home.
Before you go, here are some other articles that may be of help to you:
Should Wall Color Match Kitchen Cabinets?
Do Kitchen Cabinets Need Handles? [Inc. Handleless Options]
![This modern kitchen gives a wide view showing the wood floor and cabinets, How Tall Are Kitchen Cabinets? [3 Types Examined]](https://kitchenseer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/This-modern-kitchen-gives-a-wide-view-showing-the-wood-floor-and-cabinets-250x250.jpg)
![Stylish light gray handles on cabinets, Do Kitchen Cabinets Need Handles? [Inc. Handleless Options]](https://kitchenseer.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Stylish-light-gray-handles-on-cabinets-250x250.jpg)