Whether you are building a new home or renovating existing kitchen,cabinet doors are a major design decision that greatly impact the space’s overall style,functionality and user experience.
In this comprehensive guide,we’ll explore popular cabinet door styles,overlay types,material and color options,and customization considerations.
4 Popular Cabinet Door Styles
1.Recessed Cabinet Door
Recessed cabinet door features flat central panel that set lower or indented into the surrounding raised door frame.It creates a clean, sleek, and often minimalist look.
The most popular among them is shaker door which are designed with a clean-cut, 90-degree recess in the panel. While traditional recessed panels often have a slightly beveled or angled design at the seam of the recess.
Both traditional recessed doors and shaker doors are versatile and suit various styles, from modern to transitional and farmhouse, and can be made from different materials and finishes.
2.Raised Cabinet Door
Raised cabinet door features a distinct,dimensional central panel that elevated or raised and surround by door frame.It creates classic, elegant, and traditional look with added depth and texture.
It’s available in different material options.
- Solid Wood with stain finish to highlight the natural grain and texture.
- MDF or HDF with a layer of PVC memberane which molded under high temperature and high pressure by vacuum blister machine at one time.It’s an economical alternative to solid wood door,but less durable and lack of authentic texture.
3.Flat cabinet doors
Flat cabinet doors is also called slab doors.The surface is smooth and flat, devoid of any decorative lines, and is typically paired with concealed handles (such as push-to-open mechanisms,integrated finger pulls) or minimalist long handles.
Flat doors can be made from solid wood,laminates,stainless steel etc.
4.Glass cabinet doors
Glass cabinet doors are a game-changer for elevating kitchen aesthetics and design appeal. They break up the monotony of the space, adding a sense of openness and sophistication.
It features a metal or timber frame designed to accommodate a variety of glass inserts.Popular glass options are clear glass,frosted glass,textured glass,colored enamel glass etc.
3 Types of Kitchen Cabinet Overlay
Besides kitchen door styles,overlay is also an important part to consider in kitchen decor.The overlay of a cabinet door is determined by how much the door covers the cabinet structure.
There are 3 basic overlay types:
- Inset
The cabinet door is flush against the cabinet structure/frame for flat,seamless apprearance.Inset doors are ideal for creating a refined, timeless aesthetic, often seen in high-end cabinet designs.
- Full Overlay
Cabinet door with full overlay sits on top and completely covers the cabinet frame.It creats sleek, modern look with minimal visible gap.
- Partial Overlay
Different from full overlay,the cabinet door sits on top but cover a portion of the cabinet frame,leaves remaining part visible.
*Please note that these three types of overlays require different hinges.If cabinet structure and door are made of different material and color difference exists,it might be visible with partial overlay.
What’s the Common Material Options for Cabinet Door?
Door panels determine how visually appealing the cabinets are and how difficult they are to clean.Figure out the cabinet style you want (modern minimalist, European, American, Chinese, etc.) and different materials are suitable for different styles.
There are 5 popular materials for custom made cabinet door.
| Material Options | Composition | Pros | Cons | Style | Price |
| Laminate cabinet door | Particle board or plywood with melamine resin finish,various colors and textures. | Rich color, high simulation (wood grain, stone grain, etc.), Durable & budget-friendly. Lowmaintenance. | Limited shape-flat surface only, can not do concave-convex shape. | modern, minimalist etc. | ★★ |
| Lacquer cabinet door | MDF(middle density fiber board) or HDF (high density fiber board) | Rich color. Smooth surface, easy to clean. Water-proof and moisture-proof. | Easily scratched, Fingerprint visible. | modern, minimalist etc. | ★★★ |
| PVC cabinet door | MDF/HDF with PVC membrane molded under high temperature and pressure | Various shape , color option. Budget-friendly. | Not heat-resistant. Surface membrane will fade color or peeling over time. | Classical, modern, transitional etc. | ★★☆ |
| Solid wood cabinet door | Natural solid wood(Oak/Walnut/Cherry etc.) | Natural grain, eco-friendly, classic and timeless, high-end. | Color difference. Prone to warp or bend over time in humid conditions. | Classical, Transitional, European, American, Modern… | ★★★★☆ |
| Stainless Steel cabinet door | Stainless steel honeycomb with SS sheets surface. | Various texture & finishes. Durable,Eco-friendly, Easy to clean. | High price | Minimalist,Industrial,transitional … | ★★★★★ |
Color Guide for Cabinet Door
Classic Versatility: White, Gray, Timber-look. A foolproof choice that complements most styles.
- White: Expands space and creates a clean look, ideal for compact kitchens. Options include pure white, offwhite, and beige.
- Gray: Sophisticated and grounded,light gray, medium gray, and deep gray (charcoal) are recommended.
- Timber-look: Warm and natural, ranging from light natural wood to dark walnut, offering diverse choices.
Stand Out with Personality: Blue, Green, Black, and Morandi Colors. Ideal for families seeking individuality and design sense.
- Deep Blue/Dark Green: Vintage and elegant, often used in French or Country styles.
- Black: Minimalist perfection, but requires thoughtful lighting and space planning to avoid feeling oppressive.
- Morandi Colors (e.g., Gray-Blue, Dusty Pink): Low saturation, soft and sophisticated, extremely popular in recent years.
Color Coordination Principles:
- Follow color layering to avoid a monotonous look:“Light Walls, Medium-colored Floors, Dark Cabinets” or “Dark Walls, Medium-colored Floors, Light Cabinets”.
- Upper/Lower Cabinet Contrast: Use different colors for wall and base cabinets (e.g., white wall cabinets with gray base cabinets) to enhance design appeal.
- Countertop Harmony: Ensure cabinet door colors complement the color and texture of countertop.
3 Key Factors to Consider When Selecting Cabinet Doors
- Style
Choosing a cabinet door style that complements your home’s aesthetic.
- Price
Consider your budget after style is finalized.The same style can be achieved using different materials.
- Durability
The durability of cabinet door panels is crucial for both the daily user experience and long-term maintenance.
Selecting perfect cabinet door is a process that involves a comprehensive consideration of style, budget, practicality, and details.
Not sure where to begin? We’re here to help. TBM provide custom made kitchen cabinet for your project—built to balance performance, aesthetics, and long-term value.Free sample and free design is available! Contact us now！
