Do you know that achieving a bright, open kitchen requires some pretty difficult decisions? Your Pinterest board might be overflowing with ideas, but do you know that putting them all together requires some pretty tough decisions? Choosing the right cabinets is one of them-and it comes with perhaps the biggest rewards. But choosing the best cabinets to go with the style of your home and your lifestyle is imperative to achieving a cohesive and functional kitchen and home.Â
Unfortunately, choosing a kitchen cabinet style can quickly become overwhelming when you don’t know your Shaker from your slab. To save you some of that stress, we’ve zeroed in on what you need to know about kitchen cabinet styles so you can find the perfect cabinets to go with any home.
01
Framed vs. Frameless Cabinets
There are two types of cabinet construction: framed and frameless. In framed cabinets, hinges and doors are attached to a face frame at the front. Overlays, partial overlays, and inset doors are available in framed cabinets. Doors with overlay styles rest on top of cabinet frames. Doors on inset cabinets (such as those shown here) sit flush with the cabinet frame when closed. Because they require more work to ensure a perfect fit between the door and frame, inset doors can be more expensive (and offer less storage).
Frameless cabinets, which originated in Europe but have become increasingly popular in the U.S., are fitted with full overlay doors that attach directly to the cabinet box via hinges. In addition to looking more contemporary, frameless cabinets have a bit more storage space inside-great for extending your kitchen’s storage capacity.
Several common door styles are available within those two categories of cabinet construction.
02
Shaker Style Cabinets
Whether you have a modern aesthetic, a transitional aesthetic, or a traditional aesthetic, Shaker cabinets are the most popular. In addition to being flat panels, Shaker doors feature a frame made up of rails (horizontal pieces) and stiles (vertical pieces).
Depending on how you customize the cabinet and what other kitchen design elements you pair with it, its simplicity can complement a wide variety of kitchen designs. With different types of edge detailing inside the frame, shaker-style can be made as to go a little more modern or more traditional.
Shaker-style cabinets are loved for their versatility and timeless appeal, but dust and grime can collect inside the frame, making them difficult to maintain. This kitchen chameleon, however, will enhance almost any style and look chic for quite some time if you’re OK with the upkeep.
03
Slab Cabinet Doors
You probably envision slab cabinet doors in a kitchen with a sleek, modern aesthetic. Also known as flat panel cabinets, these cabinets are made of plywood or MDF with a single, smooth surface. Various finishes and veneers are available for flat panels, including glossy white, gray, or colored lacquer, as well as natural wood tones so ultimately flat panel doors can be made for with many different home styles. An unadorned cabinet front can be paired with statement hardware or look sophisticated without any hardware at all.
There is more to flat panel cabinets than their stark, minimalist appearance. Using different colors or wood finishes can warm up this minimalist-style cabinet. A flat panel cabinet is easier to keep clean than other cabinet styles since there are no details or crevices to attract dust or cooking grease.
04
Traditional Cabinet Doors
Traditional-style cabinets create a homey, elegant look thanks to their warmth and timeless appeal. Incorporate furniture-inspired details such as decorative legs and corbels into your space with traditional cabinets if you love a more formal aesthetic.
Traditionally, traditional cabinets feature raised center panels rather than flat ones, and they are typically painted in warmer colors such as wood tones. There are also options for glazes and antique finishes. In contrast to Shaker-style cabinetry, traditional cabinetry often has arches, curved details, or other embellishments. If you’re looking for a light and airy feel, traditional may not be the cabinets to go with.
05
Beadboard Cabinets
If charming cottage or modern farmhouse is the feeling you want to evoke in your new kitchen, then consider beadboard kitchen cabinets. Styled after traditional beadboard that was used on walls, these cabinets can fit in a home that’s modern or traditional. They are moderately priced as they are overlay cabinet doors that are similar in construction to modern flat-front doors, but with grooved panels at the front. Complement this look with an aged brass cup pull for the full cottage effect. Beadboard cabinets can be stained or painted. White beadboard cabinets are common but far from your only option.
06
Glass-Front Cabinets
There are plenty of picture-perfect kitchens featuring glass-front cabinets on designers’ Instagram accounts. You can display a collection of pretty dishes, glasses, or decorative objects on a cabinet with glass doors to break up a run of solid-door cabinets. In addition to dressing up your kitchen, glass-front cabinets are very attractive next to a window. Reflected light makes the space appear larger and brighter.
It is important to note, however, that glass-front cabinets are not for everyone. Does keeping your dishes stacked perfectly not matter to you? If so, you may want to avoid glass doors. You may want to consider including some mirrored cabinets in your kitchen design instead of glass if you want the expansive effect of glass without the pressure.
Choosing the right cabinets to go in your kitchen can be difficult, because they are a huge investment that you want to weather the test of time. If you need help deciding, the in-house staff at Timeless Kitchen Outlet is always available to lend a hand in picking the right style for your home.
