One of the first things you notice when entering a kitchen is the cabinets. After all, cabinets take up a significant amount of space, making them more visually prominent, which can have a huge influence on your kitchen’s overall aesthetic.
However, with all the different cabinet styles to choose from, most homeowners find it challenging to determine which option best suits their needs and their kitchen’s existing design.
There are multiple factors to consider when selecting the ideal kitchen cabinets. Some of these factors include the kitchen’s layout, your preferred design style, the amount of storage needed, and your budget.
This blog will serve as a helpful guide for homeowners, providing detailed information and expert advice on selecting the ideal kitchen cabinets for your kitchen remodeling or renovation project.
What Are The Different Styles Of Kitchen Cabinets?
At Kitchen & More, we offer six types of kitchen cabinets: Shaker, Flat-Panel, Inset, Louvered, Beadboard, and Glass-Front. Here’s a brief overview of each style to help you decide which one is the best match for your kitchen.
Shaker-Style Kitchen Cabinets
Shaker-style cabinets are one of the most popular kitchen cabinets among homeowners. Whether you have a traditional or modern kitchen, this cabinet style is highly versatile and offers a timeless appeal.
This cabinet style features a five-piece door with a recessed center panel, making them relatively easy to maintain. Shaker-style cabinets can also be painted in any colour or left in a natural wood finish, giving homeowners the flexibility to personalize their kitchen’s look.
Additionally, Shaker-style cabinets are easy to clean because their simple design lacks intricate mouldings that can collect dust.
Flat-Panel Kitchen Cabinets
Flat-panel cabinets, also known as slab-door style, are a type of kitchen cabinet that has a flat front with no frames or detailing and slightly recessed doors.
While both Shaker-style and flat-panel cabinets share a minimalist aesthetic, flat-panel cabinets take it a step further with their completely smooth, unembellished surfaces, making them particularly ideal for ultra-modern and contemporary kitchens.
Typically, these cabinets are constructed using solid wood like cherry or oak. However, flat-panel cabinets can also be manufactured from materials like particleboard or medium-density fiberboard (MDF).
This cabinet style is also great for busy kitchens as they require minimal upkeep and can be effortlessly cleaned due to their smooth, flat surfaces.
Raised Panel Kitchen Cabinets
For homeowners who prefer cabinets with a more intricate and detailed design, raised panel kitchen cabinets stand out as a top choice. As the name implies, raised-panel cabinets are characterized by a raised center panel, in contrast to the recessed-panel designs typical of Shaker and Craftsman styles.
Made from superior wood, raised panel cabinets are built to withstand the rigours of a busy kitchen. They are available in a range of finishes, from deep, dark stains that enhance the wood’s natural beauty to light, painted options that add a bright and airy feel to the room.
Inset Kitchen Cabinets
As the name suggests, inset cabinets are a type of cabinet in which the doors and drawers are set inside the cabinet frame rather than overlaying it. This creates a smooth and uncluttered look.
Inset cabinets have specific installation requirements and are generally more labour-intensive to install. Additionally, inset cabinets are typically crafted with high-quality materials such as solid wood (oak, maple, cherry, walnut), plywood, MDF, and hardwood veneer.
As a result, these cabinets are generally more expensive than standard overlay cabinets. However, the price is warranted by their precision and the seamless, custom look they provide.
These cabinets are best suited for traditional, transitional, and farmhouse-style kitchens.
Glass-Front Kitchen Cabinets
Glass-front cabinets are a great option for homeowners who want to create an open and airy feel in their kitchen while displaying their favourite decorative items. Common styles include clear glass for full visibility, frosted glass for a subtle, soft look, and seeded glass for a vintage, textured appearance.
Glass-front cabinets work well with smaller kitchens and open-plan kitchens as they create an illusion of more space, making the area feel larger and more open.
Glass-front kitchen cabinets are typically more expensive than standard cabinets. The price varies depending on the glass type and construction quality. However, many see them as a worthwhile investment for the added visual appeal and functionality.
Custom Kitchen Cabinets
At Kitchen & More, we specialize in creating custom kitchen cabinets that are specifically designed to meet your kitchen’s unique dimensions and your preferred style that stock cabinets cannot match.
We can also incorporate additional features, such as specialized storage solutions and built-in appliances, into your custom kitchen cabinets. Additionally, opting for custom kitchen cabinets enables you to combine different types of kitchen cabinets for a highly personalized and cohesive look.
Which Cabinet Is the Best Choice For Your Kitchen?
| Cabinet Type | Description | Price Range | Pros | Cons | Best For |
| Shaker-Style | Features a five-piece door with a recessed center panel. Versatile for traditional and modern kitchens | Moderate | Timeless appeal, versatile, easy to clean, customizable finishes | Can look plain in highly decorative kitchens | Traditional, Modern |
| Flat-Panel | Also known as slab-door style; flat front with no frames or detailing. Ideal for ultra-modern and contemporary kitchens. | Moderate | Minimalist aesthetic, easy to clean, smooth surfaces, can be made from various materials | Can appear too plain for some tastes, limited decorative options | Modern, Contemporary |
| Raised Panel | Characterized by a raised center panel, offering intricate and detailed design. | Expensive | Classic, detailed design, durable, available in various finishes | Higher cost, more difficult to clean due to detailed surfaces | Traditional, Luxurious |
| Inset | Doors and drawers are set inside the cabinet frame, creating a smooth and uncluttered look. | High-end | Precise, seamless look, highly durable, custom appearance | High cost, labor-intensive installation | Traditional, Transitional, Farmhouse |
| Glass Front | Features glass panels in the doors. Options include clear, frosted, and seeded glass. Creates an open, airy feel and displays decorative items. | Expensive | Enhances visual appeal, makes space feel larger, and versatile styles | Higher cost, requires organized storage to maintain visual appeal | Small kitchens, Open-plan kitchens |
| Custom | Tailored to fit specific dimensions and style preferences, incorporating specialized storage solutions and built-in appliances. | Very Expensive | Highly personalized, maximizes space, integrates various styles and features | Most expensive, longer lead time for production and installation | Unique layouts, High-end kitchens |
Let Our Experts at Kitchen & More Help You
Choosing cabinets is an essential step in the kitchen design process. While faucets, lighting, and countertops can be replaced fairly easily, updating cabinets requires serious effort. This is why it’s important to invest in high-quality, durable cabinets that match your style and needs.
Our knowledgeable team at Kitchen & More will provide personalized advice and help you explore the best options, making sure you find cabinets that align with your vision and practical requirements.
