Cabinet Doors Explained: Choosing the Right Style for Your Home
When you’re choosing new kitchen or bathroom cabinets, you’ll be faced with a wide variety of door styles. The doors are the “face” of your cabinetry, and their design has a huge impact on the overall look and feel of your space. Here are the most common styles explained.
Shaker
This is one of the most popular and versatile styles today. A Shaker cabinet door has a simple five-piece construction with a flat, recessed center panel and a square frame. The clean lines of Shaker doors work well in everything from a traditional kitchen to a modern kitchen design.
Raised Panel
Often seen in classic and formal designs, a raised panel cabinet door features a center panel that is elevated, creating a sense of depth and dimension. This style often has decorative detailing on the frame and is perfect for a timeless, elegant look.
Inset
For a high-end, custom look, consider inset cabinet doors. Unlike other styles that sit on top of the cabinet frame, an inset door is set into the frame, sitting perfectly flush when closed. This style requires precise craftsmanship and can create a beautiful, furniture-like feel.
Slab
Also known as flat panel, this is the most minimalistic style. A slab door is a single, flat piece with no frame or detailing. The smooth surface makes it easy to clean and is a favorite for contemporary kitchen and modern homes.
Beyond the style, you’ll also choose an overlay, which determines how the door sits on the cabinet frame. A full overlay creates a seamless, modern look by covering almost the entire face frame, while a partial overlay exposes more of the frame for a more traditional appearance.
