Cabinet Door Style for Small Kitchens
If you have a small kitchen, you'll need to be strategic with color choices, decor, and cabinet door styles. The wrong style can completely change the look and feel of the space, making it appear smaller than it actually is.
With space-saving or light-enhancing cabinet door styles, you can maximize storage and transform your small kitchen into an inviting space. We're here to walk you through the most popular styles for small kitchen cabinets so that you can be strategic with your next home makeover. Here's everything you need to know:
What Makes a Cabinet Door Ideal for a Small Kitchen?
When you have a small kitchen, you want to prioritize maximizing space. Certain cabinet door styles, materials, and wood species can make a space feel smaller than it actually is. It can also make the kitchen look cluttered or messy. Being strategic with the style and design can ensure you create a welcoming space that appears bigger than it actually is.
Best Cabinet Door Styles for Small Kitchens
When exploring different small kitchen cabinet door styles, it's always best to consider your functional needs and design goals for the space. From there, choose a style that helps maximize space in a compact layout. Here are a few of our top small kitchen cabinet door styles:
Shaker Cabinet Doors
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Shaker-style cabinet doors are a crowd favorite. The simple structure pairs elegantly with various aesthetics. This cabinet door type also features narrow stiles and rails, which reduce the overall visual weight, making it ideal for smaller kitchen layouts.
Slab Cabinet Doors
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Slab cabinet doors feature a completely flat surface and lack ornate details. The simple design of the door pairs well with modern and minimalist home designs. The space-saving design also makes it a great option for smaller kitchens and tight spaces.
Recessed Panel Doors
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Recessed panel doors feature a simple frame with an inset panel. The subtle detailing adds dimension without being too overwhelming. This style works well in transitional and traditional home designs and also works well stained or painted.
Raised Panel Doors (Selectively Used)
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Raised panel doors are a traditional style that can work well in a small kitchen when styled correctly. However, you'll want to be mindful of the door design. Some styles have ornate details that can make a space feel cluttered or too busy.
If you like the design of this door style and want to incorporate it into your kitchen, consider pairing it with slab cabinet doors. This way, you can take advantage of the space-saving design while still adding subtle architectural interest.
Small Kitchen Cabinets with Glass Doors
Glass-ready cabinet doors reflect natural light, making your small kitchen appear brighter and more inviting. To use glass-ready cabinet doors to your advantage, consider mixing and matching with another cabinet door style. Glass-ready cabinet doors are ideal for upper cabinets. You can also use this style to showcase your favorite dishware or decorations, making the space more visually interesting.
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Color & Finish Tips to Open Up a Small Kitchen
When exploring different colors and styles, you may be wondering: Do dark cabinets make a kitchen look smaller? The answer is not always. Lighter shades and neutrals reflect natural light and can make your kitchen appear smaller. However, if you want to invite darker colors into the space, consider a two-tone setup. With this approach, choose a lighter shade for the upper cabinets and a darker shade for the lower cabinets. This will add depth and dimension, without making the space look smaller than it is.
Hardware for Small Kitchen Cabinet Doors
When your goal is to maximize space, it's best to choose cabinet hardware with a slim profile for small kitchens. Bulky knobs and pulls can make a space feel cluttered. It can also make a space feel smaller and more cramped. The best way to get the most from your space is to use cabinet door knobs on the upper cabinets and cabinet door pulls on the lower cabinets. You'll also want to choose more modern or smaller styles that lack ornate details.
Storage-Friendly Cabinet Door Choices: Full-Overlays
Smaller kitchens typically have fewer storage options, making it more challenging to store small appliances, pots, and bulky pans. The best way to maximize space is to go with a full-overlay door style. Full-overlays cover the entire cabinet frame, offering a modern appearance, allowing for more storage inside the cabinet.
Transform Your Small Kitchen Cabinet Doors with Cabinet Door Factory
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No matter the size of your kitchen, custom-made cabinet doors are the best choice for your space. With custom-sized cabinet doors, you can ensure an expert fit for the measurements you provide and maximize the space in your cabinets.
At Cabinet Door Factory, we specialize in custom-made solutions and superior craftsmanship. We have a variety of custom-made doors available in various wood species, colors, and styles. Whether you prefer a sleek, modern kitchen or a traditional appearance, we have you covered.
Explore our collection of small kitchen cabinet doors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Kitchen Cabinet Doors
What’s the most low-maintenance cabinet door for a small kitchen?
Slab cabinet doors feature a completely flat surface and lack ornate details, making it easy to clean and maintain a pristine appearance.
Can I mix door styles in a small kitchen?
Yes, mixing styles is a great way to add depth and dimension to your space without overwhelming the design. A popular way to mix door styles is to pair slab doors for the lower cabinets with raised panel doors for the upper cabinets.
What overlay works best for small kitchens—full, partial, or inset?
Full overlay cabinet doors are best for small kitchens. This overlay maximizes cabinet space while offering a sleek, modern appearance.
