Guide to Cabinet Drawer Fronts
Upgrading the cabinet doors in your kitchen or bathroom for your next DIY project? Don't forget the cabinet drawer fronts. The drawer fronts are designed to complement the style of your cabinet doors. This added detail will elevate your space and help you achieve a pristine, put-together look.
Not sure which drawer face designs are best for your project? We put together a guide to the different types of cabinet drawer fronts. Here's everything you need to know:
What is a Drawer Front?
A drawer front is a panel designed to cover an opening of a drawer. This outer panel has a similar appeal to a cabinet door but is designed for much smaller openings.
There are various cabinet drawer types to choose from that come in different colors, wood species, and styles. You can also completely customize yours with different cabinet hardware.
The Five Most Popular Drawer Front Styles
When exploring different types of cabinet drawer fronts, it's always best to consider the cabinet door style. Matching your drawer fronts to the cabinet doors is a great way to get a cohesive look in your space. However, some homeowners choose to go with a more simple design or style for their drawer fronts.
Here are the top five most popular drawer face designs:
1. Shaker Style Drawer Front
Shaker style is defined by its simple structure and clean lines. It features a flat middle panel and is surrounded by a raised frame. The style typically lacks ornate details and is considered one of the most versatile styles on the market.
2. Flat-Panel Style Drawer Front
Flat-panel is commonly referred to as slab drawer fronts. The style is flat and lacks raised edges or decorative details. This drawer front style is the typical choice for modern and minimalist aesthetics. It can also be paired with various cabinet door styles.
- Highland Edge Banded Slab Drawer Front (Vertical Grain)
- Livingston Edge Banded Slab Drawer Front (Horizontal Grain)
3. Raised-Panel Style Drawer Front
Raised-panel drawer fronts have a raised center panel. The panel is sometimes paired with ornate details, rope molding, or a beaded design. This drawer-front style is a top choice for traditional and contemporary home designs.
4. Inset Style Drawer Front
Inset drawer fronts have an inset center panel. The look offers a simple and elegant touch. The inset panel is sometimes paired with decorative detailing, rounded edges, or simple borders. It's also an incredibly versatile style that can complement traditional, modern, and vintage aesthetics.
5. Beadboard Style Drawer Front
Beadboard drawer fronts feature decorative grooves that mimic the look of beads. The beadboard provides an elegant touch of detail, adding more depth and dimension to a space. The style is ideal for traditional aesthetics, including coastal, vintage, cottage, and rustic.
Types of Cabinet Drawer Fronts by Construction
Not all drawer front styles are created with the same construction. When exploring the different types of cabinet drawer fronts, it's important to know the product's construction. So you can find a suitable option that is sturdy and aesthetically appealing. The two most popular types of cabinet drawer fronts include:
- Five-Piece Cope & Stick Drawer Fronts: Cope & stick drawer fronts offer strength and durability. The rails and stiles have interlocking joints that create a 90-degree angle at the corner. These types of cabinet drawer fronts are typically paired with more traditional designs and timeless aesthetics.
- Five-Piece Mitered Drawer Fronts: The different frame pieces are cut at a 45-degree angle to create a 90-degree angle at each corner. This construction offers strength and durability, even in humid climates. The joints are seamless and not as noticeable as cope & stick, making mitered drawer fronts a top choice for more modern designs.
How to Choose the Best Drawer Front Type
When exploring the different drawer front styles, it's always best to consider style and function. Shopping for drawer fronts is just like shopping for new cabinet doors. Here's what you'll need to consider when exploring the different types of cabinet drawer fronts:
Kitchen and Bathroom Style
Are you ready to turn in your traditional kitchen for something more modern? Want to go bright and bold with a pop of color and playful cabinet hardware? When investing in a new cabinet drawer front style, it's always best to determine what style you want to go with. Slab or shaker drawer fronts might be better for a more modern kitchen. Meanwhile, raised panels and beadboard tend to be more popular choices for traditional aesthetics.
Color Scheme and Consistency
You want the drawer face designs to complement the look of your kitchen and the rest of your cabinet doors. Many DIY homeowners typically paint, stain, or finish their drawer fronts the same color as their cabinet doors, creating a more cohesive look in their kitchens. At the Cabinet Door Factory, all of our drawer fronts can be purchased, finished or unfinished. If you order unfinished doors, you can paint or stain them at home however you choose to ensure they align with the other colors in your home.
Functionality
You want the drawer fronts to complement your kitchen design and improve the functionality of the space. We recommend pairing the drawer fronts with high-quality handle pulls. Cabinet door pulls are a great choice for any drawer front type because they are easier to grab and pull. They also come in various finishes and styles to choose from.
Custom vs. Prefabricated Drawer Fronts
While prefabricated drawer fronts may be more affordable, there's no telling if the drawer fronts will fit your current drawers. There is always a slight variation in length and width. The best way to ensure a perfect fit is to invest in handcrafted custom-made drawer fronts.
Investing in a custom-made option can help you save money on installation costs and increase the longevity of your investment. It also guarantees that your drawer fronts perfectly fit the current drawers in your home.
Explore Handcrafted Drawer Front Types From Cabinet Door Factory
If you're renovating your bathroom or kitchen and looking for new cabinet doors, always upgrade your drawer fronts, too. All our cabinet door styles are paired with a matching drawer front. Investing in both items will help you achieve a high-end, cohesive look in your home.
Shop our collection of drawer fronts today!
