Guide to Types of Kitchen Cabinet Door Styles

Whether you're renovating your kitchen or building the kitchen of your dreams - the cabinets you choose are vital to the aesthetic you're trying to achieve. Cabinet doors are the centerpiece of a kitchen. They can be great for adding a pop of color or tying in the different design components you choose to feature in the space.

However, when looking for new cabinet doors, you may be overwhelmed with the variety of types of kitchen cabinets available on the market. Each style serves a different purpose and function - which is something to be mindful of when exploring kitchen cabinet door styles for your project. 

We put together a guide to help you better understand the different kitchen cabinet door styles available to help you find the perfect match for your home. 

Here's everything you need to know about different cabinet types:

Five Cabinet Door Shapes 

Before we dive into the different types of kitchen cabinet doors, it's important to understand the variety of shapes and styles they come in. Being able to tell these different shapes apart will help you identify different types of kitchen cabinets. 

Here are the five most popular cabinet door shapes:

  • Square Inset: These cabinet doors have a recessed center panel slightly lower than the cabinet door frame. These are simple in structure and are great for traditional and contemporary kitchen styles. 
  • Square Raised: Square Raised has a raised center panel that sits above the cabinet door frame. These doors have distinctive details and are more on the decorative side. 
  • Arched Cabinet Doors: Arched cabinet doors have a curve at the top that resembles an arch. These doors have a traditional look and feel and are sophisticated and elegant. 
  • Beaded Panels: These cabinet doors have decorative beading detail. The beaded panels typically sit in the middle and are accompanied by raised edges. 
  • Center Stile: This style has a center rail that runs through the cabinet door vertically. It's both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The center rail adds structural support and reduces the swinging space.  

Top Five Most Popular Kitchen Cabinet Door Styles 

When exploring the different types of kitchen cabinets for your kitchen, it's important to understand the options available, their function, and the aesthetic they can add to your space. 

Here are the top 5 cabinet door styles:

1. Shaker Cabinet Doors

Traditional, simple, and sophisticated. Shaker cabinet doors are arguably the most highly sought-out style on the market. The classic look makes them highly versatile and great for many projects.

This style has flat panels and a frame and panel construction. The timeless details and superior craftsmanship makes this one of the best kitchen cabinet door styles for contemporary and traditional kitchen designs. 

2. Slab Cabinet Doors

Slab cabinet doors are also commonly referred to as flat-panel cabinet doors. They are known for their unembellished surface and simplicity. The flat surface and clean lines make this kitchen cabinet door style great for modern and contemporary kitchen designs. 

3. Raised Panel Style Cabinet Doors

This kitchen cabinet door style features a raised center panel. The visual elements add a layer of depth and texture to your space. There are also many styles, shapes, and intricate designs to choose from with this style. Raised panel-style cabinet doors have intricate detailing that pairs well with traditional kitchen designs. 

4. Recessed Panel Style Cabinet Doors

Recessed panel-style doors are also referred to as inset panel doors. This style has a center panel lower than the frame, adding a layer of depth while helping you maintain an uncluttered look. This kitchen cabinet door style complements both traditional and contemporary kitchen designs. 

5. Glass Ready Cabinet Doors 

Glass-ready cabinet doors are a great cabinet door style to include in your kitchen if you want to mix and match different materials in your space. These are great for traditional kitchen aesthetics that need an open and airy feel. With this cabinet door style, you can put your favorite items on display and customize your kitchen to meet your aesthetic needs. 

Top Kitchen Cabinet Materials 

Next, you'll want to consider your material of choice. Each material adds a different feel to your kitchen and has different functions. Here are our top three options:

Solid Wood

Solid wood kitchen cabinet doors are the most popular option among homebuyers. They're durable and can last over 30 years when properly taken care of. You can also add different stains and varnishes to the wood to create a custom look that suits your needs. There are over 30+ solid wood options available for custom kitchen cabinet doors. 

When exploring the different solid wood options available - you'll want to consider the color, grain pattern, and durability. Some woods are more durable than others and less resistant to wear and tear. While others have a more defined grain pattern that may complement your aesthetic choices more. 

Medium-Density Fibreboard (MDF)

MDF kitchen cabinet doors are made of wood fibers. This is a paint-grade option that is smooth and easy to paint. Thanks to modern-day technology, MDF cabinet doors are also durable and resistant to wear and tear.  

Medium-density fibreboard is a composite made up of wood fibers mixed with resin. They're smooth to the touch and easy to paint or finish to your liking. This material is relatively low-cost and also less susceptible to humidity. This means if you live in a location with fluctuating moisture levels, you don't need to worry about MDF expanding or contracting, like regular solid wood.

Paint Grade 

Paint-grade cabinet doors are either pre-painted or ready to be painted. These cabinets are fully sanded and ready to be installed in your kitchen. Most paint-grade options feature paintable hard-wood frames and have Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) Panels.

Find The Perfect Kitchen Cabinet Doors At Cabinet Door Factory

There are many different types of cabinet doors to choose from. The styles you choose will stay in your kitchen for 30 years and beyond, so you'll want to ensure you find the perfect, timeless option for your project. Whether you choose a style based on functionality or aesthetic preferences - we're here to help. 

At Cabinet Door Factory, we have an extensive collection of kitchen cabinet door styles to choose from. All our cabinet doors are custom-made and made to order, so you can feel confident you'll find the perfect match for your project. 

Explore our selection of kitchen cabinet doors styles today.