Types of Cabinets

Types of Cabinet Door Styles

There’s a lot of different kitchen cabinet door styles out there – flat panel, raised, slab, even glass. All look equally good, but it matters what style you’re going for. Flat cabinet doors, for example, look very sleek and modern, while inset slab cabinet doors are more classic and timeless (and also a bit more expensive).  Below are the most popular types of kitchen cabinet doors and a quick overview of each.

Flat

Starting with the simplest types of kitchen cabinet styles, flat wall cabinets are minimal but have a lot to offer for simplicity. These can be made from wood, composite materials, laminates, or veneers. The surfaced can also be shiny or semi-glossy, while others are matt finish or flat. This style is associated with modern or contemporary since it sticks to the low maintenance idealism.

These panels are easy to clean and for the most part, give a nice tidy look for everyday kitchens. Depending on the type of cabinet handle that’s attached, the more dramatic and modern they appear. Often with this door style panel, the hinges are attached on the inside with nothing showing outside.

Slab

Another name that is thrown around is the slab door which is essentially a flat panel. In this version, it’s associated with a European look that has rich wooden panels. Many of the cheaper variants offer a fine veneer that’s just as rich and doesn’t cut into your budget. Just like flat panels, a slab door also offers the same clean surface that is easy to wipe-off. Since most of these are natural wood surfaces, they are sealed with natural wood sealers.

It’s better if you find a slab panel that has urethane sealant, so regular cleaning always leaves them looking new.

Raised panel

There is a defining visual impact of raised panel doors that reveals how these are constructed. Just like a picture frame, each section includes four pieces that create a raised decorative edge. The inner panel will almost always mirror the pattern used on the outer edge. Instantly the entire panel has visual appeal when all the kitchen cabinet doors and drawers follow this pattern. The material that makes this style more appealing is a rich wood grain that’s pleasingly simple.

Other variations of this design can offer solid wood painted colors or specially formed wood composites. Since composite wood is easier to produce, complex raised panels can be pressed into shape using molds and covered with laminate.

Recessed panel

This panel design is similar to the raised panel with one obvious difference. The outer frame can still be elegant or simple, so there is no shortage of frame choices. The center panel inside the door frame is indented into frame. This gives a recessed appearance instead of a raised center panel. This gives a kitchen the perfect transitional or contemporary look.

While this is often related to flat panel cabinets for the sleekness of their design, recessed panels can be modified. The center panel can be swapped out so that it can turn into a raised panel instead.

Shaker frame

Shaker frames are very specific in this category because they vary in style and level of detail. Shaker doors are the most popular door style found in kitchens today across the US.

Shaker cabinet doors are clean, simple, and have a functional design. They are typically constructed from five layers of wood (two stiles, two rails, and a panel). The front door panel is flat (not raised or contoured) and is ‘shaken’ or nestled within the frame created by the stiles and rails, indicated by the term ‘Shaker door’.

Shaker cabinet doors are versatile and timeless, blending seamlessly with both traditional cabinets and modern kitchen designs. Their minimalistic design, combined with their robustness, flexibility, and ease of maintenance makes them such a popular choice.

Full overlay

At first appearance, the full overlay panel does resemble the raised panel design. The immediate difference is how a full overlay appears. As most raised panel pieces are created, each wooden section is glued together. Full overlays will include using a router to create decorative edges. Each router bit will make a different shaped edge. Some edges that are inset have beveled angles for the inner panel.

The beauty of a full overlay includes all the potential decorative accents on the face frame panel and can contain several individual parts. There are raised edges, beveled edges, and machine router edges. Each panel that is attached to the wall cabinet fits end to end with all the panels attached with only 1/4 inch between them. The finished panel is a thing of beauty and has a classic traditional look and a top choice for people looking for contemporary cabinets.

Accent frame

The next level of decorative panels you add to your kitchen falls into the accent frame category. The last entry on this list includes glass frame, however, it’s a category that is often lumped into the accent frame category. They are separated on this list because of the style and usage. What makes this style lend more to accent framing is that the decorative touches can be as creative as the next when it comes to custom cabinets.

Louvered panel

These are panels that have slanted horizontal strips that create louvers along the inside edge of the panel frame. This cabinet door style is more functional than anything else since these cabinets are excellent for ventilation. Humid regions that experience a lot of moisture can take advantage of having airflow inside a cabinet. This will allow your dished cups and plates to remain less prone to having moisture build-up on them.

Another nice visual aspect about the louvered panel is they make any kitchen look tropical and light. Some people like using this style for hiding a dishwasher or microwave oven inside the cabinet and still very nice airflow.

Beadboard panel

Beadboard is a specific type of wood that appears to have vertical lines cut into the surface. This is placed into the panel frame and gives nice clean lines for kitchen cabinets. The frame is the only thing that can change in shape or pattern. The angles and curves that can be built into the frames involve many styles that aren’t limited to straight lines. Beadboard panels can have arched edges of the inside frame.

The color of the wood is preferred to be natural although staining is another fine option. In most cases, the lighter the wood, the better the beadboard shows-up on the inner panel. I do not recommend using beadboard cabinet doors for upper cabinets as they can be a challenge to clean.

Glass frame

In the last entry, we are covering glass panels. These are often frames that are made of wood so the glass can fit into place. As each style gets more intricate, the more elegant these frames become. Here are two different frame styles that are housed inside wooden frames. Many of these are premanufactured or semi custom, but some of the more impressive styles are better when they are crafted by a wall cabinet maker.

Mullion frame

What makes a mullion frame so special? The level of detail is simply amazing. Most people will think that Mullion frames are stacked in a 2 by 3 grid of glass. This is only the beginning since the shape of the inner frame isn’t limited to rectangles. There can be complex curves, ovals, half-circles, and triangles. Depending on where you order your mullion frames from, the elegance level you desire is adjustable.

Unlike other types of cabinet panels, mullion frames can be hung on the outside of the cabinet or be inset panels. Depending on how your kitchen cabinet is designed, either style can be visually appealing. 

Open frame

These panels are self-explanatory since there is just a single panel of glass that is framed inside a wooden frame. The style of each frame can be negotiated on the level of decorative edges. If you prefer the style of the raised panel frame over a standard flat frame, that’s up to you. Open frames aren’t limited to a flat panel door style with clear glass as it can feature frosted or etched glass designs as well.

If you want to take this concept further, the glass can be replaced with clear plastic. This is so there is less chance of anything breaking. In some cases, you can order glass that is tempered or has a sandwiched layer of vinyl glass insert between them. This is also called safety glass.