Guide to Cabinet Styles for Your Home

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Embarking on a kitchen remodel or simply looking to refresh your space? The cabinet style you choose sets the tone for your entire room. Whether you’re dreaming of a sleek, modern kitchen or envisioning a cozy, traditional space, the right cabinets can make your design dreams a reality. Let’s dive into the world of cabinet styles, focusing on popular choices like shaker cabinets, full overlay cabinets, flat front, raised panel, and more to help you find the perfect fit for your home.

shaker style full overlay style cabinets showcasing sleek design and minimalist aesthetic in cream vs partial overlay style where the doors dont cover the whole front — Kitchen details. Shop the kitchen: Bridge faucet, Cabinet latch, cabinet pulls, cabinet knobs, toaster, floral fields art, curtains.

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Full Overlay Cabinets: Sleek and Seamless

Full overlay cabinets offer a modern take on cabinet design, with doors and drawers that cover the entire cabinet frame. This style creates a seamless and continuous look, minimizing the gaps between cabinet units for a clean, streamlined appearance. Full overlay cabinets are ideal for those who appreciate a minimalist aesthetic or work with limited space.

Full overlay cabinets are a smart choice for those prioritizing storage and a unified aesthetic. The doors and drawers cover nearly the entire frame, offering a contemporary look that’s both sleek and functional. Here’s why they stand out:

Efficient Use of Space: With less space wasted between cabinet doors, full overlay cabinets provide more usable storage.
Customizable: Choose from various materials and finishes to match your home’s décor.
Contemporary Feel: Their seamless appearance brings a modern vibe to any kitchen.
Benefits of Full Overlay: Maximizes storage and delivers a chic, cohesive look.

Partial overlay cabinets in a transitional kitchen with mixed metals, raised panel edges on the doors — Kitchen by Megan Alexandra Home

Partial Overlay Cabinets: Traditional Charm Meets Modern Efficiency

Partial overlay cabinets, sitting comfortably between the traditional inset and contemporary full overlay styles, offer a unique blend of charm and practicality. In this design, the cabinet doors and drawers cover part of the cabinet frame but not entirely, leaving a small portion of the frame visible around the edges. This style creates a slightly more detailed look than full overlay, allowing for a hint of the cabinet frame to peek through, which adds depth and character to the overall appearance.

Partial overlay cabinets are known for their versatility, fitting seamlessly into a variety of kitchen styles, from classic to modern. The visible frame adds dimension and a traditional nuance, appealing to those who appreciate subtle detailing in their kitchen design.

Benefits of Partial Overlay:

Cost-Effectiveness: One of the most appealing aspects of partial overlay cabinets is their affordability. Because they require less material and labour than full overlay or inset styles, they often come at a lower cost, making them an excellent option for budget-conscious renovators.
Versatile Aesthetics: Partial overlay cabinets can complement a wide range of kitchen designs. They offer a nod to traditional styles while maintaining a clean, contemporary look, making them a versatile choice for many homeowners.
Efficient Use of Space: While not as maximizing in terms of storage as full overlay cabinets, partial overlay cabinets still offer efficient use of space. The slight exposure of the cabinet frame allows for a bit more flexibility in cabinet dimensions and installation.

Inset cabinets in a traditional kitchen with aged brass hardware. — Design: Tiffany Leigh Design, Project Alton House. Photography by Patrick Biller

Inset Cabinets: Precision and Elegance

Inset cabinets are characterized by their precise construction, where the cabinet doors and drawers fit perfectly inside the cabinet frame rather than overlaying it. This classic design feature is reminiscent of traditional craftsmanship and offers a distinct, refined aesthetic that adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen.

The hallmark of inset cabinets is the level of detail and precision required in their construction. Because the doors and drawers must fit snugly within the frame, there’s little room for error, resulting in a polished, tailored look that speaks to the quality of the cabinetry. This meticulous design enhances the kitchen’s overall appearance and showcases the skill and craftsmanship behind the cabinetry.

Sophisticated Style: Inset cabinets offer a timeless appeal that can elevate the look of both traditional and modern kitchens. Their clean lines and flush fit contribute to a sophisticated and orderly appearance.
Customization Options: Although inset cabinets are more traditional, they can be customized with various hardware and finishes to match any decor. From classic knobs and pulls to contemporary handles, the hardware choices can significantly influence the cabinet’s final look.
Durability: The precise construction of inset cabinets often means that they are built with a higher level of attention to detail and quality, potentially leading to greater durability and longevity.

Shaker style full overlay cabinet in a modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances — Kitchen details. Shop the kitchen: Cabinet latch, cabinet pulls, cabinet knobs, toaster, Mixer, dried hydrangeas (similar), bread keeper (Sophie Conran, discontinued)

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Shaker Cabinets: Timeless Elegance

Thanks to their simple, clean lines and versatile design, Shaker cabinets are a favourite among homeowners and designers alike. Featuring shaker cabinet doors with a flat, recessed panel framed by a solid border, they seamlessly fit into both traditional and contemporary kitchens. What sets shaker cabinets apart is their ability to bring a sense of calm and order to any space, making your kitchen feel both welcoming and well-organized.

Shaker cabinet doors are beloved for their historical roots and straightforward design. Originating from the Shaker community, known for their skilled craftsmanship and minimalist designs, these cabinets embody practicality and beauty. The signature characteristics of shaker cabinets include:

Durability and Quality: Shaker cabinets are built to last, thanks to their solid construction.
Versatility: Whether you’re aiming for a rustic charm or a modern flair, shaker cabinets can be customized with different handles, colours, and finishes to meet your vision.
Ease of Maintenance: The simplicity of the shaker design makes these cabinets easy to clean and maintain.
Why Choose Shaker? Perfect for achieving a balanced look that stands the test of time.

Elegant kitchen featuring raised panel cabinets with classic wood finish, very similar to flat panel but with a raised detail

Raised Panel Cabinets: Classic Charm

Raised panel cabinets are distinguished by their detailed doors, where the center panel is raised above the surrounding frame. This design adds depth and dimension, bringing a classic elegance to any kitchen. Raised panel cabinets are a fantastic choice for infusing their space with a traditional or formal ambiance.

The intricate design of raised panel cabinets adds a layer of sophistication to your kitchen. Each door features a raised central panel surrounded by a detailed frame, offering a timeless look that’s rich in character. Consider this style for:

Visual Interest: The shadows and highlights created by the raised panels add depth to your cabinetry.
Traditional and Formal Settings: Perfect for creating an elegant, classic kitchen environment.
Versatile Design Options: With various wood types and finishes, you can tailor these cabinets to your specific taste.
Why Go for Raised Panel? For a touch of sophistication and timeless appeal.

Contemporary kitchen with flat front cabinets and marble countertops.

Flat Front Cabinets: Modern Simplicity

Also known as slab cabinets, flat front cabinets feature a single, unadorned panel, offering a clean and contemporary look. This cabinet style is perfect for modern kitchens, emphasizing simplicity and sleek lines. Flat front cabinets are also incredibly versatile, able to easily complement a wide range of kitchen styles.

Flat front cabinets are the way for those who love a clean, uncluttered look. Their simplicity lends itself well to modern designs, making them a versatile choice for many homes. Highlights include:

Easy to Clean: With no crevices or details, wiping flat front cabinets is a breeze.
Modern Appeal: Their minimalistic design is ideal for contemporary spaces.
Customization: Despite their simplicity, flat front cabinets can be customized in many ways to suit your style.
Choosing Flat Front: A go-to for those who love a minimalist and ultra-modern aesthetic.

Glass front doors displaying fine china in a well-lit bright kitchen. — Shop the Kitchen: Sconce, art, dining table (similar), floral throw pillow. Find out more kitchen details here.

Glass Front Cabinet Doors: Display with Style

Glass front cabinet doors add elegance and openness to any kitchen, allowing you to showcase your favourite dishes or glassware. This style can make your kitchen feel more extensive and more inviting by creating a sense of depth and bringing in more light. Whether you choose clear, frosted, or textured glass, glass front cabinet doors are a great way to add a personal touch to your kitchen.

Glass front cabinet doors serve functional and aesthetic purposes, allowing you to showcase your beautiful kitchenware while keeping it dust-free. They’re a fantastic choice for:

Brightening Your Space: Glass doors can reflect light, making your kitchen appear brighter and more open.
Displaying Collections: Perfect for those who want to display their fine china, glassware, or even cherished knick-knacks.
Versatility: Available in various glass styles, from clear to frosted, to suit your privacy preferences and design goals.
Glass Front Benefits: Perfect for displaying treasures and brightening your space.

Beadboard style in a cozy, rustic kitchen with farmhouse sink, raised panel is very similar but more detailed edges

Beadboard Cabinets: Cozy Cottage Feel

Beadboard cabinets are all about adding texture and charm, featuring vertical grooves that bring a cozy cottage vibe to your kitchen. This cabinet style is ideal for those who love a rustic or farmhouse aesthetic, offering a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like home.

Beadboard cabinets are instantly recognizable by their textured, vertical lines, offering a cozy, country feel that’s both warm and inviting. They are particularly suitable for:

Adding Texture: The grooved lines of beadboard cabinets bring a tactile element to your kitchen.
Farmhouse and Cottage Styles: Ideal for creating a rustic or cottage-esque ambiance.
Customization: Paint or stain beadboard cabinets in any colour to match your decor or to make a bold statement.
Why Beadboard? For a touch of country charm and a homey feel.

Bright and airy kitchen with mixed metals

Making Your Choice

Choosing the right cabinet style for your home is more than just aesthetics; it’s about creating a space that reflects your personality and meets your needs. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless elegance of shaker cabinet doors, the sleek appeal of full overlay cabinets, the classic charm of raised panel cabinets, the simplicity of flat front cabinets, the distinctive look of glass front cabinet doors, or the cozy vibe of beadboard cabinets, there’s a style out there that’s perfect for you.

Remember, your kitchen is the heart of your home, and the cabinets you choose are crucial in setting its tone. Take your time, consider your options, and choose a cabinet style you’ll love for years.