Your cabinets are key to shaping the aesthetic of your kitchen. While colour, flooring, and appliances are important, the kitchen cabinets stand out the most. This is because they occupy a significant portion of space, influencing both the layout and flow of the kitchen while seamlessly tying together the overall theme.
The key to a cohesive kitchen space is choosing the right cabinet type. The type of cabinet you pick shouldn’t just reflect your personal style, but it should also work with your kitchen’s layout and align with the theme.
Here’s a helpful guide to some of the different types of kitchen cabinets and how to choose the right cabinets to suit your kitchen’s layout.
Kitchen Cabinet Options

There are many types of custom cabinetry for kitchens, and these options can make it overwhelming for homeowners to decide which style will work best in their kitchen.
For the sake of organization, we’re dividing kitchen cabinets into three categories: styles according to construction, popular cabinet door styles, and specialty cabinets. Each category will help you narrow down your options based on your specific needs.
Kitchen Cabinet Styles According To Construction

As the name suggests, this category of kitchen cabinet style refers to the specific methods used in building the cabinets. There are two main types of kitchen cabinets under this category:
- Frameless Cabinets
Frameless cabinets, also commonly known as European-style cabinets, are usually designed without a front frame. This allows the doors to attach directly to the cabinet box, giving the cabinets a clean, minimalist look that’s perfect for modern kitchens.
Additionally, the lack of frames enables homeowners to maximize storage space and utilize every inch of the cabinet interior, offering more room for kitchen essentials and creating a more efficient storage solution.
- Framed Cabinets
Unlike frameless cabinets, framed cabinets are built with a front frame that surrounds the cabinet box. This frame not only provides additional support but also contributes to the traditional look that is characteristic of these cabinets.
Framed cabinets are a common choice in traditional kitchen designs. Their sturdy build and timeless style seamlessly complement other classic elements like crown moulding and decorative hardware.
Before making your choice, it’s helpful to review kitchen cabinet installation guidelines to ensure the best fit.
Most Popular Kitchen Cabinet Style by Door Type

Aside from the way your kitchen cabinets are constructed, it’s also crucial to determine the ideal kitchen cabinet door style. Among the most popular options are:
- Shaker Style Cabinets: Characterized by their straightforward, clean design, Shaker-style cabinets feature a five-piece door with a flat center panel. This kitchen cabinet door style fits great with both traditional and modern kitchens.
- Raised-Panel Cabinets: Featuring a raised center panel that adds a three-dimensional effect, raised-panel cabinets bring a distinct depth and texture to kitchen cabinetry. This type of kitchen cabinet door is ideal for traditional or classic kitchens, where their elegant and timeless design complements the overall look and feel of the space.
- Flat-Panel Cabinets: Flat-panel cabinets are known for their minimalist appeal. They feature a sleek, flat surface without any raised or recessed details. This type of cabinet door is particularly popular in modern and contemporary kitchens, where their clean lines and lack of embellishment contribute to a polished and modern look.
Specialty Cabinets

This category of kitchen cabinets includes options that go beyond standard storage, offering solutions like corner units, lazy Susans, and pull-out drawers. These features also further improve accessibility. Here are the most popular examples of specialty cabinets:
- Corner Cabinets: Corner cabinets provide the ideal solution for utilizing awkward corner spaces and turning them into practical and accessible storage areas. These cabinets are equipped with special features to improve efficiency. A Lazy Susan, for example, rotates to make corner storage easily accessible. Similarly, a Blind Corner Cabinet uses pull-out shelves or trays to bring hidden items within reach.
- Glass-Front Cabinets: Glass-front cabinets, with their glass-panelled doors, offer a beautiful way to display your dishes and collectibles while adding light and depth to your kitchen. The benefits include making the space feel more open and adding a decorative element that can elevate the entire room’s design. These specialty cabinets work great in both traditional and modern kitchen interiors.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right kitchen cabinets involves understanding the construction methods, door styles, and specialty options available.
Frameless cabinets provide a sleek, modern appearance and extra storage, while framed cabinets offer a traditional, durable choice. Shaker, raised-panel, and flat-panel doors each contribute unique styles to your kitchen, and specialty cabinets like Lazy Susans and glass-front designs add both functionality and flair.
Taking the time to research and consider these options properly will ensure that your kitchen cabinets not only look great but also meet your practical needs.
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