You might see kitchen cabinets as nothing more than simple wooden boxes. But the truth is, they’re an essential element of any good kitchen. Kitchen cabinets house important items like dishes, food, and cooking appliances. When you have enough cabinets and enough space within those cabinets, you’ll have a more organized and more efficient kitchen overall. When it comes to style and materials, there are many kitchen cabinet ideas to choose from. If you’re working with a tight budget, consider refacing your cabinets instead. This will save you money and still leave you with brand-new-looking cabinetry.
Kitchen cabinets come in a variety of styles to meet everyone’s needs and tastes. Consider these common styles and whether they work for your space.
This style of cabinet is a popular choice for those who enjoy a modern farmhouse look. However, the simple yet aesthetically pleasing shaker cabinet works well in almost any kitchen. Shaker cabinets are constructed using a frame and panel technique and feature recessed panel doors.
Often made with a single sheet of medium-density fiberboard (MDF), slab cabinets are sleek, simple, and easy to wipe clean. This style of cabinet is commonly found in modern designed kitchens and is available in a wide array of finishes.
As the name implies, this style of cabinet features doors that are set into the frame, allowing them to lay flush with the frame when they’re closed. Inset cabinets may take more effort to install and are typically a more costly option.
These cabinets are made with a series of fixed horizontal slats that light and air can pass through. You might choose the louvred style if your cabinets are located near a radiator, where they would need the ventilation this style provides.
When it comes to kitchen cabinet materials, you’ll want to choose something that fits your style and budget. The materials you choose will influence the cost of your kitchen cabinets more than any other element. To give you an idea, here are a few of the most popular options.
Hardwood is a common choice for cabinets because it’s durable and long-lasting. They’re also easy to restrain or repaint later on and can be easily customized to fit your needs. That said, hardwood is expensive and may warp due to humidity over time.
MDF is a cost-effective material that’s often covered with some type of veneer. It’s commonly used in furniture from places like IKEA and is easy to customize.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cabinets have a hollow or foam base, making them extremely lightweight and easy to install. The base is coated in sheets of plastic composite, and there’s no need for finishing techniques with this material.
One of the most affordable options, melamine cabinets are constructed using paper and resin. They are comparable to laminate cabinets but cost much less. Melamine cabinets imitate the look of wood but are far easier to maintain.
Once you’ve settled on materials, it’s time to choose a finish for your cabinets. The technique you choose will depend mostly on your aesthetic and budget needs; however, each finishing technique has its own advantages and disadvantages to consider. Here are some of the most common kitchen cabinet finishes.
Glaze is commonly added after a base coat of either paint or stain. Its purpose is to highlight details and grooves, especially in wooden cabinets. Glaze is typically applied with a sponge; the excess is then rubbed off using a damp towel.
Paint is a popular choice for finishing cabinets because it allows you to choose from a wide variety of colors. Certain types of paint will work better than others. To make it easier, some paint companies will include “cabinet paint” on the label.
Distressed finish is used to give your cabinets an intentionally aged look, ideal for a rustic aesthetic. This look involves scraping or scratching over your painted cabinets with a tool like sandpaper.
Stains are used on top of wooden cabinets to change the color and enhance the wood’s natural features. Stains are typically applied by hand using a rag. You may need to add multiple coats to get the desired effect.
