With so many styles to choose from, picking the perfect kitchen cabinet door can feel overwhelming. The truth is, there’s no single “right” choice—it all depends on the look and feel you want for your space. Cabinet doors set the tone of your kitchen and can completely change its personality with just a simple style tweak.
When choosing cabinet doors, think about how you use your kitchen as much as how you want it to look. Do you want low-maintenance surfaces? A feature that adds character? Or something timeless that won’t date quickly? With a little thought, your cabinet doors will tie your kitchen together beautifully.
From materials and finishes to colours and hardware, the options are endless. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular cabinet door styles, with tips to help you decide what suits your home best.
Shaker
A timeless favourite, the shaker door is known for its clean lines and subtle detailing. Built with four outer edges and a recessed panel, it works beautifully in both modern and traditional kitchens. Think Hamptons or coastal vibes—but versatile enough to dress up or down with your choice of handles and finishes.
Tip: For a warm, classic look, try matte white or soft grey. For a more contemporary twist, opt for bold colours like navy or forest green paired with brass hardware.
Flat (Slab)
As the name suggests, flat doors are smooth panels with no detailing. They offer a sleek, minimalist feel that’s perfect for modern kitchens. Usually finished in a durable two-pack polyurethane, they’re easy to keep clean and look effortlessly stylish.
Tip: If you want to keep the look minimal but not boring, play with bold handles, textured finishes, or even push-to-open mechanisms for a handle-free design.
Louvered
These doors feature horizontal wood slats, much like shutters. While they’re a little trickier to clean and can be pricey, they bring charm and natural ventilation—ideal for a breezy, coastal-inspired kitchen.
Tip: Consider using louvered doors sparingly, such as on a pantry or feature cabinet, to create a standout detail without overwhelming the space.
Glass
Glass-front cabinets add lightness and showcase what’s inside. Most designs use a frosted or clear pane framed in timber or aluminium. They’re great for overhead cabinets where you want easy visibility—or to display your prettiest glassware and dishes.
Tip: To avoid a cluttered look, keep the contents neat and colour-coordinated. Frosted or textured glass is a good option if you’d like the airy feel but don’t want everything on display.