When designing or remodeling your kitchen, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is selecting the types of kitchen cabinets that best suit your style and functional needs. With countless options available, choosing the perfect cabinets that will bring your kitchen vision to life can be overwhelming.

Understanding the various cabinet types, styles, and door designs can help you find the ideal types of kitchen cabinets for your home.

What are the Basic Types of Kitchen Cabinets?

Cabinets provide essential storage space, enhancing the functionality of your kitchen. Before shopping for cabinets, understanding the basic styles can help you decide which kitchen cabinets are best for your storage needs.

Base Cabinets

Base cabinets are the foundation of your kitchen design. Typically installed directly on the floor, they support the countertops and offer various storage options, such as drawers, shelves, and pull-out organizers.

The most common base cabinet height is 34.5”, allowing for a standard countertop height of 36”. However, base cabinets can also be customized to accommodate various customer heights, kitchen layouts, and appliances, like dishwashers or ovens.

Speciality Units

Specialty units are designed to meet specific storage or functional needs in your kitchen. These can include hinged blind corner cabinets, appliance garages, pull-out pantries, wine bottle racks, or custom-built cabinets for unique storage solutions. Specialty units help maximize space in your kitchen and provide a tailored storage solution for your specific requirements.

Tall Cabinets

Tall cabinets, also known as pantry or utility cabinets, are designed to provide ample storage space for food, cookware, and small appliances. Extending from the floor to the ceiling, approximately 84” to 96” high, these cabinets are perfect for organizing your kitchen essentials and keeping them within easy reach.

Tall cabinets can also be customized with various internal configurations, such as pull-out shelves or drawers, to meet your organizational needs.

Wall Cabinets

Wall cabinets (upper cabinets) are mounted on the wall above your countertops, providing additional storage without taking up valuable floor space. They are ideal for storing dishes, glassware, and other items you want to keep within easy reach.

Upper cabinets come in various heights and widths, including 12”, 35”, and 42” high and 12” to 30” wide, and may offer features like open shelves. This allows you to customize your kitchen layout and create a cohesive design that complements your base and tall cabinets.

What are the Different Cabinet Styles?

Your cabinets are a major design element in your home’s most frequented space, setting the tone for your entire kitchen’s aesthetic. From traditional to modern, there are countless kitchen cabinet styles. The following are some of the most popular kitchen cabinet styles.

Modern Cabinets

Modern cabinets, also called flat panel cabinets, are characterized by their sleek, minimalist design, featuring clean lines and simple hardware. They often incorporate high-gloss finishes, frameless construction, and a mix of natural and synthetic materials, such as wood, glass, or metal.

Modern cabinets may be the perfect choice if you’re looking for a contemporary, sophisticated look in your kitchen.

Traditional Cabinets

Traditional cabinets showcase classic design elements, such as raised panel doors, ornate moldings, and intricate detailing. These cabinets often feature rich wood finishes, like cherry or mahogany, and are typically adorned with antique-style hardware.

Traditional cabinets are perfect for those who appreciate timeless elegance and a warm, inviting kitchen atmosphere.

Transitional Cabinets

Transitional cabinets strike a balance between modern and traditional styles, blending elements of both for a versatile and timeless look. They often feature simple yet elegant designs, such as Shaker-style cabinets, and can be crafted from various materials, including wood, laminate, or painted finishes.

Transitional cabinets are an excellent option for a kitchen design that easily adapts to changing trends and complements a wide range of decor.

What are the Different Cabinet Door Styles?

Your cabinet door style can impact your kitchen’s overall look and feel. Some popular door styles to consider include:

Beadboard

Beadboard cabinet doors feature vertical panels with a series of narrow grooves, creating a charming, cottage-style look. They are perfect for adding a touch of rustic charm and visual texture to your kitchen.

Distressed

Distressed cabinet doors are intentionally aged or worn, giving them a unique, antique appearance. This style is ideal for creating a cozy, lived-in ambiance in your kitchen, particularly when paired with traditional, industrial or farmhouse design elements.

Flat-Panel or Slab

Flat-paneled or slab cabinet doors are characterized by their clean, minimalist design, with no decorative elements or trim. They may feature cutouts instead of knobs or pulls. This modern door style is perfect for achieving a sleek, contemporary look in your kitchen.

Inset

Inset cabinet doors sit flush with the frame, providing a seamless, high-end appearance. This door style often features exposed hinges and requires precise craftsmanship, making it a more expensive option but one that exudes elegance and sophistication.

Louvered

Louvered cabinet doors have horizontal slats, similar to shutters, allowing for ventilation and adding an interesting visual element to your kitchen. They are perfect for creating a tropical or coastal vibe or a unique touch to a contemporary kitchen.

Shaker

Shaker cabinet doors are known for their simple, functional design, featuring a flat center panel and a square frame. This versatile door style complements various kitchen styles, from traditional to modern country, and can be customized with different solid wood types or paint colors.

Thermofoil

Thermofoil cabinet doors are made from a durable vinyl material, which is heat- and pressure-bonded to an engineered wood core. These doors are low-maintenance, easy to clean, and available in various colors and finishes, making them an affordable and versatile option.

Don’t Forget the Hardware and Fixtures

The hardware you choose, such as knobs, pulls, and hinges, can enhance the overall design of your cabinets. Select hardware that complements your cabinet style and finish.

At Motor City Granite & Cabinets, we carry an extensive selection of hardware, from brushed nickel knobs for a sophisticated, contemporary space to traditional pewter handles, perfect for a classically-styled home.

We also offer a range of premium sinks and faucets to complete your kitchen design, including high-quality, eco-friendly Delta faucets and stunning silgranit Blanco sinks.

Discover Your Dream Kitchen with Motor City Granite & Cabinets

Choosing the right type of kitchen cabinets is essential for creating a beautiful, functional, and welcoming space you’ll love for years.

If you’re unsure about which type of cabinet to choose, consult the designer team at Motor City Granite & Cabinets. We can provide guidance on selecting the right custom and semi-custom cabinets for your space, style, and budget. From choosing the ideal cabinets to providing expert installation, our team is dedicated to ensuring your complete satisfaction.

Contact Motor City Granite today to explore the different types of kitchen cabinets available in our showroom and get started on creating your dream kitchen.